HANDMADE BIBLE
2 Timothy 3:14-17
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Jamal (not his real name) desperately wanted a Bible. But he had a problem. Living in a country in North Africa-- one hostile to the Scriptures--made it nearly impossible for him to get a copy of God's Word to call his very own.
Then an idea came to Jamal. He realized that he could write down the verses he heard on the daily Scripture reading done on SAT-7. (SAT-7 broadcasts Christian television programs into 21 Arabic-speaking countries.)
It worked! Each day the dedicated believer in Jesus carefully wrote out the verses that he heard and saw on the TV program. In time he compiled his pile of pages into his own handmade "Bible."
Today Jamal can read, memorize, and meditate on Old or New Testament passages anytime he wants. His passion for having his own copy of the Bible has resulted in a makeshift version that he treasures.
When I think about Jamal, I wonder what I would have done if I had been in his place. Would I have had the burning desire to make my own copy of the holy Scriptures?
Fortunately, I've been raised in a country that allows me to study the Bible, and I have many copies at home. Like Timothy, I was raised in a home where Scripture was lifted up and taught to me on a regular basis.
Timothy, raised in the ancient Jewish tradition, was given a steady diet of the Torah: "From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures" (2 Timothy 3:15). But even he needed more training in knowing God and His Word.
Paul exhorted him to study the Scriptures so that he would be "thoroughly equipped for every good work" (v.17). You and I need to pursue the same practice.
Perhaps you've grown accustomed to seeing Bibles lying around. You've heard God's Word taught many times. But just like Jamal, your heart and mind desperately need to feed daily on its truths.
Where's your passion? --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What have I been learning lately in my study of God's Word?
* Why is it so important to spend time in the Bible each day?
LINKS:
How Can I Know God Through His Book?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0404
How Can I Understand The Bible
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0401
bottom line: The Bible--God's present to be opened often.
soul journey
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
The Fragrance of YOU
By Charlene Israel
The fragrance of "YOU" can leave a lasting impression. Some may not always appreciate "YOU", and that's ok. But spread a little around. "YOU" may be the best fragrance they've ever known.
Attention all sisters! Have you tried the newest perfumes on the market; Mambo, Pleasures or whatever you like? How about checking out the fragrance "YOU?" It's the one that people will remember the most.
Have you ever been around a sister who made you feel good and sharing your heart with her wasn't a struggle? She never made you feel intimidated or less than? Chances are, she learned the secret of just enjoying who she was. She was real, and that's something that we as sisters should work on. There's nothing like the real thing. The real "YOU" is waiting to be spread around. Sisters should be bonding and loving like no one else. We're all in this world together and believe it or not, we really do need one another.
There is something about the fragrance "YOU" that is unique and special. No one can beat "YOU" being "YOU." So many times we sisters try to be someone we're really not. We often compare ourselves to other women, which is never a good thing. There are great qualities in all of us.
Every sister has something valuable to offer the world. You may have a great personality, a kind word, a sweet smile, or a hug that can make a person's day. Perhaps you are always encouraging people or stopping gossip in its tracks. Look inside of "YOU" and see the beauty within. What's most important is how beautiful you are inside.
Let's make a pact to empower one another to love, be honest and real. Let's make friends not enemies. In unity, let's share our hopes and dreams, our strengths and weaknesses. There's no harm in putting away the 'I'm better than you' attitude. What one sister may not have, another one does. Let's clothe ourselves with compassion and understanding and get on with the business of being real and smelling like roses.
The fragrance of "YOU" can leave a lasting impression. Some may not always appreciate "YOU", and that's ok. But spread a little around. "YOU" may be the best fragrance they've ever known.
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2
cbn
By Charlene Israel
The fragrance of "YOU" can leave a lasting impression. Some may not always appreciate "YOU", and that's ok. But spread a little around. "YOU" may be the best fragrance they've ever known.
Attention all sisters! Have you tried the newest perfumes on the market; Mambo, Pleasures or whatever you like? How about checking out the fragrance "YOU?" It's the one that people will remember the most.
Have you ever been around a sister who made you feel good and sharing your heart with her wasn't a struggle? She never made you feel intimidated or less than? Chances are, she learned the secret of just enjoying who she was. She was real, and that's something that we as sisters should work on. There's nothing like the real thing. The real "YOU" is waiting to be spread around. Sisters should be bonding and loving like no one else. We're all in this world together and believe it or not, we really do need one another.
There is something about the fragrance "YOU" that is unique and special. No one can beat "YOU" being "YOU." So many times we sisters try to be someone we're really not. We often compare ourselves to other women, which is never a good thing. There are great qualities in all of us.
Every sister has something valuable to offer the world. You may have a great personality, a kind word, a sweet smile, or a hug that can make a person's day. Perhaps you are always encouraging people or stopping gossip in its tracks. Look inside of "YOU" and see the beauty within. What's most important is how beautiful you are inside.
Let's make a pact to empower one another to love, be honest and real. Let's make friends not enemies. In unity, let's share our hopes and dreams, our strengths and weaknesses. There's no harm in putting away the 'I'm better than you' attitude. What one sister may not have, another one does. Let's clothe ourselves with compassion and understanding and get on with the business of being real and smelling like roses.
The fragrance of "YOU" can leave a lasting impression. Some may not always appreciate "YOU", and that's ok. But spread a little around. "YOU" may be the best fragrance they've ever known.
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:1-2
cbn
Monday, March 29, 2004
Our Lord's Surprise Visits
You also be ready . . . Luke 12:40
A Christian worker?s greatest need is a readiness to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience has been. This battle is not against sin, difficulties, or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in our service to Jesus Christ that we are not ready to face Jesus Himself at every turn. The greatest need is not facing our beliefs or doctrines, or even facing the question of whether or not we are of any use to Him, but the need is to face Him.
Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical situations. The only way a servant can remain true to God is to be ready for the Lord?s surprise visits. This readiness will not be brought about by service, but through intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This sense of expectation will give our life the attitude of childlike wonder He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious. In other words, we must stop using religion as if it were some kind of a lofty lifestyle-we must be spiritually real.
If you are avoiding the call of the religious thinking of today?s world, and instead are "looking unto Jesus" ( Hebrews 12:2 ), setting your heart on what He wants, and thinking His thoughts, you will be considered impractical and a daydreamer. But when He suddenly appears in the work of the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. You should trust no one, and even ignore the finest saint on earth if he blocks your sight of Jesus Christ.
my utmost for His highest
You also be ready . . . Luke 12:40
A Christian worker?s greatest need is a readiness to face Jesus Christ at any and every turn. This is not easy, no matter what our experience has been. This battle is not against sin, difficulties, or circumstances, but against being so absorbed in our service to Jesus Christ that we are not ready to face Jesus Himself at every turn. The greatest need is not facing our beliefs or doctrines, or even facing the question of whether or not we are of any use to Him, but the need is to face Him.
Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical situations. The only way a servant can remain true to God is to be ready for the Lord?s surprise visits. This readiness will not be brought about by service, but through intense spiritual reality, expecting Jesus Christ at every turn. This sense of expectation will give our life the attitude of childlike wonder He wants it to have. If we are going to be ready for Jesus Christ, we have to stop being religious. In other words, we must stop using religion as if it were some kind of a lofty lifestyle-we must be spiritually real.
If you are avoiding the call of the religious thinking of today?s world, and instead are "looking unto Jesus" ( Hebrews 12:2 ), setting your heart on what He wants, and thinking His thoughts, you will be considered impractical and a daydreamer. But when He suddenly appears in the work of the heat of the day, you will be the only one who is ready. You should trust no one, and even ignore the finest saint on earth if he blocks your sight of Jesus Christ.
my utmost for His highest
Sunday, March 28, 2004
Today's scripture is John 15:17
"These things I command you, that ye love one another."
In Luke 6:47-48, Jesus said:
"Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock."
That's probably a familiar scripture to you. But today I want you to do something new with it. I want you to put it together with what Jesus said in John 15:17:
These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Love. That one word sums up all Jesus said for us to do. If you'll build your life on it, even the most violent storms of this world will be unable to shake you. It will make you solid in every area of your life.
If you'll build your family on love, you can win back those the devil has stolen from you. You can win them to Jesus with the love of God.
If you'll build your business on love, you'll prosper beyond your wildest dreams. I had a friend who did that. He went into a television and radio business in his church. He wanted to buy a station from a Jewish man and he offered such a good price for it that the owner was stunned. "Why would you offer me such a wonderful price?" asked the Jewish owner. "Because the Word of God says that if I will bless you, God will bless me. So I'm going to see to it that you get the better part of this deal," answered my friend.
Before it was all over, that Jewish station owner had made Jesus Lord of His life. He and my friend ended up prospering and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ together on the radio.
When love rules, prosperity can flow!
Commit to living the life of love today. Commit to building your house upon the rock. Then when the storms of life begin to blow--at home, at work, or in any situation--you can enjoy the solid security of knowing that love never fails.
bible shack
"These things I command you, that ye love one another."
In Luke 6:47-48, Jesus said:
"Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock."
That's probably a familiar scripture to you. But today I want you to do something new with it. I want you to put it together with what Jesus said in John 15:17:
These things I command you, that ye love one another.
Love. That one word sums up all Jesus said for us to do. If you'll build your life on it, even the most violent storms of this world will be unable to shake you. It will make you solid in every area of your life.
If you'll build your family on love, you can win back those the devil has stolen from you. You can win them to Jesus with the love of God.
If you'll build your business on love, you'll prosper beyond your wildest dreams. I had a friend who did that. He went into a television and radio business in his church. He wanted to buy a station from a Jewish man and he offered such a good price for it that the owner was stunned. "Why would you offer me such a wonderful price?" asked the Jewish owner. "Because the Word of God says that if I will bless you, God will bless me. So I'm going to see to it that you get the better part of this deal," answered my friend.
Before it was all over, that Jewish station owner had made Jesus Lord of His life. He and my friend ended up prospering and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ together on the radio.
When love rules, prosperity can flow!
Commit to living the life of love today. Commit to building your house upon the rock. Then when the storms of life begin to blow--at home, at work, or in any situation--you can enjoy the solid security of knowing that love never fails.
bible shack
Saturday, March 27, 2004
Bus Stop Buzz
By Kathy Schultz
God needed someone there to listen to this little boy, and I was the one.
While waiting at the bus stop with my young granddaughter the other day, I learned a valuable lesson about following God's will.
I have heard ministers and other Christians speak of God's will and how we need to follow God. They share how He has a purpose and a plan for our lives. However, I am not sure I am following the correct plan. I can think of other Christians who are accomplishing great things for His kingdom. Even though I am praying for God's will to be done in my life, I find it hard to see how God is using me.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Somehow, for God's will to be accomplished, I envision great and important things happening. This is not my life, or so I thought. I work, pay bills, and occasionally write an article on what God is doing in my life. But my desire is to serve, follow, and give Him the glory and honor for it all.
The other morning during my normal routine, I found a truth that I often miss. God was guiding my day and I was in the center of His will. It was not an astonishingly important event, at least in the way I envisioned serving God.
Instead, it was an ordinary moment that occurred while waiting with my granddaughter for the school bus. Her mom leaves the house earlier than I. It is my responsibility to make sure she gets on the bus. Alexandra and I wait with four neighborhood children, three of whom are siblings.
This day the oldest child was excited. His dad was having a birthday. He, his sister, and brother had bought dad a gift. He just beamed and smiled as he described the gift, the cake, and all the anticipated activities for the evening. No one else at the bus stop was interested. His siblings already knew what was to happen. The other children were busy and school would not usually be the place to share such information. This child needed someone to listen and to ask him questions so he could describe the gift and share his joy.
God needed someone there to listen to this little boy, and I was the one. I felt honored to be there. I was truly right in the middle of God's will. I was exactly where I was supposed to be that morning.
Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother? Mark 3:35
Listening is often hard for me. God gave us two ears and only one mouth so we will listen more and speak less. I usually do it in reverse, talking much more than listening.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19
After the bus arrived and I went to work, I began thinking of all the people that had listened to me. People when I was small, people now, my Bible study group, my personal friends, and my co-workers all have listened to me. They have let me share my joys and my sorrows. I am so thankful that God always listens to me and He even knows my thoughts.
You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry. Psalm 10:17
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:12
I've heard people say "Stop and smell the roses," or "Stop and listen!" May God help us to listen more and talk less. May He keep us in the center of His will and help us to encourage others. I needed to become more of a listener. It is a small thing, but believe me, if you are the one being listened to, it is a BIG thing!
cbn
By Kathy Schultz
God needed someone there to listen to this little boy, and I was the one.
While waiting at the bus stop with my young granddaughter the other day, I learned a valuable lesson about following God's will.
I have heard ministers and other Christians speak of God's will and how we need to follow God. They share how He has a purpose and a plan for our lives. However, I am not sure I am following the correct plan. I can think of other Christians who are accomplishing great things for His kingdom. Even though I am praying for God's will to be done in my life, I find it hard to see how God is using me.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
Somehow, for God's will to be accomplished, I envision great and important things happening. This is not my life, or so I thought. I work, pay bills, and occasionally write an article on what God is doing in my life. But my desire is to serve, follow, and give Him the glory and honor for it all.
The other morning during my normal routine, I found a truth that I often miss. God was guiding my day and I was in the center of His will. It was not an astonishingly important event, at least in the way I envisioned serving God.
Instead, it was an ordinary moment that occurred while waiting with my granddaughter for the school bus. Her mom leaves the house earlier than I. It is my responsibility to make sure she gets on the bus. Alexandra and I wait with four neighborhood children, three of whom are siblings.
This day the oldest child was excited. His dad was having a birthday. He, his sister, and brother had bought dad a gift. He just beamed and smiled as he described the gift, the cake, and all the anticipated activities for the evening. No one else at the bus stop was interested. His siblings already knew what was to happen. The other children were busy and school would not usually be the place to share such information. This child needed someone to listen and to ask him questions so he could describe the gift and share his joy.
God needed someone there to listen to this little boy, and I was the one. I felt honored to be there. I was truly right in the middle of God's will. I was exactly where I was supposed to be that morning.
Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother? Mark 3:35
Listening is often hard for me. God gave us two ears and only one mouth so we will listen more and speak less. I usually do it in reverse, talking much more than listening.
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19
After the bus arrived and I went to work, I began thinking of all the people that had listened to me. People when I was small, people now, my Bible study group, my personal friends, and my co-workers all have listened to me. They have let me share my joys and my sorrows. I am so thankful that God always listens to me and He even knows my thoughts.
You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry. Psalm 10:17
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:12
I've heard people say "Stop and smell the roses," or "Stop and listen!" May God help us to listen more and talk less. May He keep us in the center of His will and help us to encourage others. I needed to become more of a listener. It is a small thing, but believe me, if you are the one being listened to, it is a BIG thing!
cbn
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Today's scripture is 1 Timothy 2:1-2
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
That verse is clear, isn't it? The instruction is plain. Yet even in these tumultuous days when our nation is so desperately in need of God's guidance, most of God's people don't do what that verse commands.
Why not?
I believe it's because most of us are overwhelmed by the problems we see around us. "How could my prayers make a dent in the national debt?" we think. "How could my faith affect foreign policy?" In other words, we fail to pray because we fail to realize just how powerfully our prayers can affect this country.
It's time we caught hold of that. It's time we realized that if we'd just be obedient to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, there's no council of any kind on earth, no king, no president, no congress, no anything that could overthrow God's purpose for His people.
Pray for your nation. Every day. And never again underestimate the world-changing power of those prayers.
bible shack
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
That verse is clear, isn't it? The instruction is plain. Yet even in these tumultuous days when our nation is so desperately in need of God's guidance, most of God's people don't do what that verse commands.
Why not?
I believe it's because most of us are overwhelmed by the problems we see around us. "How could my prayers make a dent in the national debt?" we think. "How could my faith affect foreign policy?" In other words, we fail to pray because we fail to realize just how powerfully our prayers can affect this country.
It's time we caught hold of that. It's time we realized that if we'd just be obedient to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, there's no council of any kind on earth, no king, no president, no congress, no anything that could overthrow God's purpose for His people.
Pray for your nation. Every day. And never again underestimate the world-changing power of those prayers.
bible shack
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Pharisees -- Oh, Please
By Dan Betzer
Pharisees are people who have a set idea on what constitutes spirituality and may God have mercy on anyone who disagrees with them. They are legalists.
Almost all of the commoners loved Jesus. However, the Pharisees did not think much of Him. They were the meanest people in town and still are today.
I ran across one just today, which is the reason why the subject is fresh on my mind. Pharisees are people who have a set idea on what constitutes spirituality and may God have mercy on anyone who disagrees with them. They are legalists. Ask one what time it is and he will tell you how to make a watch. His prayers are self-serving sermons. You can spot one immediately: a measuring stick in one hand, a pair of binoculars in the other, and a huge plank sticking out of one or both eyes.
I have been using the pronoun "he," but Pharisees can be females as well. A Pharisee knows little about love; he majors in law. He does not show much grace because he is such a grump, that self-appointed "Lone Ranger" of the public good. Very few want his particular brand of religion and we had better know that he resents that.
The Pharisee so desperately wants to catch someone in an adulterous situation. He spends his whole life checking what others wear, measuring hemlines, burning records or tapes, and going into fainting spells at the sight of a Christian having a good time. Pharisees were always successful in Scouts because of expertise at tying knots. Overkill is a Pharisee's secret to success. He hunts hummingbirds with nuclear missiles. He fishes for Bluegill with grenades.
Alexander Pope once wrote, "The worst of madmen is a saint gone mad!" I believe it! What Pharisees do to people and churches is sinful. How does one deal with such people? Ignore them and remember that Jesus is loving, kind, understanding, considerate--and never condemning.
cbn
By Dan Betzer
Pharisees are people who have a set idea on what constitutes spirituality and may God have mercy on anyone who disagrees with them. They are legalists.
Almost all of the commoners loved Jesus. However, the Pharisees did not think much of Him. They were the meanest people in town and still are today.
I ran across one just today, which is the reason why the subject is fresh on my mind. Pharisees are people who have a set idea on what constitutes spirituality and may God have mercy on anyone who disagrees with them. They are legalists. Ask one what time it is and he will tell you how to make a watch. His prayers are self-serving sermons. You can spot one immediately: a measuring stick in one hand, a pair of binoculars in the other, and a huge plank sticking out of one or both eyes.
I have been using the pronoun "he," but Pharisees can be females as well. A Pharisee knows little about love; he majors in law. He does not show much grace because he is such a grump, that self-appointed "Lone Ranger" of the public good. Very few want his particular brand of religion and we had better know that he resents that.
The Pharisee so desperately wants to catch someone in an adulterous situation. He spends his whole life checking what others wear, measuring hemlines, burning records or tapes, and going into fainting spells at the sight of a Christian having a good time. Pharisees were always successful in Scouts because of expertise at tying knots. Overkill is a Pharisee's secret to success. He hunts hummingbirds with nuclear missiles. He fishes for Bluegill with grenades.
Alexander Pope once wrote, "The worst of madmen is a saint gone mad!" I believe it! What Pharisees do to people and churches is sinful. How does one deal with such people? Ignore them and remember that Jesus is loving, kind, understanding, considerate--and never condemning.
cbn
Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Five Pennies or One Quarter?
By Ginny Dix
We tried to tell him that the quarter was like having twenty-five pennies, so he was getting the most out of the deal, but he didn't believe us.
Everything written about reaching goals says the same thing, "Set your goal, decide what it will take to reach your goal, break this down into small, manageable steps, get started right away on step one, climb through each mini goal, and soon you have achieved your major goal."
Apparently, God has not read any of those articles. At least, that's not the way He works with me. I set a goal I know will take me to what God has called me to do, break it down into steps, start with step one, and before I know it, I am making no progress at all. I am nowhere near what I started out to do and declare I am sliding backwards. How can things go so wrong when I am working so hard to stay right?
The answer is Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV): "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Those are comforting verses, but how different can God's point of view be? Shouldn't I be able to see at least a little bit of progress?
Then I remember Scott. When I was a kid, I did a lot of babysitting and really liked it when the kids came to my house because of my little brother. He was not much older than the kids I sat for, and would play with them, saving me a lot of work.
One day I babysat for four-year-old Scott. While playing together, he and my little brother found treasure: five pennies and one quarter. They decided to divide the spoils, so my brother generously gave Scott the quarter and he kept the five pennies. I was proud of my brother for his sacrifice, but Scott wasn't happy. He cried and said we weren't being fair. Between sobs, he made it clear he thought we were cheating him because my brother got five coins and Scott got only one.
We tried to tell him that the quarter was like having twenty-five pennies, so he was getting the most out of the deal, but he didn't believe us. No amount of explanation, mathematical theory, or flow charts convinced Scott he was coming out ahead.
He was no fool. He could see with his own eyes that five coins were more than one coin, so who did we think we were kidding? Give him that choice today and he would choose the quarter because now he understands that, no matter how it looks, one quarter is more than five pennies.
Like Scott, I look to the natural and I'm disappointed. I can't comprehend that there might be another viewpoint, God's divine perspective. The spiritual can be as inconceivable to a mortal mind as one coin being worth more than five coins is to a four-year-old child's mind.
All we humans can do is believe that reaching goals in God's eyes is not like reaching goals to the rest of us. No matter if every one of our senses warns us we are not getting anywhere, we don't have to worry or try to measure our progress against man-made deadlines. All we have to do is make sure we are doing whatever God wants us to do right this minute. He will take care of our direction and keep us on the path to His success, His way, in His timing. We can trust God because His thoughts are greater than our thoughts, and His infinite ways are beyond our finite ways.
Anybody want a quarter?
cbn
By Ginny Dix
We tried to tell him that the quarter was like having twenty-five pennies, so he was getting the most out of the deal, but he didn't believe us.
Everything written about reaching goals says the same thing, "Set your goal, decide what it will take to reach your goal, break this down into small, manageable steps, get started right away on step one, climb through each mini goal, and soon you have achieved your major goal."
Apparently, God has not read any of those articles. At least, that's not the way He works with me. I set a goal I know will take me to what God has called me to do, break it down into steps, start with step one, and before I know it, I am making no progress at all. I am nowhere near what I started out to do and declare I am sliding backwards. How can things go so wrong when I am working so hard to stay right?
The answer is Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV): "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Those are comforting verses, but how different can God's point of view be? Shouldn't I be able to see at least a little bit of progress?
Then I remember Scott. When I was a kid, I did a lot of babysitting and really liked it when the kids came to my house because of my little brother. He was not much older than the kids I sat for, and would play with them, saving me a lot of work.
One day I babysat for four-year-old Scott. While playing together, he and my little brother found treasure: five pennies and one quarter. They decided to divide the spoils, so my brother generously gave Scott the quarter and he kept the five pennies. I was proud of my brother for his sacrifice, but Scott wasn't happy. He cried and said we weren't being fair. Between sobs, he made it clear he thought we were cheating him because my brother got five coins and Scott got only one.
We tried to tell him that the quarter was like having twenty-five pennies, so he was getting the most out of the deal, but he didn't believe us. No amount of explanation, mathematical theory, or flow charts convinced Scott he was coming out ahead.
He was no fool. He could see with his own eyes that five coins were more than one coin, so who did we think we were kidding? Give him that choice today and he would choose the quarter because now he understands that, no matter how it looks, one quarter is more than five pennies.
Like Scott, I look to the natural and I'm disappointed. I can't comprehend that there might be another viewpoint, God's divine perspective. The spiritual can be as inconceivable to a mortal mind as one coin being worth more than five coins is to a four-year-old child's mind.
All we humans can do is believe that reaching goals in God's eyes is not like reaching goals to the rest of us. No matter if every one of our senses warns us we are not getting anywhere, we don't have to worry or try to measure our progress against man-made deadlines. All we have to do is make sure we are doing whatever God wants us to do right this minute. He will take care of our direction and keep us on the path to His success, His way, in His timing. We can trust God because His thoughts are greater than our thoughts, and His infinite ways are beyond our finite ways.
Anybody want a quarter?
cbn
Monday, March 22, 2004
USER-FRIENDLY FAITH
Luke 9:57-62
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to Him, "I will follow You wherever You go." 58 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." 59 He said to another man, "Follow Me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." 60 Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." 61 Still another said, I will follow You, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family." 62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Witness the merging of technology and theology: Some churches use the PayPal online payment service to accept tithes.
The PalTalk Internet service allows subscribers to participate in Bible study without going to church.
Churches have started offering Webcasts of their services, so that people can stay home and listen or watch. It's convenient and easy, but is it real church life?
Many ministers, both at these churches and their low-tech counterparts, are concerned that technology is making it too easy for members, requiring them to barely lift a finger to participate in church.
Technology is not inherently evil. The Web has all sorts of cool sites, and if you read Soul Journey online, that's awesome. One of my favorite sites, the Blue Letter Bible (www.blueletterbible.org), has all sorts of great commentaries and recorded sermons by some of my favorite teachers.
But some of these technological shortcuts seem to take away the devotion Jesus taught. When does convenience work against spiritual maturity? Do such features encourage spiritual laziness?
Christians have taken advantage of technological developments for years. First films, then videos made well-known speakers available to churches. Radio and television ministries also have a wide outreach. But there was always the danger that listeners and viewers would skip out on church and look to their favorite Bible teacher like their pastor. Many of these developments stir the Web into that same mix.
So much in the Christian life will cost you. But it's supposed to. Sacrifice is the only path to some of the greatest rewards in following Jesus. The path of least resistance doesn't go very far.
Don't let the Internet's convenience turn you into a World Wide Wimp spiritually. If it provides you with the resources to live all-out for Jesus, wonderful. If it gives you another reason to sit on the couch, log off! --John Carvalho
DESTINATION POINTS
* What feature of the Internet helps my walk with God the most? Why?
*What convenience of the Internet most endangers my discipline? What am I going to do about it?
* Lord, keep me from all forms of laziness. I want to apply my best energies toward serving You and getting to know You better.
LINKS:
Real Church in a Virtual World
http://www.zchurch.com
bottom line: Technology may not lead to better theology.
soul journey
Luke 9:57-62
57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to Him, "I will follow You wherever You go." 58 Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." 59 He said to another man, "Follow Me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." 60 Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." 61 Still another said, I will follow You, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family." 62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Witness the merging of technology and theology: Some churches use the PayPal online payment service to accept tithes.
The PalTalk Internet service allows subscribers to participate in Bible study without going to church.
Churches have started offering Webcasts of their services, so that people can stay home and listen or watch. It's convenient and easy, but is it real church life?
Many ministers, both at these churches and their low-tech counterparts, are concerned that technology is making it too easy for members, requiring them to barely lift a finger to participate in church.
Technology is not inherently evil. The Web has all sorts of cool sites, and if you read Soul Journey online, that's awesome. One of my favorite sites, the Blue Letter Bible (www.blueletterbible.org), has all sorts of great commentaries and recorded sermons by some of my favorite teachers.
But some of these technological shortcuts seem to take away the devotion Jesus taught. When does convenience work against spiritual maturity? Do such features encourage spiritual laziness?
Christians have taken advantage of technological developments for years. First films, then videos made well-known speakers available to churches. Radio and television ministries also have a wide outreach. But there was always the danger that listeners and viewers would skip out on church and look to their favorite Bible teacher like their pastor. Many of these developments stir the Web into that same mix.
So much in the Christian life will cost you. But it's supposed to. Sacrifice is the only path to some of the greatest rewards in following Jesus. The path of least resistance doesn't go very far.
Don't let the Internet's convenience turn you into a World Wide Wimp spiritually. If it provides you with the resources to live all-out for Jesus, wonderful. If it gives you another reason to sit on the couch, log off! --John Carvalho
DESTINATION POINTS
* What feature of the Internet helps my walk with God the most? Why?
*What convenience of the Internet most endangers my discipline? What am I going to do about it?
* Lord, keep me from all forms of laziness. I want to apply my best energies toward serving You and getting to know You better.
LINKS:
Real Church in a Virtual World
http://www.zchurch.com
bottom line: Technology may not lead to better theology.
soul journey
Sunday, March 21, 2004
Today's scripture is Ecclesiastes 11:1
"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."
One of the most exciting things I ever discovered about God's law of sowing and reaping was the fact that financial harvests are not seasonal. If you plant year round, you can be receiving year round.
Don't misunderstand. I'm not saying your harvest will come instantly. It usually won't. You may have to wait for it for several months. What I'm saying is, if you'll keep planting consistently, you'll receive just as consistently. If you'll continually cast your bread on the water, eventually it will come in on every wave!
Of course, some people never get to enjoy that kind of constant blessing. That's because, instead of giving, they keep waiting to receive. They stand on the beach saying, "I wonder where my prosperity is? As soon as it comes in, I'll start giving."
God's economy doesn't work that way. He said, "Give and it will be given to you again. The way you measure it, it shall be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38). You have to make the first move. You have to send a ship out before your ship can come in.
Think about that next time you're tempted to complain about the things life brings your way. Remember that whatever you've been casting out there is always what you find on down the road. If you've been giving doubt, unbelief and fear, that's what has been coming to you. If you've been giving nothing, then nothing is what you get.
You're holding the seeds of your own future in your hand right now. Step out in faith and use them to put the supernatural cycle of blessing in motion. Start now planting one good seed after another. Eventually you'll enjoy a good harvest every single day!
bible shack
"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."
One of the most exciting things I ever discovered about God's law of sowing and reaping was the fact that financial harvests are not seasonal. If you plant year round, you can be receiving year round.
Don't misunderstand. I'm not saying your harvest will come instantly. It usually won't. You may have to wait for it for several months. What I'm saying is, if you'll keep planting consistently, you'll receive just as consistently. If you'll continually cast your bread on the water, eventually it will come in on every wave!
Of course, some people never get to enjoy that kind of constant blessing. That's because, instead of giving, they keep waiting to receive. They stand on the beach saying, "I wonder where my prosperity is? As soon as it comes in, I'll start giving."
God's economy doesn't work that way. He said, "Give and it will be given to you again. The way you measure it, it shall be measured back to you" (Luke 6:38). You have to make the first move. You have to send a ship out before your ship can come in.
Think about that next time you're tempted to complain about the things life brings your way. Remember that whatever you've been casting out there is always what you find on down the road. If you've been giving doubt, unbelief and fear, that's what has been coming to you. If you've been giving nothing, then nothing is what you get.
You're holding the seeds of your own future in your hand right now. Step out in faith and use them to put the supernatural cycle of blessing in motion. Start now planting one good seed after another. Eventually you'll enjoy a good harvest every single day!
bible shack
Saturday, March 20, 2004
Rededicate Yourself
By Joyce Meyer
This devotion is taken from Joyce Meyer's book, Starting Your Day Right.
Lord, [earnestly] remember now how I have walked before You in faithfulness and truth and with a whole heart [entirely devoted to You] and have done what is good in Your sight (2 Kings 20:3).
And Jacob awoke from his sleep and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it (Genesis 28:16).
Many times the Lord is with us, and we don't even know it. God is there with you even when circumstances seem out of control. He is already working everything together for your good.
And Jacob rose early in the morning and took the stone he had put under his head, and he set it up for a pillar (a monument to the vision in his dream), and he poured oil on its top [in dedication]" (v. 18).
Likewise, we should rededicate ourselves to God every morning.
Give Your All to God
Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5).
Every day you need to give yourself entirely to God. Say, "Lord, I am Yours. I want to be a vessel fit for Your use. I dedicate myself to You: I give You my hands, my mouth, my mind, my body, my money, and my time. Father, here I am. I am Yours; do with me whatever You want to do today."
Once you dedicate yourself to God, then go on about your business. But expect His leading all day long. Listen for His voice to direct you in the way you should go. Accept the challenge to be an instrument for the Lord's use today.
Grasp Every Chance
I will keep Your law continually, forever and ever [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it] (Psalm 119:44).
You can meet with God while lying in bed. You don't have to be in a private room, with the door closed, bowed down on your knees to meet God. You can meet Him in the shower, while driving to work, or when stuck in a traffic jam.
I am not suggesting that you shouldn't set apart time for God. But you should also take advantage of any time you do have that you could be talking and listening to the Lord. Don't wait to talk to Him until you have a full hour to spend with Him. Grasp every minute you can find to open your ears to His voice. Take advantage of the idle moments already available to you and spend them with God.
cbn
By Joyce Meyer
This devotion is taken from Joyce Meyer's book, Starting Your Day Right.
Lord, [earnestly] remember now how I have walked before You in faithfulness and truth and with a whole heart [entirely devoted to You] and have done what is good in Your sight (2 Kings 20:3).
And Jacob awoke from his sleep and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it (Genesis 28:16).
Many times the Lord is with us, and we don't even know it. God is there with you even when circumstances seem out of control. He is already working everything together for your good.
And Jacob rose early in the morning and took the stone he had put under his head, and he set it up for a pillar (a monument to the vision in his dream), and he poured oil on its top [in dedication]" (v. 18).
Likewise, we should rededicate ourselves to God every morning.
Give Your All to God
Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I separated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5).
Every day you need to give yourself entirely to God. Say, "Lord, I am Yours. I want to be a vessel fit for Your use. I dedicate myself to You: I give You my hands, my mouth, my mind, my body, my money, and my time. Father, here I am. I am Yours; do with me whatever You want to do today."
Once you dedicate yourself to God, then go on about your business. But expect His leading all day long. Listen for His voice to direct you in the way you should go. Accept the challenge to be an instrument for the Lord's use today.
Grasp Every Chance
I will keep Your law continually, forever and ever [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it] (Psalm 119:44).
You can meet with God while lying in bed. You don't have to be in a private room, with the door closed, bowed down on your knees to meet God. You can meet Him in the shower, while driving to work, or when stuck in a traffic jam.
I am not suggesting that you shouldn't set apart time for God. But you should also take advantage of any time you do have that you could be talking and listening to the Lord. Don't wait to talk to Him until you have a full hour to spend with Him. Grasp every minute you can find to open your ears to His voice. Take advantage of the idle moments already available to you and spend them with God.
cbn
The Beacon
Read: Mark 6:45-52
He came to them, walking on the sea. —Mark 6:48
When a helicopter crashed in a cold, mountainous wilderness, the pilots survived but were seriously injured. The frozen afternoon stretched toward an even more freezing night. The situation seemed hopeless—until a rescue helicopter appeared, its searchlights illuminating the darkness. It spotted the wreckage, landed nearby, and carried them off to safety.
"How did you know where we were?" an injured man asked.
"The homing device on your aircraft," the rescuers told him. "It went off automatically when you went down. All we had to do was follow it."
The disciples of Jesus also experienced the joy of being rescued. They had been struggling as they rowed their boat against wind and waves in the darkness of night on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 6:45-47). Then Jesus came to them, walking on the water, and calmed the sea (vv.48-51).
We may experience similar times when all is dark and foreboding. We can't help ourselves, and it seems that no one else can either. No one knows how terrified and exhausted we are. No one, that is, except Jesus.
When we're trapped, hurt, lonely, or discouraged, Jesus knows it. Our cries of grief are beacons that bring Him to our side—right when we need Him most. —Dave Egner
There is only One who knows
All the answers to my woes;
He will all my needs supply
When in faith to Him I cry. —Morgan
Jesus hears even the faintest cry for help.
daily bread
Read: Mark 6:45-52
He came to them, walking on the sea. —Mark 6:48
When a helicopter crashed in a cold, mountainous wilderness, the pilots survived but were seriously injured. The frozen afternoon stretched toward an even more freezing night. The situation seemed hopeless—until a rescue helicopter appeared, its searchlights illuminating the darkness. It spotted the wreckage, landed nearby, and carried them off to safety.
"How did you know where we were?" an injured man asked.
"The homing device on your aircraft," the rescuers told him. "It went off automatically when you went down. All we had to do was follow it."
The disciples of Jesus also experienced the joy of being rescued. They had been struggling as they rowed their boat against wind and waves in the darkness of night on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 6:45-47). Then Jesus came to them, walking on the water, and calmed the sea (vv.48-51).
We may experience similar times when all is dark and foreboding. We can't help ourselves, and it seems that no one else can either. No one knows how terrified and exhausted we are. No one, that is, except Jesus.
When we're trapped, hurt, lonely, or discouraged, Jesus knows it. Our cries of grief are beacons that bring Him to our side—right when we need Him most. —Dave Egner
There is only One who knows
All the answers to my woes;
He will all my needs supply
When in faith to Him I cry. —Morgan
Jesus hears even the faintest cry for help.
daily bread
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Today's scripture is Romans 5:5
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Don't ever worry about not having enough love inside you. The Word says God's love is shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost. God's love is in you. What you need to do is make a decision to let it flow.
Pray this prayer today.
"In Jesus' Name, I make a fresh and strong commitment today to live the life of love, to let the tenderness of God flow through me and heal the wounded hearts of those I meet
.
"Father, teach me to love even when things go wrong. To be patient and kind when the children are underfoot. To overlook the spiteful words of an angry spouse. To rejoice when someone at the office gets the raise that I thought I needed. Teach me to talk in love, to lay gossip quietly aside and to take up words of grace instead.
"Lord, Your Word says that Your love is already inside me...that it has been shed abroad in my heart. So today, I resolve to remove every obstacle that would keep that love from flowing freely into the lives of others. I put resentments behind me, and I forgive all those who've done me wrong.
"In the days ahead, cause me to increase and excel and overflow with Your love. Cause me to be what this world needs most of all...a living example of love. Amen."
bible shack
"And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
Don't ever worry about not having enough love inside you. The Word says God's love is shed abroad in your heart by the Holy Ghost. God's love is in you. What you need to do is make a decision to let it flow.
Pray this prayer today.
"In Jesus' Name, I make a fresh and strong commitment today to live the life of love, to let the tenderness of God flow through me and heal the wounded hearts of those I meet
.
"Father, teach me to love even when things go wrong. To be patient and kind when the children are underfoot. To overlook the spiteful words of an angry spouse. To rejoice when someone at the office gets the raise that I thought I needed. Teach me to talk in love, to lay gossip quietly aside and to take up words of grace instead.
"Lord, Your Word says that Your love is already inside me...that it has been shed abroad in my heart. So today, I resolve to remove every obstacle that would keep that love from flowing freely into the lives of others. I put resentments behind me, and I forgive all those who've done me wrong.
"In the days ahead, cause me to increase and excel and overflow with Your love. Cause me to be what this world needs most of all...a living example of love. Amen."
bible shack
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
Divine Creativity
By Dan Betzer
Praising the Creator for the beauty of His creation.
Spring and summer are delightful times almost anywhere. Down where I live, right along the south Florida coast on the Gulf of Mexico, I find these seasons especially intriguing. There is new life everywhere.
One can see a plethora of baby alligators near the swamplands. In my front yard somewhere, a mama ring-necked black snake has birthed a zillion of the little rascals. They look like extremely suntanned earthworms, except that they are so fast. I have taken a lot of their ancestors out of my yard in the last fifteen years. I always take them down to the Caloosahatchie River a block away from my house, but I think that they keep coming back.
Over the door of my study there is a bottlebrush tree in which a mother mockingbird has a nest of newborns that she guards with a zealousness that is amazing. I got too close the other day and she zipped within inches of my ear, screaming at me. I learned my lesson; I now use the other door.
The flowers are beyond gorgeous, every color of God's spectrum is bursting from the ground. My neighbor has a poinciana tree -- a huge one -- that is a massive spray of bright orange all spring long. It is breathtaking. And somehow the Gulf of Mexico is bluer this year than I have ever seen it. How I love it all!
My Father built it, you know. I believe that He knew what He was doing. So when the Creator God speaks to me by His Spirit about something in my life, I know that I should listen. The One who spoke a word and mountains and canyons appeared, who separated land from seas, who makes it rain and who made all that scintillating wonder around me, knows what I have need of. I will listen and obey.
cbn
By Dan Betzer
Praising the Creator for the beauty of His creation.
Spring and summer are delightful times almost anywhere. Down where I live, right along the south Florida coast on the Gulf of Mexico, I find these seasons especially intriguing. There is new life everywhere.
One can see a plethora of baby alligators near the swamplands. In my front yard somewhere, a mama ring-necked black snake has birthed a zillion of the little rascals. They look like extremely suntanned earthworms, except that they are so fast. I have taken a lot of their ancestors out of my yard in the last fifteen years. I always take them down to the Caloosahatchie River a block away from my house, but I think that they keep coming back.
Over the door of my study there is a bottlebrush tree in which a mother mockingbird has a nest of newborns that she guards with a zealousness that is amazing. I got too close the other day and she zipped within inches of my ear, screaming at me. I learned my lesson; I now use the other door.
The flowers are beyond gorgeous, every color of God's spectrum is bursting from the ground. My neighbor has a poinciana tree -- a huge one -- that is a massive spray of bright orange all spring long. It is breathtaking. And somehow the Gulf of Mexico is bluer this year than I have ever seen it. How I love it all!
My Father built it, you know. I believe that He knew what He was doing. So when the Creator God speaks to me by His Spirit about something in my life, I know that I should listen. The One who spoke a word and mountains and canyons appeared, who separated land from seas, who makes it rain and who made all that scintillating wonder around me, knows what I have need of. I will listen and obey.
cbn
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Investing In Heaven's Bank
By Cathy Irvin
God is Jehovah Jireh, which means our Provider. He is the best financial advisor that we will ever have.
In the Bible it says that God owns the cattle on a 1000 hills. That sure is a lot of beef. Picture those cows in terms of finances. Most of us could use some cash to pay off our debts and to take a vacation.
When we put money aside in a bank it draws interest. We should think about making our deposits into "Heavens Bank." It would be like selling a cow and getting top dollar for it. If you ever go to a butcher, you will know the price a side of beef, much less the cost of a whole cow.
When we give into the kingdom of God with our tithes and offerings, the Bible says we can expect a return for our money. You might want to ask what is in your storehouse?
After faithfully giving of your tithes and offerings, you should remind the Lord of His Word. He said to prove Him!
... prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
God is Jehovah Jireh, which means our Provider. He is the best financial advisor that we will ever have. He tells us to give and promises that blessings will be given back.
It is time to sow seeds and reap a harvest. Jesus said He would provide all of our needs according to His riches in glory. We must look to our Father in heaven and be responsible with the money He provides. We cannot rely on Social Security or any other world system. We need to save and invest. But remember too, we are not to rob God in our tithes and offerings. Giving to God is the way you will have money in heaven's bank.
I am going to think more about the cattle on a thousand hills and invest more into heaven's bank. If you haven't thought much about it, then open up a new account today. It is never too late!
cbn
By Cathy Irvin
God is Jehovah Jireh, which means our Provider. He is the best financial advisor that we will ever have.
In the Bible it says that God owns the cattle on a 1000 hills. That sure is a lot of beef. Picture those cows in terms of finances. Most of us could use some cash to pay off our debts and to take a vacation.
When we put money aside in a bank it draws interest. We should think about making our deposits into "Heavens Bank." It would be like selling a cow and getting top dollar for it. If you ever go to a butcher, you will know the price a side of beef, much less the cost of a whole cow.
When we give into the kingdom of God with our tithes and offerings, the Bible says we can expect a return for our money. You might want to ask what is in your storehouse?
After faithfully giving of your tithes and offerings, you should remind the Lord of His Word. He said to prove Him!
... prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
God is Jehovah Jireh, which means our Provider. He is the best financial advisor that we will ever have. He tells us to give and promises that blessings will be given back.
It is time to sow seeds and reap a harvest. Jesus said He would provide all of our needs according to His riches in glory. We must look to our Father in heaven and be responsible with the money He provides. We cannot rely on Social Security or any other world system. We need to save and invest. But remember too, we are not to rob God in our tithes and offerings. Giving to God is the way you will have money in heaven's bank.
I am going to think more about the cattle on a thousand hills and invest more into heaven's bank. If you haven't thought much about it, then open up a new account today. It is never too late!
cbn
Monday, March 15, 2004
The Discipline of Dismay
As they followed they were afraid —Mark 10:32
At the beginning of our life with Jesus Christ, we were sure we knew all there was to know about following Him. It was a delight to forsake everything else and to throw ourselves before Him in a fearless statement of love. But now we are not quite so sure. Jesus is far ahead of us and is beginning to seem different and unfamiliar—"Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed" ( Mark 10:32 ).
There is an aspect of Jesus that chills even a disciple’s heart to its depth and makes his entire spiritual life gasp for air. This unusual Person with His face set "like a flint" ( Isaiah 50:7 ) is walking with great determination ahead of me, and He strikes terror right through me. He no longer seems to be my Counselor and Friend and has a point of view about which I know nothing. All I can do is stand and stare at Him in amazement. At first I was confident that I understood Him, but now I am not so sure. I begin to realize that there is a distance between Jesus and me and I can no longer be intimate with Him. I have no idea where He is going, and the goal has become strangely distant.
Jesus Christ had to understand fully every sin and sorrow that human beings could experience, and that is what makes Him seem unfamiliar. When we see this aspect of Him, we realize we really don’t know Him. We don’t recognize even one characteristic of His life, and we don’t know how to begin to follow Him. He is far ahead of us, a Leader who seems totally unfamiliar, and we have no friendship with Him.
The discipline of dismay is an essential lesson which a disciple must learn. The danger is that we tend to look back on our times of obedience and on our past sacrifices to God in an effort to keep our enthusiasm for Him strong (see Isaiah 1:10-11 ). But when the darkness of dismay comes, endure until it is over, because out of it will come the ability to follow Jesus truly, which brings inexpressibly wonderful joy.
my utmost for His highest
As they followed they were afraid —Mark 10:32
At the beginning of our life with Jesus Christ, we were sure we knew all there was to know about following Him. It was a delight to forsake everything else and to throw ourselves before Him in a fearless statement of love. But now we are not quite so sure. Jesus is far ahead of us and is beginning to seem different and unfamiliar—"Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed" ( Mark 10:32 ).
There is an aspect of Jesus that chills even a disciple’s heart to its depth and makes his entire spiritual life gasp for air. This unusual Person with His face set "like a flint" ( Isaiah 50:7 ) is walking with great determination ahead of me, and He strikes terror right through me. He no longer seems to be my Counselor and Friend and has a point of view about which I know nothing. All I can do is stand and stare at Him in amazement. At first I was confident that I understood Him, but now I am not so sure. I begin to realize that there is a distance between Jesus and me and I can no longer be intimate with Him. I have no idea where He is going, and the goal has become strangely distant.
Jesus Christ had to understand fully every sin and sorrow that human beings could experience, and that is what makes Him seem unfamiliar. When we see this aspect of Him, we realize we really don’t know Him. We don’t recognize even one characteristic of His life, and we don’t know how to begin to follow Him. He is far ahead of us, a Leader who seems totally unfamiliar, and we have no friendship with Him.
The discipline of dismay is an essential lesson which a disciple must learn. The danger is that we tend to look back on our times of obedience and on our past sacrifices to God in an effort to keep our enthusiasm for Him strong (see Isaiah 1:10-11 ). But when the darkness of dismay comes, endure until it is over, because out of it will come the ability to follow Jesus truly, which brings inexpressibly wonderful joy.
my utmost for His highest
Sunday, March 14, 2004
Free Behind the Fence
1 Corinthians 8:7-13
7 But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
A village was situated on a hilltop. Surrounding it was a fence, which covered a fairly large perimeter. The fence had only one gate through which the villagers moved in and out. It kept the citizens in and kept strangers out. Houses had no doors because people trusted one another. The fence also kept children from falling off sharp cliffs. Little ones were free to play in the open fields. The community was busy and there was much laughter and joy. One day at a village council meeting, some people complained that the fence was restrictive. They felt they could not roam freely. Others disagreed. After many days of hot debate and deliberation, the council finally decided to tear down the perimeter fence.
When it was removed, the village changed significantly. Strangers came to the village and many things were reported stolen from homes. People began to build doors to safeguard their property. They became less trusting and open. Some boys almost fell off a cliff while at play. Parents began to forbid their children to go outside. The village became much quieter and no laughter was heard in the fields.
We often think that freedom means no limits. But ironically, we enjoy true freedom only behind the fence—one that is established by the omniscient and omnipotent God to protect us and not just to bind us. These limits are found in God’s Word and are to be observed in our lives.
As Christians, we have found freedom in Jesus, but it is not without boundaries. We are not free to do anything we like. The exercise of our Christian freedom must not become a stumbling block to the weak. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, we see that our freedom should not cause us to act without self-control or respond in the wrong way. Let’s enjoy our freedom and let’s also appreciate God’s fence! —Lim Chien Chong
bottom line: Christians are free from sin, but not free to sin.
soul journey
1 Corinthians 8:7-13
7 But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. 8 But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. 9 Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
A village was situated on a hilltop. Surrounding it was a fence, which covered a fairly large perimeter. The fence had only one gate through which the villagers moved in and out. It kept the citizens in and kept strangers out. Houses had no doors because people trusted one another. The fence also kept children from falling off sharp cliffs. Little ones were free to play in the open fields. The community was busy and there was much laughter and joy. One day at a village council meeting, some people complained that the fence was restrictive. They felt they could not roam freely. Others disagreed. After many days of hot debate and deliberation, the council finally decided to tear down the perimeter fence.
When it was removed, the village changed significantly. Strangers came to the village and many things were reported stolen from homes. People began to build doors to safeguard their property. They became less trusting and open. Some boys almost fell off a cliff while at play. Parents began to forbid their children to go outside. The village became much quieter and no laughter was heard in the fields.
We often think that freedom means no limits. But ironically, we enjoy true freedom only behind the fence—one that is established by the omniscient and omnipotent God to protect us and not just to bind us. These limits are found in God’s Word and are to be observed in our lives.
As Christians, we have found freedom in Jesus, but it is not without boundaries. We are not free to do anything we like. The exercise of our Christian freedom must not become a stumbling block to the weak. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, we see that our freedom should not cause us to act without self-control or respond in the wrong way. Let’s enjoy our freedom and let’s also appreciate God’s fence! —Lim Chien Chong
bottom line: Christians are free from sin, but not free to sin.
soul journey
Saturday, March 13, 2004
Entrance Requirements
Mark 1:14-20
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," He said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 At once they left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.
To become a member of some “kingdoms” you have to meet stiff requirements. Certain organizations and clubs have rigorous standards of acceptance—social, financial, and sometimes racial. If you aren’t a multi-millionaire, you don’t qualify. Elite universities require nearly perfect SAT scores and high school grades. Corporations demand impeccable credentials before filling executive positions. Very bluntly, they don’t want just anyone. Their standards are designed to keep people out.
The good news is that the entrance requirements to the kingdom of God are not that way. They can be met by anyone who opens the door of his life to the gentle knock of the Savior, and by faith lets Him come in. That’s because He met the standards of God’s holiness for us by His flawless character and obedience to God.
The gospel writer Mark wrote that soon after John the Baptist was thrown into prison, Jesus began to deliver this message: “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (1:15). Jesus was referring to Himself, His work, and the gospel. He was God among men. Soon He would die as the sacrifice for our sins. We can be born into God’s kingdom, become members of His family, by receiving Jesus as our Savior.
The good news is also that every one of us—regardless of our social status, ethnic background, poverty, or past behavior—is offered admittance into God’s kingdom. It’s simply a matter of trusting in Jesus. That’s it. No more. Jesus likened it to having the faith of a little child (Mark 10:15).
If you’ve been trying to guarantee your entrance into heaven by piling good works on top of your good family name and magna cum laude graduate school transcript, forget it. Trust in Jesus. Receive His gift of salvation, and you’ll have met every entrance requirement to membership in God’s kingdom. —Dave Egner.
bottom line: Entrance into heaven is received, not earned.
soul journey
Mark 1:14-20
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 "The time has come," He said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 "Come, follow Me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 At once they left their nets and followed Him. 19 When He had gone a little farther, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him.
To become a member of some “kingdoms” you have to meet stiff requirements. Certain organizations and clubs have rigorous standards of acceptance—social, financial, and sometimes racial. If you aren’t a multi-millionaire, you don’t qualify. Elite universities require nearly perfect SAT scores and high school grades. Corporations demand impeccable credentials before filling executive positions. Very bluntly, they don’t want just anyone. Their standards are designed to keep people out.
The good news is that the entrance requirements to the kingdom of God are not that way. They can be met by anyone who opens the door of his life to the gentle knock of the Savior, and by faith lets Him come in. That’s because He met the standards of God’s holiness for us by His flawless character and obedience to God.
The gospel writer Mark wrote that soon after John the Baptist was thrown into prison, Jesus began to deliver this message: “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” (1:15). Jesus was referring to Himself, His work, and the gospel. He was God among men. Soon He would die as the sacrifice for our sins. We can be born into God’s kingdom, become members of His family, by receiving Jesus as our Savior.
The good news is also that every one of us—regardless of our social status, ethnic background, poverty, or past behavior—is offered admittance into God’s kingdom. It’s simply a matter of trusting in Jesus. That’s it. No more. Jesus likened it to having the faith of a little child (Mark 10:15).
If you’ve been trying to guarantee your entrance into heaven by piling good works on top of your good family name and magna cum laude graduate school transcript, forget it. Trust in Jesus. Receive His gift of salvation, and you’ll have met every entrance requirement to membership in God’s kingdom. —Dave Egner.
bottom line: Entrance into heaven is received, not earned.
soul journey
Only One Option
Read: Habakkuk 1:1-2:4
Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith. —Habakkuk 2:4
If you were to ask several people to draw a crooked line on a piece of paper, no two lines would be identical. There is a lesson in this: There are many ways to be crooked, but only one way to be straight.
The Lord tells us that the righteous person has only one option—to "live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). In the chapter prior to this declaration from the Lord, the prophet Habakkuk had complained about the violence and injustice around him. It seemed as if the wicked were swallowing up the righteous (1:13).
God responded to Habakkuk by saying that His people were to be "just" and were to live by faith. They were not to be like the one who is "proud" and "not upright" (2:4). A proud and self-sufficient person will rationalize his faults and imperfections. He doesn't want to admit that he needs God. His ways are crooked.
Wickedness seems to prevail in our world. God urges us to live our lives in faith, taking to heart His assurance to Habakkuk that there will be a day of reckoning for the wicked.
The only way to please God now and to be ready for that day of reckoning is to live by faith. —Albert Lee
Lord, grant me grace throughout this day
To walk the straight and narrow way,
To do whatever in Thy sight
Is good and perfect, just and right. —Huisman
The only right way is the straight and narrow way.
daily bread
Read: Habakkuk 1:1-2:4
Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith. —Habakkuk 2:4
If you were to ask several people to draw a crooked line on a piece of paper, no two lines would be identical. There is a lesson in this: There are many ways to be crooked, but only one way to be straight.
The Lord tells us that the righteous person has only one option—to "live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). In the chapter prior to this declaration from the Lord, the prophet Habakkuk had complained about the violence and injustice around him. It seemed as if the wicked were swallowing up the righteous (1:13).
God responded to Habakkuk by saying that His people were to be "just" and were to live by faith. They were not to be like the one who is "proud" and "not upright" (2:4). A proud and self-sufficient person will rationalize his faults and imperfections. He doesn't want to admit that he needs God. His ways are crooked.
Wickedness seems to prevail in our world. God urges us to live our lives in faith, taking to heart His assurance to Habakkuk that there will be a day of reckoning for the wicked.
The only way to please God now and to be ready for that day of reckoning is to live by faith. —Albert Lee
Lord, grant me grace throughout this day
To walk the straight and narrow way,
To do whatever in Thy sight
Is good and perfect, just and right. —Huisman
The only right way is the straight and narrow way.
daily bread
Thursday, March 11, 2004
WHASSAT?
Matthew 16:13-17
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 "But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven."
My nearly-2-year-old niece Molly and her mama took an airplane to Michigan to visit Gugay and Papa (Grandma and Grandpa). It was a big adventure for such a little girl. "Whassat?" "Whassat?" she asked at every noise the plane made, every movement, and every person squeezing down the aisle. The thing is, Molly didn't seem to care what the answer was to each "Whassat?" She just liked asking lots of questions.
Jesus too asked a whole bunch of questions--but unlike Molly, He was supremely interested in the answers, and the people who gave them.
* "Why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26).
* "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15).
* "Why do you call Me good?" (Mark 10:18).
* "What do you want Me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51).
* "Can a blind man lead a blind man?" (Luke 6:39).
* "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6).
* "Do you love Me?" (John 21:17).
People came to Jesus wanting and expecting answers. They wanted healing. They wanted a revolution. They wanted Him
to prove them right. They wanted to catch Him in a contradiction. But many times He threw them off balance by lobbing a question right back at them. Jesus was more interested in helping people explore their hearts and motives than in simply filling their minds with facts. It must have really bugged people when Jesus wouldn't give them a straight answer. But Jesus knew what people really needed--and a lot of times it wasn't what they were asking for.
The next time you have a "Whassat?" for Jesus, be ready for Him to answer with another question. Then search your heart for what you really want (and need) from Him. --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why did Jesus so often respond to people with a question?
* Do Ireally care about finding out what God has to say? Or do I pray just because I'm supposed to?
* How honest am I with God about my desires and motives?
LINKS:
Learn more about how to think like Jesus. Read The Mind Of Christ.
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0209
bottom line: Jesus' answers are often questions.
soul journey
Matthew 16:13-17
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" 14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 "But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by My Father in heaven."
My nearly-2-year-old niece Molly and her mama took an airplane to Michigan to visit Gugay and Papa (Grandma and Grandpa). It was a big adventure for such a little girl. "Whassat?" "Whassat?" she asked at every noise the plane made, every movement, and every person squeezing down the aisle. The thing is, Molly didn't seem to care what the answer was to each "Whassat?" She just liked asking lots of questions.
Jesus too asked a whole bunch of questions--but unlike Molly, He was supremely interested in the answers, and the people who gave them.
* "Why are you so afraid?" (Matthew 8:26).
* "Who do you say I am?" (Matthew 16:15).
* "Why do you call Me good?" (Mark 10:18).
* "What do you want Me to do for you?" (Mark 10:51).
* "Can a blind man lead a blind man?" (Luke 6:39).
* "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6).
* "Do you love Me?" (John 21:17).
People came to Jesus wanting and expecting answers. They wanted healing. They wanted a revolution. They wanted Him
to prove them right. They wanted to catch Him in a contradiction. But many times He threw them off balance by lobbing a question right back at them. Jesus was more interested in helping people explore their hearts and motives than in simply filling their minds with facts. It must have really bugged people when Jesus wouldn't give them a straight answer. But Jesus knew what people really needed--and a lot of times it wasn't what they were asking for.
The next time you have a "Whassat?" for Jesus, be ready for Him to answer with another question. Then search your heart for what you really want (and need) from Him. --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why did Jesus so often respond to people with a question?
* Do Ireally care about finding out what God has to say? Or do I pray just because I'm supposed to?
* How honest am I with God about my desires and motives?
LINKS:
Learn more about how to think like Jesus. Read The Mind Of Christ.
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0209
bottom line: Jesus' answers are often questions.
soul journey
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
Growing Pains
By Charlene Israel
Pain can be good or bad; it depends on how you look at it.
Pain can be good or bad; it depends on how you look at it. God often allows us to be in uncomfortable situations that stretch us.
A few years ago I began feeling restless in my spirit. I felt dry and stagnant. I asked the Lord what was going on. I cried out for a fresh anointing. I prayed and fasted and sensed a change was coming. What God spoke came as somewhat of a surprise: "I am calling you to move." I had been visiting a church in another state, but I never imagined God would call me to move there.
I knew from experience that to obey God was the key to being blessed. I poured over His message for quite some time and received many confirmations. "Wow," I thought, "this sounds awesome. God must have something powerful planned for me." I had no clue the metamorphosis I was about to go through. Pain never came to mind. God was ready to do something new in me. It was my season to mature.
"Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)" (Ephesians 4:15, The Amplified Bible).
It has been several months since my move, and it has not been as easy or spiritually uplifting as I assumed it would be. Every area of my life has been tested in fiery trials. My family, finances, health -- you name it -- it has been under attack. I remember asking myself, "Where am I?" and "What am I doing here?" I had never experienced such discomfort in my life. I asked God, "If I am doing what you have told me to do, why is everything going wrong?" I questioned if I had heard God clearly; however, I knew in my heart that I was in His will. Still, I felt discouraged and abandoned. I told God that He was the One who told me to move. It was His plan, not mine.
When I prayed and tried to understand why I was going through such hardship, the Lord ministered these words to me: "What you are feeling is growing pains." I thought, Growing pains? He went on to explain that He was shaping me and developing godly character in me. Despite the pain I felt, I leaned not on my own understanding, and I trusted that God was with me and that He would deliver me. Though I could not see what good could come from this kind of pain, I kept believing that God had a purpose for everything I was facing. While I did not understand it, I chose to remain in His will.
"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening -- it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this Way" (Hebrews 12:11, The Book).
When I pondered His words to me, I discovered that discipline actually meant to train or to educate. All along, God's plan was to train me to trust Him, especially in the hard places. It was in the hard places that I began to really grow up in God.
After being a Christian for many years, I thought I was bearing enough fruit. However, during this season, He showed me things in me that I thought were long dead. He used His Holy Ghost shears to prune parts of me that were unlike Him. He began to soften my heart, and I had to cry many times, but I knew it was His will. He was proving that He was my One True Source. He had to get me away from everyone and everything familiar. I was out of my comfort zone, and I began to use faith muscles I did not know I had. All of this was part of the growing process. I often said to myself, "I am so far out on the sea of faith that I cannot see any land." I could not go back to the way things were even if I wanted to. I knew God had more blessings for me than I had ever experienced, but I had to go through the pain in order to obtain them.
Through this painful growing process, God has become my focal point. Everything in my life revolves around Him. He has taught me to run to Him every day for everything, not just when I am in trouble. I have grown to know Him as my All In All. When I felt I could not go on, He assured me that His strength was made perfect in my weakness. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9.)
From time to time, my flesh cried out for the familiar, but I looked to God and He never failed to provide for me and sustain me. I realized that I was being changed into who God wanted me to be. Every pre-conceived notion I had about moving to a new level in God was gone. I had to go through the pain and discomfort of this trial because God was making something beautiful in my life. As a loving Father, He wanted me to grow into a vessel of honor for His glory. I could not stay the same; it was time for my change.
"By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples" (John 15:8, NAS).
As I look back, I see pain and myself in a new light. I can see new growth in my life. When I was hurting the most was when God was working the most. God was perfecting that which concerned me. He was molding me. Truly, He is the Potter and I am the clay. He has replaced pride with humility and has given me an eagerness to lead with a genuine desire to serve. I have found that His love for me is deeper than I could ever imagine. Even when I felt confused and dismayed, God was at work in me.
The next time you find yourself asking "Why?" and you want to retreat from the new challenges you are facing, trust that God knows exactly where you are. He is doing a good work in you. Like the butterfly you see in springtime, you are growing into something beautiful. Begin to see that growing pains are God's way of getting you where you need to be in Him. In God's economy, everything you experience is used for His glory and your gain.
cbn
By Charlene Israel
Pain can be good or bad; it depends on how you look at it.
Pain can be good or bad; it depends on how you look at it. God often allows us to be in uncomfortable situations that stretch us.
A few years ago I began feeling restless in my spirit. I felt dry and stagnant. I asked the Lord what was going on. I cried out for a fresh anointing. I prayed and fasted and sensed a change was coming. What God spoke came as somewhat of a surprise: "I am calling you to move." I had been visiting a church in another state, but I never imagined God would call me to move there.
I knew from experience that to obey God was the key to being blessed. I poured over His message for quite some time and received many confirmations. "Wow," I thought, "this sounds awesome. God must have something powerful planned for me." I had no clue the metamorphosis I was about to go through. Pain never came to mind. God was ready to do something new in me. It was my season to mature.
"Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)" (Ephesians 4:15, The Amplified Bible).
It has been several months since my move, and it has not been as easy or spiritually uplifting as I assumed it would be. Every area of my life has been tested in fiery trials. My family, finances, health -- you name it -- it has been under attack. I remember asking myself, "Where am I?" and "What am I doing here?" I had never experienced such discomfort in my life. I asked God, "If I am doing what you have told me to do, why is everything going wrong?" I questioned if I had heard God clearly; however, I knew in my heart that I was in His will. Still, I felt discouraged and abandoned. I told God that He was the One who told me to move. It was His plan, not mine.
When I prayed and tried to understand why I was going through such hardship, the Lord ministered these words to me: "What you are feeling is growing pains." I thought, Growing pains? He went on to explain that He was shaping me and developing godly character in me. Despite the pain I felt, I leaned not on my own understanding, and I trusted that God was with me and that He would deliver me. Though I could not see what good could come from this kind of pain, I kept believing that God had a purpose for everything I was facing. While I did not understand it, I chose to remain in His will.
"No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening -- it is painful! But afterward there will be a quiet harvest of right living for those who are trained in this Way" (Hebrews 12:11, The Book).
When I pondered His words to me, I discovered that discipline actually meant to train or to educate. All along, God's plan was to train me to trust Him, especially in the hard places. It was in the hard places that I began to really grow up in God.
After being a Christian for many years, I thought I was bearing enough fruit. However, during this season, He showed me things in me that I thought were long dead. He used His Holy Ghost shears to prune parts of me that were unlike Him. He began to soften my heart, and I had to cry many times, but I knew it was His will. He was proving that He was my One True Source. He had to get me away from everyone and everything familiar. I was out of my comfort zone, and I began to use faith muscles I did not know I had. All of this was part of the growing process. I often said to myself, "I am so far out on the sea of faith that I cannot see any land." I could not go back to the way things were even if I wanted to. I knew God had more blessings for me than I had ever experienced, but I had to go through the pain in order to obtain them.
Through this painful growing process, God has become my focal point. Everything in my life revolves around Him. He has taught me to run to Him every day for everything, not just when I am in trouble. I have grown to know Him as my All In All. When I felt I could not go on, He assured me that His strength was made perfect in my weakness. (See 2 Corinthians 12:9.)
From time to time, my flesh cried out for the familiar, but I looked to God and He never failed to provide for me and sustain me. I realized that I was being changed into who God wanted me to be. Every pre-conceived notion I had about moving to a new level in God was gone. I had to go through the pain and discomfort of this trial because God was making something beautiful in my life. As a loving Father, He wanted me to grow into a vessel of honor for His glory. I could not stay the same; it was time for my change.
"By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples" (John 15:8, NAS).
As I look back, I see pain and myself in a new light. I can see new growth in my life. When I was hurting the most was when God was working the most. God was perfecting that which concerned me. He was molding me. Truly, He is the Potter and I am the clay. He has replaced pride with humility and has given me an eagerness to lead with a genuine desire to serve. I have found that His love for me is deeper than I could ever imagine. Even when I felt confused and dismayed, God was at work in me.
The next time you find yourself asking "Why?" and you want to retreat from the new challenges you are facing, trust that God knows exactly where you are. He is doing a good work in you. Like the butterfly you see in springtime, you are growing into something beautiful. Begin to see that growing pains are God's way of getting you where you need to be in Him. In God's economy, everything you experience is used for His glory and your gain.
cbn
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Forgive: How Can We Afford Not To?
By Martha Noebel
Forgiveness is hard to do, but with God's help we can.
Forgive them? I can't. They make me so mad. You just don't know what they did to me. It's not fair.
Have you ever heard those words before? Forgiveness is hard to do, but with God's help we can. To forgive means to pardon or excuse, no longer to blame or be angry with someone who did you wrong.
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:14-15, NIV).
God tells us that forgiveness is not an option if we want God to forgive us. We are not perfect, since we all make mistakes. We will not all agree on everything all of the time. We must understand that and learn to forgive those who intentionally or unintentionally hurt us. Yes, we may have a moment of anger, but we must not become a slave to that anger. We need to repent for harboring bad feelings against others so that we can be set free.
If we continue to have bitterness in our hearts and lives, we do not show the love of God. It can make us spiritually and physically sick.
The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 16:7 that the Lord looks at the heart. What does He see when He looks at your heart? We want to have clean hearts and hands when we stand before God. The psalmist David said, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). And David adds, "Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure…" (Psalm 24: 3-4a, The Book).
We want to stand before God and know that He is pleased with us. We don't want to carry the sin of unforgiveness in our hearts. When we pray, we want to know that God will answer our prayers. We certainly don't want this willful act to hinder our prayers.
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" (Mark 11:25).
The Word of God tells us that we can not even say we love God if we have hate for someone else (1 John 4:20). So what must we do? Colossians 3:12 tells us to "clothe yourselves with compassion." Philippians 2:4 says to "look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "carry each other's burdens…." Ephesians 4:32 declares, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."
The lines are drawn; the word is clear. We must forgive! No matter the offense, no matter how much pain we feel, we must forgive. We can't take revenge or even gloat when our enemy falls (Romans 12:19-21, Proverbs 24:17).
Ask God to fill you with His love for those who have offend you. Learn to walk in love and peace. You will be glad you did.
cbn
By Martha Noebel
Forgiveness is hard to do, but with God's help we can.
Forgive them? I can't. They make me so mad. You just don't know what they did to me. It's not fair.
Have you ever heard those words before? Forgiveness is hard to do, but with God's help we can. To forgive means to pardon or excuse, no longer to blame or be angry with someone who did you wrong.
"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:14-15, NIV).
God tells us that forgiveness is not an option if we want God to forgive us. We are not perfect, since we all make mistakes. We will not all agree on everything all of the time. We must understand that and learn to forgive those who intentionally or unintentionally hurt us. Yes, we may have a moment of anger, but we must not become a slave to that anger. We need to repent for harboring bad feelings against others so that we can be set free.
If we continue to have bitterness in our hearts and lives, we do not show the love of God. It can make us spiritually and physically sick.
The Bible tells us in 1 Samuel 16:7 that the Lord looks at the heart. What does He see when He looks at your heart? We want to have clean hearts and hands when we stand before God. The psalmist David said, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). And David adds, "Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure…" (Psalm 24: 3-4a, The Book).
We want to stand before God and know that He is pleased with us. We don't want to carry the sin of unforgiveness in our hearts. When we pray, we want to know that God will answer our prayers. We certainly don't want this willful act to hinder our prayers.
"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" (Mark 11:25).
The Word of God tells us that we can not even say we love God if we have hate for someone else (1 John 4:20). So what must we do? Colossians 3:12 tells us to "clothe yourselves with compassion." Philippians 2:4 says to "look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Galatians 6:2 instructs us to "carry each other's burdens…." Ephesians 4:32 declares, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you."
The lines are drawn; the word is clear. We must forgive! No matter the offense, no matter how much pain we feel, we must forgive. We can't take revenge or even gloat when our enemy falls (Romans 12:19-21, Proverbs 24:17).
Ask God to fill you with His love for those who have offend you. Learn to walk in love and peace. You will be glad you did.
cbn
Monday, March 08, 2004
RUNNING WITH GAZELLES
Acts 9:36-41
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.
Not long ago I read this quote: "Every girl has certain needs. From birth to 18 she needs her parents. From 18 to 35,
good looks; from 35 to 55, a good personality; from 55 and beyond, she needs cash."
I don't know who would agree with that. I do know, however, that every church has certain needs. One of the greatest is
a need for "gazelles."
Read Acts 9:36-41. Dorcas (Tabitha), whose name means gazelle, served in the early church. She was filled with grace
and dignity. Her response to Jesus' great salvation was gratitude shown through her good works. And her generosity
flowed out of her love for others. Her works were tangible, practical, and simple; she made coats and other garments
for widows and other poor people. It seems there was no one to whom Dorcas wouldn't extend God's love and peace.
Dorcas was an amazing woman, whose values concerning material possessions were aligned properly. She understood
that everything belonged to God, and that part of her stewardship was to give to others. Her life made such an impact on people around her that when she died her friends sent for Peter to raise her back to life.
As followers of Jesus, we have been called to be salt and light in a decaying and dark world. We are in desperate need
for more gazelles--people whose good works flow out of a heart of gratitude for their salvation in Jesus (Ephesians 2:10).
We can impact our world with simple and tangible acts of kindness (Luke 10:37)--washing cars, buying lunch, buying and pumping gas, cleaning someone's yard.
Let's lock arms and invest our lives in what matters most--serving God by helping people. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How can I show God's love in a practical way today?
* When I die, how do I think people will view my absence, as a loss or a benefit?
* What in life do I value most--things or people?
LINKS:
The Best Decision I Ever Made
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/003/17.18.html
bottom line: Generosity is giving what God gave you.
soul journey
Acts 9:36-41
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. 37 About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 38 Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!" 39 Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 40 Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 41 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.
Not long ago I read this quote: "Every girl has certain needs. From birth to 18 she needs her parents. From 18 to 35,
good looks; from 35 to 55, a good personality; from 55 and beyond, she needs cash."
I don't know who would agree with that. I do know, however, that every church has certain needs. One of the greatest is
a need for "gazelles."
Read Acts 9:36-41. Dorcas (Tabitha), whose name means gazelle, served in the early church. She was filled with grace
and dignity. Her response to Jesus' great salvation was gratitude shown through her good works. And her generosity
flowed out of her love for others. Her works were tangible, practical, and simple; she made coats and other garments
for widows and other poor people. It seems there was no one to whom Dorcas wouldn't extend God's love and peace.
Dorcas was an amazing woman, whose values concerning material possessions were aligned properly. She understood
that everything belonged to God, and that part of her stewardship was to give to others. Her life made such an impact on people around her that when she died her friends sent for Peter to raise her back to life.
As followers of Jesus, we have been called to be salt and light in a decaying and dark world. We are in desperate need
for more gazelles--people whose good works flow out of a heart of gratitude for their salvation in Jesus (Ephesians 2:10).
We can impact our world with simple and tangible acts of kindness (Luke 10:37)--washing cars, buying lunch, buying and pumping gas, cleaning someone's yard.
Let's lock arms and invest our lives in what matters most--serving God by helping people. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How can I show God's love in a practical way today?
* When I die, how do I think people will view my absence, as a loss or a benefit?
* What in life do I value most--things or people?
LINKS:
The Best Decision I Ever Made
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/003/17.18.html
bottom line: Generosity is giving what God gave you.
soul journey
Sunday, March 07, 2004
SCIENTISTS AND GOD
Psalm 104:24-33
24 How many are Your works, O Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. 25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number--living things both large and small. 26 There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which You formed to frolic there. 27 These all look to You to give them their food at the proper time. 28 When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. 29 When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to the dust.
30 When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth. 31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works-- 32 He who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. 33 I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
"All scientists--including agnostics and atheists--believe in God. They have to in order to do their work." So begins Vern Poythress in an article titled, "Why Scientists Must Believe in God." Obviously, there are scientists who deny God's existence. Those who believe in God, however, marvel at His creation.
This is what the psalmist so eloquently pictures in Psalm 104:24. We tend to think of God's commands as relating primarily to behavior that's good for us, as we find in the Ten Commandments. But what the psalmist is celebrating is the fact that God put the universe in motion and He holds it together (Colossians 1:17).
Scientists talk about randomness in nature, but the truth is that they couldn't do their research if things actually operated randomly. They can place satellites in specific fixed locations above the earth to keep our handheld GPS navigational units operating accurately, because God's natural laws are consistent and trustworthy. Try to position satellites in a solar system where the force of gravity fluctuates from day to day--and where a day could be either 13, 42 or 6 hours long--and it ain't gonna work! For laws to be laws, they must be consistent--always trustworthy.
Another fact is that these laws weren't invented by the scientists. They've always been there. Who brought those laws into being and enforces them? Logic tells you that laws imply a Lawgiver. Only intelligence recognizes Intelligence. Our clockwork universe points to a good, consistent, trustworthy, intelligent, and personal God.
"Somewhere out there" there is Somebody, not just impersonal laws. Some scientists don't like to hear that--because that might also mean Somebody is waiting for them to acknowledge His presence. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* When have I taken for granted the awesome, orderly universe of which I'm a part?
* How will I, like the psalmist, praise God for His mighty material works?
* Do I tend to see nature apart from God?
LINKS:
Where in the World Is God?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/9c5/9c5046.html
bottom line: Science ultimately points to God.
soul journey
Psalm 104:24-33
24 How many are Your works, O Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. 25 There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number--living things both large and small. 26 There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which You formed to frolic there. 27 These all look to You to give them their food at the proper time. 28 When You give it to them, they gather it up; when You open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. 29 When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to the dust.
30 When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth. 31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works-- 32 He who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. 33 I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
"All scientists--including agnostics and atheists--believe in God. They have to in order to do their work." So begins Vern Poythress in an article titled, "Why Scientists Must Believe in God." Obviously, there are scientists who deny God's existence. Those who believe in God, however, marvel at His creation.
This is what the psalmist so eloquently pictures in Psalm 104:24. We tend to think of God's commands as relating primarily to behavior that's good for us, as we find in the Ten Commandments. But what the psalmist is celebrating is the fact that God put the universe in motion and He holds it together (Colossians 1:17).
Scientists talk about randomness in nature, but the truth is that they couldn't do their research if things actually operated randomly. They can place satellites in specific fixed locations above the earth to keep our handheld GPS navigational units operating accurately, because God's natural laws are consistent and trustworthy. Try to position satellites in a solar system where the force of gravity fluctuates from day to day--and where a day could be either 13, 42 or 6 hours long--and it ain't gonna work! For laws to be laws, they must be consistent--always trustworthy.
Another fact is that these laws weren't invented by the scientists. They've always been there. Who brought those laws into being and enforces them? Logic tells you that laws imply a Lawgiver. Only intelligence recognizes Intelligence. Our clockwork universe points to a good, consistent, trustworthy, intelligent, and personal God.
"Somewhere out there" there is Somebody, not just impersonal laws. Some scientists don't like to hear that--because that might also mean Somebody is waiting for them to acknowledge His presence. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* When have I taken for granted the awesome, orderly universe of which I'm a part?
* How will I, like the psalmist, praise God for His mighty material works?
* Do I tend to see nature apart from God?
LINKS:
Where in the World Is God?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/9c5/9c5046.html
bottom line: Science ultimately points to God.
soul journey
Saturday, March 06, 2004
Today's scripture is Isaiah 1:19
"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land."
A healthy body. Enough money to pay all your bills and extra to invest in the work of the gospel. A godly marriage and happy, healthy children. Peace of mind. God has prepared a banquet full of blessings for you.
But those blessings are not just going to fall in your lap. You must be willing as well as obedient if you're going to eat the best from God's table.
So, be willing!
Don't be willing for Satan to put sickness on your body. Be willing, instead, to be well! In honor of Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary, refuse to accept anything less than divine health.
Don't be willing to live in lack, but be willing instead to live in divine prosperity and abundance. Refuse to allow Satan to stop the flow of God's financial blessings to you.
Be willing to receive God's best plan for your marriage and your children. Don't settle for the "norm" in the world. Live above it in a home full of love and harmony, a home that is what God meant it to be. Don't allow Satan to substitute anxiety and ulcers for the peace and undisturbedness that Jesus bought for you. Be willing and obedient to cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.
Refuse to be robbed of the banquet of blessings that have belonged to you since you became a believer. Be willing to eat the good of the land!
bible shack
"If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land."
A healthy body. Enough money to pay all your bills and extra to invest in the work of the gospel. A godly marriage and happy, healthy children. Peace of mind. God has prepared a banquet full of blessings for you.
But those blessings are not just going to fall in your lap. You must be willing as well as obedient if you're going to eat the best from God's table.
So, be willing!
Don't be willing for Satan to put sickness on your body. Be willing, instead, to be well! In honor of Jesus' sacrifice at Calvary, refuse to accept anything less than divine health.
Don't be willing to live in lack, but be willing instead to live in divine prosperity and abundance. Refuse to allow Satan to stop the flow of God's financial blessings to you.
Be willing to receive God's best plan for your marriage and your children. Don't settle for the "norm" in the world. Live above it in a home full of love and harmony, a home that is what God meant it to be. Don't allow Satan to substitute anxiety and ulcers for the peace and undisturbedness that Jesus bought for you. Be willing and obedient to cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.
Refuse to be robbed of the banquet of blessings that have belonged to you since you became a believer. Be willing to eat the good of the land!
bible shack
Thursday, March 04, 2004
My Beloved
By Cathy Irvin
The drawing force is summed up in one word, "LOVE." It is love that knits the Father's heart to ours and ours to His.
I remember when my little great-grand daughter "Destiny" was born. I longed for the day she would call me by name and finally that day came. I heard her little voice say "GiGI." You see, I told her I was her great-grandmother so I could be "Gi-Gi Ma." Her mother encouraged this by calling me GiGi Ma too when she would call her to the phone to talk to me.
Then one day she put two words together and said, "My GiGi," because I was holding her new baby brother, and she wanted me to put him down so she could climb up onto my lap. She smiled as I put him in his car seat. She got up on my lap and laid her head on my shoulder. I told her I would always love her and that no one could ever take her place, and no one will.
That is how our Father God feels when we call Him "Abba Father." He longs for us to put down anything that keeps us from putting Him first. He longs for that quality time to spend with us.
The other day I heard a song roll over in my mind. It says, "I am my Beloved and He is mine, His banner over me is love." The drawing force is summed up in one word, "LOVE." It is love that knits the Father's heart to ours and ours to His.
I am my beloved's,
And my beloved is mine.
He feeds his flock among the lilies (Song of Solomon 6:3).
Now, of course, Destiny has learned "My toys", because she is learning to take ownership of everything. Amazing, and she is only two years old.
I am longing for the day when she says, "My Jesus." But in the meantime, I try to teach her all about Him. I have just purchased the book Prayer of Jabez for Little Ones. She sits on my lap and looks at the pictures. I know children are good imitators of what they see sometimes more than of what they hear. I have started getting down on my knees and praying with her. "My Jesus, we love you. Thank you" and so on. I want her to watch and listen so she too will take ownership of Jesus as her personal Savior someday.
No matter how young or how old we are, we need "Our Jesus"! Nothing else can satisfy that longing in our hearts and no one else ever will!
cbn
By Cathy Irvin
The drawing force is summed up in one word, "LOVE." It is love that knits the Father's heart to ours and ours to His.
I remember when my little great-grand daughter "Destiny" was born. I longed for the day she would call me by name and finally that day came. I heard her little voice say "GiGI." You see, I told her I was her great-grandmother so I could be "Gi-Gi Ma." Her mother encouraged this by calling me GiGi Ma too when she would call her to the phone to talk to me.
Then one day she put two words together and said, "My GiGi," because I was holding her new baby brother, and she wanted me to put him down so she could climb up onto my lap. She smiled as I put him in his car seat. She got up on my lap and laid her head on my shoulder. I told her I would always love her and that no one could ever take her place, and no one will.
That is how our Father God feels when we call Him "Abba Father." He longs for us to put down anything that keeps us from putting Him first. He longs for that quality time to spend with us.
The other day I heard a song roll over in my mind. It says, "I am my Beloved and He is mine, His banner over me is love." The drawing force is summed up in one word, "LOVE." It is love that knits the Father's heart to ours and ours to His.
I am my beloved's,
And my beloved is mine.
He feeds his flock among the lilies (Song of Solomon 6:3).
Now, of course, Destiny has learned "My toys", because she is learning to take ownership of everything. Amazing, and she is only two years old.
I am longing for the day when she says, "My Jesus." But in the meantime, I try to teach her all about Him. I have just purchased the book Prayer of Jabez for Little Ones. She sits on my lap and looks at the pictures. I know children are good imitators of what they see sometimes more than of what they hear. I have started getting down on my knees and praying with her. "My Jesus, we love you. Thank you" and so on. I want her to watch and listen so she too will take ownership of Jesus as her personal Savior someday.
No matter how young or how old we are, we need "Our Jesus"! Nothing else can satisfy that longing in our hearts and no one else ever will!
cbn
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
WORSHIPFUL COMPANY
Colossians 3:22-4:6
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. . . .
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. . . .
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
During a visit to The Clockmakers' Museum in London, I was impressed to read that many creators of the magnificent timepieces on display were members of The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. What a great name! I thought. My mind began to race with the idea that perhaps John Harrison, who invented the chronometer, and others like him had acknowledged God as the master of our ordered universe and had been inspired by the heavens. The words of Matthew Bridges came to mind: "Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time; Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime."
I was getting carried away when I noticed another document referring to The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, which didn't seem quite as inspiring. A bit of research revealed that the old craft guilds or Livery Companies of London included the Worshipful Company of Bakers, Leathersellers, Carpenters, Launderers, and many others. It was just the name everyone used for these associations of craftsmen, many dating back hundreds of years. My balloon of inspiration had been deflated.
Then it occurred to me that--as a follower of Jesus--everything I do, including my work, should be an act of worship to God. Paul wrote to Christians who were slaves: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24).
As slaves, they had little choice about what they did, but they could decide how they did it. And like them, we can choose to serve Jesus through whatever task is ours today.
So why not find a fancy font on your computer and make a sign saying . . .
[your name] is a member of The Worshipful Company of [whatever you do] Students, Carpenters, Landscapers, Daycare Workers, you name it. Every morning when you see that sign, thank God for your task and tell Jesus you're going to do it for Him today. --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* How can I do my work as an act of worship to God today?
* Why are some people more concerned with finding a "more important" task than doing the responsibilities they already have?
* Who will care if I work with all my heart, "as working for the Lord, not for men" today?
LINKS:
The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers
http://www.clockmakers.org/
How Can I Find Satisfaction In My Work?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0708
bottom line: Worship God through your activity.
soul journey
Colossians 3:22-4:6
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. . . .
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. . . .
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
During a visit to The Clockmakers' Museum in London, I was impressed to read that many creators of the magnificent timepieces on display were members of The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers. What a great name! I thought. My mind began to race with the idea that perhaps John Harrison, who invented the chronometer, and others like him had acknowledged God as the master of our ordered universe and had been inspired by the heavens. The words of Matthew Bridges came to mind: "Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time; Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime."
I was getting carried away when I noticed another document referring to The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths, which didn't seem quite as inspiring. A bit of research revealed that the old craft guilds or Livery Companies of London included the Worshipful Company of Bakers, Leathersellers, Carpenters, Launderers, and many others. It was just the name everyone used for these associations of craftsmen, many dating back hundreds of years. My balloon of inspiration had been deflated.
Then it occurred to me that--as a follower of Jesus--everything I do, including my work, should be an act of worship to God. Paul wrote to Christians who were slaves: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24).
As slaves, they had little choice about what they did, but they could decide how they did it. And like them, we can choose to serve Jesus through whatever task is ours today.
So why not find a fancy font on your computer and make a sign saying . . .
[your name] is a member of The Worshipful Company of [whatever you do] Students, Carpenters, Landscapers, Daycare Workers, you name it. Every morning when you see that sign, thank God for your task and tell Jesus you're going to do it for Him today. --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* How can I do my work as an act of worship to God today?
* Why are some people more concerned with finding a "more important" task than doing the responsibilities they already have?
* Who will care if I work with all my heart, "as working for the Lord, not for men" today?
LINKS:
The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers
http://www.clockmakers.org/
How Can I Find Satisfaction In My Work?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0708
bottom line: Worship God through your activity.
soul journey
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Going Out & Coming In
Read: Numbers 27:15-23
At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in. —Numbers 27:21
The phrase "at his word" is used twice in Numbers 27:21 to emphasize how God would guide Israel. Joshua was to direct Israel to "go out" and "come in" based on what God told Eleazer the priest.
How often do we make a decision to go somewhere or do something based on our pride, personal ambition, or merely to keep busy? How often do we go only because someone we long to please asked us to go, rather than because we want to please the Lord? When we "go out" to pursue our own desires instead of following God's leading, we will be frustrated in our efforts and left empty and disappointed.
But when we go out at the Lord's prompting and direction, "at His word," He is responsible for the outcome. The result will be fruitful labor, whether we know it or not.
The time to "come in" is also ordered by the Lord. There are times to retreat—to pray, to fill our hearts with His Word, to rest our bodies.
We must come daily before our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus, and receive His instruction. If we bow before Him and ask for His guidance, He will help us to know what to do and when to do it. —David Roper
We need to take the time each day
To read God's Word and pray,
And listen for what He might say
To guide us on our way. —Sper
You can't go wrong if you follow God's lead.
daily bread
Read: Numbers 27:15-23
At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in. —Numbers 27:21
The phrase "at his word" is used twice in Numbers 27:21 to emphasize how God would guide Israel. Joshua was to direct Israel to "go out" and "come in" based on what God told Eleazer the priest.
How often do we make a decision to go somewhere or do something based on our pride, personal ambition, or merely to keep busy? How often do we go only because someone we long to please asked us to go, rather than because we want to please the Lord? When we "go out" to pursue our own desires instead of following God's leading, we will be frustrated in our efforts and left empty and disappointed.
But when we go out at the Lord's prompting and direction, "at His word," He is responsible for the outcome. The result will be fruitful labor, whether we know it or not.
The time to "come in" is also ordered by the Lord. There are times to retreat—to pray, to fill our hearts with His Word, to rest our bodies.
We must come daily before our great High Priest, the Lord Jesus, and receive His instruction. If we bow before Him and ask for His guidance, He will help us to know what to do and when to do it. —David Roper
We need to take the time each day
To read God's Word and pray,
And listen for what He might say
To guide us on our way. —Sper
You can't go wrong if you follow God's lead.
daily bread
Monday, March 01, 2004
WE ARE NOT THE OSBOURNES!
Ephesians 6:1-4
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise--3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
The Osbournes is a reality-TV family of daunting popularity that features drug-addled dinosaur rocker Ozzy Osbourne and his real-life wife, son, and daughter. Much to the satisfaction of MTV, every obscenity brings more viewers, making the weekly "Ozzyfest" one of the most popular shows on cable. What was once considered unmentionable, now constitutes entertainment.
Read Ephesians 6:1-4. The apostle Paul said we can resurrect the functional family in the community of faith as children and parents fulfill their divine responsibilities. Children are to obey and honor their parents. Parents are to inspire their children through consistent and God-honoring instruction and are not to make them angry by taking unfair advantage of them. When we fulfill our divine responsibilities, three significant things happen:
We recognize God-ordained authority and blessings. Parents are God's representatives of authority here on earth, and children are God's wonderful blessings to parents. Parents have the authority because God has given it to them. Children are a blessing because God has called them so (Psalm 128). When children and parents fulfill their roles, they acknowledge God's authority and His blessings in their lives.
We reveal our worship to God. When children and parents fulfill their divine roles, they bring pleasure to God. In the Jewish community, obeying and honoring parents was second only to honoring God. The family relationship between parents and children is an opportunity to carry out our obedience and worship to the Lord.
We represent God in a godless culture. Children and parents who fulfill their responsibilities reveal God's way and repel the philosophy that says it's cool to be the Osbournes.
When we live out our divine roles, we put an end to the conflict between parents and children, but we also preserve
the distinctiveness of God's people. We live under His blessing and become candidates for success, prosperity, and longevity from God. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How is my family doing in living out our God-ordained roles? How can I encourage them more?
* In what ways do I need to obey and honor my parents more?
* How can I make the Bible a bigger part of my family?
LINKS:
My Family's Falling Apart
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/8c4/8c4038.html
Watch The Osbournes?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/005/20.37.html
bottom line: The family is God's idea.
soul journey
Ephesians 6:1-4
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise--3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
The Osbournes is a reality-TV family of daunting popularity that features drug-addled dinosaur rocker Ozzy Osbourne and his real-life wife, son, and daughter. Much to the satisfaction of MTV, every obscenity brings more viewers, making the weekly "Ozzyfest" one of the most popular shows on cable. What was once considered unmentionable, now constitutes entertainment.
Read Ephesians 6:1-4. The apostle Paul said we can resurrect the functional family in the community of faith as children and parents fulfill their divine responsibilities. Children are to obey and honor their parents. Parents are to inspire their children through consistent and God-honoring instruction and are not to make them angry by taking unfair advantage of them. When we fulfill our divine responsibilities, three significant things happen:
We recognize God-ordained authority and blessings. Parents are God's representatives of authority here on earth, and children are God's wonderful blessings to parents. Parents have the authority because God has given it to them. Children are a blessing because God has called them so (Psalm 128). When children and parents fulfill their roles, they acknowledge God's authority and His blessings in their lives.
We reveal our worship to God. When children and parents fulfill their divine roles, they bring pleasure to God. In the Jewish community, obeying and honoring parents was second only to honoring God. The family relationship between parents and children is an opportunity to carry out our obedience and worship to the Lord.
We represent God in a godless culture. Children and parents who fulfill their responsibilities reveal God's way and repel the philosophy that says it's cool to be the Osbournes.
When we live out our divine roles, we put an end to the conflict between parents and children, but we also preserve
the distinctiveness of God's people. We live under His blessing and become candidates for success, prosperity, and longevity from God. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How is my family doing in living out our God-ordained roles? How can I encourage them more?
* In what ways do I need to obey and honor my parents more?
* How can I make the Bible a bigger part of my family?
LINKS:
My Family's Falling Apart
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/8c4/8c4038.html
Watch The Osbournes?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/005/20.37.html
bottom line: The family is God's idea.
soul journey