Together Forever
by John Fischer
A friend of mine has written a tongue-in-cheek song about a certain reluctance to go home for Christmas due to the strained relationships that always seem to characterize these once-a-year family get-togethers. I have witnessed his performance of this song numerous times, and every time it receives a boisterous response from the audience. If the perfect family exists somewhere, I haven’t found it yet, and I would venture to guess you haven’t either. It stands to reason, therefore, that our spiritual families will be plagued by the same limitations that characterize our physical families. There is no perfect small group, no perfect church, no perfect community.
The issue for our fellowship, therefore, is not to be free of problems, but to be free of pretense. Conflict, disagreements or differences of opinion are not the enemy of good relationships—dishonesty is. We can go through anything together if we are committed to two things—the truth about ourselves, and the permanency of our relationships in the Body of Christ.
These two things are absolutely necessary for a good relationship: telling the truth, and a tenacious refusal to walk away. My wife and I have a joke about this. We tell people that we have simply decided that divorce is out of the question as a solution to our problems: “Murder maybe, but not divorce!”
Imagine if we had the same tenacity towards each other in the Body of Christ What would happen if the ending or the avoidance of any relationship in Christ were simply not an option.
If you think about it, even if we make it an option, it has to be only temporary, because we are all headed to our eternal home in heaven where all differences, factions and grudges will be erased forever. Like we used to say in the Jesus movement: We’re going to be together forever, so we might as well start getting used to each other now. There are no exit doors in the family of God.
PDL
Saturday, July 31, 2004
Thursday, July 29, 2004
I'VE GOT EVERYTHING--ALMOST
2 Corinthians 4:1-6Since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not loseheart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we donot use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On thecontrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves toevery man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospelis veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god ofthis age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannotsee the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the imageof God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord,and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said,"Let light shine out of darkness," made His light shine in ourhearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God inthe face of Christ.
My daughter Julie had moved to Florida to teach school (I think theweather might have had something to do with it), and it was time toget her driver's license changed. Out would go the old Michiganlicense, and in would come the new Florida card.
When she arrived at the bureau, she took all the needed documentsand stood in line to make the transition. However, when she got tothe counter, she got some surprising news. She couldn't drive inFlorida. No, it wasn't because she didn't keep her turn signal onall the time. She was rejected because she failed the eye test. Shewas shocked. She had no idea that she couldn't see well enough tooperate a motor vehicle. Although she had done everything right onthe road, she was denied this important document
.
Think about another situation that will require us to haveeverything in order before we will get what is important to us.Someday each of us will stand before God, and our eternal destinywill hang in the balance. We might have with us all our good deedsand kindnesses and gracious acts for the less fortunate. We mightshow up with a life full of love for others and great humanitariandeeds. But we may still be rejected. We may still not have ourspiritual sight.
If so, our eternal destiny will be set. We won't be able to do asJulie did--she went and got a pair of glasses. The spiritualblindness that will keep us out of heaven has to do with our faithin Jesus.
This scenario should cause us to think carefully about where westand. Is it possible that the "god of this age" has blinded oureyes from seeing the gospel? Could it be possible that I will appearbefore God blinded from the truth and rejected at heaven's gate?
Frankly, it's a terrifying thought. God wants His light to shine outso we can see it and accept the free gift of salvation throughJesus. He wants to "give us the light." Let's accept it, before it'seternally too late. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* Am I blind, or do I see? Have I accepted the light of the gospel,or am I blinded by the god of this age?
* What else does the lightof God's love and Word allow me to experience besides a future homein heaven?
* Do I know anyone else who is spiritually blind? How doI get the message to him or her?
LINKSWhere Do We Go From Here?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q1202
bottom line: Keep your eyes on the prize--eternity with Jesus.
soul journey
2 Corinthians 4:1-6Since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not loseheart. 2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we donot use deception, nor do we distort the Word of God. On thecontrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves toevery man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our gospelis veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god ofthis age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannotsee the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the imageof God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord,and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who said,"Let light shine out of darkness," made His light shine in ourhearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God inthe face of Christ.
My daughter Julie had moved to Florida to teach school (I think theweather might have had something to do with it), and it was time toget her driver's license changed. Out would go the old Michiganlicense, and in would come the new Florida card.
When she arrived at the bureau, she took all the needed documentsand stood in line to make the transition. However, when she got tothe counter, she got some surprising news. She couldn't drive inFlorida. No, it wasn't because she didn't keep her turn signal onall the time. She was rejected because she failed the eye test. Shewas shocked. She had no idea that she couldn't see well enough tooperate a motor vehicle. Although she had done everything right onthe road, she was denied this important document
.
Think about another situation that will require us to haveeverything in order before we will get what is important to us.Someday each of us will stand before God, and our eternal destinywill hang in the balance. We might have with us all our good deedsand kindnesses and gracious acts for the less fortunate. We mightshow up with a life full of love for others and great humanitariandeeds. But we may still be rejected. We may still not have ourspiritual sight.
If so, our eternal destiny will be set. We won't be able to do asJulie did--she went and got a pair of glasses. The spiritualblindness that will keep us out of heaven has to do with our faithin Jesus.
This scenario should cause us to think carefully about where westand. Is it possible that the "god of this age" has blinded oureyes from seeing the gospel? Could it be possible that I will appearbefore God blinded from the truth and rejected at heaven's gate?
Frankly, it's a terrifying thought. God wants His light to shine outso we can see it and accept the free gift of salvation throughJesus. He wants to "give us the light." Let's accept it, before it'seternally too late. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* Am I blind, or do I see? Have I accepted the light of the gospel,or am I blinded by the god of this age?
* What else does the lightof God's love and Word allow me to experience besides a future homein heaven?
* Do I know anyone else who is spiritually blind? How doI get the message to him or her?
LINKSWhere Do We Go From Here?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q1202
bottom line: Keep your eyes on the prize--eternity with Jesus.
soul journey
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
A Matter Of Taste
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1
Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. —2 Corinthians 7:1
Bible In One Year: Psalms 46-48; Acts 28
Two cockroaches decided to visit their favorite restaurant. While the larger of the two was enjoying his meal, the smaller one said,“You wouldn’t believe the house I just left. It was spotless. The lady had to be a cleanaholic. Everything was immaculate—the sink, the counter, the floors. You couldn’t find a crumb anywhere.”The other cockroach stopped his munching, looked with some annoyance at his companion, and said,“Do you have to talk like that while I’m eating?"
This story about roaches can apply to human nature as well. The second letter to the Corinthians shows that Paul’s readers had much to learn about clean living. They needed to develop a stronger hunger and thirst for righteousness. So the apostle pleaded with them to turn away from all filthiness (7:1). He reminded them that God wants His people to separate themselves from spiritual garbage.
If “cleanness”of heart sounds unappealing, perhaps we’ve been satisfied with the crumbs of our earthly desires. We need to learn to savor the flavor of godliness.
Father, forgive us for feeding the cravings of our sinful flesh. Help us to cultivate instead the tastes that Your Holy Spirit wants to produce in us. —Mart De Haan
If we desire to taste what’s good
And lose our taste for sin,
We must with ruthless honesty
Expose the dirt within. —D. De Haan
Sin cannot flourish where godliness is cultivated.
daily bread
Read: 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1
Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. —2 Corinthians 7:1
Bible In One Year: Psalms 46-48; Acts 28
Two cockroaches decided to visit their favorite restaurant. While the larger of the two was enjoying his meal, the smaller one said,“You wouldn’t believe the house I just left. It was spotless. The lady had to be a cleanaholic. Everything was immaculate—the sink, the counter, the floors. You couldn’t find a crumb anywhere.”The other cockroach stopped his munching, looked with some annoyance at his companion, and said,“Do you have to talk like that while I’m eating?"
This story about roaches can apply to human nature as well. The second letter to the Corinthians shows that Paul’s readers had much to learn about clean living. They needed to develop a stronger hunger and thirst for righteousness. So the apostle pleaded with them to turn away from all filthiness (7:1). He reminded them that God wants His people to separate themselves from spiritual garbage.
If “cleanness”of heart sounds unappealing, perhaps we’ve been satisfied with the crumbs of our earthly desires. We need to learn to savor the flavor of godliness.
Father, forgive us for feeding the cravings of our sinful flesh. Help us to cultivate instead the tastes that Your Holy Spirit wants to produce in us. —Mart De Haan
If we desire to taste what’s good
And lose our taste for sin,
We must with ruthless honesty
Expose the dirt within. —D. De Haan
Sin cannot flourish where godliness is cultivated.
daily bread
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
The Way to Knowledge
If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine . . . —John 7:17
The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience. If a person wants scientific knowledge, then intellectual curiosity must be his guide. But if he desires knowledge and insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ, he can only obtain it through obedience. If spiritual things seem dark and hidden to me, then I can be sure that there is a point of disobedience somewhere in my life. Intellectual darkness is the result of ignorance, but spiritual darkness is the result of something that I do not intend to obey.
No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test regarding it. We disobey and then wonder why we are not growing spiritually. Jesus said, "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" ( Matthew 5:23-24 ). He is saying, in essence, "Don’t say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right." The teachings of Jesus hit us where we live. We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second. He instructs us down to the very last detail. The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication and makes us sensitive to things that we have never even thought of before.
When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try to evade it. If you do, you will become a religious impostor. Examine the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. As Jesus said, "First . . . go . . . ." Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, you must obey what God tells you.
my utmost for His highest
If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine . . . —John 7:17
The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience. If a person wants scientific knowledge, then intellectual curiosity must be his guide. But if he desires knowledge and insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ, he can only obtain it through obedience. If spiritual things seem dark and hidden to me, then I can be sure that there is a point of disobedience somewhere in my life. Intellectual darkness is the result of ignorance, but spiritual darkness is the result of something that I do not intend to obey.
No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test regarding it. We disobey and then wonder why we are not growing spiritually. Jesus said, "If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift" ( Matthew 5:23-24 ). He is saying, in essence, "Don’t say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right." The teachings of Jesus hit us where we live. We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second. He instructs us down to the very last detail. The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication and makes us sensitive to things that we have never even thought of before.
When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try to evade it. If you do, you will become a religious impostor. Examine the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. As Jesus said, "First . . . go . . . ." Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, you must obey what God tells you.
my utmost for His highest
Monday, July 26, 2004
The Pursuit Of Happiness
Read: Psalm 34
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! —Psalm 34:8
Bible In One Year: Psalms 40-42; Acts 27:1-26
In 1948, Life magazine brought together a group of labor-union representatives, industrial leaders, university scholars, and clergy to discuss what the framers of the United States Constitution had in mind when they referred to“the pursuit of happiness.”They agreed that steady work under good conditions at a living wage was absolutely essential. Some included the values of racial fairness, unselfishness, and integrity.
This led one participant, a brilliant young woman who had been crippled by polio, to say,“It is my experience that suffering and pain are, unfortunately, great character builders—not that suffering is good in itself, but because it often helps to shift our expectation of happiness from without to a search for it from within.” True, but we can find inner happiness only by knowing God personally and walking the path of trust and obedience.
Happiness isn’t found by pursuing it. It’s a by-product of seeking an ever-closer walk with God. When we do, we will find a depth of happiness no person or thing can give. That’s what David referred to when he said,“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8). —Herb Vander Lugt
Happiness is never found
When happiness is sought;
It’s found instead in Jesus
And what His blood has bought. —D. De Haan
To know happiness, know God.
daily bread
Read: Psalm 34
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him! —Psalm 34:8
Bible In One Year: Psalms 40-42; Acts 27:1-26
In 1948, Life magazine brought together a group of labor-union representatives, industrial leaders, university scholars, and clergy to discuss what the framers of the United States Constitution had in mind when they referred to“the pursuit of happiness.”They agreed that steady work under good conditions at a living wage was absolutely essential. Some included the values of racial fairness, unselfishness, and integrity.
This led one participant, a brilliant young woman who had been crippled by polio, to say,“It is my experience that suffering and pain are, unfortunately, great character builders—not that suffering is good in itself, but because it often helps to shift our expectation of happiness from without to a search for it from within.” True, but we can find inner happiness only by knowing God personally and walking the path of trust and obedience.
Happiness isn’t found by pursuing it. It’s a by-product of seeking an ever-closer walk with God. When we do, we will find a depth of happiness no person or thing can give. That’s what David referred to when he said,“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8). —Herb Vander Lugt
Happiness is never found
When happiness is sought;
It’s found instead in Jesus
And what His blood has bought. —D. De Haan
To know happiness, know God.
daily bread
Sunday, July 25, 2004
EARNING IT
1 Chronicles 29:13-1713 Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we havegiven You only what comes from Your hand. 15 We are aliens andstrangers in Your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days onearth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 O Lord our God, as for allthis abundance that we have provided for building You a temple forYour Holy Name, it comes from Your hand, and all of it belongs to You. 17 I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly Your people who are here have given to You.
Nate Haasis threw the football, something he had done hundreds of times as a quarterback for Springfield Southeast High School. Butduring this last play of his senior year, something strange happened.
Where was the defense?
Hassis found one of his receivers wide open--not a defender insight--and tossed a perfect spiral for a 37-yard completion. Theyardage gave him 5,006 career passing yards, surpassing the all-timemark for the Central State Eight Conference of 4,998 yards.
Then the truth came out. Nate's receiver had been wide open because his coach had made a deal with the opposing coach toward the end of the game. The football coaches conspired to let Haasis get theyardage he needed to set the record by having the defense slack off.
Later, in a letter to the Central State Eight Conference, Haasis asked that his final pass not be counted and that his record be changed to second place. His request was accepted.
Stories like Nate's can encourage us in what may seem like an uphillbattle in maintaining our integrity. Voices call to us: Go ahead anddo it, no one will know! Or, You deserve this pleasure . . . it's not like anyone will get hurt or anything!
To be honest and godly in our thoughts and actions is challenging.But when we live a life of integrity two things happen. We keep ourself-respect intact--there's no splintering of our character or ourvalues. And most important, we please God.
David said, "I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleasedwith integrity" (1 Chronicles 29:17). He declared these words rightafter he and the Israelites had just given generously to help buildthe temple God desired. There was nothing to hide. Nothing to slink away from. They had done the right thing. Just like Nate Haasis.
Are you passing the integrity test today? --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* How do I live differently in secret than I do in public?
* Why does integrity matter so much to God?
LINKS
Winning Values ABCNews.com Person of the Week: Nate Haasis http://abcnews.go.com/sections/WNT/PersonofWeek/pow031107_haasis-1.html
bottom line: Doing the right thing often results in sacrifice
soul journey
1 Chronicles 29:13-1713 Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.14 "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from You, and we havegiven You only what comes from Your hand. 15 We are aliens andstrangers in Your sight, as were all our forefathers. Our days onearth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 O Lord our God, as for allthis abundance that we have provided for building You a temple forYour Holy Name, it comes from Your hand, and all of it belongs to You. 17 I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly Your people who are here have given to You.
Nate Haasis threw the football, something he had done hundreds of times as a quarterback for Springfield Southeast High School. Butduring this last play of his senior year, something strange happened.
Where was the defense?
Hassis found one of his receivers wide open--not a defender insight--and tossed a perfect spiral for a 37-yard completion. Theyardage gave him 5,006 career passing yards, surpassing the all-timemark for the Central State Eight Conference of 4,998 yards.
Then the truth came out. Nate's receiver had been wide open because his coach had made a deal with the opposing coach toward the end of the game. The football coaches conspired to let Haasis get theyardage he needed to set the record by having the defense slack off.
Later, in a letter to the Central State Eight Conference, Haasis asked that his final pass not be counted and that his record be changed to second place. His request was accepted.
Stories like Nate's can encourage us in what may seem like an uphillbattle in maintaining our integrity. Voices call to us: Go ahead anddo it, no one will know! Or, You deserve this pleasure . . . it's not like anyone will get hurt or anything!
To be honest and godly in our thoughts and actions is challenging.But when we live a life of integrity two things happen. We keep ourself-respect intact--there's no splintering of our character or ourvalues. And most important, we please God.
David said, "I know, my God, that You test the heart and are pleasedwith integrity" (1 Chronicles 29:17). He declared these words rightafter he and the Israelites had just given generously to help buildthe temple God desired. There was nothing to hide. Nothing to slink away from. They had done the right thing. Just like Nate Haasis.
Are you passing the integrity test today? --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* How do I live differently in secret than I do in public?
* Why does integrity matter so much to God?
LINKS
Winning Values ABCNews.com Person of the Week: Nate Haasis http://abcnews.go.com/sections/WNT/PersonofWeek/pow031107_haasis-1.html
bottom line: Doing the right thing often results in sacrifice
soul journey
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Breaking Free
By Charlene Israel
Don't be limited by chains of a wrong mindset. Get free with God's Word!
Do you ever feel like you are limited? Have you ever felt that God can use others but not you? Do you think of ways to be more effective for the Lord, but you never act on them?
In the words of my pastor during a recent sermon, "A lot of God's people have chains limiting them." He related the story of an elephant that had been chained since childhood. When the elephant grew into an adult, the still-chained animal had the mindset "This is as far as I can go."
As I listened to this story, I began to see that as a Christian, I had been limited in many areas of my life. I was not going far in my walk with God.
The definition of the word limit is "the point, edge, or line beyond which something cannot or may not proceed." It is as if the enemy of my soul has drawn a line in the sand of my life and dares me to cross it. He lies to me, saying, "You are a nobody going nowhere." He does not want me to know the truth: that I can be free and that God has a destiny for me to fulfill. Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free"(John 8:32, KJV).
For most of my life I struggled with chains of rejection, fear and intimidation. Only recently did I begin to recognize that every link in each chain was a lie limiting me, binding me, and grounding my potential. As I looked in the Scriptures, I began to see that my Heavenly Father loved me and had a great plan for my life.
The adult elephant remained bound because it did not know that it had the ability to break free. It was trained as a baby to be bound, and it carried that mindset into adulthood. As the redeemed of the Lord, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds to the truth of God's Word.
It says in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (NAS). If we do not know that we can be free; then we never will be.
To break free of things that have held us back, we must use the power of God's Word to destroy the chains. God's Word is anointed to demolish chains of limitation that pull on us and hold us in bondage. Just having head knowledge of God's Word will not free us. We must have heart knowledge of it. We have to meditate upon God's Word, pray God's Word, and hide it in our hearts. We must use it for the weapon that it is. The Holy Bible says that we are to put on the whole armor of God, and part of the armor is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18). God wants us to use His Word to cut away the chains of limitation.
At this stage in my life, I am putting God's Word into practice. I am now walking in the light and I am agreeing with God that everything He says about me is true. I am saying, "Lord be it unto me according to Your Word and my declaration."
As a child of God you do not have to be limited. You can be all that God wants you to be and do all that He has called you to do. When thoughts of fear and intimidation try to hold you back, dare to agree with God. Find and meditate on Scriptures that will help you to see yourself as God sees you.
As you begin the process of hiding God's Word in your heart and speaking it out of your mouth, remember: "But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32, KJV).
Do not allow the enemy to hold you back from the purposes and plans God has for you. God can and wants to use you. Begin to dream big, for we serve a big God, and He has more in store for you than you could ever imagine. Tell the devil, "God is with me, God is for me, and I am breaking free!"
cbn
By Charlene Israel
Don't be limited by chains of a wrong mindset. Get free with God's Word!
Do you ever feel like you are limited? Have you ever felt that God can use others but not you? Do you think of ways to be more effective for the Lord, but you never act on them?
In the words of my pastor during a recent sermon, "A lot of God's people have chains limiting them." He related the story of an elephant that had been chained since childhood. When the elephant grew into an adult, the still-chained animal had the mindset "This is as far as I can go."
As I listened to this story, I began to see that as a Christian, I had been limited in many areas of my life. I was not going far in my walk with God.
The definition of the word limit is "the point, edge, or line beyond which something cannot or may not proceed." It is as if the enemy of my soul has drawn a line in the sand of my life and dares me to cross it. He lies to me, saying, "You are a nobody going nowhere." He does not want me to know the truth: that I can be free and that God has a destiny for me to fulfill. Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free"(John 8:32, KJV).
For most of my life I struggled with chains of rejection, fear and intimidation. Only recently did I begin to recognize that every link in each chain was a lie limiting me, binding me, and grounding my potential. As I looked in the Scriptures, I began to see that my Heavenly Father loved me and had a great plan for my life.
The adult elephant remained bound because it did not know that it had the ability to break free. It was trained as a baby to be bound, and it carried that mindset into adulthood. As the redeemed of the Lord, we have to be transformed by the renewing of our minds to the truth of God's Word.
It says in Hosea 4:6, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (NAS). If we do not know that we can be free; then we never will be.
To break free of things that have held us back, we must use the power of God's Word to destroy the chains. God's Word is anointed to demolish chains of limitation that pull on us and hold us in bondage. Just having head knowledge of God's Word will not free us. We must have heart knowledge of it. We have to meditate upon God's Word, pray God's Word, and hide it in our hearts. We must use it for the weapon that it is. The Holy Bible says that we are to put on the whole armor of God, and part of the armor is the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18). God wants us to use His Word to cut away the chains of limitation.
At this stage in my life, I am putting God's Word into practice. I am now walking in the light and I am agreeing with God that everything He says about me is true. I am saying, "Lord be it unto me according to Your Word and my declaration."
As a child of God you do not have to be limited. You can be all that God wants you to be and do all that He has called you to do. When thoughts of fear and intimidation try to hold you back, dare to agree with God. Find and meditate on Scriptures that will help you to see yourself as God sees you.
As you begin the process of hiding God's Word in your heart and speaking it out of your mouth, remember: "But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits" (Daniel 11:32, KJV).
Do not allow the enemy to hold you back from the purposes and plans God has for you. God can and wants to use you. Begin to dream big, for we serve a big God, and He has more in store for you than you could ever imagine. Tell the devil, "God is with me, God is for me, and I am breaking free!"
cbn
Thursday, July 22, 2004
HUMILITY BEFORE HONOR
Proverbs 15:26-3326 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of thepure are pleasing to Him. 27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked but He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. 31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Had the Lord allowed him to live, my oldest brother Dick would have been 68 today. But God took him Home on Easter 1995. He died inSudbury, Ontario, where he and his wife Shirley had for many yearsbeen ministering to the needs of native Canadian people of theThree-Fires Confederacy (Ojibwe, Potawatami, and Odawa tribes).
Dick was given an "honor-drum" memorial that summer on the date ofhis birthday. It was performed by specially selected men from theWikwemikong Reserve on Manitoulin Island near the northern reachesof Lake Huron. This is a ceremony held only to honor those whose lives have made a positive impact on the indigenous community. Perhaps this was the first and only time a white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant missionary from the US was given an Ojibwe honor-drum ceremony on a Canadian Indian reserve.
But it was a ceremony well deserved. Richard Ohlman was a gentle, humble, honest, and self-effacing follower of Jesus who would never have imagined he would be memorialized as he was on that day. He served the people he and Shirley loved because he wanted them to have the same peace and joy he received from his faith in Jesus. He expected no honor for doing merely what he knew God wanted him to do. I think of Dick when I read of the wise and righteous man spoken of in Proverbs 15--one whose wisdom comes from the "fear of the Lord," one for whom "humility comes before honor" (v.33).
At Dick's funeral held in our parents' home church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, an Ojibwe toddler escaped her parent's grasp and ran down the aisle. We were all mesmerized when she stopped and then stoodstill for a moment beside the casket.
We're not sure what was in the mind of that precious child, but my other brother Jim leaned over to me and whispered, "Dick would haveloved that!" I'm sure he did, for he loved the Ojibwe people--the people who later honored him. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* Is there someone who has impacted my life with a living demonstration of what it means to serve the Lord with humility?
* Have I taken time to honor that person for his or her example?
* In what ways could I show my regard for those who have shown me how to serve the Lord humbly and faithfully?
LINKS
Humility's Many Faces
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/014/37.96.html
bottom line: Those who seek honor rarely find it.
soul journey
Proverbs 15:26-3326 The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of thepure are pleasing to Him. 27 A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live. 28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked but He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. 31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. 32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Had the Lord allowed him to live, my oldest brother Dick would have been 68 today. But God took him Home on Easter 1995. He died inSudbury, Ontario, where he and his wife Shirley had for many yearsbeen ministering to the needs of native Canadian people of theThree-Fires Confederacy (Ojibwe, Potawatami, and Odawa tribes).
Dick was given an "honor-drum" memorial that summer on the date ofhis birthday. It was performed by specially selected men from theWikwemikong Reserve on Manitoulin Island near the northern reachesof Lake Huron. This is a ceremony held only to honor those whose lives have made a positive impact on the indigenous community. Perhaps this was the first and only time a white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant missionary from the US was given an Ojibwe honor-drum ceremony on a Canadian Indian reserve.
But it was a ceremony well deserved. Richard Ohlman was a gentle, humble, honest, and self-effacing follower of Jesus who would never have imagined he would be memorialized as he was on that day. He served the people he and Shirley loved because he wanted them to have the same peace and joy he received from his faith in Jesus. He expected no honor for doing merely what he knew God wanted him to do. I think of Dick when I read of the wise and righteous man spoken of in Proverbs 15--one whose wisdom comes from the "fear of the Lord," one for whom "humility comes before honor" (v.33).
At Dick's funeral held in our parents' home church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, an Ojibwe toddler escaped her parent's grasp and ran down the aisle. We were all mesmerized when she stopped and then stoodstill for a moment beside the casket.
We're not sure what was in the mind of that precious child, but my other brother Jim leaned over to me and whispered, "Dick would haveloved that!" I'm sure he did, for he loved the Ojibwe people--the people who later honored him. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* Is there someone who has impacted my life with a living demonstration of what it means to serve the Lord with humility?
* Have I taken time to honor that person for his or her example?
* In what ways could I show my regard for those who have shown me how to serve the Lord humbly and faithfully?
LINKS
Humility's Many Faces
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/014/37.96.html
bottom line: Those who seek honor rarely find it.
soul journey
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
BUSY DAY
Mark 1:21-3721 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus wentinto the synagogue and began to teach. . . . 23 Just then a man intheir synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out. . . .25 "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. . . . 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James andJohn to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon's mother-in-law wasin bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So He went toher, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and shebegan to wait on them. 32 That evening . . . the whole town gatheredat the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons . . . . 35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for Him, 37 and when they found Him they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for You!"
Think you have a busy schedule? Most people's DayTimers overflowwith tasks: a fulltime academic load at school or a fulltime job, family and friends, a small-group Bible study during the week, responsibilities at church on Sunday. It's like packing for a big trip--you don't have room for all the stuff!
As God sees us face the clock, He has the advantage of beingindependent of time and space. He really does have all the time inthe world to do His work.
But He understands. Jesus' time on earth enabled Him to intercedefor us as one who has "been there, done that." In just half achapter (Mark 1:21-35) we read details of a schedule that makes thetypical person's life look leisurely. John 21:25 sets it straight; acomplete itinerary listing everything Jesus did would fill up roomsand rooms of books. (And who would have time to read them all on our schedule?) When we read of Jesus' very active ministry schedule, it may seem He could turn to us and say, "You think you're busy?"
To avoid whining, a little introspection might help. When I look atmy schedule, I see a lot of waste--time spent in front of the XBoxor the computer. We need to keep evaluating how we spend everyresource, including our time. As we make these assessments, though,we can recognize that Jesus understands the stress we're under. His encouragement, through His example, is that our time and our lives can count for something worthwhile.
So take a second look at that schedule. Sure, you're juggling a lot,but perhaps a couple of those balls can drop. Then, as you look atyour life, realize that you are not just killing time--you are building a foundation for a life that will make a difference for the future, even as you make a difference now. --John Carvalho
DESTINATION POINTS
* What is the greatest time squeeze I feel right now?
* In what waysdoes the example of Jesus encourage me?
* How can I make sure thatall of my activities are building a strong foundation for the restof my life?
LINKS
Me Superman!
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2003/004/aug/27.27.html
bottom line: Spend time in ways that honor the Giver of it.
soul journey
Mark 1:21-3721 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus wentinto the synagogue and began to teach. . . . 23 Just then a man intheir synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out. . . .25 "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. . . . 29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James andJohn to the home of Simon and Andrew. 30 Simon's mother-in-law wasin bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. 31 So He went toher, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and shebegan to wait on them. 32 That evening . . . the whole town gatheredat the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons . . . . 35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for Him, 37 and when they found Him they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for You!"
Think you have a busy schedule? Most people's DayTimers overflowwith tasks: a fulltime academic load at school or a fulltime job, family and friends, a small-group Bible study during the week, responsibilities at church on Sunday. It's like packing for a big trip--you don't have room for all the stuff!
As God sees us face the clock, He has the advantage of beingindependent of time and space. He really does have all the time inthe world to do His work.
But He understands. Jesus' time on earth enabled Him to intercedefor us as one who has "been there, done that." In just half achapter (Mark 1:21-35) we read details of a schedule that makes thetypical person's life look leisurely. John 21:25 sets it straight; acomplete itinerary listing everything Jesus did would fill up roomsand rooms of books. (And who would have time to read them all on our schedule?) When we read of Jesus' very active ministry schedule, it may seem He could turn to us and say, "You think you're busy?"
To avoid whining, a little introspection might help. When I look atmy schedule, I see a lot of waste--time spent in front of the XBoxor the computer. We need to keep evaluating how we spend everyresource, including our time. As we make these assessments, though,we can recognize that Jesus understands the stress we're under. His encouragement, through His example, is that our time and our lives can count for something worthwhile.
So take a second look at that schedule. Sure, you're juggling a lot,but perhaps a couple of those balls can drop. Then, as you look atyour life, realize that you are not just killing time--you are building a foundation for a life that will make a difference for the future, even as you make a difference now. --John Carvalho
DESTINATION POINTS
* What is the greatest time squeeze I feel right now?
* In what waysdoes the example of Jesus encourage me?
* How can I make sure thatall of my activities are building a strong foundation for the restof my life?
LINKS
Me Superman!
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2003/004/aug/27.27.html
bottom line: Spend time in ways that honor the Giver of it.
soul journey
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
How Do You Know it's Real?
By Aaron
No matter how you cut it, slice it, dice it, call it, or whatever, it's called faith. Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, you have faith.
I'm sure this has been discussed, debated, preached, or what have you since the dawn of time. I've had many conversations with others for years about it. The question is, "how can you rely on something that you can't see?"
What a great question!
A while back, while tying up loose ends before leaving my old job and returning to CBN, I was having a conversation with a dear friend of mine. She had a discussion with someone who asked her how she could have faith. She couldn't see it. She couldn't touch it. She certainly couldn't taste it, hear it, etc… I don't remember if she was stumped by the question or not, but I have to admit that when she shared this with me I wondered how I would answer that question. Even though I've been a Christian since I was a kid, I have to admit that, at first, I struggled with my answer. Then, as I was listening to her, I quickly asked God how I could best serve Him with my answer when and if this question was asked of me..
Then some things came to mind. Have you ever told someone that you would see them tomorrow while leaving your place of business? Have you ever decided to start and grow a savings account, a retirement fund, or a college fund? Have you ever waved goodbye to a loved one as they stepped on a plane while anticipating their arrival? Have you ever wondered if you would have your next breath? I'll bet you have. There are countless examples.
Why do we expect each of those scenarios to come to a conclusion? Why do we not only expect, but are usually certain, that each of those scenarios and more will occur when they are supposed to? No matter how you cut it, slice it, dice it, call it, or whatever, it's called faith. Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, you have faith.
Don't believe me? Let's go back to my prior examples. You have faith that you will return to your office tomorrow. You have faith that your retirement fund will grow, not counting the last year or so in the market of course. You have faith that your loved one will return when they go on vacation, a business trip, or whatever. You have faith that you will be here tomorrow, whether or not you are heading to work. I'm pretty certain you are breathing while reading this.
Why shouldn't we expect each of these to happen? They are the logical conclusions to each of the scenarios, and more, that I presented. However, the Bible does not promise tomorrow.
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes(James 4:14).
The only absolute promise that we have is that God loves us no matter what we've done. He's proved it time and time again with countless examples. The easiest and most known example is that of John 3:16. Just in case you've forgotten it:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
He DOES NOT promise tomorrow, but what He does promise is His love and redemption for each of us. As to faith, it only takes a little, a smidgen, a tiny bit. Every one of us has at least a little bit of faith. Otherwise we wouldn't assume that we would return to work each weekday morning. Jesus talked about faith in Matthew 17:20:
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Faith as small as a mustard seed -- that's an incredible example. Do you realize the size of a mustard seed and then the size that the tree or plant grows into!? If not, please check it out. I hope and pray your promise of tomorrow, your Father's love for you and your faith is based in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I know that some of you don't believe in Jesus. If you don't I ask you to please re-evaluate where your faith is based. For those of you who do believe, it might be a good time to re-evaluate where you faith is rooted as well. Take that look and have faith that you will find it, because hint, hint, He promises that too in Proverbs 2:3-5.
cbn
By Aaron
No matter how you cut it, slice it, dice it, call it, or whatever, it's called faith. Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, you have faith.
I'm sure this has been discussed, debated, preached, or what have you since the dawn of time. I've had many conversations with others for years about it. The question is, "how can you rely on something that you can't see?"
What a great question!
A while back, while tying up loose ends before leaving my old job and returning to CBN, I was having a conversation with a dear friend of mine. She had a discussion with someone who asked her how she could have faith. She couldn't see it. She couldn't touch it. She certainly couldn't taste it, hear it, etc… I don't remember if she was stumped by the question or not, but I have to admit that when she shared this with me I wondered how I would answer that question. Even though I've been a Christian since I was a kid, I have to admit that, at first, I struggled with my answer. Then, as I was listening to her, I quickly asked God how I could best serve Him with my answer when and if this question was asked of me..
Then some things came to mind. Have you ever told someone that you would see them tomorrow while leaving your place of business? Have you ever decided to start and grow a savings account, a retirement fund, or a college fund? Have you ever waved goodbye to a loved one as they stepped on a plane while anticipating their arrival? Have you ever wondered if you would have your next breath? I'll bet you have. There are countless examples.
Why do we expect each of those scenarios to come to a conclusion? Why do we not only expect, but are usually certain, that each of those scenarios and more will occur when they are supposed to? No matter how you cut it, slice it, dice it, call it, or whatever, it's called faith. Whether you are a believer in Christ or not, you have faith.
Don't believe me? Let's go back to my prior examples. You have faith that you will return to your office tomorrow. You have faith that your retirement fund will grow, not counting the last year or so in the market of course. You have faith that your loved one will return when they go on vacation, a business trip, or whatever. You have faith that you will be here tomorrow, whether or not you are heading to work. I'm pretty certain you are breathing while reading this.
Why shouldn't we expect each of these to happen? They are the logical conclusions to each of the scenarios, and more, that I presented. However, the Bible does not promise tomorrow.
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes(James 4:14).
The only absolute promise that we have is that God loves us no matter what we've done. He's proved it time and time again with countless examples. The easiest and most known example is that of John 3:16. Just in case you've forgotten it:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
He DOES NOT promise tomorrow, but what He does promise is His love and redemption for each of us. As to faith, it only takes a little, a smidgen, a tiny bit. Every one of us has at least a little bit of faith. Otherwise we wouldn't assume that we would return to work each weekday morning. Jesus talked about faith in Matthew 17:20:
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." Faith as small as a mustard seed -- that's an incredible example. Do you realize the size of a mustard seed and then the size that the tree or plant grows into!? If not, please check it out. I hope and pray your promise of tomorrow, your Father's love for you and your faith is based in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I know that some of you don't believe in Jesus. If you don't I ask you to please re-evaluate where your faith is based. For those of you who do believe, it might be a good time to re-evaluate where you faith is rooted as well. Take that look and have faith that you will find it, because hint, hint, He promises that too in Proverbs 2:3-5.
cbn
Monday, July 19, 2004
FORGIVEN
Psalm 103:8-148 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, aboundingin love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His angerforever; 10 He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay usaccording to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are abovethe earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; 12 as far asthe east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressionsfrom us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lordhas compassion on those who fear Him; 14 for He knows how we areformed, He remembers that we are dust.
Forgiveness is something we've all had to deal with. It's not easy to forgive someone who has really hurt you badly. I imagine Corrie ten Boom, author of The Hiding Place, struggled with forgiving the people who ran the Nazi concentration camps. Because she had chosen to hide Jewish people from the Nazis, she was imprisoned in horrible barracks, had to eat stuff that remotely resembled food, and endured harsh labor. Worst of all, members of Corrie's family died in the camp. If Corrie could forgive her captors after all that, surely wecan forgive others who have hurt us.
Luke 17:4 says, "If he sins against you seven times a day, and seventimes comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."Forgiveness flows from a forgiven heart.
I had a friend who had done some hurtful things to me, and one day I prayed, "Lord, help me to love this person and not have any bad feelings toward her. Forgive me for the times I have." I can't explain the peace and freedom God gave me after I prayed those words!
Maybe you're the one who has done something hurtful to another. If the Lord shows you that you have, do what's necessary to make things right. God will help you do it and you'll be glad you did!
When David had some unconfessed sin in his life, he said, "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away" (Psalm 32:3). Then he confessed his sins to the Lord and God forgave him (v.5). Afterward, he said, "You will . . . surround me with songs of deliverance" (v.7) and "rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous!" (v.11).
Just as the Lord forgives our sins, let's forgive others and ask for forgiveness from others. Then let's go praise the Lord! --Amy Koepp, Wisconsin. Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader
DESTINATION POINTS
* Is there someone I need to forgive or ask forgiveness from? What will I do to make things right?
* Is there any unconfessed sin in my life? What will I do about it?
LINKS
The Secret Room--The Story of Corrie ten Boom
www.soon.org.uk/true_stories/holocaust.htm
Forgiving Dad
www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2000/005/5.46.html
bottom line: Forgiveness sets you free!
soul journey
Psalm 103:8-148 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, aboundingin love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His angerforever; 10 He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay usaccording to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are abovethe earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; 12 as far asthe east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressionsfrom us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lordhas compassion on those who fear Him; 14 for He knows how we areformed, He remembers that we are dust.
Forgiveness is something we've all had to deal with. It's not easy to forgive someone who has really hurt you badly. I imagine Corrie ten Boom, author of The Hiding Place, struggled with forgiving the people who ran the Nazi concentration camps. Because she had chosen to hide Jewish people from the Nazis, she was imprisoned in horrible barracks, had to eat stuff that remotely resembled food, and endured harsh labor. Worst of all, members of Corrie's family died in the camp. If Corrie could forgive her captors after all that, surely wecan forgive others who have hurt us.
Luke 17:4 says, "If he sins against you seven times a day, and seventimes comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."Forgiveness flows from a forgiven heart.
I had a friend who had done some hurtful things to me, and one day I prayed, "Lord, help me to love this person and not have any bad feelings toward her. Forgive me for the times I have." I can't explain the peace and freedom God gave me after I prayed those words!
Maybe you're the one who has done something hurtful to another. If the Lord shows you that you have, do what's necessary to make things right. God will help you do it and you'll be glad you did!
When David had some unconfessed sin in his life, he said, "When I kept silent, my bones wasted away" (Psalm 32:3). Then he confessed his sins to the Lord and God forgave him (v.5). Afterward, he said, "You will . . . surround me with songs of deliverance" (v.7) and "rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous!" (v.11).
Just as the Lord forgives our sins, let's forgive others and ask for forgiveness from others. Then let's go praise the Lord! --Amy Koepp, Wisconsin. Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader
DESTINATION POINTS
* Is there someone I need to forgive or ask forgiveness from? What will I do to make things right?
* Is there any unconfessed sin in my life? What will I do about it?
LINKS
The Secret Room--The Story of Corrie ten Boom
www.soon.org.uk/true_stories/holocaust.htm
Forgiving Dad
www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2000/005/5.46.html
bottom line: Forgiveness sets you free!
soul journey
Sunday, July 18, 2004
DEAD WRONG
1 Corinthians 10:1-121 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scatteredover the desert. 6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not beidolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did--and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did--and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did--and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
The Hibernia oil platform in the North Atlantic is 189 miles (315 kilometers) east-southeast of St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. As a fixed structure, it stands firmly in 88 yards (80 meters) of waterand is fastened to the ocean floor. Sixteen concrete teeth surroundthe Hibernia, protecting it from large icebergs. It appearsinvulnerable to even the harshest weather conditions.
The Corinthians believed that their standing in Jesus and theircorresponding freedom allowed them to sin without consequences. They thought their faith would protect them amid the immoral "conditions" they had chosen. Paul wrote them about at least five temptations to which the Israelites had yielded. These same things threaten abundant living today (1 Corinthians 10).
Paul began with their evil desires for the pleasures of Egypt,summarized in their plaintive cry, "Give us meat to eat!" (Numbers 11:4-34). God gave them what they wanted, but while the meat was still between their teeth He struck them with a plague.
The second failure was idolatry, and they paid for it with their lives (Exodus 32:1-6, 28-35). The third failure was sexual immorality. In the Israelites' case theimmorality was associated with idolatry (Numbers 25:1-2), which also characterized much of the pagan worship in the first century. The fourth failure was testing God. As a result, they were killed by snakes (Numbers 21:4-6). The fifth failure, which God disciplined with death, was complainingand grumbling against God's appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron(Numbers 16:41-49).
Ask yourself these questions: Do I crave the pleasures of the old life more than the pleasures of God? Am I giving my allegiance to anyone or anything besides God? Have I compromised my sexual purity? Do I question God's purposes? Am I a constant complainer and grumbler?
If we believe that our standing in Jesus and corresponding freedomallow us to get away with sin, we are dead wrong. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How has your standing in Jesus caused you to live a more holy life?
* How will you use the Israelites' example as motivation to stand against the temptations that they yielded to?
bottom line: Begin with the end in mind.
soul journey
1 Corinthians 10:1-121 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scatteredover the desert. 6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not beidolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: "The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry." 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did--and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did--and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did--and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
The Hibernia oil platform in the North Atlantic is 189 miles (315 kilometers) east-southeast of St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. As a fixed structure, it stands firmly in 88 yards (80 meters) of waterand is fastened to the ocean floor. Sixteen concrete teeth surroundthe Hibernia, protecting it from large icebergs. It appearsinvulnerable to even the harshest weather conditions.
The Corinthians believed that their standing in Jesus and theircorresponding freedom allowed them to sin without consequences. They thought their faith would protect them amid the immoral "conditions" they had chosen. Paul wrote them about at least five temptations to which the Israelites had yielded. These same things threaten abundant living today (1 Corinthians 10).
Paul began with their evil desires for the pleasures of Egypt,summarized in their plaintive cry, "Give us meat to eat!" (Numbers 11:4-34). God gave them what they wanted, but while the meat was still between their teeth He struck them with a plague.
The second failure was idolatry, and they paid for it with their lives (Exodus 32:1-6, 28-35). The third failure was sexual immorality. In the Israelites' case theimmorality was associated with idolatry (Numbers 25:1-2), which also characterized much of the pagan worship in the first century. The fourth failure was testing God. As a result, they were killed by snakes (Numbers 21:4-6). The fifth failure, which God disciplined with death, was complainingand grumbling against God's appointed leaders, Moses and Aaron(Numbers 16:41-49).
Ask yourself these questions: Do I crave the pleasures of the old life more than the pleasures of God? Am I giving my allegiance to anyone or anything besides God? Have I compromised my sexual purity? Do I question God's purposes? Am I a constant complainer and grumbler?
If we believe that our standing in Jesus and corresponding freedomallow us to get away with sin, we are dead wrong. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How has your standing in Jesus caused you to live a more holy life?
* How will you use the Israelites' example as motivation to stand against the temptations that they yielded to?
bottom line: Begin with the end in mind.
soul journey
Saturday, July 17, 2004
Cloud Nine
by John Fischer
You have a place in the Body of Christ—a place only you can fill. This is true for all of us so that together, we all fit into a very big plan for what God is doing in the world. That He would incorporate us into this plan is a part of His amazing grace. He not only saves us; He gives us a job to do, and equips us to do it.
Jesus spoke often about rewarding those who have been faithful in their earthly responsibilities (what He calls the “little things”) with big responsibilities in the kingdom of heaven. That would mean there is no task too small for the Christian, even by earthly standards. What we do now in service to others is setting us up for eternity where we will take on much bigger responsibilities. Now we may be dealing with setting up chairs, teaching Sunday school, or volunteering at the local soup kitchen. In the future we may be dealing with running galaxies, maintaining governments, and representing God’s will in the universe. And you thought heaven was all about sitting around on clouds playing harps!
I believe that God doesn’t waste any of our time or our experiences. Everything we are discovering now as servants in His church is preparing us for an eternity of service in His eternal kingdom. Yes, you read that right: we will be serving throughout eternity. I personally believe we can blow our minds imagining what eternity will be like and not get even the half of it.
Think about it. Does it seem like God would weave the need for a purpose into the core of our being and then have that purpose realized only by playing 2nd harp on cloud nine ad infinitum? Whoever came up with that harp thing missed this admonition where Jesus said that those who are faithful in the little things He puts in charge of all His possessions. And what are all His possessions if not worlds and galaxies and heavens upon heavens?
So the next time you are struggling with the apparent meaninglessness of some small task, think about what God might be preparing you for and make it your goal to be found as a faithful servant with what He has given you for now.
PDL
by John Fischer
You have a place in the Body of Christ—a place only you can fill. This is true for all of us so that together, we all fit into a very big plan for what God is doing in the world. That He would incorporate us into this plan is a part of His amazing grace. He not only saves us; He gives us a job to do, and equips us to do it.
Jesus spoke often about rewarding those who have been faithful in their earthly responsibilities (what He calls the “little things”) with big responsibilities in the kingdom of heaven. That would mean there is no task too small for the Christian, even by earthly standards. What we do now in service to others is setting us up for eternity where we will take on much bigger responsibilities. Now we may be dealing with setting up chairs, teaching Sunday school, or volunteering at the local soup kitchen. In the future we may be dealing with running galaxies, maintaining governments, and representing God’s will in the universe. And you thought heaven was all about sitting around on clouds playing harps!
I believe that God doesn’t waste any of our time or our experiences. Everything we are discovering now as servants in His church is preparing us for an eternity of service in His eternal kingdom. Yes, you read that right: we will be serving throughout eternity. I personally believe we can blow our minds imagining what eternity will be like and not get even the half of it.
Think about it. Does it seem like God would weave the need for a purpose into the core of our being and then have that purpose realized only by playing 2nd harp on cloud nine ad infinitum? Whoever came up with that harp thing missed this admonition where Jesus said that those who are faithful in the little things He puts in charge of all His possessions. And what are all His possessions if not worlds and galaxies and heavens upon heavens?
So the next time you are struggling with the apparent meaninglessness of some small task, think about what God might be preparing you for and make it your goal to be found as a faithful servant with what He has given you for now.
PDL
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Jesus is Our Intercessor Before the Throne
By Scott Presson
We pray and WANT instantaneous answers but very few of us pray and EXPECT instantaneous answers. Here’s a reality check- GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS PRAYER. Yep, always. And here’s the caveat you don’t want to hear- IT’S NOT ALWAYS A “YES” ANSWER. Sometimes- in fact a lot of times- it’s a “NO” answer.
Why? God wants our whole lives not just our desperate attempts to reach out to Him once in awhile. He wants a "Relationship” with us.
God knows He can make any situation right in a heartbeat. Even that “cold, dead, no way is this ever going to happen” prayer request we have in the bottom of our hearts. We tend to see things in our limited understanding. A loved one is sick- what can we do? We can’t pay our bills and they’re cutting off the heat- what are we going to do? God knows. The kids are acting up and acting out – God knows. Work is intolerable- God knows. Our spouse is caught up in sin- God knows. We’re on our last nerve- God knows!
God can make it all right instantly and yet it seems like He always makes us walk it out. Why? Well, how could we have an understanding of what unbelievers suffer through unless we have gone through them ourselves? How can we be a truthful witness for Him unless we have had to live through the tough times also?
Remember, God gave us that “free choice.” He knew down through time people would jump into sin. The Word even talks about the “pleasures of sin for a season.” He knew the result of all that disobedience would be sin on top of sin. He knew it would all play out through generation after generation. He knew we would make poor choices and that would cause curses and more sin. He knew He was going to need a people that would have an understanding of what life brings – good and bad. THE ONLY WAY THAT WOULD EVER HAPPEN WAS TO ALLOW ALL THE GOOD AND BAD OF LIFE TO AFFECT US TOO.
That old bumper sticker that said “prayer changes things” is the truth. The thing is we’re always looking for it to change what we’re praying for and we never realize that prayer changes us! The very exercise of prayer draws us closer to God and helps establish an enduring relationship with Him. We love to ask, ask, and ask. I used to say- Lord, just once-let it go my way! Actually I still do sometimes, but I also have learned to pray – please do your will in this situation. I’ve learned to pray in the Spirit when I have no idea how to pray in a situation. I’ve learned to pray with expectation that I am going got get an answer, and I’m learning to trust that even though the answer may not always be what I want to hear- God still has everything under control.
Paul was on to something when he said be content in all situations. That’s easy to say- hard to do. Paul’s the perfect example of what I’m talking about. God allowed him to go through all the rough times, so the Holy Spirit inspired words he wrote would be a guidebook for our lives now.
It’s never too late to establish that relationship with God. It’s not too late to rise up and fulfill the call on your life. It’s not too late to be what God ordained for all of us to be. It takes faith, trust in Him, and a relationship. As Christians we have a foundation already. All it takes is building upon that. God says draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. That’s a beginning. We have to read the Word. We must begin to pray. We need to develop and desire a relationship with our Creator. The Word says what we sow, we will reap. If we sow fervent prayer, we will reap a harvest of prayer for ourselves because JESUS IS OUR INTERCESSOR BEFORE THE THRONE. We’ll also reap the harvest of a relationship with God that He wants with us His children and that we need for Him to do His perfect will in our lives.
cbn
By Scott Presson
We pray and WANT instantaneous answers but very few of us pray and EXPECT instantaneous answers. Here’s a reality check- GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS PRAYER. Yep, always. And here’s the caveat you don’t want to hear- IT’S NOT ALWAYS A “YES” ANSWER. Sometimes- in fact a lot of times- it’s a “NO” answer.
Why? God wants our whole lives not just our desperate attempts to reach out to Him once in awhile. He wants a "Relationship” with us.
God knows He can make any situation right in a heartbeat. Even that “cold, dead, no way is this ever going to happen” prayer request we have in the bottom of our hearts. We tend to see things in our limited understanding. A loved one is sick- what can we do? We can’t pay our bills and they’re cutting off the heat- what are we going to do? God knows. The kids are acting up and acting out – God knows. Work is intolerable- God knows. Our spouse is caught up in sin- God knows. We’re on our last nerve- God knows!
God can make it all right instantly and yet it seems like He always makes us walk it out. Why? Well, how could we have an understanding of what unbelievers suffer through unless we have gone through them ourselves? How can we be a truthful witness for Him unless we have had to live through the tough times also?
Remember, God gave us that “free choice.” He knew down through time people would jump into sin. The Word even talks about the “pleasures of sin for a season.” He knew the result of all that disobedience would be sin on top of sin. He knew it would all play out through generation after generation. He knew we would make poor choices and that would cause curses and more sin. He knew He was going to need a people that would have an understanding of what life brings – good and bad. THE ONLY WAY THAT WOULD EVER HAPPEN WAS TO ALLOW ALL THE GOOD AND BAD OF LIFE TO AFFECT US TOO.
That old bumper sticker that said “prayer changes things” is the truth. The thing is we’re always looking for it to change what we’re praying for and we never realize that prayer changes us! The very exercise of prayer draws us closer to God and helps establish an enduring relationship with Him. We love to ask, ask, and ask. I used to say- Lord, just once-let it go my way! Actually I still do sometimes, but I also have learned to pray – please do your will in this situation. I’ve learned to pray in the Spirit when I have no idea how to pray in a situation. I’ve learned to pray with expectation that I am going got get an answer, and I’m learning to trust that even though the answer may not always be what I want to hear- God still has everything under control.
Paul was on to something when he said be content in all situations. That’s easy to say- hard to do. Paul’s the perfect example of what I’m talking about. God allowed him to go through all the rough times, so the Holy Spirit inspired words he wrote would be a guidebook for our lives now.
It’s never too late to establish that relationship with God. It’s not too late to rise up and fulfill the call on your life. It’s not too late to be what God ordained for all of us to be. It takes faith, trust in Him, and a relationship. As Christians we have a foundation already. All it takes is building upon that. God says draw near to Him and He will draw near to us. That’s a beginning. We have to read the Word. We must begin to pray. We need to develop and desire a relationship with our Creator. The Word says what we sow, we will reap. If we sow fervent prayer, we will reap a harvest of prayer for ourselves because JESUS IS OUR INTERCESSOR BEFORE THE THRONE. We’ll also reap the harvest of a relationship with God that He wants with us His children and that we need for Him to do His perfect will in our lives.
cbn
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
CRISIS DRIVING
1 Samuel 17:32-37
32 David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him." 33 Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth." 34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Jane was traveling on a bus with her classmates to a remote area when suddenly the driver had a heart attack. He needed to be driven to the nearest hospital back in the city, as no other help was available. No one on board the vehicle could drive, except for Jane--but she had never driven a bus before!
She decided to take the challenge. Feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, she whispered a quick prayer and drove the bus as well as she could. Thankfully, she made it to the hospital and the driver was rushed into the emergency room. Jane heaved a sigh of relief and praised God for helping her through the harrowing experience.
This fill-in bus driver's challenge was similar to David's showdown with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. David also faced a task much bigger than himself. He was young, without any warfare experience and smaller in size compared to the gigantic Goliath. David, however, believed that God would deliver Goliath into his hands. And the giant was indeed defeated by David (v.50).
David placed his confidence in God's deliverance. While he was still a shepherd boy, the Lord enabled him to kill a lion and a bear in order to protect the sheep he was taking care of. His experiences taught him that he could trust in God's faithfulness.
Relying on the faithfulness of God, young David was able to triumph over Goliath without any fear of inadequacy. For he knew that the One who delivered him from the wild animals could also deliver him from the hand of Goliath the Philistine (v.37). Let's learn from David to trust and depend on God when we face challenges--remembering His faithfulness in the past. --Joanna Lim
DESTINATION POINTS
* When have I felt inadequate and overwhelmed by challenges?(at school, work, with family, church or others).
* How has the Lord helped me overcome them in the past?
* What can I learn from David's story that can help me to face the tough stuff?
LINKS
Praying For Hope
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/008/4.46.html
bottom line: Overcome challenges with dependence on God.
soul journey
1 Samuel 17:32-37
32 David said to Saul, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him." 33 Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth." 34 But David said to Saul, "Your servant has been keeping his father's sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 35 I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. 37 The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
Jane was traveling on a bus with her classmates to a remote area when suddenly the driver had a heart attack. He needed to be driven to the nearest hospital back in the city, as no other help was available. No one on board the vehicle could drive, except for Jane--but she had never driven a bus before!
She decided to take the challenge. Feeling overwhelmed and inadequate, she whispered a quick prayer and drove the bus as well as she could. Thankfully, she made it to the hospital and the driver was rushed into the emergency room. Jane heaved a sigh of relief and praised God for helping her through the harrowing experience.
This fill-in bus driver's challenge was similar to David's showdown with Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. David also faced a task much bigger than himself. He was young, without any warfare experience and smaller in size compared to the gigantic Goliath. David, however, believed that God would deliver Goliath into his hands. And the giant was indeed defeated by David (v.50).
David placed his confidence in God's deliverance. While he was still a shepherd boy, the Lord enabled him to kill a lion and a bear in order to protect the sheep he was taking care of. His experiences taught him that he could trust in God's faithfulness.
Relying on the faithfulness of God, young David was able to triumph over Goliath without any fear of inadequacy. For he knew that the One who delivered him from the wild animals could also deliver him from the hand of Goliath the Philistine (v.37). Let's learn from David to trust and depend on God when we face challenges--remembering His faithfulness in the past. --Joanna Lim
DESTINATION POINTS
* When have I felt inadequate and overwhelmed by challenges?(at school, work, with family, church or others).
* How has the Lord helped me overcome them in the past?
* What can I learn from David's story that can help me to face the tough stuff?
LINKS
Praying For Hope
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2000/008/4.46.html
bottom line: Overcome challenges with dependence on God.
soul journey
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
LESSONS FROM A RAIN FOREST
Jeremiah 29:11-14
11 "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
Wow, this is awesome!" I said to my family, as I stood on top of Mt. Britton in El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico. We had spent the last 40 minutes trudging up the mountain to reach this spot. The trail was a winding, narrow path that was all uphill. It was about 90°F and very humid.
Needless to say, even though it was a unique experience to walk through a rain forest, several times along the way I doubted my parents' wisdom in choosing this trail. It was very difficult and I quickly became exhausted. I didn't think I could make it. When we reached the look-out area and the clouds momentarily dissipated to reveal an amazing view, however, I had to admit to myself, My parents knew what they were doing.
Over the past 4 years, I have wondered numerous times, Does God really know what He's doing? I had been fighting an uphill battle with a disease that the doctors couldn't even diagnose. I was exhausted--physically, emotionally, and spiritually--and ready to give up. Yet, as I look back on those challenging times, I get a glimpse of how far I have come. And, as always, God really did know what He was doing!
When the Jews were taken captive by the Babylonians and forced to live in exile in Babylon, they must have questioned the wisdom of God's plan too. Yet God replied with this promise: "I know the plans I have for you, . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
This was true then, and it is still true today. God knows what He is doing. We can trust Him. --Kelley Bergsma, Pennsylvania. Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader.
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I sometimes question the wisdom of God's plan?
* What tough times in the past has God helped me through?
* Am I trusting God with my future? If not, why?
LINKS
How Can I Find Peace?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/001/12.10.html
In God We Trust
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2002/001/4.42.html
bottom line: God has a plan for me!
soul journey
Jeremiah 29:11-14
11 "I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."
Wow, this is awesome!" I said to my family, as I stood on top of Mt. Britton in El Yunque Rain Forest in Puerto Rico. We had spent the last 40 minutes trudging up the mountain to reach this spot. The trail was a winding, narrow path that was all uphill. It was about 90°F and very humid.
Needless to say, even though it was a unique experience to walk through a rain forest, several times along the way I doubted my parents' wisdom in choosing this trail. It was very difficult and I quickly became exhausted. I didn't think I could make it. When we reached the look-out area and the clouds momentarily dissipated to reveal an amazing view, however, I had to admit to myself, My parents knew what they were doing.
Over the past 4 years, I have wondered numerous times, Does God really know what He's doing? I had been fighting an uphill battle with a disease that the doctors couldn't even diagnose. I was exhausted--physically, emotionally, and spiritually--and ready to give up. Yet, as I look back on those challenging times, I get a glimpse of how far I have come. And, as always, God really did know what He was doing!
When the Jews were taken captive by the Babylonians and forced to live in exile in Babylon, they must have questioned the wisdom of God's plan too. Yet God replied with this promise: "I know the plans I have for you, . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
This was true then, and it is still true today. God knows what He is doing. We can trust Him. --Kelley Bergsma, Pennsylvania. Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader.
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I sometimes question the wisdom of God's plan?
* What tough times in the past has God helped me through?
* Am I trusting God with my future? If not, why?
LINKS
How Can I Find Peace?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2002/001/12.10.html
In God We Trust
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2002/001/4.42.html
bottom line: God has a plan for me!
soul journey
Monday, July 12, 2004
A Privilege and an Adventure
by John Fischer
Ever wonder why, with countless numbers of angels to do his bidding, and his own omnipotence (all-powerful nature), and omnipresence (ability to be everywhere at once), God chooses to involve us in his work in the world? I cannot help but think that it is entirely his pleasure to do so. This means we are the ones who lose out if we don’t get with the program. God’s work will go on in spite of us, but in his mysterious ways, he factors us into the equation of his will. That makes it a privilege and an adventure to serve him—an opportunity to find purpose and meaning cooperating with the purposes of God in the world.
“For we are God’s masterpiece,” Paul wrote in Ephesians (2:10). “He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” That means that God not only created the world and put us in it, but he created as well the good things that we would do with our lives. He didn’t just set the world spinning and go off somewhere and let it spin; he is intimately involved with what we are doing as well, having planned it out in advance. He created and he is creating; and we get to be a part of it all. These are things that our finite, limited minds cannot fully grasp, but they are true nonetheless.
This also means that when we serve God, we are entering into his creative process for us and for the world. We are claiming our place in his amazing plan for his creation. He doesn’t need us, but he wants us. He has chosen to share his creative work with us; you could even say he has made us co-creators with him. This is more a factor of sharing than recruiting. It’s part of how he wants to fellowship with us, for in the beginning, before we were created, God said, “Let us (the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit) make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life…” (Genesis 1:26).
Doesn’t knowing all this make you want to find out what he wants you to do? Doesn’t it make you want to give up those selfish things that hold you back from serving God and his purposes? Isn’t it amazing that he would give you so much importance in his creation? Suddenly that little thing you know he wants you to do for your neighbor or your fellow-worker takes on much bigger significance, doesn’t it? What great work is he sharing with you today? Remember there is nothing insignificant in his eyes.
PDL
by John Fischer
Ever wonder why, with countless numbers of angels to do his bidding, and his own omnipotence (all-powerful nature), and omnipresence (ability to be everywhere at once), God chooses to involve us in his work in the world? I cannot help but think that it is entirely his pleasure to do so. This means we are the ones who lose out if we don’t get with the program. God’s work will go on in spite of us, but in his mysterious ways, he factors us into the equation of his will. That makes it a privilege and an adventure to serve him—an opportunity to find purpose and meaning cooperating with the purposes of God in the world.
“For we are God’s masterpiece,” Paul wrote in Ephesians (2:10). “He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” That means that God not only created the world and put us in it, but he created as well the good things that we would do with our lives. He didn’t just set the world spinning and go off somewhere and let it spin; he is intimately involved with what we are doing as well, having planned it out in advance. He created and he is creating; and we get to be a part of it all. These are things that our finite, limited minds cannot fully grasp, but they are true nonetheless.
This also means that when we serve God, we are entering into his creative process for us and for the world. We are claiming our place in his amazing plan for his creation. He doesn’t need us, but he wants us. He has chosen to share his creative work with us; you could even say he has made us co-creators with him. This is more a factor of sharing than recruiting. It’s part of how he wants to fellowship with us, for in the beginning, before we were created, God said, “Let us (the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit) make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life…” (Genesis 1:26).
Doesn’t knowing all this make you want to find out what he wants you to do? Doesn’t it make you want to give up those selfish things that hold you back from serving God and his purposes? Isn’t it amazing that he would give you so much importance in his creation? Suddenly that little thing you know he wants you to do for your neighbor or your fellow-worker takes on much bigger significance, doesn’t it? What great work is he sharing with you today? Remember there is nothing insignificant in his eyes.
PDL
Sunday, July 11, 2004
Heaven's Supreme Court
By Missey Butler
Have you ever given much thought to how you are going to score on the most important test of your life? I'm of course referring to the time we all stand before the living God to give an account of our lives. All right now, before you start shifting uncomfortably in your chair, or try to clear that spiritual lump in your throat, be assured that God has already provided the answers to our test even before we have to take it.
I used to display a bumper sticker on the back of my car that read "As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in school!" A rather funny thought to an age-old dilemma that we all seem to struggle with. So why all the uneasiness in regard to accountability?
As I began to research my topic, I became aware of my own feelings of trepidation--a kind of uncertain agitation that arises at the mention of "That Day" or what is sometimes referred to as "The Judgement."
It is appointed unto man, once to die, but after this, the judgement. (Hebrews 9:27)
The whole thing really began to puzzle me because of the obvious distinction since I am a born-again believer! That's right, one of those blood- washed, fire- baptized, redeemed- by- the- lamb, counted among "ones" whose life is supposed to be so grounded in the Word that nothing shakes or quakes me.
I decided to take the bull by the horns (or should I say devil by the horns). I wanted to settle any looming doubt that had mercilessly harassed me. I found myself shrinking back at the very thought of just how I would fare on that day.
I knew I had to take my case to the Supreme Court of Heaven. I could pose my questions directly to the honorable judge of the universe Himself. But I wisely confessed a hesitancy to step into His hallowed chambers without adequate counsel. I knew I was in need of an advocate.
If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
(1 John 2:1)
I proceeded to seek the advice of the Clerk of Courts, The Holy Spirit, who reassured me that the decision had already been made. In my absence the case had been thoroughly deliberated by a well-known Attorney whose name is Jesus Christ. The outcome of that hearing was NOT GUILTY by reason of forgiveness! Hallelujah!
For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13,14)
The good news is that when we stand before God, WE WILL BE COMPLETE IN HIM! This means any sin we have ever committed will already be covered under his blood, long forgotten, and never to be brought up again. Instead, only the good things in our lives will be brought to light. Our Lord will be looking to recognize every prayer, every heart cry, every tear, and every groan of the Spirit. He will call to mind the cup of cold water given to the thirsty and the morsel of bread given to the hungry. He is going to bring every good deed out in the open.
God will give to each person according to what he has done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. (Romans 2:6-7)
You may still ask, "How can we be sure that our bad works won't be held against us?" We have to keep in mind there will be two groups at the Judgement--sheep and goats. Each will appear separately. One group will be on the right (sheep) and one on the left (goats). This scene is described in Matthew 25:32-33. The bad deeds are to be accounted for by the unbelievers on the day of Judgement. This would probably be a good time to make sure you are recorded among the correct column of divine contrasts. For example:
A Believer - an Unbeliever
A Wheat - a Tare
A Wise Virgin - an Unwise Virgin
Walking the Narrow Path - Walking the Wide Path
As a child of ten, I was a gangly tomboy, who like clockwork, would drop whatever I was doing and race home at 4 p.m. to flop down in front of the black and white Zenith T.V. With my chin cradled by palms, I would gaze almost hypnotically at the popular series Dragnet, anxiously awaiting Detective Joe Friday to say with his famous stern voice, "Just the facts, ma'am." Even as an adult I'm still one who wants to know the facts, the bottom line, and the truth is, we will all be summoned before a Holy God one day to answer the charges.
My prayer is that we understand that our final plea will be "Innocent" of all charges because the precious atoning blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed us of our sins! This message of truth is a wonderful anchor for my soul, and I pray it will be for you as well. As you stand before the great "I AM" on that awesome day, recognizing His eyes of love for you, then in front of the entire human race, He will reach out to embrace you as His bride.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7)
God's "Summons to our Soul" is His calling us to a life of complete surrender to His Lordship! So when we stand on that grand and glorious day of reckoning, we will joyfully hear the words we longed for from our Master:
Well done, Thou good and faithful servant… (Matthew 25 :21a)
cbn
By Missey Butler
Have you ever given much thought to how you are going to score on the most important test of your life? I'm of course referring to the time we all stand before the living God to give an account of our lives. All right now, before you start shifting uncomfortably in your chair, or try to clear that spiritual lump in your throat, be assured that God has already provided the answers to our test even before we have to take it.
I used to display a bumper sticker on the back of my car that read "As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in school!" A rather funny thought to an age-old dilemma that we all seem to struggle with. So why all the uneasiness in regard to accountability?
As I began to research my topic, I became aware of my own feelings of trepidation--a kind of uncertain agitation that arises at the mention of "That Day" or what is sometimes referred to as "The Judgement."
It is appointed unto man, once to die, but after this, the judgement. (Hebrews 9:27)
The whole thing really began to puzzle me because of the obvious distinction since I am a born-again believer! That's right, one of those blood- washed, fire- baptized, redeemed- by- the- lamb, counted among "ones" whose life is supposed to be so grounded in the Word that nothing shakes or quakes me.
I decided to take the bull by the horns (or should I say devil by the horns). I wanted to settle any looming doubt that had mercilessly harassed me. I found myself shrinking back at the very thought of just how I would fare on that day.
I knew I had to take my case to the Supreme Court of Heaven. I could pose my questions directly to the honorable judge of the universe Himself. But I wisely confessed a hesitancy to step into His hallowed chambers without adequate counsel. I knew I was in need of an advocate.
If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
(1 John 2:1)
I proceeded to seek the advice of the Clerk of Courts, The Holy Spirit, who reassured me that the decision had already been made. In my absence the case had been thoroughly deliberated by a well-known Attorney whose name is Jesus Christ. The outcome of that hearing was NOT GUILTY by reason of forgiveness! Hallelujah!
For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Colossians 1:13,14)
The good news is that when we stand before God, WE WILL BE COMPLETE IN HIM! This means any sin we have ever committed will already be covered under his blood, long forgotten, and never to be brought up again. Instead, only the good things in our lives will be brought to light. Our Lord will be looking to recognize every prayer, every heart cry, every tear, and every groan of the Spirit. He will call to mind the cup of cold water given to the thirsty and the morsel of bread given to the hungry. He is going to bring every good deed out in the open.
God will give to each person according to what he has done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. (Romans 2:6-7)
You may still ask, "How can we be sure that our bad works won't be held against us?" We have to keep in mind there will be two groups at the Judgement--sheep and goats. Each will appear separately. One group will be on the right (sheep) and one on the left (goats). This scene is described in Matthew 25:32-33. The bad deeds are to be accounted for by the unbelievers on the day of Judgement. This would probably be a good time to make sure you are recorded among the correct column of divine contrasts. For example:
A Believer - an Unbeliever
A Wheat - a Tare
A Wise Virgin - an Unwise Virgin
Walking the Narrow Path - Walking the Wide Path
As a child of ten, I was a gangly tomboy, who like clockwork, would drop whatever I was doing and race home at 4 p.m. to flop down in front of the black and white Zenith T.V. With my chin cradled by palms, I would gaze almost hypnotically at the popular series Dragnet, anxiously awaiting Detective Joe Friday to say with his famous stern voice, "Just the facts, ma'am." Even as an adult I'm still one who wants to know the facts, the bottom line, and the truth is, we will all be summoned before a Holy God one day to answer the charges.
My prayer is that we understand that our final plea will be "Innocent" of all charges because the precious atoning blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed us of our sins! This message of truth is a wonderful anchor for my soul, and I pray it will be for you as well. As you stand before the great "I AM" on that awesome day, recognizing His eyes of love for you, then in front of the entire human race, He will reach out to embrace you as His bride.
Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7)
God's "Summons to our Soul" is His calling us to a life of complete surrender to His Lordship! So when we stand on that grand and glorious day of reckoning, we will joyfully hear the words we longed for from our Master:
Well done, Thou good and faithful servant… (Matthew 25 :21a)
cbn
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Heed the Warning Signs
By Scott Presson
As Christians we have to take stock every day of our relationship with God. We can’t allow roots of bitterness to grow--even bitterness against God.
When I was a young adult and newly married, my wife and I bought the house directly behind my grandparent’s house. My grandmother had lived through the lean years of the Great Depression, and every year she planted a huge garden. She wanted to be ready “just in case” it ever happened again. She knew how it felt to go hungry.
Her garden was beautiful. She pulled any weed she saw, and most evenings she watered. I wanted to learn about gardening, and she was more than willing to teach me.
One summer evening while we were quietly pulling weeds she looked up at me very intently. She began to talk to me as an adult--not as her grandson. She told me God had given her a dream about me. I was intrigued and a little scared. My grandmother talked about the Lord all the time but not about dreams. She told me she saw a tremendous storm come and sweep me up into it. I was taken from my family, and I would never be with them again. The dream frightened me because I was in a huge storm! Satan had targeted me with an assault on my family. My grandmother didn’t know what was happening in my life, and I was afraid to tell her--or anyone. Especially other Christians. I was sure they would judge me.
That dream came true. In a matter of months I had lost my family, my home, my job, and nearly my life. I became angry and self-destructive. I hated God. I hated God out-loud, not just in my thoughts. I told Him to leave me alone. I no longer desired to live for Him. I couldn’t figure out how a God that gave me fair warning about an approaching disaster would also allow all the mess to happen in the first place.
Was it God’s will that I lose everything dear to me? Was it God’s will that I spent months in anger and denial? Was it God’s will for me to be hateful, resentful, and even murderous? Of course not! I made the initial wrong choices and then through lack of spiritual attentiveness I allowed my relationship with God to falter. I began to look at things with my natural eyes instead of my spiritual eyes. I fell out of daily Bible reading. Instead of attempting to “pray without ceasing,” I prayed sporadically, then not at all.
I now know that God was warning me to reevaluate my walk with Him and make things right. I realize he was calling me to repentance.
Our relationship with Christ should be like a well-tended garden. We have to maintain a daily regiment of weeding and watering in that garden. The Bible talks about how a man’s heart rages against God for his own mistakes. As Christians we have to take stock every day of our relationship with God. We can’t allow roots of bitterness to grow--even bitterness against God. We have to keep short accounts with God. We have to confess our wrongdoings quickly. God sees everything we do anyway, so don’t act like it will go away if we ignore it.
I know some Christians that are angry with other Christians over real and imagined issues. We wouldn’t want to judged by the same standard we’ve applied to others. Forgiveness is freely given and freely received. Who are we and what does it say about us as Christians when we can’t even offer the free gift of forgiveness to others! We got it free from God and we CANNOT put a price on it to others. That is not our right. If fact when we do that, it nullifies what Jesus did for us. Why? Because by our actions we are saying God’s Word is not relevant. We have judged and declared our will above God’s. The Bible commands us to love one another. The Bible says Love holds no record of wrongs or disappointments.
Throughout the years, I’ve had several gardens and one thing I’ve learned is, without regular watering and weeding all gardens will die. God wants us to reevaluate our lives with Him today. We need to take stock and see if our relationship with Him is vibrant and healthy. Some days I still struggle with getting up and entering in with God, but I remember a time so desolate that I never want to go back there. Don’t be swept up in the storms of life. Heed the warning signs. Take your spiritual temperature. Don’t allow the weeds of life to choke out what God is doing for you! Don’t judge others. Encourage those around you who are struggling. Forgive everyone. Forgive yourself. Repent of EVERYTHING that separates you from God,and be refreshed by the living waters that only a relationship with Jesus can offer.
cbn
By Scott Presson
As Christians we have to take stock every day of our relationship with God. We can’t allow roots of bitterness to grow--even bitterness against God.
When I was a young adult and newly married, my wife and I bought the house directly behind my grandparent’s house. My grandmother had lived through the lean years of the Great Depression, and every year she planted a huge garden. She wanted to be ready “just in case” it ever happened again. She knew how it felt to go hungry.
Her garden was beautiful. She pulled any weed she saw, and most evenings she watered. I wanted to learn about gardening, and she was more than willing to teach me.
One summer evening while we were quietly pulling weeds she looked up at me very intently. She began to talk to me as an adult--not as her grandson. She told me God had given her a dream about me. I was intrigued and a little scared. My grandmother talked about the Lord all the time but not about dreams. She told me she saw a tremendous storm come and sweep me up into it. I was taken from my family, and I would never be with them again. The dream frightened me because I was in a huge storm! Satan had targeted me with an assault on my family. My grandmother didn’t know what was happening in my life, and I was afraid to tell her--or anyone. Especially other Christians. I was sure they would judge me.
That dream came true. In a matter of months I had lost my family, my home, my job, and nearly my life. I became angry and self-destructive. I hated God. I hated God out-loud, not just in my thoughts. I told Him to leave me alone. I no longer desired to live for Him. I couldn’t figure out how a God that gave me fair warning about an approaching disaster would also allow all the mess to happen in the first place.
Was it God’s will that I lose everything dear to me? Was it God’s will that I spent months in anger and denial? Was it God’s will for me to be hateful, resentful, and even murderous? Of course not! I made the initial wrong choices and then through lack of spiritual attentiveness I allowed my relationship with God to falter. I began to look at things with my natural eyes instead of my spiritual eyes. I fell out of daily Bible reading. Instead of attempting to “pray without ceasing,” I prayed sporadically, then not at all.
I now know that God was warning me to reevaluate my walk with Him and make things right. I realize he was calling me to repentance.
Our relationship with Christ should be like a well-tended garden. We have to maintain a daily regiment of weeding and watering in that garden. The Bible talks about how a man’s heart rages against God for his own mistakes. As Christians we have to take stock every day of our relationship with God. We can’t allow roots of bitterness to grow--even bitterness against God. We have to keep short accounts with God. We have to confess our wrongdoings quickly. God sees everything we do anyway, so don’t act like it will go away if we ignore it.
I know some Christians that are angry with other Christians over real and imagined issues. We wouldn’t want to judged by the same standard we’ve applied to others. Forgiveness is freely given and freely received. Who are we and what does it say about us as Christians when we can’t even offer the free gift of forgiveness to others! We got it free from God and we CANNOT put a price on it to others. That is not our right. If fact when we do that, it nullifies what Jesus did for us. Why? Because by our actions we are saying God’s Word is not relevant. We have judged and declared our will above God’s. The Bible commands us to love one another. The Bible says Love holds no record of wrongs or disappointments.
Throughout the years, I’ve had several gardens and one thing I’ve learned is, without regular watering and weeding all gardens will die. God wants us to reevaluate our lives with Him today. We need to take stock and see if our relationship with Him is vibrant and healthy. Some days I still struggle with getting up and entering in with God, but I remember a time so desolate that I never want to go back there. Don’t be swept up in the storms of life. Heed the warning signs. Take your spiritual temperature. Don’t allow the weeds of life to choke out what God is doing for you! Don’t judge others. Encourage those around you who are struggling. Forgive everyone. Forgive yourself. Repent of EVERYTHING that separates you from God,and be refreshed by the living waters that only a relationship with Jesus can offer.
cbn
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Focus On Jesus
True Christianity is not a religion based on rules and rituals but a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
Many people reduce Christianity down to attending church meetings and trying not to commit a list of certain sins.
But being a Christian is being united with Jesus, a member of His body, with His life in your heart.
Jesus should be your focus -- not religious activity -- but the person of Jesus, the Lord and Christ.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:9
9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Church meetings, Bible reading, etc. can be good, but should not be allowed to become an end in themselves. They are tools to help us know Jesus and walk more closely with Him.
The Bible says we are to be faithful; but faithful to what: a religious system, an organization -- or, a Person? Are you serving Jesus -- or serving something else as His substitute?
The focus of your life should be to please Jesus.
COLOSSIANS 1:18
18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
Does Jesus have first place in your life? In your schedule? If not, why not?
In everything, Jesus should be central.
SAY THIS: I will keep my focus on Jesus Christ.
aDevotion
True Christianity is not a religion based on rules and rituals but a living relationship with Jesus Christ.
Many people reduce Christianity down to attending church meetings and trying not to commit a list of certain sins.
But being a Christian is being united with Jesus, a member of His body, with His life in your heart.
Jesus should be your focus -- not religious activity -- but the person of Jesus, the Lord and Christ.
1 CORINTHIANS 1:9
9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Church meetings, Bible reading, etc. can be good, but should not be allowed to become an end in themselves. They are tools to help us know Jesus and walk more closely with Him.
The Bible says we are to be faithful; but faithful to what: a religious system, an organization -- or, a Person? Are you serving Jesus -- or serving something else as His substitute?
The focus of your life should be to please Jesus.
COLOSSIANS 1:18
18 He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything.
Does Jesus have first place in your life? In your schedule? If not, why not?
In everything, Jesus should be central.
SAY THIS: I will keep my focus on Jesus Christ.
aDevotion
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
All Efforts of Worth and Excellence Are Difficult
Enter by the narrow gate . . . . Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life . . . —Matthew 7:13-14
If we are going to live as disciples of Jesus, we have to remember that all efforts of worth and excellence are difficult. The Christian life is gloriously difficult, but its difficulty does not make us faint and cave in—it stirs us up to overcome. Do we appreciate the miraculous salvation of Jesus Christ enough to be our utmost for His highest—our best for His glory?
God saves people by His sovereign grace through the atonement of Jesus, and "it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" ( Philippians 2:13 ). But we have to "work out" that salvation in our everyday, practical living (Philippians 2:12). If we will only start on the basis of His redemption to do what He commands, then we will find that we can do it. If we fail, it is because we have not yet put into practice what God has placed within us. But a crisis will reveal whether or not we have been putting it into practice. If we will obey the Spirit of God and practice in our physical life what God has placed within us by His Spirit, then when a crisis does come we will find that our own nature, as well as the grace of God, will stand by us.
Thank God that He does give us difficult things to do! His salvation is a joyous thing, but it is also something that requires bravery, courage, and holiness. It tests us for all we are worth. Jesus is "bringing many sons to glory" ( Hebrews 2:10 , and God will not shield us from the requirements of sonship. God’s grace produces men and women with a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ, not pampered, spoiled weaklings. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline to live the worthy and excellent life of a disciple of Jesus in the realities of life. And it is always necessary for us to make an effort to live a life of worth and excellence.
my utmost for His highest
Enter by the narrow gate . . . . Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life . . . —Matthew 7:13-14
If we are going to live as disciples of Jesus, we have to remember that all efforts of worth and excellence are difficult. The Christian life is gloriously difficult, but its difficulty does not make us faint and cave in—it stirs us up to overcome. Do we appreciate the miraculous salvation of Jesus Christ enough to be our utmost for His highest—our best for His glory?
God saves people by His sovereign grace through the atonement of Jesus, and "it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure" ( Philippians 2:13 ). But we have to "work out" that salvation in our everyday, practical living (Philippians 2:12). If we will only start on the basis of His redemption to do what He commands, then we will find that we can do it. If we fail, it is because we have not yet put into practice what God has placed within us. But a crisis will reveal whether or not we have been putting it into practice. If we will obey the Spirit of God and practice in our physical life what God has placed within us by His Spirit, then when a crisis does come we will find that our own nature, as well as the grace of God, will stand by us.
Thank God that He does give us difficult things to do! His salvation is a joyous thing, but it is also something that requires bravery, courage, and holiness. It tests us for all we are worth. Jesus is "bringing many sons to glory" ( Hebrews 2:10 , and God will not shield us from the requirements of sonship. God’s grace produces men and women with a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ, not pampered, spoiled weaklings. It takes a tremendous amount of discipline to live the worthy and excellent life of a disciple of Jesus in the realities of life. And it is always necessary for us to make an effort to live a life of worth and excellence.
my utmost for His highest
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
SOUL THIRST
Psalm 42:1-6
1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and 6 my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar.
Sometimes I treat my spiritual life just like my car, waiting long periods of time before I submit it to a diagnostic. Although there are many questions we can ask to help us determine the health of our soul, there is one question that is vital to soul health and soul growth: Is my soul thirsting more, or less, for the living God?
English Puritan Jonathan Edwards said, "Holy desire, exercised in longing, hungering, and thirsting after God and holiness, is often mentioned in Scripture as an important part of true religion."
I believe the psalmist expressed this desire better than anyone. The picture that David used in this song (Psalm 42) is one of intense desire and longing. Does his prayer describe your thirst for God? If so, be encouraged, for whatever is happening in your life, your soul thirst is a sign of health and growth. If not, could it be that it's time for you to submit your soul to a spiritual diagnostic?
Edwards maintained that this craving and desire was a thirst for God, a longing that can be thoroughly and finally satisfied only in the face-to-face enjoyment of the Lord Himself in heaven: "How good is God, that He has created man for this very end, to make him happy in the enjoyment of Himself, the Almighty."
Our problem is that sometimes we don't even desire to desire God. Then our souls become dry. Why is this? I think it's because we choose to drink too much from the unfulfilling fountains of the world and too little from the living springs of Christ.
How do we learn to thirst for God even more? One of the ways we create thirst for Him is to linger over the Bible. When I saturate my heart with Scripture, God through the Holy Spirit initiates a Godward desire. The Bible calls this meditation. This often overlooked spiritual discipline refreshes our heart with God's faithfulness and creates in our soul a thirst for the living God. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How would I describe my soul's condition right now? Empty? Dry? Satisfied, but longing for more?
* Are there any sins in my life that keep me from thirsting for the living God? If so, I will confess those to God now.
* How deeply am I soaking my soul in the living springs of the Word of God?
LINKS
Super-Spiritual or Dehydrated?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2002/004/aug/24.24.html
bottom line: The dry soul is satisfied by living water.
soul journey
Psalm 42:1-6
1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and 6 my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar.
Sometimes I treat my spiritual life just like my car, waiting long periods of time before I submit it to a diagnostic. Although there are many questions we can ask to help us determine the health of our soul, there is one question that is vital to soul health and soul growth: Is my soul thirsting more, or less, for the living God?
English Puritan Jonathan Edwards said, "Holy desire, exercised in longing, hungering, and thirsting after God and holiness, is often mentioned in Scripture as an important part of true religion."
I believe the psalmist expressed this desire better than anyone. The picture that David used in this song (Psalm 42) is one of intense desire and longing. Does his prayer describe your thirst for God? If so, be encouraged, for whatever is happening in your life, your soul thirst is a sign of health and growth. If not, could it be that it's time for you to submit your soul to a spiritual diagnostic?
Edwards maintained that this craving and desire was a thirst for God, a longing that can be thoroughly and finally satisfied only in the face-to-face enjoyment of the Lord Himself in heaven: "How good is God, that He has created man for this very end, to make him happy in the enjoyment of Himself, the Almighty."
Our problem is that sometimes we don't even desire to desire God. Then our souls become dry. Why is this? I think it's because we choose to drink too much from the unfulfilling fountains of the world and too little from the living springs of Christ.
How do we learn to thirst for God even more? One of the ways we create thirst for Him is to linger over the Bible. When I saturate my heart with Scripture, God through the Holy Spirit initiates a Godward desire. The Bible calls this meditation. This often overlooked spiritual discipline refreshes our heart with God's faithfulness and creates in our soul a thirst for the living God. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How would I describe my soul's condition right now? Empty? Dry? Satisfied, but longing for more?
* Are there any sins in my life that keep me from thirsting for the living God? If so, I will confess those to God now.
* How deeply am I soaking my soul in the living springs of the Word of God?
LINKS
Super-Spiritual or Dehydrated?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2002/004/aug/24.24.html
bottom line: The dry soul is satisfied by living water.
soul journey
SOUL THIRST
Psalm 42:1-6
1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and 6 my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar.
Sometimes I treat my spiritual life just like my car, waiting long periods of time before I submit it to a diagnostic. Although there are many questions we can ask to help us determine the health of our soul, there is one question that is vital to soul health and soul growth: Is my soul thirsting more, or less, for the living God?
English Puritan Jonathan Edwards said, "Holy desire, exercised in longing, hungering, and thirsting after God and holiness, is often mentioned in Scripture as an important part of true religion."
I believe the psalmist expressed this desire better than anyone. The picture that David used in this song (Psalm 42) is one of intense desire and longing. Does his prayer describe your thirst for God? If so, be encouraged, for whatever is happening in your life, your soul thirst is a sign of health and growth. If not, could it be that it's time for you to submit your soul to a spiritual diagnostic?
Edwards maintained that this craving and desire was a thirst for God, a longing that can be thoroughly and finally satisfied only in the face-to-face enjoyment of the Lord Himself in heaven: "How good is God, that He has created man for this very end, to make him happy in the enjoyment of Himself, the Almighty."
Our problem is that sometimes we don't even desire to desire God. Then our souls become dry. Why is this? I think it's because we choose to drink too much from the unfulfilling fountains of the world and too little from the living springs of Christ.
How do we learn to thirst for God even more? One of the ways we create thirst for Him is to linger over the Bible. When I saturate my heart with Scripture, God through the Holy Spirit initiates a Godward desire. The Bible calls this meditation. This often overlooked spiritual discipline refreshes our heart with God's faithfulness and creates in our soul a thirst for the living God. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How would I describe my soul's condition right now? Empty? Dry? Satisfied, but longing for more?
* Are there any sins in my life that keep me from thirsting for the living God? If so, I will confess those to God now.
* How deeply am I soaking my soul in the living springs of the Word of God?
LINKS
Super-Spiritual or Dehydrated?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2002/004/aug/24.24.html
bottom line: The dry soul is satisfied by living water.
soul journey
Psalm 42:1-6
1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" 4 These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. 5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and 6 my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon--from Mount Mizar.
Sometimes I treat my spiritual life just like my car, waiting long periods of time before I submit it to a diagnostic. Although there are many questions we can ask to help us determine the health of our soul, there is one question that is vital to soul health and soul growth: Is my soul thirsting more, or less, for the living God?
English Puritan Jonathan Edwards said, "Holy desire, exercised in longing, hungering, and thirsting after God and holiness, is often mentioned in Scripture as an important part of true religion."
I believe the psalmist expressed this desire better than anyone. The picture that David used in this song (Psalm 42) is one of intense desire and longing. Does his prayer describe your thirst for God? If so, be encouraged, for whatever is happening in your life, your soul thirst is a sign of health and growth. If not, could it be that it's time for you to submit your soul to a spiritual diagnostic?
Edwards maintained that this craving and desire was a thirst for God, a longing that can be thoroughly and finally satisfied only in the face-to-face enjoyment of the Lord Himself in heaven: "How good is God, that He has created man for this very end, to make him happy in the enjoyment of Himself, the Almighty."
Our problem is that sometimes we don't even desire to desire God. Then our souls become dry. Why is this? I think it's because we choose to drink too much from the unfulfilling fountains of the world and too little from the living springs of Christ.
How do we learn to thirst for God even more? One of the ways we create thirst for Him is to linger over the Bible. When I saturate my heart with Scripture, God through the Holy Spirit initiates a Godward desire. The Bible calls this meditation. This often overlooked spiritual discipline refreshes our heart with God's faithfulness and creates in our soul a thirst for the living God. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* How would I describe my soul's condition right now? Empty? Dry? Satisfied, but longing for more?
* Are there any sins in my life that keep me from thirsting for the living God? If so, I will confess those to God now.
* How deeply am I soaking my soul in the living springs of the Word of God?
LINKS
Super-Spiritual or Dehydrated?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2002/004/aug/24.24.html
bottom line: The dry soul is satisfied by living water.
soul journey
Monday, July 05, 2004
Frozen Snowball
Read: Hebrews 12:25-13:6
We are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken. —Hebrews 12:28
Baseball pitcher Tug McGraw had a wonderful philosophy of pitching. He called it his“frozen snowball” theory.“If I come in to pitch with the bases loaded,”Tug explained,“and heavy hitter Willie Stargell is at bat, there’s no reason I want to throw the ball. But eventually I have to pitch. So I remind myself that in a few billion years the earth will become a frozen snowball hurtling through space, and nobody’s going to care what Willie Stargell did with the bases loaded!”
The Bible tells us the earth will someday“melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up”(2 Peter 3:10). Yet McGraw’s point is valid: We need to keep life in perspective. Most of the things we worry about have no eternal significance.
The writer of Hebrews was concerned about our perspective. Throughout the book, he keeps our eyes focused on heaven and away from earth. Unless our minds are on heaven, we will have little eternal influence on earth.
There will come a time when the earth will be shaken, and things that once seemed permanent will be gone (Hebrews 12:27). What you fear most today will be forgotten like yesterday’s headlines. What really matters is what you do today that has a touch of eternity about it. —Haddon Robinson
O for a heart that is willing to serve,
Laboring while it is day!
Nothing is lost that is done for the Lord,
He will reward and repay. —Anon.
The one who lives for this life only will have eternity to regret it.
daily bread
Read: Hebrews 12:25-13:6
We are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken. —Hebrews 12:28
Baseball pitcher Tug McGraw had a wonderful philosophy of pitching. He called it his“frozen snowball” theory.“If I come in to pitch with the bases loaded,”Tug explained,“and heavy hitter Willie Stargell is at bat, there’s no reason I want to throw the ball. But eventually I have to pitch. So I remind myself that in a few billion years the earth will become a frozen snowball hurtling through space, and nobody’s going to care what Willie Stargell did with the bases loaded!”
The Bible tells us the earth will someday“melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up”(2 Peter 3:10). Yet McGraw’s point is valid: We need to keep life in perspective. Most of the things we worry about have no eternal significance.
The writer of Hebrews was concerned about our perspective. Throughout the book, he keeps our eyes focused on heaven and away from earth. Unless our minds are on heaven, we will have little eternal influence on earth.
There will come a time when the earth will be shaken, and things that once seemed permanent will be gone (Hebrews 12:27). What you fear most today will be forgotten like yesterday’s headlines. What really matters is what you do today that has a touch of eternity about it. —Haddon Robinson
O for a heart that is willing to serve,
Laboring while it is day!
Nothing is lost that is done for the Lord,
He will reward and repay. —Anon.
The one who lives for this life only will have eternity to regret it.
daily bread
Sunday, July 04, 2004
TWELVE STONES AND A CROSSING
Joshua 4:4-9
4 Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." . . . 9 Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.
Cindy is the record-keeping type, with a library of meticulously kept planners dating back a couple of decades. You might find it odd that she keeps them. Actually, it's not strange at all.
Early in her adult life, Cindy began making little notes in the margins of her planner. Notes like: "Not much food left," or "Car trouble again." Often, her notes would record that someone provided food or money a few days later. It's a remarkable chronicle of God's faithfulness--just in time--to one of His ordinary servants.
Recently Cindy has been battling cancer. Thankfully, she's winning. It will be fascinating to read her 2004 planner in a few years.
Record-keeping that emphasizes praise to our heavenly Father is one way to combat our human tendency to forget things we shouldn't. A military leader named Joshua had another way to fight it. During the Israelites' meandering escape from slavery in Egypt, God performed numerous miracles for them. One of the last miracles was the crossing of the Jordan River during flood stage (see Joshua 3).
Amphibious assault teams hadn't been invented yet, so God caused the river to "[pile] up in a heap a great distance away" (v.16). The 12 tribes of Israel crossed safely and made ready for an equally miraculous attack on Jericho.
To commemorate the crossing, God instructed Joshua to have one man from each tribe select a stone from the riverbed. They carried the stones on their shoulders to Gilgal, where they constructed a memorial to God's miraculous provision (4:9). Joshua said, "In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them . . . , 'These stones are a memorial to the people of Israel forever'" (vv.6-7).
You may not have a collection of rocks from a river stacked up in your backyard. But whether it's 12 stones, a day planner, or a Post-it note on your laptop, we all need something to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness. --Tim Gustafson
DESTINATION POINTS
* What are the three greatest examples from my life that demonstrate God's love for me?
* In what ways do I remember His goodness?
* Where do I turn when I feel that life is unfair?
LINKS
Joseph: Overcoming Life's Challenges
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0715
bottom line: God has a history of meeting needs.
soul journey
Joshua 4:4-9
4 Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, 5 and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever." . . . 9 Joshua set up the twelve stones that had been in the middle of the Jordan at the spot where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant had stood. And they are there to this day.
Cindy is the record-keeping type, with a library of meticulously kept planners dating back a couple of decades. You might find it odd that she keeps them. Actually, it's not strange at all.
Early in her adult life, Cindy began making little notes in the margins of her planner. Notes like: "Not much food left," or "Car trouble again." Often, her notes would record that someone provided food or money a few days later. It's a remarkable chronicle of God's faithfulness--just in time--to one of His ordinary servants.
Recently Cindy has been battling cancer. Thankfully, she's winning. It will be fascinating to read her 2004 planner in a few years.
Record-keeping that emphasizes praise to our heavenly Father is one way to combat our human tendency to forget things we shouldn't. A military leader named Joshua had another way to fight it. During the Israelites' meandering escape from slavery in Egypt, God performed numerous miracles for them. One of the last miracles was the crossing of the Jordan River during flood stage (see Joshua 3).
Amphibious assault teams hadn't been invented yet, so God caused the river to "[pile] up in a heap a great distance away" (v.16). The 12 tribes of Israel crossed safely and made ready for an equally miraculous attack on Jericho.
To commemorate the crossing, God instructed Joshua to have one man from each tribe select a stone from the riverbed. They carried the stones on their shoulders to Gilgal, where they constructed a memorial to God's miraculous provision (4:9). Joshua said, "In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them . . . , 'These stones are a memorial to the people of Israel forever'" (vv.6-7).
You may not have a collection of rocks from a river stacked up in your backyard. But whether it's 12 stones, a day planner, or a Post-it note on your laptop, we all need something to remind ourselves of God's faithfulness. --Tim Gustafson
DESTINATION POINTS
* What are the three greatest examples from my life that demonstrate God's love for me?
* In what ways do I remember His goodness?
* Where do I turn when I feel that life is unfair?
LINKS
Joseph: Overcoming Life's Challenges
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0715
bottom line: God has a history of meeting needs.
soul journey
Saturday, July 03, 2004
THE PERMANENT RECORD
"Do you want that to go on your permanent record?"
2 Samuel 18:1-15
1 David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. . . . 8 The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest claimed more lives that day than the sword. 9 Now Absalom happened to meet David's men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom's head got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going. . . . 14 [Joab, one of David's men] took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom's heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. 15 And ten of Joab's armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him.
Such words used to strike fear in the average schoolchild. No one ever knew what dusty file cabinet contained the thick manila folder or in what deep catacomb it was stored, but the mere mention of such a record could invoke sheer terror--or at least improved behavior.
Now, of course, whatever was in that elusive file has been transferred to some vast database somewhere. Besides, as Bob Greene, columnist for the Chicago Tribune, warns, today's children would bring a lawsuit if they were threatened with such a thing.
A permanent record doesn't have to be a bad thing. Good grades, a good credit report, or a good job evaluation are all part of the record of your life. And so is the way you treat other people, act with integrity, or live selflessly, . . . or even use that great sense of humor.
Too much bad stuff about you already recorded? It doesn't mean your record is written in indelible ink. Look at David, the king of Israel. This was a man who greatly sinned and suffered serious consequences. But he repented and God restored him. Luke wrote in the book of Acts that God said, "David son of Jesse [is] a man after My own heart" (Acts 13:22). Unfortunately, in 2 Samuel we read the account of David's son Absalom, whose permanent record is still remembered. It contains descriptions of his disloyalty to his father David, and a tragic and unusual death.
Unhappy with the way your life reads? It's not too late. Jesus is the restorer of broken lives. When we repent and ask Him to be the Lord of our life and the Savior of our soul, He will rewrite our life with His forgiveness. Are you ready for a new record? --Cindy Kasper
DESTINATION POINTS
* What is written in the record of my life? If I could, what would I change?
* Do I know Jesus as my Savior? Will I ask Him to rewrite my record?
LINKS
The Forgiveness Of God
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0602
bottom line: A bad record doesn't have to be permanent.
soul journey
"Do you want that to go on your permanent record?"
2 Samuel 18:1-15
1 David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. . . . 8 The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest claimed more lives that day than the sword. 9 Now Absalom happened to meet David's men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom's head got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going. . . . 14 [Joab, one of David's men] took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom's heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. 15 And ten of Joab's armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him.
Such words used to strike fear in the average schoolchild. No one ever knew what dusty file cabinet contained the thick manila folder or in what deep catacomb it was stored, but the mere mention of such a record could invoke sheer terror--or at least improved behavior.
Now, of course, whatever was in that elusive file has been transferred to some vast database somewhere. Besides, as Bob Greene, columnist for the Chicago Tribune, warns, today's children would bring a lawsuit if they were threatened with such a thing.
A permanent record doesn't have to be a bad thing. Good grades, a good credit report, or a good job evaluation are all part of the record of your life. And so is the way you treat other people, act with integrity, or live selflessly, . . . or even use that great sense of humor.
Too much bad stuff about you already recorded? It doesn't mean your record is written in indelible ink. Look at David, the king of Israel. This was a man who greatly sinned and suffered serious consequences. But he repented and God restored him. Luke wrote in the book of Acts that God said, "David son of Jesse [is] a man after My own heart" (Acts 13:22). Unfortunately, in 2 Samuel we read the account of David's son Absalom, whose permanent record is still remembered. It contains descriptions of his disloyalty to his father David, and a tragic and unusual death.
Unhappy with the way your life reads? It's not too late. Jesus is the restorer of broken lives. When we repent and ask Him to be the Lord of our life and the Savior of our soul, He will rewrite our life with His forgiveness. Are you ready for a new record? --Cindy Kasper
DESTINATION POINTS
* What is written in the record of my life? If I could, what would I change?
* Do I know Jesus as my Savior? Will I ask Him to rewrite my record?
LINKS
The Forgiveness Of God
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0602
bottom line: A bad record doesn't have to be permanent.
soul journey
Got Idea?
by John Fischer
Most believers are familiar with the story of Jesus joining the disciples on the Sea of Galilee by walking on the water. It was three o’clock in the morning and a storm was buffeting their boat when Jesus showed up, initially adding to the disciple’s fear because they thought he was a ghost out on the raging sea. And most people know how Peter stepped out of the boat and courageously walked on the water to meet the Lord, until his fear of the storm and the waves overtook him, requiring the hand of Jesus to lift him up and take him safely back to the boat. But I bet not everyone recalls whose idea it was for Peter to walk on water in the first place. I’ve heard this story all my life and didn’t realize this until just recently. It was Peter’s own idea.
“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water’” (Matthew 14:28 LNT). This wasn’t a requirement of faith. It was not a test all the disciples had to pass at one time or another. It was not a spiritual hoop to jump through. It was a bold, rather stupid idea of Peter’s that Jesus decided to cooperate with. Notice Peter didn’t ask if he could come, he asked Jesus to invite him to come. Actually that’s pretty brilliant when you think about it. By asking Jesus to invite him, he is tying Jesus into the enterprise. If Jesus invites him to come, then Jesus is responsible for what might happen. Jesus isn’t going to invite Peter to walk out to him if he didn’t know he could do it, or save him if he couldn’t.
This says at least two things for us in relation to the task God has put us on earth to accomplish. 1) He wants our involvement. He wants to interact with our thoughts and ideas. God does not push us around like robots; he cooperates with us—he involves us in the process. 2) It helps to have an idea what you want to do.
Imagine what would happen if we started praying, “Lord, invite me to reach out in love to my neighbor today. Lord, invite me to share my faith with someone today. Lord, what would you think about a block party as a chance to get our neighborhood together and meet people? Would you like to invite me to do that?” Come to think of it, this could get pretty exciting.
What’s your idea in terms of your mission in the world? If you don’t have an idea, you just stay in the boat and watch someone else do it. And that’s kind of a drag.
-PDL-
by John Fischer
Most believers are familiar with the story of Jesus joining the disciples on the Sea of Galilee by walking on the water. It was three o’clock in the morning and a storm was buffeting their boat when Jesus showed up, initially adding to the disciple’s fear because they thought he was a ghost out on the raging sea. And most people know how Peter stepped out of the boat and courageously walked on the water to meet the Lord, until his fear of the storm and the waves overtook him, requiring the hand of Jesus to lift him up and take him safely back to the boat. But I bet not everyone recalls whose idea it was for Peter to walk on water in the first place. I’ve heard this story all my life and didn’t realize this until just recently. It was Peter’s own idea.
“Then Peter called to him, ‘Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you by walking on water’” (Matthew 14:28 LNT). This wasn’t a requirement of faith. It was not a test all the disciples had to pass at one time or another. It was not a spiritual hoop to jump through. It was a bold, rather stupid idea of Peter’s that Jesus decided to cooperate with. Notice Peter didn’t ask if he could come, he asked Jesus to invite him to come. Actually that’s pretty brilliant when you think about it. By asking Jesus to invite him, he is tying Jesus into the enterprise. If Jesus invites him to come, then Jesus is responsible for what might happen. Jesus isn’t going to invite Peter to walk out to him if he didn’t know he could do it, or save him if he couldn’t.
This says at least two things for us in relation to the task God has put us on earth to accomplish. 1) He wants our involvement. He wants to interact with our thoughts and ideas. God does not push us around like robots; he cooperates with us—he involves us in the process. 2) It helps to have an idea what you want to do.
Imagine what would happen if we started praying, “Lord, invite me to reach out in love to my neighbor today. Lord, invite me to share my faith with someone today. Lord, what would you think about a block party as a chance to get our neighborhood together and meet people? Would you like to invite me to do that?” Come to think of it, this could get pretty exciting.
What’s your idea in terms of your mission in the world? If you don’t have an idea, you just stay in the boat and watch someone else do it. And that’s kind of a drag.
-PDL-
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Today's scripture is Luke 24:1-3
"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in,and found not the body of the Lord Jesus."
Truly, it's time for us to stop looking for the living among the dead. It's time for us to stop wandering around in the cemetery of sin, sickness and failure and to step into resurrection life!
As a resurrected creature, you're no accident going somewhere to happen. Your life isn't just a loose web of events and circumstances. God has specific plans for you.
Maybe He intends for you to have the greatest healing ministry of this century. Or perhaps He wants to turn you into a tremendous preacher. But you'll never know what He has in store for you until you put your attention on Him. That's why the devil works hard to keep you focusing on the problems of life. That's why he tries to keep your attention turned away from the living Word of God. He doesn't want you to know you're full of the resurrection life of Jesus. In fact, the prospect of it terrifies him.
Don't let Satan bind you with the grave clothes of yesterday's sin and defeat. You're not dead anymore. You've been raised with Jesus. Come out from the tombs and start living resurrection life!
bible shack
"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in,and found not the body of the Lord Jesus."
Truly, it's time for us to stop looking for the living among the dead. It's time for us to stop wandering around in the cemetery of sin, sickness and failure and to step into resurrection life!
As a resurrected creature, you're no accident going somewhere to happen. Your life isn't just a loose web of events and circumstances. God has specific plans for you.
Maybe He intends for you to have the greatest healing ministry of this century. Or perhaps He wants to turn you into a tremendous preacher. But you'll never know what He has in store for you until you put your attention on Him. That's why the devil works hard to keep you focusing on the problems of life. That's why he tries to keep your attention turned away from the living Word of God. He doesn't want you to know you're full of the resurrection life of Jesus. In fact, the prospect of it terrifies him.
Don't let Satan bind you with the grave clothes of yesterday's sin and defeat. You're not dead anymore. You've been raised with Jesus. Come out from the tombs and start living resurrection life!
bible shack