WHAT'S FOLLOWING YOU?
Psalm 23
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, 3 He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup
overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 64:2
Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers.
While my husband Jay pruned shrubs, our dog slept quietly in the grass, her leash fastened to the garbage can to keep her from wandering away. All was peaceful in our front yard.
Then the neighbor came over to pet Maggie. Startled, Maggie bolted to escape, dragging the garbage can behind her. The clanging can intensified Maggie's terror, and she tried frantically to outrun it. But the faster Maggie ran, the louder the garbage can clanged and banged from driveway to sidewalk to street. Jay ran after her, but she was too frightened to let him get close. As Maggie and Jay circled the cul de sac, garbage flew in all directions. Neighbors came outside to watch the circus. To stop Maggie, Jay finally had to tackle the garbage can.
Oddly enough, Maggie's trash can catastrophe reminded me of Psalm 23. In this ancient passage known for providing comfort, I found a new insight.
The first five verses tell how God gently leads and feeds us, cares for and protects us. But verse 6 introduces a subtle change. Instead of talking about the way God leads us, the psalmist speaks of what follows us. According to the text, goodness and love follow me as I follow God. In other words, His loving care is following me throughout my life.
Like Maggie, some people are fastened to garbage cans. As long as life goes smoothly, they sleep peacefully, unaware of impending danger. But even a small disruption startles them. They try to escape but find themselves tied to the garbage can of empty values and false promises. In trying to get free, they leave a trail of distrust and misunderstanding.
As believers in Jesus, though, we can have confidence in knowing that as we follow God, His goodness and love are backing us up. As we turn to the one true God who replicates His character within us, we can leave a trail of His goodness and love in this world. --Julie Ackerman Link
DESTINATION POINTS
* Is my life tied to the trash can of worldly values or to the treasure chest of God's love?
* How does it make me feel to know that God's goodness is always with me?
LINKS:
The Lord Is My Shepherd
http://www.discoveryseries.org/hp952
Bottom line: God's love and goodness will never leave us.
soul journey
Thursday, April 29, 2004
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Prayer: A Matter Of Life Or Death!
By Linda Brown
Will you answer the important call to help restore our church and our nation?
Prayer: It's a matter of life or death for our church; it's a matter of life or death for our nation. I'm convinced that in order to have the spiritual power we so desperately need, we MUST be united as a church and as a nation, and we MUST be persistent in our prayer life. If there is discord among the members of a church or the citizens of a nation, the Lord will never bless us. This is the enemy's strategy to get our focus off of God and onto one another. We MUST NOT allow ourselves to fall into this deadly trap! Thus, the need to join together as a community of love and prayer -- our only hope -- is our power against the world.
Imagine what we can accomplish when we are united. The story of the Tower of Babel, found in Genesis 11:5-6, presents a powerful illustration of what we can accomplish when we are united in spirit:
"But when the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower, he said: These people are working together because they all speak the same language. This is just the beginning. Soon they will be able to do anything they want."
And we can also look to American history for the power of prayer. With his army facing starvation at Valley Forge, General George Washington turned to God in prayer. During a bitter dispute that threatened to divide the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin rose and called on his colleagues to pray. At a crucial time during the Civil War, with his nation on the brink of disaster, Abraham Lincoln "got down on [his] knees before Almighty God and prayed."
In the midst of great trials, America's leaders have turned to God in prayer. These men of action knew they desperately needed His help for America to survive. As Ben Franklin said, "If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"
Prayer worked for Washington, for Franklin, and for Lincoln. And it can help save America today. Will you answer the important call to help restore our church and our nation? As it says in James 5:16, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (KJV). With so much at stake, help re-kindle the spiritual fire in our church and in our nation through prayer and unity.
cbn
By Linda Brown
Will you answer the important call to help restore our church and our nation?
Prayer: It's a matter of life or death for our church; it's a matter of life or death for our nation. I'm convinced that in order to have the spiritual power we so desperately need, we MUST be united as a church and as a nation, and we MUST be persistent in our prayer life. If there is discord among the members of a church or the citizens of a nation, the Lord will never bless us. This is the enemy's strategy to get our focus off of God and onto one another. We MUST NOT allow ourselves to fall into this deadly trap! Thus, the need to join together as a community of love and prayer -- our only hope -- is our power against the world.
Imagine what we can accomplish when we are united. The story of the Tower of Babel, found in Genesis 11:5-6, presents a powerful illustration of what we can accomplish when we are united in spirit:
"But when the Lord came down to look at the city and the tower, he said: These people are working together because they all speak the same language. This is just the beginning. Soon they will be able to do anything they want."
And we can also look to American history for the power of prayer. With his army facing starvation at Valley Forge, General George Washington turned to God in prayer. During a bitter dispute that threatened to divide the Constitutional Convention, Ben Franklin rose and called on his colleagues to pray. At a crucial time during the Civil War, with his nation on the brink of disaster, Abraham Lincoln "got down on [his] knees before Almighty God and prayed."
In the midst of great trials, America's leaders have turned to God in prayer. These men of action knew they desperately needed His help for America to survive. As Ben Franklin said, "If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?"
Prayer worked for Washington, for Franklin, and for Lincoln. And it can help save America today. Will you answer the important call to help restore our church and our nation? As it says in James 5:16, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (KJV). With so much at stake, help re-kindle the spiritual fire in our church and in our nation through prayer and unity.
cbn
Tuesday, April 27, 2004
PRAYING FOR THE SICK
James 5:13-16
13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
One of the joys of being a church leader is to care for and show compassion toward people by praying for their physical and emotional healing. Because the biblical teaching of anointing with oil and praying for the sick has been misunderstood and abused, many believers tend to shy away from the teaching and practice. But James 5:14-16 is unmistakable in its instruction. There are at least five concepts that should guide our practice of anointing and praying for the sick.
1. Anointing with oil and praying for the sick is taught in Scripture and was practiced in the early church. If the practice
does not fit within our grid of thinking and experience, we should study the Bible for greater understanding.
2. Elders have been given authority to act on behalf of Jesus in some matters. Elders in the church possess no special gift of healing or special righteousness. They are given the privilege and responsibility to anoint and pray in faith for the sick in the name and by the authority of Jesus.
3. The oil itself has no special power, but it probably had a couple of purposes. It was a sign of faith, and it was a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit providing healing, comfort, and assurance.
4. We should pray confidently (in faith) for complete healing until it is obvious and evident that God has chosen to heal or to do otherwise. God heals supernaturally and He heals naturally through physicians and medical breakthroughs.
5. God is sovereign. He is not obligated to heal everyone or anyone. However, some will be healed and some will not. Instead of attempting to manipulate and bargain with God, we should ask for healing in faith.
If God chooses to heal someone we pray for, all praise, honor, and glory should be given to Him. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* What do I believe about anointing and praying for the sick?
* Whenwas the last time I prayed for someone who was sick?
* How does thefact that God is sovereign affect my thinking about praying for those who are ill?
LINKS:
Does God Want Me Well?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0104
God's Word Of Life On Prayer
http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/syatp/features/prayer.html
bottom line: God can heal our souls and our bodies.
soul journey
James 5:13-16
13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
One of the joys of being a church leader is to care for and show compassion toward people by praying for their physical and emotional healing. Because the biblical teaching of anointing with oil and praying for the sick has been misunderstood and abused, many believers tend to shy away from the teaching and practice. But James 5:14-16 is unmistakable in its instruction. There are at least five concepts that should guide our practice of anointing and praying for the sick.
1. Anointing with oil and praying for the sick is taught in Scripture and was practiced in the early church. If the practice
does not fit within our grid of thinking and experience, we should study the Bible for greater understanding.
2. Elders have been given authority to act on behalf of Jesus in some matters. Elders in the church possess no special gift of healing or special righteousness. They are given the privilege and responsibility to anoint and pray in faith for the sick in the name and by the authority of Jesus.
3. The oil itself has no special power, but it probably had a couple of purposes. It was a sign of faith, and it was a symbol of the presence of the Holy Spirit providing healing, comfort, and assurance.
4. We should pray confidently (in faith) for complete healing until it is obvious and evident that God has chosen to heal or to do otherwise. God heals supernaturally and He heals naturally through physicians and medical breakthroughs.
5. God is sovereign. He is not obligated to heal everyone or anyone. However, some will be healed and some will not. Instead of attempting to manipulate and bargain with God, we should ask for healing in faith.
If God chooses to heal someone we pray for, all praise, honor, and glory should be given to Him. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* What do I believe about anointing and praying for the sick?
* Whenwas the last time I prayed for someone who was sick?
* How does thefact that God is sovereign affect my thinking about praying for those who are ill?
LINKS:
Does God Want Me Well?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0104
God's Word Of Life On Prayer
http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/syatp/features/prayer.html
bottom line: God can heal our souls and our bodies.
soul journey
Monday, April 26, 2004
Today's scripture is 2 Peter 1:2
"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord."
If you were to look up the Greek word that's translated "knowledge" in that scripture, you'd find out that it means more than just a mental understanding of something, more than the kind of knowledge that can be gained through your senses. It means exact knowledge. Knowledge that's been revealed directly to your heart by the Spirit of God. I call it revelation knowledge.
The lack of that kind of knowledge has caused more faith failures than anything else I know. That's because most Christians believe the Word with their minds, but they haven't meditated on it enough for it to "light up" in their hearts. If they had, that Word would absolutely revolutionize their lives. Nothing in heaven or earth would be able to shake them loose from it.
I know a widow who got hold of that kind of revelation one afternoon. She'd been meditating in the scriptures that say if
you're a widow, God Almighty has taken His place as your provider and leader of your household.
She'd been feeling a little sorry for herself up until then. But when she received the revelation that God was actually head of her household now, she started talking to Him like she would a husband. "I'm telling You, Lord, the plumbing in this house is pitiful. Will You please get it fixed?" she said. From that moment on, she never had any more trouble with her plumbing.
If you need something from God, determine right now that you're going to do what that widow did. Determine that you're going to meditate the Word until you get a revelation like that. Keep that Word before you until you receive a revelation of Jesus as your healer or your deliverer or your financier--whatever you need Him to be. Don't settle for a shallow
mental understanding of Him. Get a deep revelation and His grace will be multiplied to you!
bible shack
"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord."
If you were to look up the Greek word that's translated "knowledge" in that scripture, you'd find out that it means more than just a mental understanding of something, more than the kind of knowledge that can be gained through your senses. It means exact knowledge. Knowledge that's been revealed directly to your heart by the Spirit of God. I call it revelation knowledge.
The lack of that kind of knowledge has caused more faith failures than anything else I know. That's because most Christians believe the Word with their minds, but they haven't meditated on it enough for it to "light up" in their hearts. If they had, that Word would absolutely revolutionize their lives. Nothing in heaven or earth would be able to shake them loose from it.
I know a widow who got hold of that kind of revelation one afternoon. She'd been meditating in the scriptures that say if
you're a widow, God Almighty has taken His place as your provider and leader of your household.
She'd been feeling a little sorry for herself up until then. But when she received the revelation that God was actually head of her household now, she started talking to Him like she would a husband. "I'm telling You, Lord, the plumbing in this house is pitiful. Will You please get it fixed?" she said. From that moment on, she never had any more trouble with her plumbing.
If you need something from God, determine right now that you're going to do what that widow did. Determine that you're going to meditate the Word until you get a revelation like that. Keep that Word before you until you receive a revelation of Jesus as your healer or your deliverer or your financier--whatever you need Him to be. Don't settle for a shallow
mental understanding of Him. Get a deep revelation and His grace will be multiplied to you!
bible shack
Sunday, April 25, 2004
LIVING HONESTLY
1 Chronicles 29:11-18
11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all. . . . 16 O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building You a temple for Your Holy Name, it comes from Your hand, and all of it belongs to You. 17 I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have
I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly Your people who are here have given to You. 18 O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of Your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to You.
Caedmon's Call has been cranking out quality tunes for 10 years now. They're a band known for insightful lyrics and their own unique sound.
In 2003, guitarist and vocalist Derek Webb left the group to go solo. In an interview for Deeperdevotion.com, Derek described how God led him into his new music ministry. He also said some words about honesty that burned straight to my heart:
"The main thing that Christian [musical] artists are lacking right now in my opinion is honesty. A lot of [them] come in with the fa?ade of victorious Christian lives. This kind of perfect righteousness that they model isn't what's really true about us as believers. Our Savior is great but we are not; our Savior is righteous but we are not. I would prefer to see Christian artists be honest about their sins and struggles, and for the Christian community to embrace a perspective of the gospel to where they can deal with that."
Derek's words struck a chord with me because, like King David, I've often tried to hide my ugly side. Let someone know I'm struggling with a sin? Be honest with others about some dirt on my doorstep? That's scary stuff.
It's easier to appear confident and holy. But it didn't work for David and it won't work for us. You know his story. David failed miserably in his life. But when he came clean--when he chose honesty over self-protection--God disciplined him, but also blessed him.
At the end of his life, as the king was handing the kingdom off to his son Solomon, David was thinking about honesty: "I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent" (1 Chronicles 29:17). He was being real before God.
Are you putting on a "perfect Christian" fa?ade? Lose it. Be honest about your struggles and point to Jesus as the only perfect One. His grace can handle your honesty. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What things am I trying to hide from God and others?
* How will my life change as I open up about my struggles and reveal my sin?
bottom line: Honesty is being real--not appearing holy.
soul journey
1 Chronicles 29:11-18
11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all. . . . 16 O Lord our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building You a temple for Your Holy Name, it comes from Your hand, and all of it belongs to You. 17 I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have
I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly Your people who are here have given to You. 18 O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this desire in the hearts of Your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to You.
Caedmon's Call has been cranking out quality tunes for 10 years now. They're a band known for insightful lyrics and their own unique sound.
In 2003, guitarist and vocalist Derek Webb left the group to go solo. In an interview for Deeperdevotion.com, Derek described how God led him into his new music ministry. He also said some words about honesty that burned straight to my heart:
"The main thing that Christian [musical] artists are lacking right now in my opinion is honesty. A lot of [them] come in with the fa?ade of victorious Christian lives. This kind of perfect righteousness that they model isn't what's really true about us as believers. Our Savior is great but we are not; our Savior is righteous but we are not. I would prefer to see Christian artists be honest about their sins and struggles, and for the Christian community to embrace a perspective of the gospel to where they can deal with that."
Derek's words struck a chord with me because, like King David, I've often tried to hide my ugly side. Let someone know I'm struggling with a sin? Be honest with others about some dirt on my doorstep? That's scary stuff.
It's easier to appear confident and holy. But it didn't work for David and it won't work for us. You know his story. David failed miserably in his life. But when he came clean--when he chose honesty over self-protection--God disciplined him, but also blessed him.
At the end of his life, as the king was handing the kingdom off to his son Solomon, David was thinking about honesty: "I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent" (1 Chronicles 29:17). He was being real before God.
Are you putting on a "perfect Christian" fa?ade? Lose it. Be honest about your struggles and point to Jesus as the only perfect One. His grace can handle your honesty. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What things am I trying to hide from God and others?
* How will my life change as I open up about my struggles and reveal my sin?
bottom line: Honesty is being real--not appearing holy.
soul journey
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Today's scripture is Galatians 6:7
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
If you feel like you're under pressure these days, you're not alone. Satan is putting more pressure on more people right now than ever before. He's pressuring us mentally, financially, emotionally and every other way he can. The pressure has gotten so great everywhere that governments don't know what to do. Businesses don't know what to do. Families don't know. Churches don't know. But, praise God, Jesus does! He says we can give our way right out from under any pressure the devil brings to bear.
Giving is always Jesus' way out. Whenever there's a need, He plants seed! In fact, in Mark 4, He compares the entire kingdom of God to a seed. Just think about the importance of seeds for a moment. Every living thing on this earth came from a seed. You came from a seed. Then you were born again from the seed of God's Word. Jesus Himself was The Seed planted by God. God sowed Him in sacrifice. He came forth and grew up into many brethren.
So, when Satan puts you under pressure, go to Jesus and let Him tell you how and where to plant. If you'll do it, that seed will grow up until it breaks the powers of darkness and lack. It will release you from the pressure the devil's been putting on you.
I've seen it happen. When Jerry Savelle first began to work for my ministry, he didn't have but one suit of clothes and one shirt with a pair of slacks to his name. He wore one, then the other, night after night to every service we held. He didn't have the money to even think about buying another suit. I'm telling you, he was under pressure where clothes were concerned!
Then he found out about the principle of seed-faith and harvest. So, he went downtown in the city where we were in a meeting and found a fellow on the street who needed clothes and gave him some. Immediately people started giving Jerry clothes. It started in that meeting and they've been doing it ever since. Today, there are many preachers in Africa wearing Jerry Savelle suits! (Even if the sleeves and pant legs are way too short!) He's still sowing and reaping the greatest clothes harvest I've ever seen.
If the devil's pressuring you, don't panic...plant! Plant your time. Plant your money. Plant the clothes off your back. When your harvest comes in, you can laugh and say, "Hey, Devil, who's feeling the pressure now?"
bible shack
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
If you feel like you're under pressure these days, you're not alone. Satan is putting more pressure on more people right now than ever before. He's pressuring us mentally, financially, emotionally and every other way he can. The pressure has gotten so great everywhere that governments don't know what to do. Businesses don't know what to do. Families don't know. Churches don't know. But, praise God, Jesus does! He says we can give our way right out from under any pressure the devil brings to bear.
Giving is always Jesus' way out. Whenever there's a need, He plants seed! In fact, in Mark 4, He compares the entire kingdom of God to a seed. Just think about the importance of seeds for a moment. Every living thing on this earth came from a seed. You came from a seed. Then you were born again from the seed of God's Word. Jesus Himself was The Seed planted by God. God sowed Him in sacrifice. He came forth and grew up into many brethren.
So, when Satan puts you under pressure, go to Jesus and let Him tell you how and where to plant. If you'll do it, that seed will grow up until it breaks the powers of darkness and lack. It will release you from the pressure the devil's been putting on you.
I've seen it happen. When Jerry Savelle first began to work for my ministry, he didn't have but one suit of clothes and one shirt with a pair of slacks to his name. He wore one, then the other, night after night to every service we held. He didn't have the money to even think about buying another suit. I'm telling you, he was under pressure where clothes were concerned!
Then he found out about the principle of seed-faith and harvest. So, he went downtown in the city where we were in a meeting and found a fellow on the street who needed clothes and gave him some. Immediately people started giving Jerry clothes. It started in that meeting and they've been doing it ever since. Today, there are many preachers in Africa wearing Jerry Savelle suits! (Even if the sleeves and pant legs are way too short!) He's still sowing and reaping the greatest clothes harvest I've ever seen.
If the devil's pressuring you, don't panic...plant! Plant your time. Plant your money. Plant the clothes off your back. When your harvest comes in, you can laugh and say, "Hey, Devil, who's feeling the pressure now?"
bible shack
Too Much of a Good Thing
By Steven Halter
Too often, we as Christians believe in the wrong things, and we are quick to believe in them, too!
Faith is a wonderful thing. We have been saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). By faith we have become children of God (John 1:12). With faith, it is possible to please God (Heb. 11:6). When we believe God, impossible things become possible.
But can we believe too much? "Certainly not!" you may say. But to really answer that question, we have to consider what and in Whom we are believing. Too often, we as Christians believe in the wrong things, and we are quick to believe in them, too!
For example, sometimes we're quick to believe in gossip about co-workers (2 Cor. 12:20). We may believe the latest rumors about celebrities. We might believe misinformation and slander about politicians. Bosses could believe a bad report about employees. By doing these things, we can hurt others by believing (and sometimes acting on) something about them that is not true. We misjudge them, and we make it worse by telling others the half-truths and lies we've believed.
Sometimes we hurt ourselves more directly by believing whatever teaching we hear. Or we may believe a smooth talking con artist who is utilizing the latest financial scheme.
How can we protect ourselves and keep from hurting others? There are a number of things we can do. One thing is to not believe just one side of a story that is told about someone. We need to hear both sides of a story, then we can understand the situation better (Prov. 18:17).
In addition, we can protect ourselves from false doctrine by comparing what we hear to the whole counsel of the Bible (Acts 17:10-12; Eph. 4:14). We should test everything with the Bible and the guidance of the Spirit (1 John 4:1; 1 Th. 5:21).
Let us resolve to not hurt ourselves or others by believing in things that we shouldn't. Let us ask the Lord to give us discernment about what is true and wisdom about what is right. Jesus Himself once said to His disciples, "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matt. 10:16). James wrote, "If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you" (James 1:5).
Yes, faith is a wonderful thing! But let's not have too much of a good thing. Let's keep God and His truth as the focus of our faith. When we do that, we will be a brighter light to the world around us (Mat. 5:14). And as God helps us to grow in these areas, we will become more like our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus! We will be more conformed to image of God's Son (Rom. 8:29). Thank God that His love is everlasting towards us as we continue to grow in Him.
cbn
By Steven Halter
Too often, we as Christians believe in the wrong things, and we are quick to believe in them, too!
Faith is a wonderful thing. We have been saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8). By faith we have become children of God (John 1:12). With faith, it is possible to please God (Heb. 11:6). When we believe God, impossible things become possible.
But can we believe too much? "Certainly not!" you may say. But to really answer that question, we have to consider what and in Whom we are believing. Too often, we as Christians believe in the wrong things, and we are quick to believe in them, too!
For example, sometimes we're quick to believe in gossip about co-workers (2 Cor. 12:20). We may believe the latest rumors about celebrities. We might believe misinformation and slander about politicians. Bosses could believe a bad report about employees. By doing these things, we can hurt others by believing (and sometimes acting on) something about them that is not true. We misjudge them, and we make it worse by telling others the half-truths and lies we've believed.
Sometimes we hurt ourselves more directly by believing whatever teaching we hear. Or we may believe a smooth talking con artist who is utilizing the latest financial scheme.
How can we protect ourselves and keep from hurting others? There are a number of things we can do. One thing is to not believe just one side of a story that is told about someone. We need to hear both sides of a story, then we can understand the situation better (Prov. 18:17).
In addition, we can protect ourselves from false doctrine by comparing what we hear to the whole counsel of the Bible (Acts 17:10-12; Eph. 4:14). We should test everything with the Bible and the guidance of the Spirit (1 John 4:1; 1 Th. 5:21).
Let us resolve to not hurt ourselves or others by believing in things that we shouldn't. Let us ask the Lord to give us discernment about what is true and wisdom about what is right. Jesus Himself once said to His disciples, "be wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matt. 10:16). James wrote, "If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you" (James 1:5).
Yes, faith is a wonderful thing! But let's not have too much of a good thing. Let's keep God and His truth as the focus of our faith. When we do that, we will be a brighter light to the world around us (Mat. 5:14). And as God helps us to grow in these areas, we will become more like our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus! We will be more conformed to image of God's Son (Rom. 8:29). Thank God that His love is everlasting towards us as we continue to grow in Him.
cbn
Thursday, April 22, 2004
CLEAN ENOUGH?
Isaiah 6:1-8
1 I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above Him were seraphs, each with six wings. . . . 3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory." 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!
Imagine for a moment that your close friend is a surgeon. You set up an appointment to "do lunch." You show up on time--precisely at 11:30 a.m.
At the reception desk you are told that the good doctor is finishing up triple-bypass surgery and will be a few more minutes. You look at the wall clock that reads 11:49 a.m. Concerned about being stuck in the crowd at the restaurant, you decide to talk to the doctor in person. You walk directly into the surgery room and crowd in between the surgeon and the nurse who is assisting him with the instruments.
"How much longer do you think you are going to be?" you ask, looking at your watch. You then turn your eyes to your friend who is wearing a mask, robe, and surgical gloves.
This illustration points out the absurdity of two different concepts of "clean enough." For you, being clean means having taken your daily shower, wearing clean clothes, and washing your hands. In your own eyes, you are certainly acceptable.
But in the eyes of the surgical team (and the one being operated on) you are ill-prepared to come into their presence. You bring in unwanted bacteria on the bottom of your shoes, you exhale germs into the air, and your clean clothes dispel other microscopic creatures.
There is a biblical parallel to this. Centuries ago, the prophet Isaiah, standing in the presence of a holy God, realized that he was not spiritually "clean enough" (Isaiah 6:3). Seeing the radiance of God's holiness made him aware of his own sinful imperfections (v.5).
God has provided a way, however, for us to be cleansed and made ready to enter His presence in joyous reunion. "God made Him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Your good works will not get you into heaven but being cleansed by the blood of Jesus will. --Dennis Fisher
DESTINATION POINTS
* What stands out to me in the parallel between the surgery room and God's presence?
* Why do so many people try to trust in their own good works instead of Jesus' payment for their sin?
* Is there someone I know who needs to hear about God's gift of cleansing and eternal life?
LINKS:
Would you like to know how you can have a personal relationship with God?
http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/salvation
bottom line: Only in Jesus are we made completely clean.
soul journey
Isaiah 6:1-8
1 I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above Him were seraphs, each with six wings. . . . 3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory." 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. 5 "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." 8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!
Imagine for a moment that your close friend is a surgeon. You set up an appointment to "do lunch." You show up on time--precisely at 11:30 a.m.
At the reception desk you are told that the good doctor is finishing up triple-bypass surgery and will be a few more minutes. You look at the wall clock that reads 11:49 a.m. Concerned about being stuck in the crowd at the restaurant, you decide to talk to the doctor in person. You walk directly into the surgery room and crowd in between the surgeon and the nurse who is assisting him with the instruments.
"How much longer do you think you are going to be?" you ask, looking at your watch. You then turn your eyes to your friend who is wearing a mask, robe, and surgical gloves.
This illustration points out the absurdity of two different concepts of "clean enough." For you, being clean means having taken your daily shower, wearing clean clothes, and washing your hands. In your own eyes, you are certainly acceptable.
But in the eyes of the surgical team (and the one being operated on) you are ill-prepared to come into their presence. You bring in unwanted bacteria on the bottom of your shoes, you exhale germs into the air, and your clean clothes dispel other microscopic creatures.
There is a biblical parallel to this. Centuries ago, the prophet Isaiah, standing in the presence of a holy God, realized that he was not spiritually "clean enough" (Isaiah 6:3). Seeing the radiance of God's holiness made him aware of his own sinful imperfections (v.5).
God has provided a way, however, for us to be cleansed and made ready to enter His presence in joyous reunion. "God made Him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). Your good works will not get you into heaven but being cleansed by the blood of Jesus will. --Dennis Fisher
DESTINATION POINTS
* What stands out to me in the parallel between the surgery room and God's presence?
* Why do so many people try to trust in their own good works instead of Jesus' payment for their sin?
* Is there someone I know who needs to hear about God's gift of cleansing and eternal life?
LINKS:
Would you like to know how you can have a personal relationship with God?
http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/salvation
bottom line: Only in Jesus are we made completely clean.
soul journey
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
No Time to Slumber
By Cathy Irvin
Sometimes in life we get sidetracked, distracted, or just plain lazy in our prayer times with the Lord. Beloved, this is not the hour to slumber. It is time for all of us to wake up and hear the call to pray. There are many things to pray for at this very moment. We need revival. We need God to help us fight terrorism. We need God's grace and mercy to keep our loved ones safe. We are told to pray for those in leadership positions, such as the President, and to pray concerning the current world situation.
We don't have any excuses. How can we say that we are too busy or don't know how to pray? Jesus teaches us how to pray in the Word of God. It is the quality of our prayers that God is interested in and not how long they are.
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16b
We must make time for this important aspect of our Christian life. It is our duty. The Lord wants soldiers of prayer. He is calling for prayer warriors and intercessors. Find your place in the ranks. Step up and do your part. If you think about the lives depending on your prayers, then you will feel a sense of worth every day as we pray during this War.
Perhaps you may want to use this prayer.
"Lord teach my hands to war for those things you have told me to pray for. Let me not be idle while the world around me is in turmoil. Help me to know that you hear and answer me when I pray. I give you permission to speak to me about what I should pray for and help me to be obedient. I choose to start now and will look for ways to pray effectively."
The clock is ticking and the hour has struck. We must wake up and answer the call to pray. There are books to help you learn how to pray at the local Christian bookstores and libraries. Also, more information is available on the Web pages listed below:
Answered Prayer
Intercession
cbn
By Cathy Irvin
Sometimes in life we get sidetracked, distracted, or just plain lazy in our prayer times with the Lord. Beloved, this is not the hour to slumber. It is time for all of us to wake up and hear the call to pray. There are many things to pray for at this very moment. We need revival. We need God to help us fight terrorism. We need God's grace and mercy to keep our loved ones safe. We are told to pray for those in leadership positions, such as the President, and to pray concerning the current world situation.
We don't have any excuses. How can we say that we are too busy or don't know how to pray? Jesus teaches us how to pray in the Word of God. It is the quality of our prayers that God is interested in and not how long they are.
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16b
We must make time for this important aspect of our Christian life. It is our duty. The Lord wants soldiers of prayer. He is calling for prayer warriors and intercessors. Find your place in the ranks. Step up and do your part. If you think about the lives depending on your prayers, then you will feel a sense of worth every day as we pray during this War.
Perhaps you may want to use this prayer.
"Lord teach my hands to war for those things you have told me to pray for. Let me not be idle while the world around me is in turmoil. Help me to know that you hear and answer me when I pray. I give you permission to speak to me about what I should pray for and help me to be obedient. I choose to start now and will look for ways to pray effectively."
The clock is ticking and the hour has struck. We must wake up and answer the call to pray. There are books to help you learn how to pray at the local Christian bookstores and libraries. Also, more information is available on the Web pages listed below:
Answered Prayer
Intercession
cbn
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Stepping Stones to the Throne
By Missey Butler
I took a break from working on my spiritual life. Unnoticeably to me, the moments turned into an hour, an hour turned into a day, a day into a week, and before I realized it six months had passed by...
Have you ever felt as if you've lost your way? I mean, you can't really put into words what has happened to you. All you know is that things aren't the same. It's as if you are slowly drying up on the inside and you don't know when or how it all started. Life seems to have kept moving but you decided not to. I remember reading that when it comes to our spiritual walk, we are doing one of two things. We are either moving forward or falling back. There is no neutral ground.
Boy, that really did bother me because honestly … I wanted a little breather… You know what I mean? And then, I kept hearing this catchy little jingle - "You deserve a break today"- so, needless to say … I did. I took a break from working on my spiritual life. Unnoticeably to me, the moments turned into an hour, an hour turned into a day, a day into a week, and before I realized it six months had passed by. I finally realized I had fallen into what felt like a serious backslidden condition.
My mind had turned into a raging battlefield of guilt, resentments, anger, justifications and one of my personal favorites … indifference. The things I use to care about, even have convictions over, no longer bothered me. My heart used to be so sensitive. Now it was very calloused, so much that it was almost unrecognizable to me.
Immediately, God's Word, ever faithful and always on time, began to minister to me. I heard Him say, "Break up the fallow ground of your heart and allow me to redeem back the time the enemy has stolen. His voice was so gentle, but yet firm. He was not at all the condemning, finger-shaking, personality my imagination had conjured up. Instead, I saw my Lord and myself suspended above a shallow pond. I watched him as He slowly bent down and placed before my feet a stepping stone that had writing on it. I leaned over and saw these words, Romans 2 verse 4b. … the goodness of the Lord leads men to repentance.
I felt my eyes swell with tears as I looked up at Him. He very lovingly smiled at me and said, "Step here my beloved." As I lowered my foot onto the stone, He bent forward with another stone upon which read … 1 John 1 verse 9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I heard His tender voice speak to me again, "Step here my beloved." As I stepped onto the warm sandstone, I sensed such a cleansing and lifting of a heavy weight off of my soul. I felt so clean and free. The last stone the Lord put before me had inscribed upon it a verse that was very familiar to me, but I had lost sight of it. It was one of those commands that was simple yet filled with such meaning, Matthew 3 verse 8, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance."
I hesitated for a moment before stepping out. I closed my eyes and whispered, "Oh Lord, you know how I have failed you in this area. How will it be any different this time? Then I heard the Lord say, "The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord … My strength is made perfect in your weakness." Now, take another step.
cbn
By Missey Butler
I took a break from working on my spiritual life. Unnoticeably to me, the moments turned into an hour, an hour turned into a day, a day into a week, and before I realized it six months had passed by...
Have you ever felt as if you've lost your way? I mean, you can't really put into words what has happened to you. All you know is that things aren't the same. It's as if you are slowly drying up on the inside and you don't know when or how it all started. Life seems to have kept moving but you decided not to. I remember reading that when it comes to our spiritual walk, we are doing one of two things. We are either moving forward or falling back. There is no neutral ground.
Boy, that really did bother me because honestly … I wanted a little breather… You know what I mean? And then, I kept hearing this catchy little jingle - "You deserve a break today"- so, needless to say … I did. I took a break from working on my spiritual life. Unnoticeably to me, the moments turned into an hour, an hour turned into a day, a day into a week, and before I realized it six months had passed by. I finally realized I had fallen into what felt like a serious backslidden condition.
My mind had turned into a raging battlefield of guilt, resentments, anger, justifications and one of my personal favorites … indifference. The things I use to care about, even have convictions over, no longer bothered me. My heart used to be so sensitive. Now it was very calloused, so much that it was almost unrecognizable to me.
Immediately, God's Word, ever faithful and always on time, began to minister to me. I heard Him say, "Break up the fallow ground of your heart and allow me to redeem back the time the enemy has stolen. His voice was so gentle, but yet firm. He was not at all the condemning, finger-shaking, personality my imagination had conjured up. Instead, I saw my Lord and myself suspended above a shallow pond. I watched him as He slowly bent down and placed before my feet a stepping stone that had writing on it. I leaned over and saw these words, Romans 2 verse 4b. … the goodness of the Lord leads men to repentance.
I felt my eyes swell with tears as I looked up at Him. He very lovingly smiled at me and said, "Step here my beloved." As I lowered my foot onto the stone, He bent forward with another stone upon which read … 1 John 1 verse 9, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I heard His tender voice speak to me again, "Step here my beloved." As I stepped onto the warm sandstone, I sensed such a cleansing and lifting of a heavy weight off of my soul. I felt so clean and free. The last stone the Lord put before me had inscribed upon it a verse that was very familiar to me, but I had lost sight of it. It was one of those commands that was simple yet filled with such meaning, Matthew 3 verse 8, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance."
I hesitated for a moment before stepping out. I closed my eyes and whispered, "Oh Lord, you know how I have failed you in this area. How will it be any different this time? Then I heard the Lord say, "The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the Lord … My strength is made perfect in your weakness." Now, take another step.
cbn
Monday, April 19, 2004
EVERYWHERE AND NOWHERE
Psalm 139:7-12
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You.
Among our family friends is a couple who, like my wife and me, are struggling to make sense of their teenage daughter's death in a car accident. Lindsay died on September 11, 2001, and our daughter, Melissa, died nearly 9 months later. Lindsay and Melissa knew each other and had gone to the same school and church for years.
On the second anniversary of Lindsay's death, her mom wrote an essay about her ordeal for our local newspaper. One of the saddest, most haunting images in her essay was this: After describing how many pictures and remembrances of Lindsay she has put around their house, she said this: "She is everywhere, but nowhere."
Our girls still smile back at us from those pictures, but the spirited personalities that lit up those smiles and laughed those
joyous laughs are nowhere to be found. They are everywhere--in our hearts, in our thoughts, in all those photos--but nowhere.
Indeed, when we take some time to contemplate this riddle of life, we realize that there is an answer. Lindsay and Melissa are not really nowhere. As Christians, they are enjoying the presence of Jesus. The moment they left their bodies here on earth, they were "present with the Lord." In fact, they joined up with the One who we might say is "Nowhere--but everywhere."
We don't see God in a human form. We certainly don't have smiling pictures of Him on our mantel. In fact, if you look around your house, you may think He is nowhere. But we know that's not true. We know that He is omnipresent--He's everywhere. Wherever we go on this earth, God is there. He is there to guide us, lift us up, strengthen us, comfort us, and remind us of who He is. We cannot go where He is not (Psalm 139:7).
No, we don't see Him, but He's everywhere. We can be sure of His love and peace every day. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* I cannot see God. What makes me know He's here?
* What's the difference between the fact that God is everywhere, and pantheism (the belief that everything is God)?
LINKS:
God Our Father
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0108
Where Do We Go From Here?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q1202
bottom line: God is there even when we feel alone.
soul journey
Psalm 139:7-12
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You.
Among our family friends is a couple who, like my wife and me, are struggling to make sense of their teenage daughter's death in a car accident. Lindsay died on September 11, 2001, and our daughter, Melissa, died nearly 9 months later. Lindsay and Melissa knew each other and had gone to the same school and church for years.
On the second anniversary of Lindsay's death, her mom wrote an essay about her ordeal for our local newspaper. One of the saddest, most haunting images in her essay was this: After describing how many pictures and remembrances of Lindsay she has put around their house, she said this: "She is everywhere, but nowhere."
Our girls still smile back at us from those pictures, but the spirited personalities that lit up those smiles and laughed those
joyous laughs are nowhere to be found. They are everywhere--in our hearts, in our thoughts, in all those photos--but nowhere.
Indeed, when we take some time to contemplate this riddle of life, we realize that there is an answer. Lindsay and Melissa are not really nowhere. As Christians, they are enjoying the presence of Jesus. The moment they left their bodies here on earth, they were "present with the Lord." In fact, they joined up with the One who we might say is "Nowhere--but everywhere."
We don't see God in a human form. We certainly don't have smiling pictures of Him on our mantel. In fact, if you look around your house, you may think He is nowhere. But we know that's not true. We know that He is omnipresent--He's everywhere. Wherever we go on this earth, God is there. He is there to guide us, lift us up, strengthen us, comfort us, and remind us of who He is. We cannot go where He is not (Psalm 139:7).
No, we don't see Him, but He's everywhere. We can be sure of His love and peace every day. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* I cannot see God. What makes me know He's here?
* What's the difference between the fact that God is everywhere, and pantheism (the belief that everything is God)?
LINKS:
God Our Father
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0108
Where Do We Go From Here?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q1202
bottom line: God is there even when we feel alone.
soul journey
Sunday, April 18, 2004
FROM VAN TO WORSE
James 1:13-18
13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.
Steve looked both ways. Good, the coast is clear. He began to push the van out of the motel parking lot. Just a bit farther and he would be able to hop in and hotwire the starter.
On reaching his chosen destination, Steve jumped in the front seat and put the vehicle in park. Now he began trying to start the stolen van by "alternative" means.
That's when the police showed up.
You guessed it, this young man in New Zealand was arrested and booked on attempted auto theft. What you don't know is the reason the 18-year-old thief was trying to steal the wheels: He was due to appear in court on another charge. Yep, Steve had decided to go see the judge by using a stolen van! It appears he was not the brightest criminal in the world and his devious drive took him from bad to worse.
The downward course we see in this story reminds me of something James wrote about in his little book. In a passage where he argues that God could never tempt us to commit evil, the apostle unveils the perfect 3-step plan to spiritual (and perhaps physical) disaster:
1. Sinful desire.
2. Temptation.
3. Death (James 1:14-15).
Note that he didn't blame any external force (person, environment, material thing) as the reason people take the 1-2-3 plunge into sin and spiritual darkness. No, he pointed out what you and I know so well--it's our own sinful desire that leads us to fall for temptation.
In this politically correct world, it's easy to acquire the habit of blaming other people for our failures. We point fingers at
parents and boyfriends and girlfriends and bad friends and bosses as the cause of our problems. But we're only fooling ourselves.
Admit it when your sin nature has driven you down the wrong path. Confess it to God and to others--acknowledging your guilt. If you keep blaming others, you'll only go from bad to worse. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* Whom or what have I been blaming for my sins?
* Why is it so important for me to recognize my own responsibility for my sin?
LINKS:
What Does It Take To Follow Christ?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0710
bottom line: Sin begins within.
soul journey
James 1:13-18
13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.
Steve looked both ways. Good, the coast is clear. He began to push the van out of the motel parking lot. Just a bit farther and he would be able to hop in and hotwire the starter.
On reaching his chosen destination, Steve jumped in the front seat and put the vehicle in park. Now he began trying to start the stolen van by "alternative" means.
That's when the police showed up.
You guessed it, this young man in New Zealand was arrested and booked on attempted auto theft. What you don't know is the reason the 18-year-old thief was trying to steal the wheels: He was due to appear in court on another charge. Yep, Steve had decided to go see the judge by using a stolen van! It appears he was not the brightest criminal in the world and his devious drive took him from bad to worse.
The downward course we see in this story reminds me of something James wrote about in his little book. In a passage where he argues that God could never tempt us to commit evil, the apostle unveils the perfect 3-step plan to spiritual (and perhaps physical) disaster:
1. Sinful desire.
2. Temptation.
3. Death (James 1:14-15).
Note that he didn't blame any external force (person, environment, material thing) as the reason people take the 1-2-3 plunge into sin and spiritual darkness. No, he pointed out what you and I know so well--it's our own sinful desire that leads us to fall for temptation.
In this politically correct world, it's easy to acquire the habit of blaming other people for our failures. We point fingers at
parents and boyfriends and girlfriends and bad friends and bosses as the cause of our problems. But we're only fooling ourselves.
Admit it when your sin nature has driven you down the wrong path. Confess it to God and to others--acknowledging your guilt. If you keep blaming others, you'll only go from bad to worse. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* Whom or what have I been blaming for my sins?
* Why is it so important for me to recognize my own responsibility for my sin?
LINKS:
What Does It Take To Follow Christ?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0710
bottom line: Sin begins within.
soul journey
Saturday, April 17, 2004
The Red Sea Place
By Dena Dyer
God allows us to get to a "Red Sea" in our lives in order to show His glory to us.
"And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant" (Exodus 14:31, NIV).
Stuck. The Israelite's enemies were in hot pursuit, and in front of them stood an enormous expanse of water. What were they to do? If they turned back, their rivals would surely kill them. To venture into the Red Sea meant certain death as well.
Understandably, they turned to their leader, Moses. "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?" they cried. "What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:11-12).
Like petulant children, the former slaves turned to the man in charge and whined. And before I go any further, I must admit I've done the same thing.
There I am. Stuck. My enemies--self-doubt, fear, depression--are pursuing me. In front of me is the deep darkness of grief. To go forward requires a faith I don't have. To go back means losing all I have learned. So I complain.
"Lord, why haven't you answered my prayers?" I cry. "I thought you blessed those who seek you. I've been asking you for the same thing for months, even years. Don't you hear my prayers? It would better for me if I had never been born than to go through this pain. Didn't you hear me when I said I'd had all I could bear? How long will you let me go on like this?"
Have you been there? Most likely, God allows us to get to a "Red Sea" in our lives in order to show His glory to us, as He did for the Israelites.
Like many people, I hate waiting. And I'm sure the Israelites didn't like Moses' response to their little temper tantrum. He said: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Can't you just see their astonished faces and hear their incredulous replies: "What did he say? Be still? A lot of good that will do!"
And we act the same way. God tells us to "wait," and we decide that's not good enough. So we make ourselves miserable trying to solve the problem (infertility, financial difficulties, marriage troubles) ourselves.
But God was with the Israelites, as He is with us today. He sent a mighty wind, which blew back the Red Sea until it made two walls. Then He commanded His children to "move on." And one by one, they resolutely set foot into the bottom of the ocean, marveling at the incredible sights on either side of them.
Seeking help from other sources isn't wrong. Doctors are often able to help infertile couples conceive, and marriage counselors can help couples put a troubled union back together. Financial advisors are great for helping people get out of debt. But for the Believer, we must first consult the Lord before we take off in search of a cure. We may want a quick fix, when God wants us to be refined and purified by a time of waiting for Him to act.
So when you are faced with a sea of grief, don't try to take a shortcut. Allow the Lord to blow back the sea and astonish you with His miraculous deeds. God will make sure you arrive on dry land, and in doing so, He may slay a few of those enemies you've been running from.
Lord, give me the courage to be still and let You work in my life.
cbn
By Dena Dyer
God allows us to get to a "Red Sea" in our lives in order to show His glory to us.
"And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant" (Exodus 14:31, NIV).
Stuck. The Israelite's enemies were in hot pursuit, and in front of them stood an enormous expanse of water. What were they to do? If they turned back, their rivals would surely kill them. To venture into the Red Sea meant certain death as well.
Understandably, they turned to their leader, Moses. "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?" they cried. "What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:11-12).
Like petulant children, the former slaves turned to the man in charge and whined. And before I go any further, I must admit I've done the same thing.
There I am. Stuck. My enemies--self-doubt, fear, depression--are pursuing me. In front of me is the deep darkness of grief. To go forward requires a faith I don't have. To go back means losing all I have learned. So I complain.
"Lord, why haven't you answered my prayers?" I cry. "I thought you blessed those who seek you. I've been asking you for the same thing for months, even years. Don't you hear my prayers? It would better for me if I had never been born than to go through this pain. Didn't you hear me when I said I'd had all I could bear? How long will you let me go on like this?"
Have you been there? Most likely, God allows us to get to a "Red Sea" in our lives in order to show His glory to us, as He did for the Israelites.
Like many people, I hate waiting. And I'm sure the Israelites didn't like Moses' response to their little temper tantrum. He said: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."
Can't you just see their astonished faces and hear their incredulous replies: "What did he say? Be still? A lot of good that will do!"
And we act the same way. God tells us to "wait," and we decide that's not good enough. So we make ourselves miserable trying to solve the problem (infertility, financial difficulties, marriage troubles) ourselves.
But God was with the Israelites, as He is with us today. He sent a mighty wind, which blew back the Red Sea until it made two walls. Then He commanded His children to "move on." And one by one, they resolutely set foot into the bottom of the ocean, marveling at the incredible sights on either side of them.
Seeking help from other sources isn't wrong. Doctors are often able to help infertile couples conceive, and marriage counselors can help couples put a troubled union back together. Financial advisors are great for helping people get out of debt. But for the Believer, we must first consult the Lord before we take off in search of a cure. We may want a quick fix, when God wants us to be refined and purified by a time of waiting for Him to act.
So when you are faced with a sea of grief, don't try to take a shortcut. Allow the Lord to blow back the sea and astonish you with His miraculous deeds. God will make sure you arrive on dry land, and in doing so, He may slay a few of those enemies you've been running from.
Lord, give me the courage to be still and let You work in my life.
cbn
Thursday, April 15, 2004
THE TOUCHLESS HUG
Luke 15:11-21
11 There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, "Father, give me my share of the estate." . . . 13 Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. . . . 17 When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men." 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."
One night before my oldest son went to bed, I asked for a goodnight hug. Well, nothing could have prepared me for what he would say and do. He came up to me and said he wanted to give me a touchless hug. He proceeded to wrap his arms around me, but without touching me. I could not contain my laughter. After he went to bed, I thought about how empty his touchless hug felt. I wondered how many people are living in relationship with Jesus and in community with other Jesus-followers who are reluctant to show emotions and express affection.
Read Luke 7:38 and you will see that our affection should be revealed through the tenderness of our hearts. The woman in this account expressed her tenderness through weeping, anointing Jesus' feet with perfume, and wiping His feet with her hair. Because His acceptance touched her heart, she allowed her affection to touch Him.
Affection for others comes through an open heart. In 2 Corinthians 6:11, Paul called the Corinthians "friends" and said his heart was open to them. One characteristic of an open heart is speaking honestly to one another. Although the Corinthians frustrated Paul in many ways, he loved them as a father would love his children.
Our affection for others is revealed through compassion for others. In Luke 15:20, we see the vivid and moving reunion of a rebellious son and his loving and patient father. When you look at this beautiful picture, you do not see a touchless hug; you see a warm and accepting embrace. You see a genuine display of affection.
As Jesus-followers, we are called to express affection for one another. Jesus was the expression of God's affection for us.
Are you withholding your Christian affection? Are you giving out touchless hugs? Many lonely and despairing people in your faith community need your compassion and your open heart. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* Whose affection has touched me? How?
* Why are some people reluctant to express affection?
* How can I be more active in expressing Christian affection to others?
LINKS:
The Compassion Of Jesus
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0208
bottom line: God hugs others through me.
soul journey
Luke 15:11-21
11 There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, "Father, give me my share of the estate." . . . 13 Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. . . . 17 When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men." 20 So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 The son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son."
One night before my oldest son went to bed, I asked for a goodnight hug. Well, nothing could have prepared me for what he would say and do. He came up to me and said he wanted to give me a touchless hug. He proceeded to wrap his arms around me, but without touching me. I could not contain my laughter. After he went to bed, I thought about how empty his touchless hug felt. I wondered how many people are living in relationship with Jesus and in community with other Jesus-followers who are reluctant to show emotions and express affection.
Read Luke 7:38 and you will see that our affection should be revealed through the tenderness of our hearts. The woman in this account expressed her tenderness through weeping, anointing Jesus' feet with perfume, and wiping His feet with her hair. Because His acceptance touched her heart, she allowed her affection to touch Him.
Affection for others comes through an open heart. In 2 Corinthians 6:11, Paul called the Corinthians "friends" and said his heart was open to them. One characteristic of an open heart is speaking honestly to one another. Although the Corinthians frustrated Paul in many ways, he loved them as a father would love his children.
Our affection for others is revealed through compassion for others. In Luke 15:20, we see the vivid and moving reunion of a rebellious son and his loving and patient father. When you look at this beautiful picture, you do not see a touchless hug; you see a warm and accepting embrace. You see a genuine display of affection.
As Jesus-followers, we are called to express affection for one another. Jesus was the expression of God's affection for us.
Are you withholding your Christian affection? Are you giving out touchless hugs? Many lonely and despairing people in your faith community need your compassion and your open heart. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* Whose affection has touched me? How?
* Why are some people reluctant to express affection?
* How can I be more active in expressing Christian affection to others?
LINKS:
The Compassion Of Jesus
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0208
bottom line: God hugs others through me.
soul journey
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
The Invitations Have Been Sent
By Missey Butler
It was customary in Jesus day, that when someone extended an invitation to share a meal with you, to break bread as it were, this would signify that they were serious about having relationship with you.
One Saturday I made a wonderful discovery. I had the whole house to myself. Yep, just me, a cup of joe (coffee), and the hum of the dishwasher. These simple pleasures will do just fine for this working gal.
As I took a sip of hot coffee and began to settle comfortably into the next few moments of solitude, my thoughts began to congregate around a future time of celebration ? The Wedding Feast. I had just a few days earlier been reading about the Jewish tradition in its relation to "meal sharing." It had a powerful significance for the Jews. Interesting to me was the discoveries of how very different our own customs in the western world are compared to 2000 years ago. It was customary in Jesus day, that when someone extended an invitation to share a meal with you, to break bread as it were, this would signify that they were serious about having relationship with you. It meant a desire for friendship and closeness. This was a ritual that was taken seriously. You did not eat with just anybody.
As I continued to meditate on this, I could not help but think about "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb." I immediately began to envision the most spectacular display of grandeur and elegance ever seen. As I slowly looked around with childlike amazement at the wondrous setting before me, totally spellbound by the splendor of the moment, my attention was drawn toward the most magnificently carved mahogany chair. It was one that had to have been reserved for a dignitary or someone of royalty. I stepped behind it and carefully pulled it back. I lowered my gaze onto the most beautiful place setting of the finest china, trimmed in what I can only describe as liquid diamonds. On each side, perfectly aligned, I saw solid sterling silver flatware polished to a brilliant shine that accentuated the deeply engraved monogrammed initials IAM. There were table linens made of a handsome tapestry and the most elegant stemware which refracted color in every cut of it's design. In the middle of the table, almost unnoticed, sat a perfectly folded rectangular card in which was written the word "expectantly." It sat in the middle of a glistening plate. I felt compelled to reach down and pick it up. I slowly opened it and recognized my name so gracefully inscribed across the parchment.
I was soon over come with the magnitude of the moment. For the first time in my life I knew what it was to be engulfed by the "fullness" of God's love toward me. The great God of the universe had personally invited me to sup with Him.
Instantly, I recounted a colorful character I had learned about as a child in Sunday school. His name was Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:1-9) He was an unlikely candidate to be the recipient of an invitation by such an honored guest. But that's exactly what happened. While sitting in a sycamore tree, Jesus called out to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste. Come down. For today I must abide at thy house."
Like Zacchaeus must have felt, I marveled that Jesus wanted to spend time with me. The very King of Kings, Lord of Lords, His Royal Majesty Himself, desired to dine with me. Talk about your Cinderella story? He was inviting me, a sinner, who knows only too well that she's been saved by this mystery called "grace."
Accepting His invitation by faith and trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the cross is all that is needed for my acknowledgement. This "grace" invitation needs no RSVP. The guest list is being prepared and all those who respond will one day hear -
? Come for all things are ready now. (Luke 14:17)
Suddenly, my mind is startled by the deafening silence of the now completed dishwashing cycle. My coffee has turned cold and I halfway expect to hear the clock chime 12 times. I smile to myself when I realize my glass slipper had just arrived, shaped in the words of my favorite author, Max Lucado when he says, "Allow God's grace to do, what only God's grace can do ? truly amaze."
cbn
By Missey Butler
It was customary in Jesus day, that when someone extended an invitation to share a meal with you, to break bread as it were, this would signify that they were serious about having relationship with you.
One Saturday I made a wonderful discovery. I had the whole house to myself. Yep, just me, a cup of joe (coffee), and the hum of the dishwasher. These simple pleasures will do just fine for this working gal.
As I took a sip of hot coffee and began to settle comfortably into the next few moments of solitude, my thoughts began to congregate around a future time of celebration ? The Wedding Feast. I had just a few days earlier been reading about the Jewish tradition in its relation to "meal sharing." It had a powerful significance for the Jews. Interesting to me was the discoveries of how very different our own customs in the western world are compared to 2000 years ago. It was customary in Jesus day, that when someone extended an invitation to share a meal with you, to break bread as it were, this would signify that they were serious about having relationship with you. It meant a desire for friendship and closeness. This was a ritual that was taken seriously. You did not eat with just anybody.
As I continued to meditate on this, I could not help but think about "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb." I immediately began to envision the most spectacular display of grandeur and elegance ever seen. As I slowly looked around with childlike amazement at the wondrous setting before me, totally spellbound by the splendor of the moment, my attention was drawn toward the most magnificently carved mahogany chair. It was one that had to have been reserved for a dignitary or someone of royalty. I stepped behind it and carefully pulled it back. I lowered my gaze onto the most beautiful place setting of the finest china, trimmed in what I can only describe as liquid diamonds. On each side, perfectly aligned, I saw solid sterling silver flatware polished to a brilliant shine that accentuated the deeply engraved monogrammed initials IAM. There were table linens made of a handsome tapestry and the most elegant stemware which refracted color in every cut of it's design. In the middle of the table, almost unnoticed, sat a perfectly folded rectangular card in which was written the word "expectantly." It sat in the middle of a glistening plate. I felt compelled to reach down and pick it up. I slowly opened it and recognized my name so gracefully inscribed across the parchment.
I was soon over come with the magnitude of the moment. For the first time in my life I knew what it was to be engulfed by the "fullness" of God's love toward me. The great God of the universe had personally invited me to sup with Him.
Instantly, I recounted a colorful character I had learned about as a child in Sunday school. His name was Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:1-9) He was an unlikely candidate to be the recipient of an invitation by such an honored guest. But that's exactly what happened. While sitting in a sycamore tree, Jesus called out to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste. Come down. For today I must abide at thy house."
Like Zacchaeus must have felt, I marveled that Jesus wanted to spend time with me. The very King of Kings, Lord of Lords, His Royal Majesty Himself, desired to dine with me. Talk about your Cinderella story? He was inviting me, a sinner, who knows only too well that she's been saved by this mystery called "grace."
Accepting His invitation by faith and trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ upon the cross is all that is needed for my acknowledgement. This "grace" invitation needs no RSVP. The guest list is being prepared and all those who respond will one day hear -
? Come for all things are ready now. (Luke 14:17)
Suddenly, my mind is startled by the deafening silence of the now completed dishwashing cycle. My coffee has turned cold and I halfway expect to hear the clock chime 12 times. I smile to myself when I realize my glass slipper had just arrived, shaped in the words of my favorite author, Max Lucado when he says, "Allow God's grace to do, what only God's grace can do ? truly amaze."
cbn
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Finding God
Read: 1 Chronicles 28:1-10
If you seek Him, He will be found by you. ?1 Chronicles 28:9.
Tourists rarely take great photographs. They seldom make the effort to be at the right spot at the right time to get the right angle of light in the right weather conditions. To capture beautiful outdoor pictures, professional photographers are careful to view the scene from different angles, during different seasons, and at different times of day.
This makes me wonder if the reason some people don't have a clear picture of the beauty and glory of God is that they make snap judgments. They come to wrong conclusions about God based on a bad church experience, or an encounter with someone who claims to be a Christian but isn't living like one. They misjudge what the Lord is like and turn away from Him, feeling disillusioned.
The pursuit of God involves more than casual observation. King David told his son Solomon, "If you seek Him, He will be found by you" (1 Chronicles 28:9). The psalmist said, "Blessed are those who . . . seek Him with the whole heart!" (Psalm 119:2). And the author of Hebrews wrote that God rewards "those who diligently seek Him" (11:6).
To see and know God in all His fullness and glory, we can't approach Him like tourists. We need to seek Him at all times, with all our heart. ?Julie Ackerman Link
Lord, I am seeking You with all my heart,
With all my soul and all my mind;
For wondrous blessings You alone impart?
In seeking I will surely find. ?Hess
To find God, we must be willing to seek Him.
daily bread
Read: 1 Chronicles 28:1-10
If you seek Him, He will be found by you. ?1 Chronicles 28:9.
Tourists rarely take great photographs. They seldom make the effort to be at the right spot at the right time to get the right angle of light in the right weather conditions. To capture beautiful outdoor pictures, professional photographers are careful to view the scene from different angles, during different seasons, and at different times of day.
This makes me wonder if the reason some people don't have a clear picture of the beauty and glory of God is that they make snap judgments. They come to wrong conclusions about God based on a bad church experience, or an encounter with someone who claims to be a Christian but isn't living like one. They misjudge what the Lord is like and turn away from Him, feeling disillusioned.
The pursuit of God involves more than casual observation. King David told his son Solomon, "If you seek Him, He will be found by you" (1 Chronicles 28:9). The psalmist said, "Blessed are those who . . . seek Him with the whole heart!" (Psalm 119:2). And the author of Hebrews wrote that God rewards "those who diligently seek Him" (11:6).
To see and know God in all His fullness and glory, we can't approach Him like tourists. We need to seek Him at all times, with all our heart. ?Julie Ackerman Link
Lord, I am seeking You with all my heart,
With all my soul and all my mind;
For wondrous blessings You alone impart?
In seeking I will surely find. ?Hess
To find God, we must be willing to seek Him.
daily bread
Monday, April 12, 2004
THE BODY
Mark 15:42-47
42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He was laid.
I arrived at the funeral home 20 minutes before the service was scheduled to begin and was surprised to find the parking lot empty and the front door locked. Had I come at the wrong time or on the wrong day? Finally, a lady opened the door and told me that the 11 a.m. service had been canceled. She directed me to enter by a side door for more information.
I walked down a quiet hallway and noticed an open casket in a side room. The body of my friend lay dressed in a western suit, with his best felt hat resting on his chest. He appeared to be the only person unconcerned about the final resting place for his body. His ex-wife, the next of kin, wanted to bury him in a veteran's cemetery in Denver. His cowboy friends said he could never rest peacefully there and proposed wrapping him in a blanket and leaving him in the mountains he loved. They had even obtained a court order stopping the proceedings--including the service I had planned to attend--until a decision could be reached.
The friends prevailed and their old-fashioned cortege with a horse-drawn cart headlined the local paper and even made
Newsweek magazine. The issue was a body, a corpse, a dead man's former home.
As we approach Easter, it's easy to forget that after Jesus died, His followers faced the awful finality of dealing with His body. All four gospels record Joseph of Arimathea's visit to Pilate requesting the body of Jesus. Joseph removed the body from the cross, wrapped it in linen, and put it in a tomb. He was dead, buried, gone.
And that's what makes what Jesus did next so astonishing. On Easter, He came back from the dead. His followers couldn't
believe it when the news first broke about the empty tomb.
When you sing, "Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?" think about a body and a burial and the heartbreak of everyone who grieved the death of Jesus. Then sing louder on Sunday because HE IS ALIVE! --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* In Mark 15:42-47, how many references to the body of Jesus do I find?
* What are my thoughts on why the gospel writers placed such emphasis on the death of Jesus?
LINKS:
10 Reasons To Believe Christ Rose From The Dead
http://www.rbc.net/rtb/8rsn
Did Christ Really Rise From The Dead?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0203
bottom line: The tomb is empty!
soul journey
Mark 15:42-47
42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where He was laid.
I arrived at the funeral home 20 minutes before the service was scheduled to begin and was surprised to find the parking lot empty and the front door locked. Had I come at the wrong time or on the wrong day? Finally, a lady opened the door and told me that the 11 a.m. service had been canceled. She directed me to enter by a side door for more information.
I walked down a quiet hallway and noticed an open casket in a side room. The body of my friend lay dressed in a western suit, with his best felt hat resting on his chest. He appeared to be the only person unconcerned about the final resting place for his body. His ex-wife, the next of kin, wanted to bury him in a veteran's cemetery in Denver. His cowboy friends said he could never rest peacefully there and proposed wrapping him in a blanket and leaving him in the mountains he loved. They had even obtained a court order stopping the proceedings--including the service I had planned to attend--until a decision could be reached.
The friends prevailed and their old-fashioned cortege with a horse-drawn cart headlined the local paper and even made
Newsweek magazine. The issue was a body, a corpse, a dead man's former home.
As we approach Easter, it's easy to forget that after Jesus died, His followers faced the awful finality of dealing with His body. All four gospels record Joseph of Arimathea's visit to Pilate requesting the body of Jesus. Joseph removed the body from the cross, wrapped it in linen, and put it in a tomb. He was dead, buried, gone.
And that's what makes what Jesus did next so astonishing. On Easter, He came back from the dead. His followers couldn't
believe it when the news first broke about the empty tomb.
When you sing, "Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb?" think about a body and a burial and the heartbreak of everyone who grieved the death of Jesus. Then sing louder on Sunday because HE IS ALIVE! --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* In Mark 15:42-47, how many references to the body of Jesus do I find?
* What are my thoughts on why the gospel writers placed such emphasis on the death of Jesus?
LINKS:
10 Reasons To Believe Christ Rose From The Dead
http://www.rbc.net/rtb/8rsn
Did Christ Really Rise From The Dead?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0203
bottom line: The tomb is empty!
soul journey
Sunday, April 11, 2004
ALIEN CITIZENS
Philippians 3:17-21
17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.
What would it have been like to be E.T., stranded in an unfamiliar place where everyone looked different than you, spoke a strange dialect, and had no concept of your history or roots? While we might find a few friends and grow less bewildered by our surroundings over time, that urge toward home, the place where we truly belonged, would never leave us.
Scripture tells us that believers in Jesus are in a similar predicament in this world (Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 2:11). While our appearance or mannerisms might not suggest a radical disorientation, the truth is that this place, this existence of competing cultures and politics and worldviews, is not our true home.
Paul said it this way: "Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). We live in a foreign land among a foreign people. We eat the same food, cry the same tears, hope for many of the same things. We love, we sweat, and we brood over discomforts. But we are ultimately not the same. We are aliens, and we are waiting for home.
Even if we are calloused to this reality, there are poignant moments where we are reminded of the truth. We have ecstatic times of joy, but soon life turns shallow--for deep in our soul we know these fleeting moments never satisfy. We see the injustice and sorrow in the world around us, and something whispers strongly to us, "This isn't right. We weren't created for this."
We know we are aliens because our hearts turn toward home. Paul said we "eagerly await a Savior." Eager waiting is all about what might be and what will be. But it is also filled with disappointment over what could be and what is. To live as aliens, bound in this season to a world that isn't home, is to live with certain amounts of regret and certain amounts of disappointment.
But it is good. It points us toward home. As Moses said, "I have become an alien in a foreign land" (Exodus 2:22). --Winn Collier
DESTINATION POINTS
* What twinges have I felt, hints that this world is not my true home?
* How does the reality of being an alien affect the way I use--or abuse--this world?
* How does the reality of being an alien give me hope?
bottom line: Live with heaven in view.
soul journey
Philippians 3:17-21
17 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables Him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body.
What would it have been like to be E.T., stranded in an unfamiliar place where everyone looked different than you, spoke a strange dialect, and had no concept of your history or roots? While we might find a few friends and grow less bewildered by our surroundings over time, that urge toward home, the place where we truly belonged, would never leave us.
Scripture tells us that believers in Jesus are in a similar predicament in this world (Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 2:11). While our appearance or mannerisms might not suggest a radical disorientation, the truth is that this place, this existence of competing cultures and politics and worldviews, is not our true home.
Paul said it this way: "Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). We live in a foreign land among a foreign people. We eat the same food, cry the same tears, hope for many of the same things. We love, we sweat, and we brood over discomforts. But we are ultimately not the same. We are aliens, and we are waiting for home.
Even if we are calloused to this reality, there are poignant moments where we are reminded of the truth. We have ecstatic times of joy, but soon life turns shallow--for deep in our soul we know these fleeting moments never satisfy. We see the injustice and sorrow in the world around us, and something whispers strongly to us, "This isn't right. We weren't created for this."
We know we are aliens because our hearts turn toward home. Paul said we "eagerly await a Savior." Eager waiting is all about what might be and what will be. But it is also filled with disappointment over what could be and what is. To live as aliens, bound in this season to a world that isn't home, is to live with certain amounts of regret and certain amounts of disappointment.
But it is good. It points us toward home. As Moses said, "I have become an alien in a foreign land" (Exodus 2:22). --Winn Collier
DESTINATION POINTS
* What twinges have I felt, hints that this world is not my true home?
* How does the reality of being an alien affect the way I use--or abuse--this world?
* How does the reality of being an alien give me hope?
bottom line: Live with heaven in view.
soul journey
Saturday, April 10, 2004
Today's scripture is 1 Corinthians 5:9
"I wrote you in my [previous] letter not to associate (closely and habitually) with unchaste (impure) people."
The company you keep has such an influence on your spiritual life. Fellowshiping with godly people will help speed you on to victory, while fellowshiping with those who are ungodly will drag you down to defeat.
That's why the Bible has some things to say about your friends. That's why it tells you to separate yourself from the world. Because evil companions will corrupt you.
Now, I'm not talking about ministry. Jesus Himself ministered to sinners. You have to mix with them to preach to them and pray for them. What I'm talking about here are the people you choose for friends.
So choose your friends wisely. Fellowship with those who call on the Name of the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22). Expose yourself to their love and peace. Let their faith rub off on you!
bible shack
"I wrote you in my [previous] letter not to associate (closely and habitually) with unchaste (impure) people."
The company you keep has such an influence on your spiritual life. Fellowshiping with godly people will help speed you on to victory, while fellowshiping with those who are ungodly will drag you down to defeat.
That's why the Bible has some things to say about your friends. That's why it tells you to separate yourself from the world. Because evil companions will corrupt you.
Now, I'm not talking about ministry. Jesus Himself ministered to sinners. You have to mix with them to preach to them and pray for them. What I'm talking about here are the people you choose for friends.
So choose your friends wisely. Fellowship with those who call on the Name of the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22). Expose yourself to their love and peace. Let their faith rub off on you!
bible shack
WOUNDED HEART
John 16:22-33
22 Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that
day you will no longer ask Me anything. I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. . . . 29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now You are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that You know all things and that You do not even need to have anyone ask You questions. This makes us believe that You came from God." 31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered. 32 "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for My Father is with Me. 33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
The sun was setting behind the hill. At the summit, a weathered fence defined the long, mass grave that contains the bodies of the Lakota people massacred at Wounded Knee.
At the bottom of the butte, my missions team and I stood and listened to the words of a woman named Cecilia Spotted Bear. We learned that more than 150 men, women, and children were slaughtered on that awful day in 1890. But then she told another story. From tragedy she moved to hope and redemption. It was her story.
Cecilia Spotted Bear grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation. Her early years were filled with alcohol and apathy. She wed
and continued in her ways--even giving booze to her children. She made money for her family by bootlegging--selling
illegally made liquor. Her life was a blur of unhappiness and drunkenness.
Then she began to read a Bible. The words spoke to the deepest pains in her heart. In time she prayed and received Jesus as her Savior. Cecilia's life changed dramatically. Her husband and children soon saw the difference. While she became an outcast to her people, having turned away from their religion, she became a beacon of light to the few believers on the reservation.
Her whole family eventually gave their lives to Jesus. In the years that followed, Cecilia helped start a church and saw many of the Lakota people come to belief in her Lord.
She told us, however, that her life has not been easy. There have been waves of persecution that have threatened to
knock her down. She has experienced the pain of loved ones straying from their faith and the loss of some to death.
But through it all, she explained, "My blessed Savior has been merciful." Cecilia has joy in her heart, for she has grasped
the meaning of these words: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Cecilia no longer has a wounded heart. Jesus has filled it with His mercy and peace. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What is my story of faith in Jesus?
* How am I experiencing "trouble" in this world?
* Jesus has "overcome the world." What does that mean to me?
LINKS:
Today In History--Wounded Knee Massacre
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec29.html
bottom line: Jesus' mercy is greater than my troubles.
soul journey
John 16:22-33
22 Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. 23 In that
day you will no longer ask Me anything. I tell you the truth, My Father will give you whatever you ask in My name. . . . 29 Then Jesus' disciples said, "Now You are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that You know all things and that You do not even need to have anyone ask You questions. This makes us believe that You came from God." 31 "You believe at last!" Jesus answered. 32 "But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for My Father is with Me. 33 I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
The sun was setting behind the hill. At the summit, a weathered fence defined the long, mass grave that contains the bodies of the Lakota people massacred at Wounded Knee.
At the bottom of the butte, my missions team and I stood and listened to the words of a woman named Cecilia Spotted Bear. We learned that more than 150 men, women, and children were slaughtered on that awful day in 1890. But then she told another story. From tragedy she moved to hope and redemption. It was her story.
Cecilia Spotted Bear grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation. Her early years were filled with alcohol and apathy. She wed
and continued in her ways--even giving booze to her children. She made money for her family by bootlegging--selling
illegally made liquor. Her life was a blur of unhappiness and drunkenness.
Then she began to read a Bible. The words spoke to the deepest pains in her heart. In time she prayed and received Jesus as her Savior. Cecilia's life changed dramatically. Her husband and children soon saw the difference. While she became an outcast to her people, having turned away from their religion, she became a beacon of light to the few believers on the reservation.
Her whole family eventually gave their lives to Jesus. In the years that followed, Cecilia helped start a church and saw many of the Lakota people come to belief in her Lord.
She told us, however, that her life has not been easy. There have been waves of persecution that have threatened to
knock her down. She has experienced the pain of loved ones straying from their faith and the loss of some to death.
But through it all, she explained, "My blessed Savior has been merciful." Cecilia has joy in her heart, for she has grasped
the meaning of these words: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
Cecilia no longer has a wounded heart. Jesus has filled it with His mercy and peace. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What is my story of faith in Jesus?
* How am I experiencing "trouble" in this world?
* Jesus has "overcome the world." What does that mean to me?
LINKS:
Today In History--Wounded Knee Massacre
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/dec29.html
bottom line: Jesus' mercy is greater than my troubles.
soul journey
Thursday, April 08, 2004
Receiving the Gift Jesus Paid for on the Cross
By Pat Robertson
Through Jesus You Can Be Forgiven
My child, I love you. My child, I forgive you. I died that you might have life. I gave My life for you -- that's the message that Jesus has for you today.
Don't think that you have sinned so far that you cannot find redemption. There's no one who is gone so far that if their heart reaches out to God, God will not speak to them and bring them to Him.
Through Jesus You Can Be Cleansed
You can't cleanse yourself with washing. You can't cleanse the inside; only God can do that. He can come in and put the blood of His sacrifice over all of the sin in your life -- all the hatred and bitterness and murder and theft and lying and adultery and pornography and drugs. All the things you have done wrong, whatever it is, He can cleanse you right now and make you whole. That's what the message is.
Eternal Life and Peace with God is a Free Gift
Would you like to have peace with God today? He's speaking to you at this moment. Hold steady for a moment. God wants you to have something wonderful. He wants you to be a part of the family of God. He will give you joy unspeakable and full of glory. If you want it, He's holding it out to you. It is a free gift; He paid the price. You can have it freely, if you believe.
The real price is that you take the old man with all of its sin and dirt and confusion and all of the trouble and tears and you give it to Jesus. You take a new man and a new woman, created in the image of God, and you join the family of God.
If you want that, right now I want you to know Him in a new way, so bow your head and pray with me now if you would like it, and you can ask Jesus to takeover. I am not trying to suggest that you join some church. I am talking about the family of the Father of Light, to be an adopted child of the Living God. Bow your head with me right now wherever you are. Husband and wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, children, parents pray this prayer with me. Pray it out loud or silently.
The Prayer of Salvation
'Jesus, you know what is going on in my life. You see deep down inside of my soul. You have seen the tears and heard the cries and seen the sin. You have been there when I have done things that I am ashamed of. Lord, right now, I bring it all to You and I ask for the cleansing of the blood of Jesus Christ.
'Thank you that You love me. I receive Your love. I receive the fact that You died for my sins. At this moment, not only do I take You as my Savior, but I make You the Lord of my life. Come Lord Jesus, live in my heart, and from this moment on I am yours. Thank you, Lord, that You have heard my prayer. Thank you, Lord, that You have come into my heart.
'Father, for those who prayed with me right now, may the power of the Holy Spirit fill them. May they know cleansing as never before. May You put Your arms around them and fill them with the joy of the Spirit of the Living God. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Lord.
'In Jesus' name, amen and amen.'
How you can know you are forgiven:
The Bible, God's Word says: You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better that we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and you have done nothing on your own (Ephesians 2:8).
For those who put their faith in Jesus: He gave them the right to be the children of God... God Himself was the one who made them His children (John 1:12-13).
As you draw close to the Lord, He will teach you His ways and give you His strength. There are some practical steps you can take to come closer to God and to allow Him to guide you.
Prayer:
It is important to spend time in prayer every day. Just as you can not grow without eating food each day, so your spirit must be fed in order for growth to occur in our walk with the Lord. The good news is that as children of God we have access to His presence any time we need it. You actually have the right to come before God and to share with Him your intimate thoughts, desires and fears. Prayer is simply talking to your heavenly Father.
Bible Reading:
The Bible is the main way God has chosen to tell us about Himself. Learning what God says in the Bible is a very important part of your new life. As you read His Word, ask God to show you how various passages apply to your life. A good place to start your study is in the Gospel of John in the New Testament. Find an easy to read, modern translation like the New International Version, the New American Standard or The Book (click here to order The Book).
Fellowship:
When you gave your life to Jesus Christ, you became a vital part of God's family, the Church. As you get involved in a local church you will receive strength and encouragement from other believers. But you will also give something vital of yourself back to others. This is one reason why being involved in a local church is so important -- and why the Bible says not to neglect meeting together with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).
As you learn about Him through prayer, Bible reading and fellowship with other Christians, God will guide you and give you the wisdom you need for every challenge in life. May God richly bless you as you continue to follow Him.
Please Memorize These Verses:
"What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
"I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).
Suggested Reading
The Gospel of John
1 John
The Psalms and Proverbs
cbn
By Pat Robertson
Through Jesus You Can Be Forgiven
My child, I love you. My child, I forgive you. I died that you might have life. I gave My life for you -- that's the message that Jesus has for you today.
Don't think that you have sinned so far that you cannot find redemption. There's no one who is gone so far that if their heart reaches out to God, God will not speak to them and bring them to Him.
Through Jesus You Can Be Cleansed
You can't cleanse yourself with washing. You can't cleanse the inside; only God can do that. He can come in and put the blood of His sacrifice over all of the sin in your life -- all the hatred and bitterness and murder and theft and lying and adultery and pornography and drugs. All the things you have done wrong, whatever it is, He can cleanse you right now and make you whole. That's what the message is.
Eternal Life and Peace with God is a Free Gift
Would you like to have peace with God today? He's speaking to you at this moment. Hold steady for a moment. God wants you to have something wonderful. He wants you to be a part of the family of God. He will give you joy unspeakable and full of glory. If you want it, He's holding it out to you. It is a free gift; He paid the price. You can have it freely, if you believe.
The real price is that you take the old man with all of its sin and dirt and confusion and all of the trouble and tears and you give it to Jesus. You take a new man and a new woman, created in the image of God, and you join the family of God.
If you want that, right now I want you to know Him in a new way, so bow your head and pray with me now if you would like it, and you can ask Jesus to takeover. I am not trying to suggest that you join some church. I am talking about the family of the Father of Light, to be an adopted child of the Living God. Bow your head with me right now wherever you are. Husband and wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, children, parents pray this prayer with me. Pray it out loud or silently.
The Prayer of Salvation
'Jesus, you know what is going on in my life. You see deep down inside of my soul. You have seen the tears and heard the cries and seen the sin. You have been there when I have done things that I am ashamed of. Lord, right now, I bring it all to You and I ask for the cleansing of the blood of Jesus Christ.
'Thank you that You love me. I receive Your love. I receive the fact that You died for my sins. At this moment, not only do I take You as my Savior, but I make You the Lord of my life. Come Lord Jesus, live in my heart, and from this moment on I am yours. Thank you, Lord, that You have heard my prayer. Thank you, Lord, that You have come into my heart.
'Father, for those who prayed with me right now, may the power of the Holy Spirit fill them. May they know cleansing as never before. May You put Your arms around them and fill them with the joy of the Spirit of the Living God. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Lord.
'In Jesus' name, amen and amen.'
How you can know you are forgiven:
The Bible, God's Word says: You were saved by faith in God, who treats us much better that we deserve. This is God's gift to you, and you have done nothing on your own (Ephesians 2:8).
For those who put their faith in Jesus: He gave them the right to be the children of God... God Himself was the one who made them His children (John 1:12-13).
As you draw close to the Lord, He will teach you His ways and give you His strength. There are some practical steps you can take to come closer to God and to allow Him to guide you.
Prayer:
It is important to spend time in prayer every day. Just as you can not grow without eating food each day, so your spirit must be fed in order for growth to occur in our walk with the Lord. The good news is that as children of God we have access to His presence any time we need it. You actually have the right to come before God and to share with Him your intimate thoughts, desires and fears. Prayer is simply talking to your heavenly Father.
Bible Reading:
The Bible is the main way God has chosen to tell us about Himself. Learning what God says in the Bible is a very important part of your new life. As you read His Word, ask God to show you how various passages apply to your life. A good place to start your study is in the Gospel of John in the New Testament. Find an easy to read, modern translation like the New International Version, the New American Standard or The Book (click here to order The Book).
Fellowship:
When you gave your life to Jesus Christ, you became a vital part of God's family, the Church. As you get involved in a local church you will receive strength and encouragement from other believers. But you will also give something vital of yourself back to others. This is one reason why being involved in a local church is so important -- and why the Bible says not to neglect meeting together with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).
As you learn about Him through prayer, Bible reading and fellowship with other Christians, God will guide you and give you the wisdom you need for every challenge in life. May God richly bless you as you continue to follow Him.
Please Memorize These Verses:
"What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
"I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13).
Suggested Reading
The Gospel of John
1 John
The Psalms and Proverbs
cbn
Wednesday, April 07, 2004
Valley Of The Shadow
Read: Psalm 23
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. ?Psalm 23:4
Darkness upon darkness. Sorrow upon sorrow. Pain upon pain. Anguish upon anguish. That's death.
Death is a fearful visitor, snatching away people who are precious to us and leaving us behind to mourn, grieve, and wonder. It blocks the light that before had shined so freely and easily on our lives.
Whether we're facing the prospect of dying, or dealing with the death of a loved one, death can be devastating. It can sap our energy, change our plans, overwhelm our soul, alter our outlook, test our faith, steal our joy, and challenge our assumptions about life's purposes.
When we walk through the deep valley, we feel swallowed up by the shadow and come face-to-face with fear. The frantic emptiness of our loss threatens the comfort that previously originated from our trust in God, and so we grow afraid. Afraid of our future. Afraid to enjoy life again.
Yet in that valley, under that shadow, we can say to the Lord, "I will fear no evil; for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4). His loving arms never let us go. He is always with us.
Slowly at first, but most assuredly, He provides comfort and release from the darkness. He gives light. He leads us out. Eventually, we escape the valley of the shadow. ?Dave Branon
We need not ponder death with fear,
Though what's ahead we cannot see;
For we who put our faith in Christ
Look forward to eternity. ?Sper
Death separates us for a time; Christ will reunite us forever.
daily bread
Read: Psalm 23
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. ?Psalm 23:4
Darkness upon darkness. Sorrow upon sorrow. Pain upon pain. Anguish upon anguish. That's death.
Death is a fearful visitor, snatching away people who are precious to us and leaving us behind to mourn, grieve, and wonder. It blocks the light that before had shined so freely and easily on our lives.
Whether we're facing the prospect of dying, or dealing with the death of a loved one, death can be devastating. It can sap our energy, change our plans, overwhelm our soul, alter our outlook, test our faith, steal our joy, and challenge our assumptions about life's purposes.
When we walk through the deep valley, we feel swallowed up by the shadow and come face-to-face with fear. The frantic emptiness of our loss threatens the comfort that previously originated from our trust in God, and so we grow afraid. Afraid of our future. Afraid to enjoy life again.
Yet in that valley, under that shadow, we can say to the Lord, "I will fear no evil; for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4). His loving arms never let us go. He is always with us.
Slowly at first, but most assuredly, He provides comfort and release from the darkness. He gives light. He leads us out. Eventually, we escape the valley of the shadow. ?Dave Branon
We need not ponder death with fear,
Though what's ahead we cannot see;
For we who put our faith in Christ
Look forward to eternity. ?Sper
Death separates us for a time; Christ will reunite us forever.
daily bread
Tuesday, April 06, 2004
The Past is Dead
By Scott Presson
God?s power is all encompassing. He is more than able to take the issues and hurts and pains and make it all right today, but we have to trust Him.
THE PAST IS DEAD. It is done. It is over. It is finished. It is dust. It is a new day today. How will you choose to respond? There are issues from the past that we still have to contend with but God allows us to be part of the solution. Yes, God allows us to walk through many things so that we will be part of His answer. We have all experienced hurts and pains that we probably wished would have never happened.
It?s always amazing to hear testimonies of Christians that have walked through deep valleys and yet they honestly say, if I had to do it all over again, I would not change a thing. That?s seeing God?s hand in your life and knowing who we are in HIM.
Recently God had a dear sister speak a word over me. It was, ?you have to know who you are in God?. We do have to know who we are in God. We have to know that the past is part of who we are and helped shape us into what we are but it doesn?t have to define the rest of our lives. In fact if we dwell on it and let it define the rest of our lives, bitterness and anger and the weeds will take root and choke out what God is doing in us. That?s not to deny His power but we have to relinquish control and let God healed us and move on!
THE PAST IS DEAD. Yesterday is already in the past. There are things from yesterday that still need to be addressed today, but God allowed us to walk through the problems of yesterday so that we can be a part of His solution today. God?s power is all encompassing. He is more than able to take the issues and hurts and pains and make it all right today, but we have to trust Him.
He wants us to be overcomers but we have to know in His will that we are overcomers. I?m not talking about an identity issue -- it?s an opportunity to see God?s power at work today! It?s the chance to see God do new things, new ways. It?s a chance to be formed once again on the potter?s wheel by our Creator so that we can be a vessel He can use today.
Release the past. Release it once and for all. Know who you are in God. You are an heir and a joint heir. You are His co-worker and laborer in the harvest. You are a friend of the King of all Kings!! You have worth. You have a place. You have God-ordained authority. REST IN GOD, TRUST IN GOD, LEAN ON GOD, let Him take control of your life and use you today.
THE PAST IS DEAD.
cbn
By Scott Presson
God?s power is all encompassing. He is more than able to take the issues and hurts and pains and make it all right today, but we have to trust Him.
THE PAST IS DEAD. It is done. It is over. It is finished. It is dust. It is a new day today. How will you choose to respond? There are issues from the past that we still have to contend with but God allows us to be part of the solution. Yes, God allows us to walk through many things so that we will be part of His answer. We have all experienced hurts and pains that we probably wished would have never happened.
It?s always amazing to hear testimonies of Christians that have walked through deep valleys and yet they honestly say, if I had to do it all over again, I would not change a thing. That?s seeing God?s hand in your life and knowing who we are in HIM.
Recently God had a dear sister speak a word over me. It was, ?you have to know who you are in God?. We do have to know who we are in God. We have to know that the past is part of who we are and helped shape us into what we are but it doesn?t have to define the rest of our lives. In fact if we dwell on it and let it define the rest of our lives, bitterness and anger and the weeds will take root and choke out what God is doing in us. That?s not to deny His power but we have to relinquish control and let God healed us and move on!
THE PAST IS DEAD. Yesterday is already in the past. There are things from yesterday that still need to be addressed today, but God allowed us to walk through the problems of yesterday so that we can be a part of His solution today. God?s power is all encompassing. He is more than able to take the issues and hurts and pains and make it all right today, but we have to trust Him.
He wants us to be overcomers but we have to know in His will that we are overcomers. I?m not talking about an identity issue -- it?s an opportunity to see God?s power at work today! It?s the chance to see God do new things, new ways. It?s a chance to be formed once again on the potter?s wheel by our Creator so that we can be a vessel He can use today.
Release the past. Release it once and for all. Know who you are in God. You are an heir and a joint heir. You are His co-worker and laborer in the harvest. You are a friend of the King of all Kings!! You have worth. You have a place. You have God-ordained authority. REST IN GOD, TRUST IN GOD, LEAN ON GOD, let Him take control of your life and use you today.
THE PAST IS DEAD.
cbn
Monday, April 05, 2004
WHEN WORDS FAIL
Psalm 36:5-12
5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the great deep. O Lord, You preserve both man and beast. 7 How priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of Your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of Your house; You give them drink from Your river of delights. 9 For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. 10 Continue Your love to those who know You, Your righteousness to the upright in heart. 11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12 See how the evildoers lie fallen--thrown down, not able to rise.
When I worked as assistant editor for Our Daily Bread, one of my tasks was to choose a Bible verse for the cover of each month's devotional. One afternoon, when nothing quite seemed to fit the photograph, I thought, Who really cares which verse I select?
About a week later, Kurt De Haan, the managing editor of ODB, handed me a letter. It was from a reader who had prayed for years for her son to give his life to Jesus. That son had come to visit her and "happened" to read the verse on the cover of her Our Daily Bread. The timeless truth and power of those few words suddenly broke through to him. He dropped to his knees and asked God to forgive him for his sins.
That incident happened 7 or 8 years ago. At the end of last summer, Kurt (that managing editor, who was also my running buddy), died while on his lunchtime run. In the days following that stunning event, I often sat in my office staring distractedly at the walls. My eyes fell on my ODB calendar. This verse was printed on it: "Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds" (Psalm 36:5 NKJV).
Those words, long familiar to me, were suddenly alive with meaning. A song by Third Day, based on that psalm, came to mind.
And I will lift my voice to worship You, my King;
And I will find my strength in the shadow of Your wing.
Days later I flipped the Our Daily Bread calendar to the next month. "Fear not, . . . you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you" (Isaiah 43:1-2 NKJV).
The book of Hebrews tells us "the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword" (4:12). That awesome power convicts us, but it also provides unutterable comfort when our own words tend to ring hollow. --Tim Gustafson
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I sometimes read God's Word too quickly to appreciate it?
* Has my time with God become an obligation? Or do I truly anticipate it?
* How does God use bad situations to make Himself more real to us?
LINKS:
The Official Third Day Site
http://www.thirdday.com
bottom line: Never underestimate the power of God's Word.
soul journey
Psalm 36:5-12
5 Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, Your justice like the great deep. O Lord, You preserve both man and beast. 7 How priceless is Your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of Your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of Your house; You give them drink from Your river of delights. 9 For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. 10 Continue Your love to those who know You, Your righteousness to the upright in heart. 11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12 See how the evildoers lie fallen--thrown down, not able to rise.
When I worked as assistant editor for Our Daily Bread, one of my tasks was to choose a Bible verse for the cover of each month's devotional. One afternoon, when nothing quite seemed to fit the photograph, I thought, Who really cares which verse I select?
About a week later, Kurt De Haan, the managing editor of ODB, handed me a letter. It was from a reader who had prayed for years for her son to give his life to Jesus. That son had come to visit her and "happened" to read the verse on the cover of her Our Daily Bread. The timeless truth and power of those few words suddenly broke through to him. He dropped to his knees and asked God to forgive him for his sins.
That incident happened 7 or 8 years ago. At the end of last summer, Kurt (that managing editor, who was also my running buddy), died while on his lunchtime run. In the days following that stunning event, I often sat in my office staring distractedly at the walls. My eyes fell on my ODB calendar. This verse was printed on it: "Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds" (Psalm 36:5 NKJV).
Those words, long familiar to me, were suddenly alive with meaning. A song by Third Day, based on that psalm, came to mind.
And I will lift my voice to worship You, my King;
And I will find my strength in the shadow of Your wing.
Days later I flipped the Our Daily Bread calendar to the next month. "Fear not, . . . you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you" (Isaiah 43:1-2 NKJV).
The book of Hebrews tells us "the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword" (4:12). That awesome power convicts us, but it also provides unutterable comfort when our own words tend to ring hollow. --Tim Gustafson
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I sometimes read God's Word too quickly to appreciate it?
* Has my time with God become an obligation? Or do I truly anticipate it?
* How does God use bad situations to make Himself more real to us?
LINKS:
The Official Third Day Site
http://www.thirdday.com
bottom line: Never underestimate the power of God's Word.
soul journey
Sunday, April 04, 2004
The Way to Permanent Faith
Indeed the hour is coming . . . that you will be scattered . . . —John 16:32
Jesus was not rebuking the disciples in this passage. Their faith was real, but it was disordered and unfocused, and was not at work in the important realities of life. The disciples were scattered to their own concerns and they had interests apart from Jesus Christ. After we have the perfect relationship with God, through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, our faith must be exercised in the realities of everyday life. We will be scattered, not into service but into the emptiness of our lives where we will see ruin and barrenness, to know what internal death to God’s blessings means. Are we prepared for this? It is certainly not of our own choosing, but God engineers our circumstances to take us there. Until we have been through that experience, our faith is sustained only by feelings and by blessings. But once we get there, no matter where God may place us or what inner emptiness we experience, we can praise God that all is well. That is what is meant by faith being exercised in the realities of life.
". . . you . . . will leave Me alone." Have we been scattered and have we left Jesus alone by not seeing His providential care for us? Do we not see God at work in our circumstances? Dark times are allowed and come to us through the sovereignty of God. Are we prepared to let God do what He wants with us? Are we prepared to be separated from the outward, evident blessings of God? Until Jesus Christ is truly our Lord, we each have goals of our own which we serve. Our faith is real, but it is not yet permanent. And God is never in a hurry. If we are willing to wait, we will see God pointing out that we have been interested only in His blessings, instead of in God Himself. The sense of God’s blessings is fundamental
". . . be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" ( John 16:33 ). Unyielding spiritual fortitude is what we need.
my utmost for His highest
Indeed the hour is coming . . . that you will be scattered . . . —John 16:32
Jesus was not rebuking the disciples in this passage. Their faith was real, but it was disordered and unfocused, and was not at work in the important realities of life. The disciples were scattered to their own concerns and they had interests apart from Jesus Christ. After we have the perfect relationship with God, through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, our faith must be exercised in the realities of everyday life. We will be scattered, not into service but into the emptiness of our lives where we will see ruin and barrenness, to know what internal death to God’s blessings means. Are we prepared for this? It is certainly not of our own choosing, but God engineers our circumstances to take us there. Until we have been through that experience, our faith is sustained only by feelings and by blessings. But once we get there, no matter where God may place us or what inner emptiness we experience, we can praise God that all is well. That is what is meant by faith being exercised in the realities of life.
". . . you . . . will leave Me alone." Have we been scattered and have we left Jesus alone by not seeing His providential care for us? Do we not see God at work in our circumstances? Dark times are allowed and come to us through the sovereignty of God. Are we prepared to let God do what He wants with us? Are we prepared to be separated from the outward, evident blessings of God? Until Jesus Christ is truly our Lord, we each have goals of our own which we serve. Our faith is real, but it is not yet permanent. And God is never in a hurry. If we are willing to wait, we will see God pointing out that we have been interested only in His blessings, instead of in God Himself. The sense of God’s blessings is fundamental
". . . be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" ( John 16:33 ). Unyielding spiritual fortitude is what we need.
my utmost for His highest
Saturday, April 03, 2004
Chess Master
Read: Isaiah 48:17-22
He caused the waters to flow from the rock for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. —Isaiah 48:21
An intriguing painting is on display in the Louvre in Paris. It portrays Faust (the legendary German magician who bartered away his soul to the devil) sitting across from Satan at a chessboard. Satan is gloating over what appears to be the checkmate of Faust's king. The magician's expression is that of a beaten man.
According to an often told story, a famous chess master visited the gallery one day and studied the painting with great care. All at once he startled everyone around him by shouting excitedly, "It's a lie! It's a lie! The king and the knight have another move."
Isaiah assured the people of Judah that God always provides a way of escape. Although they would be deported to Babylon because of their sinfulness, Isaiah prophesied that a future day of release would come when they would have to leave hurriedly. But they wouldn't have to worry. Just as God had provided water for the Israelites in the desert, He would also provide for them on their long trek homeward.
Many of us have experienced situations that appeared hopeless. We saw no way out, but we prayed and God opened a way. He made that "impossible" move. We can trust Him. He can never be checkmated. —Herb Vander Lugt
When problems seem impossible
And we can't face another day,
The Lord extends His helping hand
And shows us He can make a way. —Sper
God is the only King who can never be defeated.
daily bread
Read: Isaiah 48:17-22
He caused the waters to flow from the rock for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. —Isaiah 48:21
An intriguing painting is on display in the Louvre in Paris. It portrays Faust (the legendary German magician who bartered away his soul to the devil) sitting across from Satan at a chessboard. Satan is gloating over what appears to be the checkmate of Faust's king. The magician's expression is that of a beaten man.
According to an often told story, a famous chess master visited the gallery one day and studied the painting with great care. All at once he startled everyone around him by shouting excitedly, "It's a lie! It's a lie! The king and the knight have another move."
Isaiah assured the people of Judah that God always provides a way of escape. Although they would be deported to Babylon because of their sinfulness, Isaiah prophesied that a future day of release would come when they would have to leave hurriedly. But they wouldn't have to worry. Just as God had provided water for the Israelites in the desert, He would also provide for them on their long trek homeward.
Many of us have experienced situations that appeared hopeless. We saw no way out, but we prayed and God opened a way. He made that "impossible" move. We can trust Him. He can never be checkmated. —Herb Vander Lugt
When problems seem impossible
And we can't face another day,
The Lord extends His helping hand
And shows us He can make a way. —Sper
God is the only King who can never be defeated.
daily bread
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Sin, a Hindrance to Answered Prayer
By Carlos Garcia
We may want to become angry with God for not answering our prayer, but if we walking in disobedience to God then we are hindering ourselves from receiving a blessing.
Have you ever found that the prayers you have before God have gone unanswered? Have you ever wondered what it could be that is holding back the answer to your petition? After spending some time in fasting in prayer the Lord revealed to me five hindrances to receiving prayers answered, they are the following: sin, fear, self, time and disorder. Today, I'll be discussing the first point, sin.
God's word says that without obedience there is no blessing. Disobedience to God's word is sin. We may be faithful in tithing and church attendance, but if we are not walking according to God's word, we are in disobedience and sin.
We may want to become angry with God for not answering our prayer, but if we walking in disobedience to God then we are hindering ourselves from receiving a blessing.
Sin seems to develop in stages, A) Thoughts, B) Words, and C) Action. The Scriptures state, "as a man *THINKS in his heart, so is he." If the thoughts of your heart are angry, lustful, jealous, and the like, then it is an indication of whom we are, even if it is not whom we want or claim to be. (cf. II Co 10:3-5)
As Christians we must strive to keep our thoughts pure and in line with the word of God. Philippians 4:8 challenges the Believer, "Whatsoever things are holy, ... pure, ... and of good report ...think [meditate] on these things."
If we keep our thoughts on the Lord, we will be much more effective in keeping our thoughts pure. And since our objective as Christians is to be more like Jesus, we must meditate (keep our thoughts) on the Lord so we can become more like Him. And if we walk in obedience we will be at a place to receive the blessing we have petitioned God.
The Bible state, "the power of life and death is in the tongue" and we will eat the fruit of those words. For example, if we are asking God for a financial blessing, but on our "non-prayer" time we keep speaking doubtful or negative words, we will eat the "fruit" of our doubt and miss the blessing of our prayers.
Action speaks to what we live and walk out in our day-to-day lives. There are believers who have the misconception that because we "talk the talk," behind close door we are not obligated to "walk the walk." Yet, in Galatians 6: 7-8 it states plainly, "God is not mocked…he that soweth to the flesh…will reap destruction." We cannot look to blame others for our lack of blessings.
In essence, if we live life as if God is not omnipresent [present in all places] and omniscient [all knowing], than we deceive ourselves. Our Christianity is not only about words, but it's about actions. As it says in the book of James, "Faith without works [actions] is dead."
If we desire the blessing of the Lord, we must walk in line with His word. If we walk in obedience we will be in the place to receive God's blessing.
cbn
By Carlos Garcia
We may want to become angry with God for not answering our prayer, but if we walking in disobedience to God then we are hindering ourselves from receiving a blessing.
Have you ever found that the prayers you have before God have gone unanswered? Have you ever wondered what it could be that is holding back the answer to your petition? After spending some time in fasting in prayer the Lord revealed to me five hindrances to receiving prayers answered, they are the following: sin, fear, self, time and disorder. Today, I'll be discussing the first point, sin.
God's word says that without obedience there is no blessing. Disobedience to God's word is sin. We may be faithful in tithing and church attendance, but if we are not walking according to God's word, we are in disobedience and sin.
We may want to become angry with God for not answering our prayer, but if we walking in disobedience to God then we are hindering ourselves from receiving a blessing.
Sin seems to develop in stages, A) Thoughts, B) Words, and C) Action. The Scriptures state, "as a man *THINKS in his heart, so is he." If the thoughts of your heart are angry, lustful, jealous, and the like, then it is an indication of whom we are, even if it is not whom we want or claim to be. (cf. II Co 10:3-5)
As Christians we must strive to keep our thoughts pure and in line with the word of God. Philippians 4:8 challenges the Believer, "Whatsoever things are holy, ... pure, ... and of good report ...think [meditate] on these things."
If we keep our thoughts on the Lord, we will be much more effective in keeping our thoughts pure. And since our objective as Christians is to be more like Jesus, we must meditate (keep our thoughts) on the Lord so we can become more like Him. And if we walk in obedience we will be at a place to receive the blessing we have petitioned God.
The Bible state, "the power of life and death is in the tongue" and we will eat the fruit of those words. For example, if we are asking God for a financial blessing, but on our "non-prayer" time we keep speaking doubtful or negative words, we will eat the "fruit" of our doubt and miss the blessing of our prayers.
Action speaks to what we live and walk out in our day-to-day lives. There are believers who have the misconception that because we "talk the talk," behind close door we are not obligated to "walk the walk." Yet, in Galatians 6: 7-8 it states plainly, "God is not mocked…he that soweth to the flesh…will reap destruction." We cannot look to blame others for our lack of blessings.
In essence, if we live life as if God is not omnipresent [present in all places] and omniscient [all knowing], than we deceive ourselves. Our Christianity is not only about words, but it's about actions. As it says in the book of James, "Faith without works [actions] is dead."
If we desire the blessing of the Lord, we must walk in line with His word. If we walk in obedience we will be in the place to receive God's blessing.
cbn