QUARTERLIFE CRISIS
1 Chronicles 28:20-21
20 David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished. 21 The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command."
Do you feel confused . . . somewhat adrift? You may be dealing with the effects of being a 20-something. (If you're in your teens or 30s or older, . . . well, . . . your confusion must be coming from other issues.)
Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Life in Your 20s, written by Alexandra Robbins and Abby Wilner, addresses the fact that many people flounder after leaving college. The whole job thing becomes a "confusing, demoralizing quarterlife crisis."
Fortunately, there's hope. Robbins and Wilner cover three main points in their book:
* No career plan? Don't worry.
* Separate the meaning of a job from the perks.
* Scared and clueless about your career? You're normal.
This advice--from a couple of secular authors--sounds pretty good. One thing I don't see in Robbins' and Wilner's writing, however, is the importance of vocation.
Vocation originally meant "spiritual calling." My Random House Dictionary includes this definition, "a function to which one is called by God."
I like that. Sometimes we forget that all work can glorify God and is sacred in His sight. Not just church stuff--all jobs.
David seemed to understand this high view of work. As he handed off the temple-building project to his son Solomon, he said, "Do the work." Like Solomon, you have an assignment. God has work for you to do. Once you determine what it is, do it, "for the Lord . . . is with you" (1 Chronicles 28:20).
Also, as you work for Him, God will "not fail you" (v.21). Pursue your job responsibilities with full confidence in God's faithfulness and provision.
"Every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work," David told Solomon (v.21). What an awesome opportunity it was to help build the temple!
God has given you the ability to be skilled in your work. Leave confusion behind and simply do your best in your vocation. It's a sacred calling and a gift from God. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* How have I been viewing work?
* What is God's perspective on vocation?
* Why is it important to have a high view of work?
LINKS:
How Can I Find Satisfaction In My Work?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0708
Quarterlife Crisis
http://www.quarterlifecrisis.com/
bottom line: Work is sacred in God's sight.
soul journey
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Let's Answer the Call and Unite
By Scott Presson
In a very real sense our country is at a crossroads. Most Christians know that the upcoming presidential election is a mandate for our nation’s future. Even those who are unbelievers sense that this election is pivotal in shaping the course of our nation.
Chances are the next president will pick at least three Supreme Court justices and fill many other vacancies throughout our courts system. The choices our next president makes will no doubt influence the battles over legalized abortion and same-sex marriage. Other morally relevant issues such as stem-cell research, religious expression in schools, pornography, and the continued attempts to eliminate the Christian foundation of our country are broadening the battle front. The choices our president makes will capture the hearts and minds of the American people for years to come.
A persistent godless minority knows that the majority of people in this nation will never endorse their radical views. They realize that if Americans have the chance to vote either yes or no for their agenda, they would reject it outright. Knowing that they are not widely accepted, they’ve attempted to co-opt the U.S. courts. Sympathetic judges have overstepped their constitutional authority and ruled against morality and Christians time and time again.
At a recent hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., made the comment that the “courts are exceeding their power.” If we let them, out of control judges will be the death of our country!
A lot of people sense we are on the cusp of breakthrough in the United States. Other ministries are currently in the midst of concerted prayed efforts. Several recognized prophets such as Cindy Jacobs, Dutch Sheets and Lou Engle have prophesied that Virginia is the womb of this nation and that revival will begin here and spread throughout North America. Within CBN there is a refreshing spirit of unity and a sense that we are at the dawn of a new day.
But it is going to take a concerted effort of dedicated Intercessory prayer to continue to move forward!
On June 22 CBN began a 21 day prayer effort called Operation Breakthrough. The intent is to mobilize an army of prayer warriors. As Christians we are fighting a very real battle against unseen forces:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
As the Church, we alone shoulder the responsibility for the future of our nation. History does indeed belong to the Intercessors. We will be held accountable to God for our involvement or lack of.
Let’s answer the call and unite with our partners for these prayer requests and the others mentioned. As we focus and pray and humble ourselves according to God’s Word, I believe we will see a great changes in Iraq and even greater changes in our nation. As we draw near to God he will forgive our sins and heal our land. The battle has not been lost and the die has not been cast! We must endeavor to do God’s will, so He will change the direction of our nation and our courts. We must answer the call to be watchmen on the wall and intercede for the above requests for our nation.
cbn
By Scott Presson
In a very real sense our country is at a crossroads. Most Christians know that the upcoming presidential election is a mandate for our nation’s future. Even those who are unbelievers sense that this election is pivotal in shaping the course of our nation.
Chances are the next president will pick at least three Supreme Court justices and fill many other vacancies throughout our courts system. The choices our next president makes will no doubt influence the battles over legalized abortion and same-sex marriage. Other morally relevant issues such as stem-cell research, religious expression in schools, pornography, and the continued attempts to eliminate the Christian foundation of our country are broadening the battle front. The choices our president makes will capture the hearts and minds of the American people for years to come.
A persistent godless minority knows that the majority of people in this nation will never endorse their radical views. They realize that if Americans have the chance to vote either yes or no for their agenda, they would reject it outright. Knowing that they are not widely accepted, they’ve attempted to co-opt the U.S. courts. Sympathetic judges have overstepped their constitutional authority and ruled against morality and Christians time and time again.
At a recent hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Property Rights, Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., made the comment that the “courts are exceeding their power.” If we let them, out of control judges will be the death of our country!
A lot of people sense we are on the cusp of breakthrough in the United States. Other ministries are currently in the midst of concerted prayed efforts. Several recognized prophets such as Cindy Jacobs, Dutch Sheets and Lou Engle have prophesied that Virginia is the womb of this nation and that revival will begin here and spread throughout North America. Within CBN there is a refreshing spirit of unity and a sense that we are at the dawn of a new day.
But it is going to take a concerted effort of dedicated Intercessory prayer to continue to move forward!
On June 22 CBN began a 21 day prayer effort called Operation Breakthrough. The intent is to mobilize an army of prayer warriors. As Christians we are fighting a very real battle against unseen forces:
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Ephesians 6:12)
As the Church, we alone shoulder the responsibility for the future of our nation. History does indeed belong to the Intercessors. We will be held accountable to God for our involvement or lack of.
Let’s answer the call and unite with our partners for these prayer requests and the others mentioned. As we focus and pray and humble ourselves according to God’s Word, I believe we will see a great changes in Iraq and even greater changes in our nation. As we draw near to God he will forgive our sins and heal our land. The battle has not been lost and the die has not been cast! We must endeavor to do God’s will, so He will change the direction of our nation and our courts. We must answer the call to be watchmen on the wall and intercede for the above requests for our nation.
cbn
Monday, June 28, 2004
Today's scripture is Psalm 32:7
"Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance."
If you want God to be God of your trouble, then you must let Him be God in your heart. God honors those who honor Him. If you're facing problems, don't just start kicking and screaming and begging Him to save you from them. Honor Him by going to His Word and doing what He says to do.
Psalm 34 is a good place to start. It says, for example, to seek God(verse 4). As you seek Him, He will deliver you from the things that threaten you.
Secondly, it instructs you to cry out to the Lord. He will save you out of ALL your troubles (verse 6).
Next it tells you to fear the Lord. Verses 11-14 tell you exactly how to do that: Keep from speaking evil and deceit; depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Remember, if you want God to be God of your trouble, let Him be God of your heart. When you do that, all of heaven will get involved in your deliverance--and your triumph will be guaranteed.
bible shack
"Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance."
If you want God to be God of your trouble, then you must let Him be God in your heart. God honors those who honor Him. If you're facing problems, don't just start kicking and screaming and begging Him to save you from them. Honor Him by going to His Word and doing what He says to do.
Psalm 34 is a good place to start. It says, for example, to seek God(verse 4). As you seek Him, He will deliver you from the things that threaten you.
Secondly, it instructs you to cry out to the Lord. He will save you out of ALL your troubles (verse 6).
Next it tells you to fear the Lord. Verses 11-14 tell you exactly how to do that: Keep from speaking evil and deceit; depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Remember, if you want God to be God of your trouble, let Him be God of your heart. When you do that, all of heaven will get involved in your deliverance--and your triumph will be guaranteed.
bible shack
Sunday, June 27, 2004
RADICAL SURGERY
Matthew 5:27-30
27 You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery." 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
You'll find one of the most radical sayings in all of Scripture in Matthew 5:27-30. Jesus said, in essence, "If part of your body makes you sin, it's better to cut it off and throw it away than to keep on offending God." He gave two examples: If you keep sinning with your right eye, gouge it out and get rid of it. And if your right hand is the problem, cut it off and dispose of it. That's radical!
We should take Jesus' words to heart--but we shouldn't take them literally. We know this because people without eyes or hands can continue to lust and sin. Acting on our lustful desires is the problem. We must think and behave as if the offending eyes or ears or feet or fingers were gone.
The experience of Aron Ralston is a physical example of this spiritual idea. Aron took a day-hike into the rugged wilderness near Canyonlands National Park in Utah. As he was clambering over a huge boulder, it shifted and trapped his right arm against the sheer face of a cliff. Try as he might, he could not get his arm free.
After 5 days, his situation was desperate. Searching friends had not found him. He was out of food and water. It was time for radical action! First he applied a tourniquet. Then he broke the two bones in his arm above the wrist. Using the blade of a utility tool, he cut through the flesh until his arm was free. Then he trekked 6 miles down the canyon which included rappelling a 60-foot cliff. Finally, he came across some people who helped him.
To cut that arm off, Aron had to see it as useless and dead--as threatening his life. He had to see it as gone. That's how Jesus told us to look at the parts of our bodies we sin with--as if they were dead; as if they no longer had any power; as if they had been cut off and thrown away.
It may seem as if you could not live without that pleasure, that sin, that addiction. That's part of sin's power. The way to overcome it is to view it as threatening your life. Then, in your mind, and with the help of Jesus, "Cut it off and throw it away." Radical surgery is required to be free from sin. --Dave Egner
DESTINATION POINTS
* With which part of my body do I sin the most? Mouth? Eyes? Hands?
* Jesus did not mean for us to mutilate ourselves. What did He mean?
* With whom can I comfortably talk about my particular struggles?
LINKS:
Hiker Aron Ralston Cuts Off Own Arm to Survive
http://hike.mountainzone.com/2003/news/html/030502_amputate-arm.html
bottom line: Sin requires a radical approach.
soul journey
Matthew 5:27-30
27 You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery." 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.
You'll find one of the most radical sayings in all of Scripture in Matthew 5:27-30. Jesus said, in essence, "If part of your body makes you sin, it's better to cut it off and throw it away than to keep on offending God." He gave two examples: If you keep sinning with your right eye, gouge it out and get rid of it. And if your right hand is the problem, cut it off and dispose of it. That's radical!
We should take Jesus' words to heart--but we shouldn't take them literally. We know this because people without eyes or hands can continue to lust and sin. Acting on our lustful desires is the problem. We must think and behave as if the offending eyes or ears or feet or fingers were gone.
The experience of Aron Ralston is a physical example of this spiritual idea. Aron took a day-hike into the rugged wilderness near Canyonlands National Park in Utah. As he was clambering over a huge boulder, it shifted and trapped his right arm against the sheer face of a cliff. Try as he might, he could not get his arm free.
After 5 days, his situation was desperate. Searching friends had not found him. He was out of food and water. It was time for radical action! First he applied a tourniquet. Then he broke the two bones in his arm above the wrist. Using the blade of a utility tool, he cut through the flesh until his arm was free. Then he trekked 6 miles down the canyon which included rappelling a 60-foot cliff. Finally, he came across some people who helped him.
To cut that arm off, Aron had to see it as useless and dead--as threatening his life. He had to see it as gone. That's how Jesus told us to look at the parts of our bodies we sin with--as if they were dead; as if they no longer had any power; as if they had been cut off and thrown away.
It may seem as if you could not live without that pleasure, that sin, that addiction. That's part of sin's power. The way to overcome it is to view it as threatening your life. Then, in your mind, and with the help of Jesus, "Cut it off and throw it away." Radical surgery is required to be free from sin. --Dave Egner
DESTINATION POINTS
* With which part of my body do I sin the most? Mouth? Eyes? Hands?
* Jesus did not mean for us to mutilate ourselves. What did He mean?
* With whom can I comfortably talk about my particular struggles?
LINKS:
Hiker Aron Ralston Cuts Off Own Arm to Survive
http://hike.mountainzone.com/2003/news/html/030502_amputate-arm.html
bottom line: Sin requires a radical approach.
soul journey
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Running on empty
by John Fischer
Our second child was born prematurely, away from home. As you can imagine, it was a major crisis situation. There was much to do: find a temporary place to live, restructure our calendars, look after the needs of our one year-old in a new environment with all the attention going to his new baby sister, and be big enough to take on everybody’s emotions.
I could say I rose to the occasion but what I would really mean is my faith rose to the occasion. For the five weeks surrounding the time we waited for our new daughter until she could survive outside an incubator, I was on a spiritual high. In heightened emotional situations, I always find my faith more palpable. I not only believe God, I run on faith. Makes me think of Jackson Brown’s song “Running On Empty” because that’s what it feels like. I’m empty, but I’m still running, because I’m on faith alone. There’s no doubt about it. It can be exhilarating.
Then something happens when life returns to “normal” (which isn’t really normal, it’s just that the immediate pressure is off), it becomes harder to actually run on faith because I have so many other support systems I’m used to running on—things other than the Lord. It’s too easy to fall back on old ways of coping. In other words, it’s harder for me to live by faith when things are going well than when I am in crisis.
But here’s what I think the truth is: what I might call “normal” is an illusion. Life is in just as much of a crisis when I’m not feeling it as when I am. In fact, it is probably worse because my guard is down; I’m not on the lookout. I’m taking my ease.
Don’t be lulled to sleep by the “normal.” “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 LNT).
If we could really see the truth, we would see that we are empty all the time. In a spiritual way, we are perpetually in need of the Spirit in order to do the simplest of things. Be careful not to let your guard down.
-PDL-
by John Fischer
Our second child was born prematurely, away from home. As you can imagine, it was a major crisis situation. There was much to do: find a temporary place to live, restructure our calendars, look after the needs of our one year-old in a new environment with all the attention going to his new baby sister, and be big enough to take on everybody’s emotions.
I could say I rose to the occasion but what I would really mean is my faith rose to the occasion. For the five weeks surrounding the time we waited for our new daughter until she could survive outside an incubator, I was on a spiritual high. In heightened emotional situations, I always find my faith more palpable. I not only believe God, I run on faith. Makes me think of Jackson Brown’s song “Running On Empty” because that’s what it feels like. I’m empty, but I’m still running, because I’m on faith alone. There’s no doubt about it. It can be exhilarating.
Then something happens when life returns to “normal” (which isn’t really normal, it’s just that the immediate pressure is off), it becomes harder to actually run on faith because I have so many other support systems I’m used to running on—things other than the Lord. It’s too easy to fall back on old ways of coping. In other words, it’s harder for me to live by faith when things are going well than when I am in crisis.
But here’s what I think the truth is: what I might call “normal” is an illusion. Life is in just as much of a crisis when I’m not feeling it as when I am. In fact, it is probably worse because my guard is down; I’m not on the lookout. I’m taking my ease.
Don’t be lulled to sleep by the “normal.” “Be careful! Watch out for attacks from the Devil, your great enemy. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 LNT).
If we could really see the truth, we would see that we are empty all the time. In a spiritual way, we are perpetually in need of the Spirit in order to do the simplest of things. Be careful not to let your guard down.
-PDL-
Thursday, June 24, 2004
God Doesn't Forget a Single Bird
By Scott Presson
On my way into work this morning, a bird darted in front of me. I heard it bounce off of my truck and in my rear view mirror; I saw it as it fell to the side of the road. The Lord immediately spoke to me about that little bird. He impressed it upon my heart that He had seen what happened and He was totally aware of it. My mind jumped to this verse:
What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. (Luke 12:6)
God doesn't forget a single bird. God's creation is valuable to Him. As a part of His creation, He is concerned with you and me. In fact we are His chosen vessels to complete His will on earth.
Sometimes we all feel as if we've been "left out in the cold". We feel like God must have His attention elsewhere and He didn't see that problem that came up or realize we needed a quick resolution. Just like that bird that darted in front of me, we often ask why God doesn't intervene in our lives, why didn't God make him zig instead of zag?
But of course God does intervene as we yield to Him.
God really does care about us. God really does see all the problems. God really is on the job, hearing our prayers and taking care of what we need.
We have to stay focused. We hear a variation of that all the time. The world says, "Just stay focused", as if that will make our entire decision making process okay. Or they say, "Work through it," as if all the poor choices we've made can be corrected by force of will. God wants us to focus on Him:
And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food - what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. (Luke 12:28)
He will give us everything we need if we make His kingdom our focus. We have to learn to rely on Him to take care of the issues in our lives. How many times have you tried to interject yourself in a situation fully intending on doing the right thing and yet it turns out so wrong. We always want to do things our way and yet half the time that's the very reason we're in that position in the first place. Our free will is not free reign to wreak havoc. In fact, that's what God is trying to get us to see, Yield To Him And He Will Take Care Of You. Look at this verse:
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation. (Psalms 91:9)
He will protect you, rescue you, be with you, answer you, honor you, satisfy you, give you long life and His salvation. If you make God your refuge and your shelter! We just have to trust in Him and he gives us all that. What a bargain!
Don't fret. God sees all the little birds that fall by the wayside and He sees all you are struggling with today. He wants you to know that He loves you with His everlasting Love. He wants you to know that He alone knows all about you and every hope and dream you hold so dear. He alone knows the issues in your life. He alone knows the way it will all turn out, But You Must Yield To Him. God's plan is the best plan. His plan will make you skillful at His calling. His plan for you will enable you to go forward with confidence. His plan will prevail.
God wants to bless you right now. He is giving you strength for this day and hope for the future. He is giving you peace. Just receive all that He has for you! Rest in the fact that He is looking upon you with graciousness and favor. You are His beloved.
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6: 24)
cbn
By Scott Presson
On my way into work this morning, a bird darted in front of me. I heard it bounce off of my truck and in my rear view mirror; I saw it as it fell to the side of the road. The Lord immediately spoke to me about that little bird. He impressed it upon my heart that He had seen what happened and He was totally aware of it. My mind jumped to this verse:
What is the price of five sparrows? A couple of pennies? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows. (Luke 12:6)
God doesn't forget a single bird. God's creation is valuable to Him. As a part of His creation, He is concerned with you and me. In fact we are His chosen vessels to complete His will on earth.
Sometimes we all feel as if we've been "left out in the cold". We feel like God must have His attention elsewhere and He didn't see that problem that came up or realize we needed a quick resolution. Just like that bird that darted in front of me, we often ask why God doesn't intervene in our lives, why didn't God make him zig instead of zag?
But of course God does intervene as we yield to Him.
God really does care about us. God really does see all the problems. God really is on the job, hearing our prayers and taking care of what we need.
We have to stay focused. We hear a variation of that all the time. The world says, "Just stay focused", as if that will make our entire decision making process okay. Or they say, "Work through it," as if all the poor choices we've made can be corrected by force of will. God wants us to focus on Him:
And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! And don't worry about food - what to eat and drink. Don't worry whether God will provide it for you. These things dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. (Luke 12:28)
He will give us everything we need if we make His kingdom our focus. We have to learn to rely on Him to take care of the issues in our lives. How many times have you tried to interject yourself in a situation fully intending on doing the right thing and yet it turns out so wrong. We always want to do things our way and yet half the time that's the very reason we're in that position in the first place. Our free will is not free reign to wreak havoc. In fact, that's what God is trying to get us to see, Yield To Him And He Will Take Care Of You. Look at this verse:
If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your dwelling. For he orders his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you with their hands to keep you from striking your foot on a stone. You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them. I will satisfy them with a long life and give them my salvation. (Psalms 91:9)
He will protect you, rescue you, be with you, answer you, honor you, satisfy you, give you long life and His salvation. If you make God your refuge and your shelter! We just have to trust in Him and he gives us all that. What a bargain!
Don't fret. God sees all the little birds that fall by the wayside and He sees all you are struggling with today. He wants you to know that He loves you with His everlasting Love. He wants you to know that He alone knows all about you and every hope and dream you hold so dear. He alone knows the issues in your life. He alone knows the way it will all turn out, But You Must Yield To Him. God's plan is the best plan. His plan will make you skillful at His calling. His plan for you will enable you to go forward with confidence. His plan will prevail.
God wants to bless you right now. He is giving you strength for this day and hope for the future. He is giving you peace. Just receive all that He has for you! Rest in the fact that He is looking upon you with graciousness and favor. You are His beloved.
The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. (Numbers 6: 24)
cbn
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
God Will Make a Way
By Integrity Music
The Lord's arm is not too short to save us from evil. Indeed, we are often saved from calamities when we don't even realize we are in danger.
The Lord protects us. Corrie ten Boom knew that truth well.
In her book, The Hiding Place, she tells of the tense period in Holland during the German invasion in the 1940s. On one particular night, Corrie tossed and turned in her bed while war planes roared overhead, shattering the blackness with artillery shells. Her sister, Betsie, also struggling with sleeplessness, decided the remedy was a cup of tea. When Corrie heard her sister in the kitchen, she arose and joined her. They drank tea and talked as shells exploded nearby. Finally the night became still again, and they decided to return to their beds.
Before lying down, Corrie reached out to pat her pillow. She felt something sharp cut her hand and discovered a jagged piece of metal about ten inches long. She cried out for her sister and immediately raced down the stairs with the shrapnel shard in her hand.
As Betsie bandaged Corrie's hand, she said repeatedly in awe, "On your pillow." Corrie responded, "Betsie, if I hadn't heard you in the kitchen...." Betsie interrupted, "Don't say it, Corrie! There are no 'ifs' in God's world. The center of His will is our safety."
Corrie later proclaimed this truth to millions in her book: "God's will is our hiding place."
The Lord's arm is not too short to save us from evil. Indeed, we are often saved from calamities when we don't even realize we are in danger. Thank the Lord today for His saving power. Praise Him for the many times He has rescued you, comforted you, and raised you up. Praise Him for sparing you from the snare of the enemy countless times in the past and future, even as you believe for Him to deliver you from the enemy's stronghold today.
"Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, And in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength" (Psalm 89:15-17, NKJV).
cbn
By Integrity Music
The Lord's arm is not too short to save us from evil. Indeed, we are often saved from calamities when we don't even realize we are in danger.
The Lord protects us. Corrie ten Boom knew that truth well.
In her book, The Hiding Place, she tells of the tense period in Holland during the German invasion in the 1940s. On one particular night, Corrie tossed and turned in her bed while war planes roared overhead, shattering the blackness with artillery shells. Her sister, Betsie, also struggling with sleeplessness, decided the remedy was a cup of tea. When Corrie heard her sister in the kitchen, she arose and joined her. They drank tea and talked as shells exploded nearby. Finally the night became still again, and they decided to return to their beds.
Before lying down, Corrie reached out to pat her pillow. She felt something sharp cut her hand and discovered a jagged piece of metal about ten inches long. She cried out for her sister and immediately raced down the stairs with the shrapnel shard in her hand.
As Betsie bandaged Corrie's hand, she said repeatedly in awe, "On your pillow." Corrie responded, "Betsie, if I hadn't heard you in the kitchen...." Betsie interrupted, "Don't say it, Corrie! There are no 'ifs' in God's world. The center of His will is our safety."
Corrie later proclaimed this truth to millions in her book: "God's will is our hiding place."
The Lord's arm is not too short to save us from evil. Indeed, we are often saved from calamities when we don't even realize we are in danger. Thank the Lord today for His saving power. Praise Him for the many times He has rescued you, comforted you, and raised you up. Praise Him for sparing you from the snare of the enemy countless times in the past and future, even as you believe for Him to deliver you from the enemy's stronghold today.
"Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long, And in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength" (Psalm 89:15-17, NKJV).
cbn
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
I Hated Witnessing!
By Dena J. Dyer
Successful witnessing is sharing Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.
Scripture: "The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down." Psalm 135:13-14
In 1983, I fell madly in love with Jesus, after spending several days in Missouri at a Christian youth camp. My friend Krista was on fire, too, and we were concerned about Eric, one of the boys who had come with us. Eric wasn't born again, and he kept avoiding the nightly worship services. We knew God wanted him to accept Christ, and we decided we were the ones to help him do it.
So Krista and I roped him into going for a walk and practically pushed him down on a park bench. Then we went into the "spiel" we had practiced during that week's witnessing training.
"I've heard this before," he growled as we began, "and I don't want your Jesus!"
Krista put her hand on his arm. "But we care about you, Eric. Just listen to what we have to say!"
"No way!" he exclaimed. Then he got up and (literally) ran off.
I sat there, stunned. As a shy teenager, I was crushed. What did we do wrong? I knew we wanted the best for Eric, and I thought my heart was right with God. Did we push too hard?
It was years before I would verbally witness again. I decided I would let my light shine through my actions, and allow people to ask me questions if they wanted the joy and peace I had. The only problem was that no one ever asked.
As I was looking up the "Eric" story in my journals, I ran across the camp's motto: "Successful witnessing is sharing Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God." That resonated with me, since I still don't know what became of Eric.
Over several years of being a non-witness, I realized that I wasn't being obedient to Christ's mandate to share the gospel with the world. I began to look for opportunities to talk about Jesus in a natural way with neighbors, friends and acquaintances. At times, I saw positive results. Sometimes, I fell on my face. Always, I felt God's presence and His approval -- like a father who is proud of his daughter for "just trying."
Recently, I shared Christ with a friend of mine who is involved in a cult. I prayed for an opportunity to talk to him for several months. When he approached me about coming to a special event at their church, I set up a time to talk with him later, at length.
Then I called every Christian friend I knew and asked them to pray like crazy. I also called a friend who had studied the cult, in order to review their theology. When our appointment came, I was uncharacteristically bold -- through the power of the Holy Spirit -- in explaining the differences in our faith, and telling why I felt uncomfortable with his request. God brought several Scriptures and questions to mind that I hadn't planned on bringing up. Through it all, I felt calm, even joyful.
And now, I'm leaving the results to God.
Lord, thank you for helping me to share Your love and grace with others, and for picking me up when I fall short in this area.
cbn
By Dena J. Dyer
Successful witnessing is sharing Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.
Scripture: "The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down." Psalm 135:13-14
In 1983, I fell madly in love with Jesus, after spending several days in Missouri at a Christian youth camp. My friend Krista was on fire, too, and we were concerned about Eric, one of the boys who had come with us. Eric wasn't born again, and he kept avoiding the nightly worship services. We knew God wanted him to accept Christ, and we decided we were the ones to help him do it.
So Krista and I roped him into going for a walk and practically pushed him down on a park bench. Then we went into the "spiel" we had practiced during that week's witnessing training.
"I've heard this before," he growled as we began, "and I don't want your Jesus!"
Krista put her hand on his arm. "But we care about you, Eric. Just listen to what we have to say!"
"No way!" he exclaimed. Then he got up and (literally) ran off.
I sat there, stunned. As a shy teenager, I was crushed. What did we do wrong? I knew we wanted the best for Eric, and I thought my heart was right with God. Did we push too hard?
It was years before I would verbally witness again. I decided I would let my light shine through my actions, and allow people to ask me questions if they wanted the joy and peace I had. The only problem was that no one ever asked.
As I was looking up the "Eric" story in my journals, I ran across the camp's motto: "Successful witnessing is sharing Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God." That resonated with me, since I still don't know what became of Eric.
Over several years of being a non-witness, I realized that I wasn't being obedient to Christ's mandate to share the gospel with the world. I began to look for opportunities to talk about Jesus in a natural way with neighbors, friends and acquaintances. At times, I saw positive results. Sometimes, I fell on my face. Always, I felt God's presence and His approval -- like a father who is proud of his daughter for "just trying."
Recently, I shared Christ with a friend of mine who is involved in a cult. I prayed for an opportunity to talk to him for several months. When he approached me about coming to a special event at their church, I set up a time to talk with him later, at length.
Then I called every Christian friend I knew and asked them to pray like crazy. I also called a friend who had studied the cult, in order to review their theology. When our appointment came, I was uncharacteristically bold -- through the power of the Holy Spirit -- in explaining the differences in our faith, and telling why I felt uncomfortable with his request. God brought several Scriptures and questions to mind that I hadn't planned on bringing up. Through it all, I felt calm, even joyful.
And now, I'm leaving the results to God.
Lord, thank you for helping me to share Your love and grace with others, and for picking me up when I fall short in this area.
cbn
Monday, June 21, 2004
CURSES!
Hebrews 10:1-10
1 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings You were not pleased. 7 Then I said, 'Here I am--it is written about Me in the scroll--I have come to do Your will, O God.'" 8 First He said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor were You pleased with them." . . . 9 Then He said, "Here I am, I have come to do Your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
I have a suggestion for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Embrace the curse! It's the only way.
For readers who don't care about baseball, hang on, this is interesting. Since 1908, the Cubs have been finding amazing ways to avoid winning. They blame it on a curse.
In 1945, a man paid for two seats to a World Series game--which was fine, except the second seat was for a goat. Cubs' officials booted them both out of the ballpark. Supposedly, the fan put a curse on the team. The Cubs lost, and haven't been to a Series since.
I say, face the curse head-on. Buy a goat and give him a place to graze in the bullpen--which, of course, will have to be renamed. And get that black cat from 1969 a box seat of his own. (That's another story, and another curse.)
What is the official theological position of Soul Journey on all this? Sure, we believe in the curse. We're all under a curse.
Long ago, the first man and woman rebelled against God (Genesis 3:1-6). Because of that, the human race began to die, just as God had warned (2:17).
God's justice demanded that someone pay for our sins. But then God's love showed us that He had Someone in mind all along--His own Son. In the Old Testament, this future sacrifice was pictured by the system of animal sacrifices and by a scapegoat, who symbolically carried the sins of the people into the wilderness to die (Leviticus 16:10). Jesus became that once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10).
We who trust in Jesus are no longer under the curse of sin and death (John 3:17). We are "being made holy" through His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14). The curse of sin has been lifted. Jesus has conquered sin and death for us.
Now, as for you Boston Red Sox fans and the curse of the Bambino--sorry, you're on your own. --Tim Gustafson
DESTINATION POINTS
* Will animal sacrifices pay for my sins today? Did they ever? (Hebrews 10:1-4).
* Was it an easy decision for Jesus to go to the cross for me? (Mark 14:32-38).
LINKS:
Breaking the Cubs' Curse
http://www.hnn.us/articles/1674.html
bottom line: Jesus died for us so we can live for Him.
soul journey
Hebrews 10:1-10
1 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2 If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3 But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4 because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You prepared for Me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings You were not pleased. 7 Then I said, 'Here I am--it is written about Me in the scroll--I have come to do Your will, O God.'" 8 First He said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor were You pleased with them." . . . 9 Then He said, "Here I am, I have come to do Your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
I have a suggestion for fans of the Chicago Cubs. Embrace the curse! It's the only way.
For readers who don't care about baseball, hang on, this is interesting. Since 1908, the Cubs have been finding amazing ways to avoid winning. They blame it on a curse.
In 1945, a man paid for two seats to a World Series game--which was fine, except the second seat was for a goat. Cubs' officials booted them both out of the ballpark. Supposedly, the fan put a curse on the team. The Cubs lost, and haven't been to a Series since.
I say, face the curse head-on. Buy a goat and give him a place to graze in the bullpen--which, of course, will have to be renamed. And get that black cat from 1969 a box seat of his own. (That's another story, and another curse.)
What is the official theological position of Soul Journey on all this? Sure, we believe in the curse. We're all under a curse.
Long ago, the first man and woman rebelled against God (Genesis 3:1-6). Because of that, the human race began to die, just as God had warned (2:17).
God's justice demanded that someone pay for our sins. But then God's love showed us that He had Someone in mind all along--His own Son. In the Old Testament, this future sacrifice was pictured by the system of animal sacrifices and by a scapegoat, who symbolically carried the sins of the people into the wilderness to die (Leviticus 16:10). Jesus became that once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10).
We who trust in Jesus are no longer under the curse of sin and death (John 3:17). We are "being made holy" through His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14). The curse of sin has been lifted. Jesus has conquered sin and death for us.
Now, as for you Boston Red Sox fans and the curse of the Bambino--sorry, you're on your own. --Tim Gustafson
DESTINATION POINTS
* Will animal sacrifices pay for my sins today? Did they ever? (Hebrews 10:1-4).
* Was it an easy decision for Jesus to go to the cross for me? (Mark 14:32-38).
LINKS:
Breaking the Cubs' Curse
http://www.hnn.us/articles/1674.html
bottom line: Jesus died for us so we can live for Him.
soul journey
Sunday, June 20, 2004
SIN'S MIRROR
1 Timothy 1:3-11
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers--and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which He entrusted to me.
How much do you think you'd learn about good and godly living by studying "wanted" posters--documents that highlight the crimes of lawbreakers? Probably not much.
The apostle Paul, in fact, instructed his young prot?g? Timothy to correct those who spend most of their time studying such documents. Paul said, in essence, that the primary purpose of Old Testament law was to act as a mirror which reveals to the lawbreaker the ugly face of rebellion, deceit, ungodliness, sexual perversion, and murder. The godless are condemned by their own reflections. But those who want to live a life pleasing to God don't seek instruction in sin's mirror--for that is what the law is. They turn away from that which condemns to that which teaches about love, purity, and faith, that which we learn from the example and gospel of Jesus.
My understanding of Paul in this passage is helped by recollections of my childhood. Because my father was a loving and godly man, and because I loved him too, I wanted my life and behavior to please him--to make him happy I was his son. I wasn't motivated much by the discipline I knew I'd receive for breaking his "laws." I was prompted mostly by my desire to be like him.
My dad didn't require my obedience or expect certain behavior because he was on a power trip; he wanted that because he knew it was good for me. I assure you that I learned far more from my father's good example than from his "laying down the law." In fact, he rarely had to do that.
I think this is what the Father wants of us. He says, "Look at My Son Jesus. He obeyed My law perfectly because you couldn't. See how He loved and sacrificed and lived for others. Learn from Him. That's how I want you to live. If you are looking at My Son and following His example, living by the law has little significance for you."
The law reflects the face of godlessness. What our Father wants is for us to reflect the face of His Son to the godless world. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I spend more time thinking about what might be sinful than in considering what is good, loving, and kind?
* What motivates me to obey God?
bottom line: The mirror of the law leads us to God.
soul journey
1 Timothy 1:3-11
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work--which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers--and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which He entrusted to me.
How much do you think you'd learn about good and godly living by studying "wanted" posters--documents that highlight the crimes of lawbreakers? Probably not much.
The apostle Paul, in fact, instructed his young prot?g? Timothy to correct those who spend most of their time studying such documents. Paul said, in essence, that the primary purpose of Old Testament law was to act as a mirror which reveals to the lawbreaker the ugly face of rebellion, deceit, ungodliness, sexual perversion, and murder. The godless are condemned by their own reflections. But those who want to live a life pleasing to God don't seek instruction in sin's mirror--for that is what the law is. They turn away from that which condemns to that which teaches about love, purity, and faith, that which we learn from the example and gospel of Jesus.
My understanding of Paul in this passage is helped by recollections of my childhood. Because my father was a loving and godly man, and because I loved him too, I wanted my life and behavior to please him--to make him happy I was his son. I wasn't motivated much by the discipline I knew I'd receive for breaking his "laws." I was prompted mostly by my desire to be like him.
My dad didn't require my obedience or expect certain behavior because he was on a power trip; he wanted that because he knew it was good for me. I assure you that I learned far more from my father's good example than from his "laying down the law." In fact, he rarely had to do that.
I think this is what the Father wants of us. He says, "Look at My Son Jesus. He obeyed My law perfectly because you couldn't. See how He loved and sacrificed and lived for others. Learn from Him. That's how I want you to live. If you are looking at My Son and following His example, living by the law has little significance for you."
The law reflects the face of godlessness. What our Father wants is for us to reflect the face of His Son to the godless world. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I spend more time thinking about what might be sinful than in considering what is good, loving, and kind?
* What motivates me to obey God?
bottom line: The mirror of the law leads us to God.
soul journey
Saturday, June 19, 2004
THE MYSTERY OF HUMILITY
Numbers 12:1-7
1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2 "Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't He also spoken through us?" And the Lord heard this. 3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) 4 At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, "Come out to the Tent of Meeting, all three of you." So the three of them came out. 5 Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; He stood at the entrance to the Tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them stepped forward, 6 He said, "Listen to My words: "When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal Myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. 7 But this is not true of My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.
What would you think if you were reading a book and the writer made this assertion: "I am the greatest writer on the face of the earth"? Would you (a) think that writer was a good judge of greatness, (b) be terribly irritated by this person's arrogance, or (c) say, "I think I'll read something else"?
Generally speaking, it's not a good idea for us to proudly promote ourselves. If we try to tell others about our own greatness, we usually just promote our own foolishness.
So what are we to do with Numbers 12:3? That's where the writer Moses says, "Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." Now, this can be an even bigger problem than the previously mentioned author and his grandiose claims. Humility is so different. It's something that, once you claim to have it--it's gone.
There are several possible explanations for Moses' claim to humility. Some scholars suggest that someone else added this line after Moses wrote the book of Numbers. Others say the word translated "humble" can be and should be translated "miserable," which would follow his struggles with Miriam and Aaron. Still others say that if God inspired the words, who was Moses to change them? The Bible is God's Word to us, and He superintended each word.
No matter what the source of the word may be, the truth of it is astounding. Moses, the great leader of the people and a man who actually saw God on Mt. Sinai, maintained his humility.
He didn't lord his position over others. He didn't flaunt his close ties to the Father. He didn't let power corrupt him. He displayed true spiritual leadership while keeping his ego in check.
The mystery, then, was not what Moses said, but what he did. He showed us how to lead without letting leadership go to his head. Doing that while honoring God is the solution to the mystery of humility. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* Am I someone others would look at and say, "There's a humble Christian"?
* Do I think being humble means to hide my abilities, afraid to show that I have any value? Or does it mean conducting myself as a true child of the King but making sure He gets the glory?
* Do I know someone who is truly humble? What can I learn from him or her?
LINKS:
Humility's Many Faces
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/014/37.96.html
bottom line: Humility helps us serve others well.
soul journey
Numbers 12:1-7
1 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. 2 "Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?" they asked. "Hasn't He also spoken through us?" And the Lord heard this. 3 (Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.) 4 At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, "Come out to the Tent of Meeting, all three of you." So the three of them came out. 5 Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; He stood at the entrance to the Tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them stepped forward, 6 He said, "Listen to My words: "When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal Myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams. 7 But this is not true of My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.
What would you think if you were reading a book and the writer made this assertion: "I am the greatest writer on the face of the earth"? Would you (a) think that writer was a good judge of greatness, (b) be terribly irritated by this person's arrogance, or (c) say, "I think I'll read something else"?
Generally speaking, it's not a good idea for us to proudly promote ourselves. If we try to tell others about our own greatness, we usually just promote our own foolishness.
So what are we to do with Numbers 12:3? That's where the writer Moses says, "Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth." Now, this can be an even bigger problem than the previously mentioned author and his grandiose claims. Humility is so different. It's something that, once you claim to have it--it's gone.
There are several possible explanations for Moses' claim to humility. Some scholars suggest that someone else added this line after Moses wrote the book of Numbers. Others say the word translated "humble" can be and should be translated "miserable," which would follow his struggles with Miriam and Aaron. Still others say that if God inspired the words, who was Moses to change them? The Bible is God's Word to us, and He superintended each word.
No matter what the source of the word may be, the truth of it is astounding. Moses, the great leader of the people and a man who actually saw God on Mt. Sinai, maintained his humility.
He didn't lord his position over others. He didn't flaunt his close ties to the Father. He didn't let power corrupt him. He displayed true spiritual leadership while keeping his ego in check.
The mystery, then, was not what Moses said, but what he did. He showed us how to lead without letting leadership go to his head. Doing that while honoring God is the solution to the mystery of humility. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* Am I someone others would look at and say, "There's a humble Christian"?
* Do I think being humble means to hide my abilities, afraid to show that I have any value? Or does it mean conducting myself as a true child of the King but making sure He gets the glory?
* Do I know someone who is truly humble? What can I learn from him or her?
LINKS:
Humility's Many Faces
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/014/37.96.html
bottom line: Humility helps us serve others well.
soul journey
The whole truth
by John Fischer
Author Phillip Yancey tells a story of a man in his church that can’t help comparing being late for church to being late for his regular Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. When he’s late for church, he says, he has the distinct feeling from everyone around him that he’s not as responsible as they are or he would get to church on time. When he’s late for an A.A. meeting, however, the meeting stops, everyone jumps up to hug him because they realize he almost didn’t make it, and they are so glad his need for them won out over his need for alcohol.
What’s the difference? The whole truth. The people who got to church on time may have gotten that one thing right, but they have a bunch of other things wrong with them that makes them just as needy as the alcoholic. Fellowship isn’t going to mean anything if we don’t tell the whole truth about ourselves. Real fellowship means stepping into the light of God’s truth where everything is revealed, and when we bring ourselves to the light, we discover we are not alone. There’s a roomful of other believers all struggling with something too, and that sense of shared need is part of the bond that holds us together.
Yes, we’re people following Christ, but we’re all a bunch of forgiven sinners, too, who wouldn’t have a chance at life were it not for what Christ has done for us. So grab someone and let’s walk into the light together, where the blood of Jesus purifies us from all of our sins. Isn’t that the group you want to be in?
“But if we walk in the light as he [God] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 NIV)
PDL
by John Fischer
Author Phillip Yancey tells a story of a man in his church that can’t help comparing being late for church to being late for his regular Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. When he’s late for church, he says, he has the distinct feeling from everyone around him that he’s not as responsible as they are or he would get to church on time. When he’s late for an A.A. meeting, however, the meeting stops, everyone jumps up to hug him because they realize he almost didn’t make it, and they are so glad his need for them won out over his need for alcohol.
What’s the difference? The whole truth. The people who got to church on time may have gotten that one thing right, but they have a bunch of other things wrong with them that makes them just as needy as the alcoholic. Fellowship isn’t going to mean anything if we don’t tell the whole truth about ourselves. Real fellowship means stepping into the light of God’s truth where everything is revealed, and when we bring ourselves to the light, we discover we are not alone. There’s a roomful of other believers all struggling with something too, and that sense of shared need is part of the bond that holds us together.
Yes, we’re people following Christ, but we’re all a bunch of forgiven sinners, too, who wouldn’t have a chance at life were it not for what Christ has done for us. So grab someone and let’s walk into the light together, where the blood of Jesus purifies us from all of our sins. Isn’t that the group you want to be in?
“But if we walk in the light as he [God] is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 NIV)
PDL
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Are the Bumper Stickers True?
By Ruth Waff
Has the salvation experience in my life impacted the way I live in such a way that it is noticeable to those around me?
Living in a metropolitan area, traffic is a major issue. Sometimes you feel like you are in the middle of a jungle of cars. On my daily commute, I always enjoy reading the bumper stickers on the cars around me. There are plenty of them, and they make the journey seem shorter. It never ceases to amaze me how many have a Christian message on it… "Jesus Christ -- Don't leave earth without Him;" "The Big Bang Theory: God spoke, and BANG, it happened;" "Jesus loves you;" "God is Love;" ...and the list goes on.
Seeing so many cars with these great messages I ask myself, if there are so many of us who believe, why doesn't our society look differently? Has the salvation experience in my life impacted the way I live in such a way that it is noticeable to those around me? Can they see a difference in me? Are my actions creating a hunger in them for more out of life? Or are the bumper sticker words being drowned by a lifestyle that in no way shows God in control?
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden (Matt. 5:13-14 NIV).
Somehow it seems to me that if each one of us driving along with a worthwhile message, lived a worthwhile life, people would notice. Our society should be impregnated with a liberating message of true and real LIFE. Maybe my passion is not where it needs to be. Maybe Jesus is not the center of my life as I claim. Maybe my selfish desires are controlling my actions and God is just a spice instead of the main ingredient. If so, I have some major rearranging to do in me. I need to let Jesus sit on the throne; I need to make Him my pilot, not my co-pilot.
For years I have avoided putting bumper stickers on my car. I guess I just did not want to be a stumbling block to those around me if either I or whoever was driving my car didn't live up to a behavior honoring God. But maybe what I need to do is change the driver's attitude. Make myself accountable to God and those around me for my actions. Be able to say like Paul did,
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1 NIV).
cbn
By Ruth Waff
Has the salvation experience in my life impacted the way I live in such a way that it is noticeable to those around me?
Living in a metropolitan area, traffic is a major issue. Sometimes you feel like you are in the middle of a jungle of cars. On my daily commute, I always enjoy reading the bumper stickers on the cars around me. There are plenty of them, and they make the journey seem shorter. It never ceases to amaze me how many have a Christian message on it… "Jesus Christ -- Don't leave earth without Him;" "The Big Bang Theory: God spoke, and BANG, it happened;" "Jesus loves you;" "God is Love;" ...and the list goes on.
Seeing so many cars with these great messages I ask myself, if there are so many of us who believe, why doesn't our society look differently? Has the salvation experience in my life impacted the way I live in such a way that it is noticeable to those around me? Can they see a difference in me? Are my actions creating a hunger in them for more out of life? Or are the bumper sticker words being drowned by a lifestyle that in no way shows God in control?
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden (Matt. 5:13-14 NIV).
Somehow it seems to me that if each one of us driving along with a worthwhile message, lived a worthwhile life, people would notice. Our society should be impregnated with a liberating message of true and real LIFE. Maybe my passion is not where it needs to be. Maybe Jesus is not the center of my life as I claim. Maybe my selfish desires are controlling my actions and God is just a spice instead of the main ingredient. If so, I have some major rearranging to do in me. I need to let Jesus sit on the throne; I need to make Him my pilot, not my co-pilot.
For years I have avoided putting bumper stickers on my car. I guess I just did not want to be a stumbling block to those around me if either I or whoever was driving my car didn't live up to a behavior honoring God. But maybe what I need to do is change the driver's attitude. Make myself accountable to God and those around me for my actions. Be able to say like Paul did,
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1 NIV).
cbn
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
The Buzz on Hair
By Sally Buckner
With the sweltering heat upon us already in Virginia, we gave our 7 year old son, Donny, his first "buzz" cut last night. He was a little apprehensive, but was thrilled with the feel of his cropped hair when it was over. I loved it when he said "God won't have to count so much now." Some of you may ask, what on earth is he talking about?
When we pray before bedtime, we don't do the ordinary "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" ritual. My husband did that one time, and the next day he woke up to tell me he didn't want to do that "dying" prayer again - you know "if I should die before I wake." So anyway, we pray and praise God for caring for us, and in particular how grateful we are that God cares enough to even count the hairs on our head.
Luke 12:7 - Jesus speaking: And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid. You are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
I love hair, always have, always will - well almost always! I guess it stems from the days of my youth when my mom started perming my jet straight locks at the age of three! (I'm serious, I have a picture. On the back it says it quotes, "Sally's first permanent.") It wasn't until I was old enough to say "no more" as a young teen that I was able to grow out this amazing mane of chestnut brown glistening hair. I really didn't know I had pretty hair until people started telling me - this was certainly news to me, since before I always looked like "I Love Lucy" after she gave herself the home permanent and had left the solution on too long!
The point is, God loves and values each of us. I'm glad He gave me a crowning glory, and that He values me so much as to keep track of each strand. I'm happy today to share this story with you and pleased that my son has it tucked into his memory bank. (Someday he'll be able to draw on it when times get tough). Our Creator designed each of us so special and with great care. He wants us to know that we aren't just an accident, but a unique design of His handiwork.
Psalm 139:13-16 (The Living Bible) -- You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!
You know, Donny is 7 and understands how important he is in God's eyes. You may be 77 with "snow on the roof" or only 17 with the "bed head" blues. Maybe you needed this teaching today and a reminder of just how important you are too. As parents, it is our responsibility to teach and train our children who they are in Christ and give them a firm footing for their future. This is one small place to start - the top of their precious heads.
cbn
By Sally Buckner
With the sweltering heat upon us already in Virginia, we gave our 7 year old son, Donny, his first "buzz" cut last night. He was a little apprehensive, but was thrilled with the feel of his cropped hair when it was over. I loved it when he said "God won't have to count so much now." Some of you may ask, what on earth is he talking about?
When we pray before bedtime, we don't do the ordinary "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" ritual. My husband did that one time, and the next day he woke up to tell me he didn't want to do that "dying" prayer again - you know "if I should die before I wake." So anyway, we pray and praise God for caring for us, and in particular how grateful we are that God cares enough to even count the hairs on our head.
Luke 12:7 - Jesus speaking: And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid. You are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
I love hair, always have, always will - well almost always! I guess it stems from the days of my youth when my mom started perming my jet straight locks at the age of three! (I'm serious, I have a picture. On the back it says it quotes, "Sally's first permanent.") It wasn't until I was old enough to say "no more" as a young teen that I was able to grow out this amazing mane of chestnut brown glistening hair. I really didn't know I had pretty hair until people started telling me - this was certainly news to me, since before I always looked like "I Love Lucy" after she gave herself the home permanent and had left the solution on too long!
The point is, God loves and values each of us. I'm glad He gave me a crowning glory, and that He values me so much as to keep track of each strand. I'm happy today to share this story with you and pleased that my son has it tucked into his memory bank. (Someday he'll be able to draw on it when times get tough). Our Creator designed each of us so special and with great care. He wants us to know that we aren't just an accident, but a unique design of His handiwork.
Psalm 139:13-16 (The Living Bible) -- You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!
You know, Donny is 7 and understands how important he is in God's eyes. You may be 77 with "snow on the roof" or only 17 with the "bed head" blues. Maybe you needed this teaching today and a reminder of just how important you are too. As parents, it is our responsibility to teach and train our children who they are in Christ and give them a firm footing for their future. This is one small place to start - the top of their precious heads.
cbn
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Peace Is A Choice
By Martha Noebel
My pastor said that we needed to place a high value on our peace. It is true. What ever we value we will take good care of.
I wanted to write another article on peace. The first one I wrote, Got Peace, was good but I was running into a new level of this thing.
My pastor preached last week on peace. I thought it would be a wonderful, relaxing sermon that would certainly be the icing on the cake after a long day. But what I found out was that when God gives you a word, the devil tries to steal it from you as fast as he can. That is certainly what happened to me.
Before the pastor could finish sharing, I had reached over to fix my husband's bent eyeglasses. It seemed like a wonderful wifely thing to do. But what happened is that I broke them. The arm of the eyeglasses snapped right off as pretty as you please. I looked up at my husband in horror and watched every ounce of peace run away from him. He was really mad. Oh well, so much for peace.
Then the next day a situation came my way to choke the very life out of my peace. I instantly gave in without even knowing it. By the time I realized what had happened it was too late. I was hopelessly lost in a long list of negative emotions that totally embarrassed me. I wanted my peace back so bad but I didn't know what to do.
That night as I lay in my bed, I glanced over at the computer. (Yes, I have a computer in my bedroom. I am waiting on God to provide my much needed office space at home.) Anyway, the screensaver was one of a beautiful sky, full of fluffy white clouds. It looked so peaceful. Then all of a sudden, an airplane did a nosedive from the top of the screen and headed towards the bottom. It is a cute screensaver but that night I felt as if I was plummeting down with the plane. My peace was in the airplane and was dropping from the sky much like I felt in the natural.
I began to say, "I have the peace of God. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I have the mind of Christ." As I said these things I began to feel better. Then I looked at the computer again and saw the airplane begin to soar from the bottom of the screen up to the top of the clouds. I felt really good then. But as these crazy screen savers are programmed to do, it went into the diving down mode again and with it went my peace.
I know that this all sounds crazy, but I wanted to get out of this funky mood and quick. Then I remembered my pastor said that we needed to place a high value on our peace. It is true. What ever we value we will take good care of. I should have held on a little tighter to my peace and then I would not have ended up in this state of self-pity.
I played some worship music, which helped a lot, and then cried out to God for the answer to my situation. I went to sleep and woke up feeling better. The scripture of the day was:
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along (Psalm 40:2 NLT).
That was it. No matter what I go through, God is with me and cares about me. He will lead me to solid ground and keep me on course. What peace that brings!
I want to walk in peace and joy. There isn't anything that can take those things from me unless I let them. I can choose to have peace. I am sure this is a process and I hope I don't have to relearn this lesson. But if I do, I will not lay there and feel bad. I will choose to run back to peace.
cbn
By Martha Noebel
My pastor said that we needed to place a high value on our peace. It is true. What ever we value we will take good care of.
I wanted to write another article on peace. The first one I wrote, Got Peace, was good but I was running into a new level of this thing.
My pastor preached last week on peace. I thought it would be a wonderful, relaxing sermon that would certainly be the icing on the cake after a long day. But what I found out was that when God gives you a word, the devil tries to steal it from you as fast as he can. That is certainly what happened to me.
Before the pastor could finish sharing, I had reached over to fix my husband's bent eyeglasses. It seemed like a wonderful wifely thing to do. But what happened is that I broke them. The arm of the eyeglasses snapped right off as pretty as you please. I looked up at my husband in horror and watched every ounce of peace run away from him. He was really mad. Oh well, so much for peace.
Then the next day a situation came my way to choke the very life out of my peace. I instantly gave in without even knowing it. By the time I realized what had happened it was too late. I was hopelessly lost in a long list of negative emotions that totally embarrassed me. I wanted my peace back so bad but I didn't know what to do.
That night as I lay in my bed, I glanced over at the computer. (Yes, I have a computer in my bedroom. I am waiting on God to provide my much needed office space at home.) Anyway, the screensaver was one of a beautiful sky, full of fluffy white clouds. It looked so peaceful. Then all of a sudden, an airplane did a nosedive from the top of the screen and headed towards the bottom. It is a cute screensaver but that night I felt as if I was plummeting down with the plane. My peace was in the airplane and was dropping from the sky much like I felt in the natural.
I began to say, "I have the peace of God. The joy of the Lord is my strength. I have the mind of Christ." As I said these things I began to feel better. Then I looked at the computer again and saw the airplane begin to soar from the bottom of the screen up to the top of the clouds. I felt really good then. But as these crazy screen savers are programmed to do, it went into the diving down mode again and with it went my peace.
I know that this all sounds crazy, but I wanted to get out of this funky mood and quick. Then I remembered my pastor said that we needed to place a high value on our peace. It is true. What ever we value we will take good care of. I should have held on a little tighter to my peace and then I would not have ended up in this state of self-pity.
I played some worship music, which helped a lot, and then cried out to God for the answer to my situation. I went to sleep and woke up feeling better. The scripture of the day was:
He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along (Psalm 40:2 NLT).
That was it. No matter what I go through, God is with me and cares about me. He will lead me to solid ground and keep me on course. What peace that brings!
I want to walk in peace and joy. There isn't anything that can take those things from me unless I let them. I can choose to have peace. I am sure this is a process and I hope I don't have to relearn this lesson. But if I do, I will not lay there and feel bad. I will choose to run back to peace.
cbn
Monday, June 14, 2004
GOD'S BAR OF SOAP
1 John 1:1-9
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
After a long day working in the garden, it's time for a hot shower. The warm spray of water mixes with soapy lather and suddenly you start to sing. It's not just the great acoustics of the shower, but the joy of cleansing that triggers the musical moment.
The soul of believers in Jesus can become dirty too. Some equate confession of sin with introspection and wallowing in guilt. But the reality is that experiencing God's cleansing is a gracious gift of restoration. It's God's soap--the way He washes away the dirt of our sin and restores our fellowship with Him.
The apostle John wrote, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"(1 John 1:9). The word John used for "confess" is the Greek word homologeo--"to say the same thing as." When we agree with God about a thought, word, or action that is displeasing to Him and repent of it, we can experience a restored relationship with Him.
The great Puritan writer Sibbes taught with insight about the way peace often accompanies spiritual cleansing.
Let us every day keep . . . [drawing] the blood of Christ over our accounts, . . .[experiencing] forgiveness of sins . . . .
This should be the daily practice of a Christian, and then he may lay himself down in peace. . . . He that sleeps with a conscience defiled is as he that sleeps among wild beasts.
Whether a person tosses and turns all night or is in a state of relaxation often depends on a clear conscience. To confess our sins to God and to make things right with those we may have harmed is to have the peace of a good conscience. To neglect our conscience will result in our being nagged by guilt.
God's gracious provision is available to you today. Will you confess your sin to the Lord and experience His cleansing? --Dennis Fisher
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I make it a practice to "agree with God" about my sins and ask for His forgiveness?
* How can I develop the habit of making things right with those I have offended?
LINKS:
Leave Room For God
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2001/004/1.28.html
bottom line: Confession helps us stay clean spiritually.
soul journey
1 John 1:1-9
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
After a long day working in the garden, it's time for a hot shower. The warm spray of water mixes with soapy lather and suddenly you start to sing. It's not just the great acoustics of the shower, but the joy of cleansing that triggers the musical moment.
The soul of believers in Jesus can become dirty too. Some equate confession of sin with introspection and wallowing in guilt. But the reality is that experiencing God's cleansing is a gracious gift of restoration. It's God's soap--the way He washes away the dirt of our sin and restores our fellowship with Him.
The apostle John wrote, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness"(1 John 1:9). The word John used for "confess" is the Greek word homologeo--"to say the same thing as." When we agree with God about a thought, word, or action that is displeasing to Him and repent of it, we can experience a restored relationship with Him.
The great Puritan writer Sibbes taught with insight about the way peace often accompanies spiritual cleansing.
Let us every day keep . . . [drawing] the blood of Christ over our accounts, . . .[experiencing] forgiveness of sins . . . .
This should be the daily practice of a Christian, and then he may lay himself down in peace. . . . He that sleeps with a conscience defiled is as he that sleeps among wild beasts.
Whether a person tosses and turns all night or is in a state of relaxation often depends on a clear conscience. To confess our sins to God and to make things right with those we may have harmed is to have the peace of a good conscience. To neglect our conscience will result in our being nagged by guilt.
God's gracious provision is available to you today. Will you confess your sin to the Lord and experience His cleansing? --Dennis Fisher
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I make it a practice to "agree with God" about my sins and ask for His forgiveness?
* How can I develop the habit of making things right with those I have offended?
LINKS:
Leave Room For God
http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2001/004/1.28.html
bottom line: Confession helps us stay clean spiritually.
soul journey
Sunday, June 13, 2004
A safe place to run
by Tom Holladay
"The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety."(Proverbs 18:10, CEV)
I'd always heard that the Great Wall of China was an amazing structure. When we visited China to minister to the churches I had an opportunity to see for myself.
It IS amazing! Nothing but walls and gates and towers for as far as the eye can see. Mile after mile after mile of fortification and protection.
Proverbs 18:10 tells us that God is a strong tower! God is our protector! Not mile after mile, but trial after trial. Moment after moment, hour after hour, circumstance after circumstance, surgery after surgery, disappointment after disappointment, God is a strong tower.
He is faithful and trustworthy. If you read through the pages of history recorded in Scripture you see time and time again God's faithful hand in saving his people. Just the very NAME of God emanates strength. It is in his name that we have power, victory, faith, hope and love.
I like that phrase, "The righteous run to it and are safe." (NIV)
Do you run to God to find safety? Often we look instead to things or people to sedate our anxieties.
Today, when you find yourself becoming anxious about the cares of life, run to him.
Don't wait, don't walk, RUN to your Heavenly Father who waits with open arms to give you safety and comfort.
Ready, set, go!
Point to ponder: God is your Protector and your Strong Tower – trial after trial.
Verse: "The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety." (Proverbs 18:10, CEV)
What will you do about it: The next time you start worrying, don’t run to your friends or some other diversion. Instead, run to God and ask him to help.
Prayer: Thank God that there’s nothing you face without him. Thank him for his love and protection.
-PDL-
by Tom Holladay
"The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety."(Proverbs 18:10, CEV)
I'd always heard that the Great Wall of China was an amazing structure. When we visited China to minister to the churches I had an opportunity to see for myself.
It IS amazing! Nothing but walls and gates and towers for as far as the eye can see. Mile after mile after mile of fortification and protection.
Proverbs 18:10 tells us that God is a strong tower! God is our protector! Not mile after mile, but trial after trial. Moment after moment, hour after hour, circumstance after circumstance, surgery after surgery, disappointment after disappointment, God is a strong tower.
He is faithful and trustworthy. If you read through the pages of history recorded in Scripture you see time and time again God's faithful hand in saving his people. Just the very NAME of God emanates strength. It is in his name that we have power, victory, faith, hope and love.
I like that phrase, "The righteous run to it and are safe." (NIV)
Do you run to God to find safety? Often we look instead to things or people to sedate our anxieties.
Today, when you find yourself becoming anxious about the cares of life, run to him.
Don't wait, don't walk, RUN to your Heavenly Father who waits with open arms to give you safety and comfort.
Ready, set, go!
Point to ponder: God is your Protector and your Strong Tower – trial after trial.
Verse: "The Lord is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety." (Proverbs 18:10, CEV)
What will you do about it: The next time you start worrying, don’t run to your friends or some other diversion. Instead, run to God and ask him to help.
Prayer: Thank God that there’s nothing you face without him. Thank him for his love and protection.
-PDL-
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Today's scripture is Proverbs 4:20-21
"Attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes."
Once you've made the Word of God final authority in your life, your first step to victory over the attacks of the enemy is to go to the Word and lay hold of God's promises concerning your situation. Notice I said, "Go to the Word." It's good to have the Word committed to memory. But don't let that substitute for getting the Word before your eyes on a daily basis.
Think about it this way. It never did a hungry person any good to think about what a potato tastes like. Not even if he can remember it perfectly. The same thing is true with the Word of God. It's important to keep it in memory, but it's also necessary to go directly to it and feed your spirit with it. There is power in keeping the Word in front
of your eyes and going into your ears. That's how it gets in your heart,
so you can live by it.
So don't just think about the Word today, read it. Go to the promises
that cover your situation. Feed on those promises and grow strong!
bible shack
"Attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes."
Once you've made the Word of God final authority in your life, your first step to victory over the attacks of the enemy is to go to the Word and lay hold of God's promises concerning your situation. Notice I said, "Go to the Word." It's good to have the Word committed to memory. But don't let that substitute for getting the Word before your eyes on a daily basis.
Think about it this way. It never did a hungry person any good to think about what a potato tastes like. Not even if he can remember it perfectly. The same thing is true with the Word of God. It's important to keep it in memory, but it's also necessary to go directly to it and feed your spirit with it. There is power in keeping the Word in front
of your eyes and going into your ears. That's how it gets in your heart,
so you can live by it.
So don't just think about the Word today, read it. Go to the promises
that cover your situation. Feed on those promises and grow strong!
bible shack
Thursday, June 10, 2004
IN FACT
John 18:36-38
36 Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place." 37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me." 38 "What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against Him."
Last November an American TV network did a "news" special about Jesus that was not based on history but on a novel. A reporter admitted at the show's conclusion that the network had no factual data to support the bizarre theories of the book.
In contrast, the movie The Passion of the Christ uses dialogue taken directly from eyewitness accounts of His crucifixion. This wrenching film demands a decision from its viewers: Is this the truth? Or just a disturbing and gruesome work of fiction?
During His trial before Pilate, Jesus told him, "For this reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me" (John 18:37). This is a stunningly bold assertion, yet firmly rooted in fact. Pilate, a political man caught in his own soul-conflict, attempted to deflect Jesus' statement with the glib response: "What is truth?" The Man who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life was standing before him. And Pilate blinked.
The Man still stands before the world, holding out nail-pierced hands in an invitation to join His kingdom, a kingdom that does not have its origin in this world. Yet, like Pilate, so many in the world wish He would just go away. They believe that Jesus demands too much--that we will have to think too hard on matters that will jolt us from the status quo. They fear He may ask too much of us. After all, He said, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). Yet, they forget that Jesus went to the cross for us.
God is not the author of confusion. He hasn't sent us a nice book with fanciful stories to give us a false hope of eternal life with Him. Either Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be, or we should ignore Him completely.
Pilate chose to cling to his own fleeting power. He doesn't have it anymore.
What will you do? The story stands. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. --Tim Gustafson
DESTINATION POINTS
* How does the truth of Jesus' painful death on a cross for my sins affect my life?
* Why is it important to believe in the ultimate truth found in God's Word?
* Am I living by God's truth, or my own made-up version? What does this look like to others?
LINKS:
Not sure about the resurrection of Jesus? Read 10 Reasons To Believe Christ Rose From The Dead http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/rtb/8rsn
The Passion of the Christ Official Website
http://www.thepassionofchrist.com/
bottom line: No one can ignore Jesus.
soul journey
John 18:36-38
36 Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place." 37 "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me." 38 "What is truth?" Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, "I find no basis for a charge against Him."
Last November an American TV network did a "news" special about Jesus that was not based on history but on a novel. A reporter admitted at the show's conclusion that the network had no factual data to support the bizarre theories of the book.
In contrast, the movie The Passion of the Christ uses dialogue taken directly from eyewitness accounts of His crucifixion. This wrenching film demands a decision from its viewers: Is this the truth? Or just a disturbing and gruesome work of fiction?
During His trial before Pilate, Jesus told him, "For this reason I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me" (John 18:37). This is a stunningly bold assertion, yet firmly rooted in fact. Pilate, a political man caught in his own soul-conflict, attempted to deflect Jesus' statement with the glib response: "What is truth?" The Man who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life was standing before him. And Pilate blinked.
The Man still stands before the world, holding out nail-pierced hands in an invitation to join His kingdom, a kingdom that does not have its origin in this world. Yet, like Pilate, so many in the world wish He would just go away. They believe that Jesus demands too much--that we will have to think too hard on matters that will jolt us from the status quo. They fear He may ask too much of us. After all, He said, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). Yet, they forget that Jesus went to the cross for us.
God is not the author of confusion. He hasn't sent us a nice book with fanciful stories to give us a false hope of eternal life with Him. Either Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be, or we should ignore Him completely.
Pilate chose to cling to his own fleeting power. He doesn't have it anymore.
What will you do? The story stands. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. --Tim Gustafson
DESTINATION POINTS
* How does the truth of Jesus' painful death on a cross for my sins affect my life?
* Why is it important to believe in the ultimate truth found in God's Word?
* Am I living by God's truth, or my own made-up version? What does this look like to others?
LINKS:
Not sure about the resurrection of Jesus? Read 10 Reasons To Believe Christ Rose From The Dead http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/rtb/8rsn
The Passion of the Christ Official Website
http://www.thepassionofchrist.com/
bottom line: No one can ignore Jesus.
soul journey
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
PERSONAL SECURITY
Zechariah 4:1-6
1 Then the angel who talked with me returned and wakened me, as a man is wakened from his sleep. 2 He asked me, "What do you see?" I answered, "I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven channels to the lights. 3 Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left." 4 I asked the angel who talked with me, "What are these, my lord?" 5 He answered, "Do you not know what these are?" "No, my lord," I replied. 6 So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."
Because my work requires regular travel to Israel, people often ask me, "Do you feel safe there with all that's going on?" My typical answer is that I've never traveled to a country where security is such a high priority. If my safety depended on walls, fences, military checkpoints, metal detectors, and armed men and women, I couldn't feel more secure. Even restaurant hostesses are packing pistols in their waistbands!
The irony of this emphasis on weapons for security in Israel is that it stands in stark opposition to the very Scriptures on which the nation bases its claim to the land: the Bible's Old Testament.
In fact, the national emblem for the State of Israel is a gold menorah (lampstand) flanked by two olive branches which are a representation of Zechariah 4:6. This verse says that Israel's strength and security are from the Holy Spirit, not from human effort.
The big picture symbolized in the emblem is that Israel is to be a light to the nations by its dependence on God for its security and its provision, not on its military might. That's what the whole concept of the Promised Land was about: It was theirs because of God's goodness and power, not their own.
Ancient Israel was to demonstrate to the rest of the world what dependence on the Lord looks like. But this truth doesn't apply to Israel alone. It's the same for you and me.
We can easily be deceived into thinking that our security depends mostly on our own wit and strength--a little bit of God and a lot of weapons! The people of Israel were to showcase God's power through their vulnerability--coupled with total dependence on Him.
We need to have that same understanding. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I feel insecure because of my vulnerability, or am I driven to faithful dependence on God because of it?
* Do I take more courage in my supposed personal strength than in God's proven power?
LINKS:
Menorah--Emblem of the State of Israel
http://www.science.co.il/Israel-emblem.asp
But What About My Plans?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2003/001/14.64.html
bottom line: Yes, there is security in arms--God's arms!
soul journey
Zechariah 4:1-6
1 Then the angel who talked with me returned and wakened me, as a man is wakened from his sleep. 2 He asked me, "What do you see?" I answered, "I see a solid gold lampstand with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven channels to the lights. 3 Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left." 4 I asked the angel who talked with me, "What are these, my lord?" 5 He answered, "Do you not know what these are?" "No, my lord," I replied. 6 So he said to me, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."
Because my work requires regular travel to Israel, people often ask me, "Do you feel safe there with all that's going on?" My typical answer is that I've never traveled to a country where security is such a high priority. If my safety depended on walls, fences, military checkpoints, metal detectors, and armed men and women, I couldn't feel more secure. Even restaurant hostesses are packing pistols in their waistbands!
The irony of this emphasis on weapons for security in Israel is that it stands in stark opposition to the very Scriptures on which the nation bases its claim to the land: the Bible's Old Testament.
In fact, the national emblem for the State of Israel is a gold menorah (lampstand) flanked by two olive branches which are a representation of Zechariah 4:6. This verse says that Israel's strength and security are from the Holy Spirit, not from human effort.
The big picture symbolized in the emblem is that Israel is to be a light to the nations by its dependence on God for its security and its provision, not on its military might. That's what the whole concept of the Promised Land was about: It was theirs because of God's goodness and power, not their own.
Ancient Israel was to demonstrate to the rest of the world what dependence on the Lord looks like. But this truth doesn't apply to Israel alone. It's the same for you and me.
We can easily be deceived into thinking that our security depends mostly on our own wit and strength--a little bit of God and a lot of weapons! The people of Israel were to showcase God's power through their vulnerability--coupled with total dependence on Him.
We need to have that same understanding. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I feel insecure because of my vulnerability, or am I driven to faithful dependence on God because of it?
* Do I take more courage in my supposed personal strength than in God's proven power?
LINKS:
Menorah--Emblem of the State of Israel
http://www.science.co.il/Israel-emblem.asp
But What About My Plans?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2003/001/14.64.html
bottom line: Yes, there is security in arms--God's arms!
soul journey
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
NOBODY KNOWS?
Job 23:8-12
8 But if I go to the east, He is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find Him. 9 When He is at work in the north, I do not see Him; when He turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of Him. 10 But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. 11 My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside. 12 I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.
As a senior in high school, I was having the time of my life. I was on the varsity soccer team, was editor of the school newspaper, and was looking at colleges to attend. But during the Christmas break, I became tired and fatigued, and eventually found out that I had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. My family was devastated.
After going through about a year of chemo, I went into remission. But less than a year later, the leukemia came back. The only option available now was a bone marrow transplant. Not having any matching siblings, they took my own marrow, cleaned it out,
and started the transplant process. I had a 20-percent chance of surviving the BMT.
While I was in the hospital in Virginia, 6 hours from home, and with no family around, I became depressed and lonely. I would pray and pray to God, but I wasn't sure if He heard. I started to wonder if He even knew what was going on with my condition. Where was God when I needed Him?
Just like Job, I was looking all around for some mighty work or word from God to give me hope. But God had another plan. He did not send trumpets and angels with glorious signs and miracles but He was doing a greater work in me. "Know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance," wrote James (1:3). It was only by testing my faith that He could strengthen my faith.
In order to make gold pure, the refiner has to put it through the fire to allow the impurities to rise and be removed. The gold is allowed to cool, then is placed in the flames and cleaned again. This process takes several firings before the gold finally
becomes pure.
How poignant a picture of how God works in us. And the greatest part is, He knows what we are going through. --Robbie Parsons, West Virginia
DESTINATION POINTS
* How have I reacted during tough times?
* Looking back, how have I become more spiritually mature through my deepest trials? How does this encourage me for future struggles?
LINKS:
Knowing God Through Job
http://www.discoveryseries.org/sb141/
bottom line: God knows all about our deepest problems.
soul journey
Job 23:8-12
8 But if I go to the east, He is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find Him. 9 When He is at work in the north, I do not see Him; when He turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of Him. 10 But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. 11 My feet have closely followed His steps; I have kept to His way without turning aside. 12 I have not departed from the commands of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.
As a senior in high school, I was having the time of my life. I was on the varsity soccer team, was editor of the school newspaper, and was looking at colleges to attend. But during the Christmas break, I became tired and fatigued, and eventually found out that I had Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. My family was devastated.
After going through about a year of chemo, I went into remission. But less than a year later, the leukemia came back. The only option available now was a bone marrow transplant. Not having any matching siblings, they took my own marrow, cleaned it out,
and started the transplant process. I had a 20-percent chance of surviving the BMT.
While I was in the hospital in Virginia, 6 hours from home, and with no family around, I became depressed and lonely. I would pray and pray to God, but I wasn't sure if He heard. I started to wonder if He even knew what was going on with my condition. Where was God when I needed Him?
Just like Job, I was looking all around for some mighty work or word from God to give me hope. But God had another plan. He did not send trumpets and angels with glorious signs and miracles but He was doing a greater work in me. "Know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance," wrote James (1:3). It was only by testing my faith that He could strengthen my faith.
In order to make gold pure, the refiner has to put it through the fire to allow the impurities to rise and be removed. The gold is allowed to cool, then is placed in the flames and cleaned again. This process takes several firings before the gold finally
becomes pure.
How poignant a picture of how God works in us. And the greatest part is, He knows what we are going through. --Robbie Parsons, West Virginia
DESTINATION POINTS
* How have I reacted during tough times?
* Looking back, how have I become more spiritually mature through my deepest trials? How does this encourage me for future struggles?
LINKS:
Knowing God Through Job
http://www.discoveryseries.org/sb141/
bottom line: God knows all about our deepest problems.
soul journey
Monday, June 07, 2004
EATING SAGITTARIUS
Acts 17:3-7
3 "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," [Paul] said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. 5 But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus."
The universe has a bully. The Milky Way is making a meal out of its neighbor, Sagittarius--and is showing no mercy. Our galaxy is tiny compared to its prey, but Sagittarius has no defense. Scientists say it's being stretched, torn apart, and will someday be gone.
I'm not sure how that works, but I understand a little about bullies. They're mean, relentless, and they love to knock down anyone in their way.
Paul and Silas had a run-in with some of these "tough guy" types. They were leading people to Jesus, some Jews got jealous, and the situation was ripe for trouble. The Jews "rounded up some bad characters" (Acts 17:5) and started a riot in the streets--with no pepper spray to slow them down.
Did these "bad characters" even know who Paul and Silas were? Did they even know what the two out-of-towners were teaching? Or were they just up for a fight?
It's easy to get caught up in an emotional crowd. Just look at the football fans who tear down goalposts. Or the fires and flipped-over cars after the home team wins (or loses) a championship. Some of those people probably get home and wonder, What in the world was I thinking?
No one wins in these out-of-control situations. There can be serious consequences--like jail or lost privileges. Innocent people get hurt--physically and emotionally. How did Paul and Silas respond to the rioting bullies? They didn't add fuel to the fire by fighting back. They took off for Berea, where a lot of people became Jesus-followers because of their message (vv.10-12).
If you have a reputation for having a short fuse, or always seem to be around when there's a fight, ask Jesus to help you control your emotions and channel that energy into productive things. If you find yourself being stretched and torn apart by bullies, do the most courageous thing: pray for them (Matthew 5:43-44). It's a great defense for what's eating away at you. --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I ever been bullied? How did it make me feel?
* When I get really angry, is it justified? Or do I just enjoy getting fired up?
* Am I an emotional bully? How do I try to manipulate people to do what I want?
* What can I do to help someone who is being bullied?
LINKS:
When Anger Burns
http://www.discoveryseries.org/cb942
Detailed Look at Milky Way Gobbling a Galaxy
http://www.space.com/science astronomy/galaxy_gobble_030924.html
bottom line: Choose right--don't pick a fight.
soul journey
Acts 17:3-7
3 "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ," [Paul] said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few prominent women. 5 But the Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city. They rushed to Jason's house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting: "These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar's decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus."
The universe has a bully. The Milky Way is making a meal out of its neighbor, Sagittarius--and is showing no mercy. Our galaxy is tiny compared to its prey, but Sagittarius has no defense. Scientists say it's being stretched, torn apart, and will someday be gone.
I'm not sure how that works, but I understand a little about bullies. They're mean, relentless, and they love to knock down anyone in their way.
Paul and Silas had a run-in with some of these "tough guy" types. They were leading people to Jesus, some Jews got jealous, and the situation was ripe for trouble. The Jews "rounded up some bad characters" (Acts 17:5) and started a riot in the streets--with no pepper spray to slow them down.
Did these "bad characters" even know who Paul and Silas were? Did they even know what the two out-of-towners were teaching? Or were they just up for a fight?
It's easy to get caught up in an emotional crowd. Just look at the football fans who tear down goalposts. Or the fires and flipped-over cars after the home team wins (or loses) a championship. Some of those people probably get home and wonder, What in the world was I thinking?
No one wins in these out-of-control situations. There can be serious consequences--like jail or lost privileges. Innocent people get hurt--physically and emotionally. How did Paul and Silas respond to the rioting bullies? They didn't add fuel to the fire by fighting back. They took off for Berea, where a lot of people became Jesus-followers because of their message (vv.10-12).
If you have a reputation for having a short fuse, or always seem to be around when there's a fight, ask Jesus to help you control your emotions and channel that energy into productive things. If you find yourself being stretched and torn apart by bullies, do the most courageous thing: pray for them (Matthew 5:43-44). It's a great defense for what's eating away at you. --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I ever been bullied? How did it make me feel?
* When I get really angry, is it justified? Or do I just enjoy getting fired up?
* Am I an emotional bully? How do I try to manipulate people to do what I want?
* What can I do to help someone who is being bullied?
LINKS:
When Anger Burns
http://www.discoveryseries.org/cb942
Detailed Look at Milky Way Gobbling a Galaxy
http://www.space.com/science astronomy/galaxy_gobble_030924.html
bottom line: Choose right--don't pick a fight.
soul journey
Sunday, June 06, 2004
STARE CRAZY
Ephesians 2:6-10
6 God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
There's a new craze for bored bar patrons--staring contests. Yep, the thing you did as a kid in elementary school is back!
The ground rules are familiar: Two people stare into each other's eyes until someone blinks, looks away, talks, or smiles. One match participant described reaching 2 minutes in a match as the "Dry Eye Death Phase." (The American Academy of Ophthalmologists does
not recommend staring contests.)
Some matches last beyond a quarter of an hour. That sounds like something not only painful, but really, well . . . boring.
It's easy to poke fun at people involved in staring competitions(just don't poke them in the eye). It's hard, however, to look ourselves "in the eye" and ask what we're doing with our boredom.
Idle time can make for some poor decisions. If you're alone, it can be a time when temptation hits the hardest.
Likewise, if we're in a group and there's "nothing to do," the choices for attempting to cure the boring-bug can be poor. It's so easy to run out and pick up a nasty flick or engage in an activity that isn't good for our spiritual health. Instead, when boredom hits you, remember the following exciting realities:
You are precious to God: You are "God's workmanship"--literally, His work of art.
You have been created to do good works: God has prepared in advance the amazing things He wants you to do.
When we grasp these truths about our relationship with God, it can help us beat boredom. We recognize that just as we are precious to God, we have precious little time on this earth to serve Him. Motivation replaces stagnation as we seek to be used by Him to touch others' lives in positive ways.
Also, we will begin weeding out unfulfilling, ungodly activities from those we know will be "good works" in Jesus' eyes. And what about staring? Turn your eyes on Jesus! --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What have I been doing with my boredom?
* How does being God's work of art affect the way I use my idle moments?
bottom line: Being bored is not an excuse for bad behavior.
soul journey
Ephesians 2:6-10
6 God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
There's a new craze for bored bar patrons--staring contests. Yep, the thing you did as a kid in elementary school is back!
The ground rules are familiar: Two people stare into each other's eyes until someone blinks, looks away, talks, or smiles. One match participant described reaching 2 minutes in a match as the "Dry Eye Death Phase." (The American Academy of Ophthalmologists does
not recommend staring contests.)
Some matches last beyond a quarter of an hour. That sounds like something not only painful, but really, well . . . boring.
It's easy to poke fun at people involved in staring competitions(just don't poke them in the eye). It's hard, however, to look ourselves "in the eye" and ask what we're doing with our boredom.
Idle time can make for some poor decisions. If you're alone, it can be a time when temptation hits the hardest.
Likewise, if we're in a group and there's "nothing to do," the choices for attempting to cure the boring-bug can be poor. It's so easy to run out and pick up a nasty flick or engage in an activity that isn't good for our spiritual health. Instead, when boredom hits you, remember the following exciting realities:
You are precious to God: You are "God's workmanship"--literally, His work of art.
You have been created to do good works: God has prepared in advance the amazing things He wants you to do.
When we grasp these truths about our relationship with God, it can help us beat boredom. We recognize that just as we are precious to God, we have precious little time on this earth to serve Him. Motivation replaces stagnation as we seek to be used by Him to touch others' lives in positive ways.
Also, we will begin weeding out unfulfilling, ungodly activities from those we know will be "good works" in Jesus' eyes. And what about staring? Turn your eyes on Jesus! --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* What have I been doing with my boredom?
* How does being God's work of art affect the way I use my idle moments?
bottom line: Being bored is not an excuse for bad behavior.
soul journey
Saturday, June 05, 2004
God Goes Where You Go
By Martha Noebel
How comforting it is to know that wherever we go, God is there with us.
"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9, NIV).
How comforting it is to know that wherever we go, God is there with us. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations and we wonder if God is paying attention. We may feel alone and even depressed. We can't feel God's presence, and we need His guidance and help.
Friends, spouses or parents might not understand what we are going through. But God does and He cares. God told Joshua to be strong and to have courage. Then He told him a wonderful truth: "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Yes, that's right -- wherever! We don't have to feel alone. God is with us. He is working out the problems and we don't even realize it.
"But now ... the Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior ....
"From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do. No one can reverse my actions" (Isaiah 43:1-3, 13; New Living Translation).
God is with us, leading us, guiding us, loving us, providing for us, all with His unlimited resources. What do we need? Do we need strength, peace, love, joy or hope? He has it all. He is longing to pour out His favor and blessing upon us. We need to be open to Him and to trust Him. We need, by faith, to receive what He has for us. It is essential that we realize how much He loves us and that He has a good purpose and plan for us.
"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit"(Ephesians 3:14-16, New Living Translation).
This Scripture is awesome. There is nothing that God doesn't know and can't do for us. He walks with us every moment of every day. We need to speak these Scriptures to our hearts. The devil can't stand it when we, in confidence, speak God's Word. It builds faith in us and gives us the strength to stand.
"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand-up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know!" (Psalm 139:1-6, New Living Translation).
Like David let us declare:
"Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you" (Psalm 25:4-5, New Living Translation).
You can trust God. No matter what is going on in your life, He is there! God goes where you go.
"Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised" (Hebrews 10:35-36, New Living Translation).
cbn
By Martha Noebel
How comforting it is to know that wherever we go, God is there with us.
"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9, NIV).
How comforting it is to know that wherever we go, God is there with us. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations and we wonder if God is paying attention. We may feel alone and even depressed. We can't feel God's presence, and we need His guidance and help.
Friends, spouses or parents might not understand what we are going through. But God does and He cares. God told Joshua to be strong and to have courage. Then He told him a wonderful truth: "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Yes, that's right -- wherever! We don't have to feel alone. God is with us. He is working out the problems and we don't even realize it.
"But now ... the Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior ....
"From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can oppose what I do. No one can reverse my actions" (Isaiah 43:1-3, 13; New Living Translation).
God is with us, leading us, guiding us, loving us, providing for us, all with His unlimited resources. What do we need? Do we need strength, peace, love, joy or hope? He has it all. He is longing to pour out His favor and blessing upon us. We need to be open to Him and to trust Him. We need, by faith, to receive what He has for us. It is essential that we realize how much He loves us and that He has a good purpose and plan for us.
"When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit"(Ephesians 3:14-16, New Living Translation).
This Scripture is awesome. There is nothing that God doesn't know and can't do for us. He walks with us every moment of every day. We need to speak these Scriptures to our hearts. The devil can't stand it when we, in confidence, speak God's Word. It builds faith in us and gives us the strength to stand.
"O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand-up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know!" (Psalm 139:1-6, New Living Translation).
Like David let us declare:
"Show me the path where I should walk, O Lord; point out the right road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you" (Psalm 25:4-5, New Living Translation).
You can trust God. No matter what is going on in your life, He is there! God goes where you go.
"Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised" (Hebrews 10:35-36, New Living Translation).
cbn
Friday, June 04, 2004
DOES IT MATTER?
Proverbs 11:1-8
1 The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. 4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. 8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.
A New York Times article reported that Internet plagiarism is growing among students in the United States. In a study conducted on 23 college campuses, 38 percent of undergraduates said they had engaged in "cut and paste" plagiarism by taking information
from the Internet or from written sources and using it in their papers without citing a source. Half of the students who admitted copying material in this way considered it trivial behavior or not cheating at all.
Compared to corporate fraud or international war crimes, lifting a couple of paragraphs from a Web site might seem like a small thing. But as Christians, we're called to a high standard of integrity in every area of life for God's honor and our own good.
Today's Scripture passage contrasts a person of integrity with one whose choices are based strictly on self-interest. One is dishonest, the other is fair (v.1). One is humble, the other proud (v.2). One is liberated by being truthful, the other is trapped by practicing deceit. Verse 3 takes both lifestyles to their logical end and concludes:
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost For His Highest, had much more than plagiarism in mind when he told his Bible college students: "Beware of the thing of which you say--'Oh, that does not matter much.' The fact that it does not matter much to you may mean that it matters a very great deal to God. Nothing is a light matter with a child of God."
Integrity is a powerful character trait that is built through small daily choices. Sometimes doing the right thing out of love and obedience to God can bring an immediate loss of money, status, or opportunity. But in the long run, integrity takes us down the roadof life and freedom, where God intends us to be. --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why is it so easy to compromise what I know is right to get what I want?
* What behavior have I been excusing by saying, "It doesn't matter"?
* How does the Lord want me to respond to what I've read in Proverbs 11?
LINKS:
http://www.utmost.org/
bottom line: Integrity is the path Jesus calls us to take.
soul journey
Proverbs 11:1-8
1 The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are His delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. 4 Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the blameless makes a straight way for them, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. 7 When a wicked man dies, his hope perishes; all he expected from his power comes to nothing. 8 The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead.
A New York Times article reported that Internet plagiarism is growing among students in the United States. In a study conducted on 23 college campuses, 38 percent of undergraduates said they had engaged in "cut and paste" plagiarism by taking information
from the Internet or from written sources and using it in their papers without citing a source. Half of the students who admitted copying material in this way considered it trivial behavior or not cheating at all.
Compared to corporate fraud or international war crimes, lifting a couple of paragraphs from a Web site might seem like a small thing. But as Christians, we're called to a high standard of integrity in every area of life for God's honor and our own good.
Today's Scripture passage contrasts a person of integrity with one whose choices are based strictly on self-interest. One is dishonest, the other is fair (v.1). One is humble, the other proud (v.2). One is liberated by being truthful, the other is trapped by practicing deceit. Verse 3 takes both lifestyles to their logical end and concludes:
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost For His Highest, had much more than plagiarism in mind when he told his Bible college students: "Beware of the thing of which you say--'Oh, that does not matter much.' The fact that it does not matter much to you may mean that it matters a very great deal to God. Nothing is a light matter with a child of God."
Integrity is a powerful character trait that is built through small daily choices. Sometimes doing the right thing out of love and obedience to God can bring an immediate loss of money, status, or opportunity. But in the long run, integrity takes us down the roadof life and freedom, where God intends us to be. --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why is it so easy to compromise what I know is right to get what I want?
* What behavior have I been excusing by saying, "It doesn't matter"?
* How does the Lord want me to respond to what I've read in Proverbs 11?
LINKS:
http://www.utmost.org/
bottom line: Integrity is the path Jesus calls us to take.
soul journey
Thursday, June 03, 2004
The Buzz on Hair
By Sally Buckner
With the sweltering heat upon us already in Virginia, we gave our 7 year old son, Donny, his first "buzz" cut last night. He was a little apprehensive, but was thrilled with the feel of his cropped hair when it was over. I loved it when he said "God won't have to count so much now." Some of you may ask, what on earth is he talking about?
When we pray before bedtime, we don't do the ordinary "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" ritual. My husband did that one time, and the next day he woke up to tell me he didn't want to do that "dying" prayer again - you know "if I should die before I wake." So anyway, we pray and praise God for caring for us, and in particular how grateful we are that God cares enough to even count the hairs on our head.
Luke 12:7 - Jesus speaking: And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid. You are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
I love hair, always have, always will - well almost always! I guess it stems from the days of my youth when my mom started perming my jet straight locks at the age of three! (I'm serious, I have a picture. On the back it says it quotes, "Sally's first permanent.") It wasn't until I was old enough to say "no more" as a young teen that I was able to grow out this amazing mane of chestnut brown glistening hair. I really didn't know I had pretty hair until people started telling me - this was certainly news to me, since before I always looked like "I Love Lucy" after she gave herself the home permanent and had left the solution on too long!
The point is, God loves and values each of us. I'm glad He gave me a crowning glory, and that He values me so much as to keep track of each strand. I'm happy today to share this story with you and pleased that my son has it tucked into his memory bank. (Someday he'll be able to draw on it when times get tough). Our Creator designed each of us so special and with great care. He wants us to know that we aren't just an accident, but a unique design of His handiwork.
Psalm 139:13-16 (The Living Bible) -- You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!
You know, Donny is 7 and understands how important he is in God's eyes. You may be 77 with "snow on the roof" or only 17 with the "bed head" blues. Maybe you needed this teaching today and a reminder of just how important you are too. As parents, it is our responsibility to teach and train our children who they are in Christ and give them a firm footing for their future. This is one small place to start - the top of their precious heads.
Bible verses quoted from The Living Bible.
cbn
By Sally Buckner
With the sweltering heat upon us already in Virginia, we gave our 7 year old son, Donny, his first "buzz" cut last night. He was a little apprehensive, but was thrilled with the feel of his cropped hair when it was over. I loved it when he said "God won't have to count so much now." Some of you may ask, what on earth is he talking about?
When we pray before bedtime, we don't do the ordinary "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" ritual. My husband did that one time, and the next day he woke up to tell me he didn't want to do that "dying" prayer again - you know "if I should die before I wake." So anyway, we pray and praise God for caring for us, and in particular how grateful we are that God cares enough to even count the hairs on our head.
Luke 12:7 - Jesus speaking: And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid. You are more valuable to him than a whole flock of sparrows.
I love hair, always have, always will - well almost always! I guess it stems from the days of my youth when my mom started perming my jet straight locks at the age of three! (I'm serious, I have a picture. On the back it says it quotes, "Sally's first permanent.") It wasn't until I was old enough to say "no more" as a young teen that I was able to grow out this amazing mane of chestnut brown glistening hair. I really didn't know I had pretty hair until people started telling me - this was certainly news to me, since before I always looked like "I Love Lucy" after she gave herself the home permanent and had left the solution on too long!
The point is, God loves and values each of us. I'm glad He gave me a crowning glory, and that He values me so much as to keep track of each strand. I'm happy today to share this story with you and pleased that my son has it tucked into his memory bank. (Someday he'll be able to draw on it when times get tough). Our Creator designed each of us so special and with great care. He wants us to know that we aren't just an accident, but a unique design of His handiwork.
Psalm 139:13-16 (The Living Bible) -- You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book!
You know, Donny is 7 and understands how important he is in God's eyes. You may be 77 with "snow on the roof" or only 17 with the "bed head" blues. Maybe you needed this teaching today and a reminder of just how important you are too. As parents, it is our responsibility to teach and train our children who they are in Christ and give them a firm footing for their future. This is one small place to start - the top of their precious heads.
Bible verses quoted from The Living Bible.
cbn
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
My Study
By Dan Betzer
Be patient for those good things in life. Instant gratification will cost you in the long run.
In my early ministry years, my office consisted of one corner of a large work area in the church where I served as youth pastor a long time ago. There was no privacy in that study area.
Then, I began pioneering churches. I had a study in my first pastorate in an alcove above our house. If you stood in the center of the room, the ceiling was eight feet high. If you moved very far to the side, the ceiling was four feet high. I learned how to work with recurring headaches in that place. Ah, but a lot of years -- decades, in fact -- have passed.
I am now blessed with a study that I consider a cocoon or a "womb room" with my beloved books, several thousand of them, and my collections from around the world including a real African lion. (No, I did not shoot her. She died early in life on a lion farm near the border of Botswana.) I have my "Africa wall" with a painting of elephants by Craig Bone, the Zimbabwean artist, and some magnificent carvings of wild animals. Also pictures, all of those wonderful pictures taken with athletes, entertainment stars, government officials, and church leaders. And, last of all, my trusty old word processor upon which I bang out ByLine scripts, sermons, and books, among other things.
I have a neat little stereo with superb sound playing soft background music while I am studying. A man needs a place like this. It just takes a while to get it. In my case, it took about forty years!
Be patient for those good things in life. Instant gratification will cost you in the long run. The Bible says, "Run the race with patience...." I have, and has it ever been worth it!
cbn
By Dan Betzer
Be patient for those good things in life. Instant gratification will cost you in the long run.
In my early ministry years, my office consisted of one corner of a large work area in the church where I served as youth pastor a long time ago. There was no privacy in that study area.
Then, I began pioneering churches. I had a study in my first pastorate in an alcove above our house. If you stood in the center of the room, the ceiling was eight feet high. If you moved very far to the side, the ceiling was four feet high. I learned how to work with recurring headaches in that place. Ah, but a lot of years -- decades, in fact -- have passed.
I am now blessed with a study that I consider a cocoon or a "womb room" with my beloved books, several thousand of them, and my collections from around the world including a real African lion. (No, I did not shoot her. She died early in life on a lion farm near the border of Botswana.) I have my "Africa wall" with a painting of elephants by Craig Bone, the Zimbabwean artist, and some magnificent carvings of wild animals. Also pictures, all of those wonderful pictures taken with athletes, entertainment stars, government officials, and church leaders. And, last of all, my trusty old word processor upon which I bang out ByLine scripts, sermons, and books, among other things.
I have a neat little stereo with superb sound playing soft background music while I am studying. A man needs a place like this. It just takes a while to get it. In my case, it took about forty years!
Be patient for those good things in life. Instant gratification will cost you in the long run. The Bible says, "Run the race with patience...." I have, and has it ever been worth it!
cbn
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
THE AMAZING RACE
Philippians 3:12-14
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
A couple of years ago, the CBS television network introduced a new reality program called The Amazing Race. Ten 2-person teams race around the world--via train, bus, jet, or any other mode of transportation--from one point to the next, to get their instructions for the next challenge. The key is to get to a designated finishing point during each stage before everyone else. The last team to make it to each finishing point is eliminated. The ultimate goal is for one team to win one million dollars.
I believe that Jesus' followers are also in a race that God has set for them. We desire to run faithfully. But then life happens--distractions, disappointments, failures, and sufferings. Life tends to cause us to take unplanned detours. How do we run this race so that we can reach the goal God has set for us?
The apostle Paul captured part of the answer in Philippians 3:12-14. We need to be honest. Paul admitted that there was room for improvement in his Christian walk. As followers of Jesus, we live with the constant tension of who we are and who we desire to become in Him. We are in process, making progress in our relationship with Jesus. We are imperfect people who serve a perfect Savior, and He gives us grace to be conformed to His image.
Because being in process is a burden, we must forget the past and focus on the future. Paul didn't allow his past failures and successes to prevent his forward motion. I'm convinced that looking back is a sure way of preventing us from moving forward. Just as
past failures can make us afraid, past successes can make us lazy. We can move forward despite our failures because Jesus has forgiven us. We can move forward despite our successes because Jesus has new mountains for us to climb.
We race--not for a million bucks--but for that ultimate prize of being like Jesus. We all long to hear our Lord say: "Well done, My good and faithful servant. You've run an amazing race!" --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* What kind of race are you running for Jesus?
* What spiritual workout or training this week will help you run more faithfully?
* In what way can you renew your commitment to press on toward the goal of being like Jesus?
LINKS:
Strong to the Finish
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cr/8r3/8r3061.html
bottom line: Becoming like Jesus is a marathon, not a sprint.
soul journey
Philippians 3:12-14
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
A couple of years ago, the CBS television network introduced a new reality program called The Amazing Race. Ten 2-person teams race around the world--via train, bus, jet, or any other mode of transportation--from one point to the next, to get their instructions for the next challenge. The key is to get to a designated finishing point during each stage before everyone else. The last team to make it to each finishing point is eliminated. The ultimate goal is for one team to win one million dollars.
I believe that Jesus' followers are also in a race that God has set for them. We desire to run faithfully. But then life happens--distractions, disappointments, failures, and sufferings. Life tends to cause us to take unplanned detours. How do we run this race so that we can reach the goal God has set for us?
The apostle Paul captured part of the answer in Philippians 3:12-14. We need to be honest. Paul admitted that there was room for improvement in his Christian walk. As followers of Jesus, we live with the constant tension of who we are and who we desire to become in Him. We are in process, making progress in our relationship with Jesus. We are imperfect people who serve a perfect Savior, and He gives us grace to be conformed to His image.
Because being in process is a burden, we must forget the past and focus on the future. Paul didn't allow his past failures and successes to prevent his forward motion. I'm convinced that looking back is a sure way of preventing us from moving forward. Just as
past failures can make us afraid, past successes can make us lazy. We can move forward despite our failures because Jesus has forgiven us. We can move forward despite our successes because Jesus has new mountains for us to climb.
We race--not for a million bucks--but for that ultimate prize of being like Jesus. We all long to hear our Lord say: "Well done, My good and faithful servant. You've run an amazing race!" --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* What kind of race are you running for Jesus?
* What spiritual workout or training this week will help you run more faithfully?
* In what way can you renew your commitment to press on toward the goal of being like Jesus?
LINKS:
Strong to the Finish
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cr/8r3/8r3061.html
bottom line: Becoming like Jesus is a marathon, not a sprint.
soul journey