To Till or not to Till!
Kathy Schultz
God didn't audibly speak, but in my spirit, I heard him say, "Child, you're like this ground. If you neglect Me, you too will become hard."
Gardening had never been my passion. I had left the yard work to my husband, but now I found myself in charge of the yard, as he had gone home to be with the Lord. The quickest way to solve that problem was to do nothing other than cut the grass. After all, we had lived here a while and the flowers and shrubs were already planted.
Spring came and the magazines began showing beautiful yards. Flowers were on sale everywhere you went, even at the grocery store, and they were beautiful. I remembered that my yard used to look a lot nicer. I must be honest, the yard never ever looked like the pictures in the magazines. Noticing that a few plants had died, and with a little prompting from my daughter, I found myself eager to garden. I could just replace those plants and add some new ones. This couldn't be too difficult. I could do this. Furthermore, a lot of my friends gardened and enjoyed it.
I purchased the flowers and got out the shovel. This was going to be fun. Little did I know! The soil was hard as concrete. No one told me that you needed to prepare the soil for planting and/or keep it in good condition. These plants needed a hole. You could not just lay them on top of the soil and expect them to survive. With a lot of effort, I finally got one hole dug. My daughter and I decided to add the fertilizer, to water, and to pray. Possibly these flowers would survive.
God didn't audibly speak, but in my spirit, I heard him say, "Child, you're like this ground. If you neglect Me, you too will become hard." I thought about this. It wasn't like I did anything to the ground. I had just neglected it. I hadn't thrown trash in it. The problem was I had not done anything to it! I spoke with a friend, who is an avid gardener, and found out from him that at least once a year the soil needs to be turned and the fertilizer added.
Farmers know that after the harvest it is time to begin preparing for the next one. They don't wait for planting time to till the soil and add the fertilizer. We should do the same with our lives. We need to spend time with the Lord letting him till our mind. Praying, listening and reading God's word are part of the process. When we come to a problem, we can't expect to see God's answer if we've never spent time with the Lord. In fact, we probably wouldn't even know to go to God if we weren't prepared to do so. Preparation gives us the opportunity to help others.
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have" (I Peter 3:15).
Next year the garden will be prettier as I plan to spend the fall preparing the soil for the spring. Maybe you, along with me, can spend this day with God preparing for the future. There are many scriptures about the soil, but this one is a favorite. May this be true in your life and may your life be full of God's love and joy.
"And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God" (Ephesians 3:17-19 New Living Translation).
PS: Some of my flowers made it. That was due to prayer and God's grace. I know they would have done much better had I prepared the soil. Thankfully, I can start now preparing for next year's garden.
cbn
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Monday, August 30, 2004
SOME CRUTCH
2 Corinthians 4:8-128 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death ofJesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death forJesus' sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Have you ever had to use a crutch? I never have, but I know one thing--a crutch is designed to make life a whole lot easier for the person using it.
Sometimes you meet people who say Christianity is nothing more than a crutch--that the only reason people claim to trust Jesus is that they are wimpy weaklings who have to make up religion to get by. Apparently they haven't heard about Dr. Xu Yong-hai, a Chinese psychiatrist who spent 21/2 years being "re-educated" by the government because he professed faith in Jesus. Later, he was arrested again--this time for his work with a house church.
Or maybe those who think Christianity is a crutch haven't heard about the Christians who were attacked (one was killed) while trying to run a Christian center for orphans in Egypt.
And perhaps crutch-callers didn't hear about the family in Sri Lanka whose home was attacked because they refused to renounce their belief in Jesus.
These people are not looking for a crutch. No, they have something in their hearts that is deep and essential. They have a personal relationship with the God of the universe--a relationship born of their undying faith in the completed work of Jesus on the cross.They are not limping along in life, looking for something to hold them up. They are children of the King of kings--eager to sacrifice everything for the privilege of proclaiming Him.
Those who don't understand the Christian faith need to know about another person. His name is Paul. His trust in Jesus led to his being arrested, flogged, mocked, and shipwrecked (2 Corinthians11:16-29). And in all this, he had to struggle with a "thorn in the flesh" that God would not remove (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
A crutch? I don't think so. Faith in Jesus is not about our safety and caution, our wealth and our health. It's about believing Jesus and trusting Him no matter what. It's about taking up a daily cross and following the Savior. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* In what ways have I ever thought of my salvation as a crutch? And in what ways have I avoided persecution?
LINKS:
Find out more about fellow Christians who are suffering for theirbeliefs. Go to http://www.persecution.org
bottom line: You can't carry a cross and a crutch.
soul journey
2 Corinthians 4:8-128 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death ofJesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death forJesus' sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Have you ever had to use a crutch? I never have, but I know one thing--a crutch is designed to make life a whole lot easier for the person using it.
Sometimes you meet people who say Christianity is nothing more than a crutch--that the only reason people claim to trust Jesus is that they are wimpy weaklings who have to make up religion to get by. Apparently they haven't heard about Dr. Xu Yong-hai, a Chinese psychiatrist who spent 21/2 years being "re-educated" by the government because he professed faith in Jesus. Later, he was arrested again--this time for his work with a house church.
Or maybe those who think Christianity is a crutch haven't heard about the Christians who were attacked (one was killed) while trying to run a Christian center for orphans in Egypt.
And perhaps crutch-callers didn't hear about the family in Sri Lanka whose home was attacked because they refused to renounce their belief in Jesus.
These people are not looking for a crutch. No, they have something in their hearts that is deep and essential. They have a personal relationship with the God of the universe--a relationship born of their undying faith in the completed work of Jesus on the cross.They are not limping along in life, looking for something to hold them up. They are children of the King of kings--eager to sacrifice everything for the privilege of proclaiming Him.
Those who don't understand the Christian faith need to know about another person. His name is Paul. His trust in Jesus led to his being arrested, flogged, mocked, and shipwrecked (2 Corinthians11:16-29). And in all this, he had to struggle with a "thorn in the flesh" that God would not remove (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).
A crutch? I don't think so. Faith in Jesus is not about our safety and caution, our wealth and our health. It's about believing Jesus and trusting Him no matter what. It's about taking up a daily cross and following the Savior. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* In what ways have I ever thought of my salvation as a crutch? And in what ways have I avoided persecution?
LINKS:
Find out more about fellow Christians who are suffering for theirbeliefs. Go to http://www.persecution.org
bottom line: You can't carry a cross and a crutch.
soul journey
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Big Deal
by John Fischer
Job argued with God. Moses bargained with Him. Jacob wrestled with Him. Nehemiah changed His mind. What do these amazing stories tell us about God if it isn’t that He wants a relationship with us probably more than we want one with Him? What does it tell us about God if He is willing to be persuaded, cajoled, bargained with, and wrestled? It tells us He created us like Him so we could participate in a relationship with Him that means something in terms of integrity. It’s no small thing that God can be swayed by a puny human being, but such is the wonder of His will.
The Psalmist declared a similar wonder when he wrote, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you have set in place—what are mortals that you should think of us? For you made us only a little lower than the angels, and you crowned us with glory and honor. You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things—the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.” Psalms 8:3-8 NLT
In other words: What’s the big deal here? We’re the big deal. Does this bring us glory? Yes, but that only brings Him more. That He would create us with this much power and authority says a lot about our Creator and what He created us for. He created us with intelligence and emotions. He created us like Him so He could relate to us and we could relate to Him. And He gave us the right to refuse Him, accept Him, argue with Him, badger Him—even tell Him to get lost if that’s what we want to do. Think about that. Even unbelief has integrity. What kind of God would create a being that might not even believe in Him? A God who wants a relationship with that being when he does believe, that’s who.
That’s why the very next verse of this Psalm reads, “O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!” Psalm 8:9 We are part and parcel of God’s glory. That He would do it this way—that He would create a world, people it with beings like Him, and then give them authority over that world—even the opportunity to believe Him or not—says as much about Him as it does about us. You and I are a big part of God’s glory.
PDL
by John Fischer
Job argued with God. Moses bargained with Him. Jacob wrestled with Him. Nehemiah changed His mind. What do these amazing stories tell us about God if it isn’t that He wants a relationship with us probably more than we want one with Him? What does it tell us about God if He is willing to be persuaded, cajoled, bargained with, and wrestled? It tells us He created us like Him so we could participate in a relationship with Him that means something in terms of integrity. It’s no small thing that God can be swayed by a puny human being, but such is the wonder of His will.
The Psalmist declared a similar wonder when he wrote, “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you have set in place—what are mortals that you should think of us? For you made us only a little lower than the angels, and you crowned us with glory and honor. You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things—the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents.” Psalms 8:3-8 NLT
In other words: What’s the big deal here? We’re the big deal. Does this bring us glory? Yes, but that only brings Him more. That He would create us with this much power and authority says a lot about our Creator and what He created us for. He created us with intelligence and emotions. He created us like Him so He could relate to us and we could relate to Him. And He gave us the right to refuse Him, accept Him, argue with Him, badger Him—even tell Him to get lost if that’s what we want to do. Think about that. Even unbelief has integrity. What kind of God would create a being that might not even believe in Him? A God who wants a relationship with that being when he does believe, that’s who.
That’s why the very next verse of this Psalm reads, “O Lord, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!” Psalm 8:9 We are part and parcel of God’s glory. That He would do it this way—that He would create a world, people it with beings like Him, and then give them authority over that world—even the opportunity to believe Him or not—says as much about Him as it does about us. You and I are a big part of God’s glory.
PDL
Saturday, August 28, 2004
ALL ABOUT SACRIFICE!
Genesis 22:9-129 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham builtan altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaacand laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reachedout his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel ofthe Lord called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here Iam," he replied. 12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," He said. "Do notdo anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you havenot withheld from Me your son, your only son."
Imagine that there is a car company who will give a brand-new car tothe person whose name is drawn from a hat.
SURPRISE! Your name is picked. You are so excited, but when the daycomes for you to get acquainted with your new car . . . you areastounded to discover that the car lacks everything it needs to run!For instance, a drive train, a carburetor, an ignition system . . .
Suddenly your new "car" seems pretty useless. What is the point ofhaving a new car if you can't have the whole thing?
In the same way, Jesus has called us to give all of ourselves toHim, every part of our lives. How can we grow spiritually if we'restriving to do our best for God in some areas of our lives, while weare tampering with things of the world?
We may desperately want a relationship with Jesus because we want aGod who is there to comfort and protect us in all of life'scircumstances. But at the same time we may be unwilling to give upon temporal pleasures: popularity, sex, drugs, alcohol.
In the Old Testament, Abraham was willing to kill his own son Isaacin obedience to God (Genesis 22:10).
It's all about sacrifice. Does Jesus deserve only a part? Do we livefor Him only when it is convenient for us?
Let's lay everything at the feet of our Savior. If we give up theearthly things that we cling to, we will have the kind ofrelationship with Jesus we have been called to have, and we can thenbe used to the extent we were meant to be used.
Our Father made the ultimate sacrifice for us. What will wesacrifice for Him today? --Laura Palmer, Newfoundland, Canada Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I been giving God my ALL, or just a part?
* What part of mylife have I given over to God recently?
* Does my life representJesus to others? What are some things I need to get rid of?
LINKS:Standing Alone http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2000/005/6.52.html
Sealed Orders http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2003/003/may/29.29.html
bottom line: Give it up for Jesus!
soul journey
Genesis 22:9-129 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham builtan altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaacand laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reachedout his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the Angel ofthe Lord called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here Iam," he replied. 12 "Do not lay a hand on the boy," He said. "Do notdo anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you havenot withheld from Me your son, your only son."
Imagine that there is a car company who will give a brand-new car tothe person whose name is drawn from a hat.
SURPRISE! Your name is picked. You are so excited, but when the daycomes for you to get acquainted with your new car . . . you areastounded to discover that the car lacks everything it needs to run!For instance, a drive train, a carburetor, an ignition system . . .
Suddenly your new "car" seems pretty useless. What is the point ofhaving a new car if you can't have the whole thing?
In the same way, Jesus has called us to give all of ourselves toHim, every part of our lives. How can we grow spiritually if we'restriving to do our best for God in some areas of our lives, while weare tampering with things of the world?
We may desperately want a relationship with Jesus because we want aGod who is there to comfort and protect us in all of life'scircumstances. But at the same time we may be unwilling to give upon temporal pleasures: popularity, sex, drugs, alcohol.
In the Old Testament, Abraham was willing to kill his own son Isaacin obedience to God (Genesis 22:10).
It's all about sacrifice. Does Jesus deserve only a part? Do we livefor Him only when it is convenient for us?
Let's lay everything at the feet of our Savior. If we give up theearthly things that we cling to, we will have the kind ofrelationship with Jesus we have been called to have, and we can thenbe used to the extent we were meant to be used.
Our Father made the ultimate sacrifice for us. What will wesacrifice for Him today? --Laura Palmer, Newfoundland, Canada Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I been giving God my ALL, or just a part?
* What part of mylife have I given over to God recently?
* Does my life representJesus to others? What are some things I need to get rid of?
LINKS:Standing Alone http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2000/005/6.52.html
Sealed Orders http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2003/003/may/29.29.html
bottom line: Give it up for Jesus!
soul journey
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Go Tell it on the Mountain
By Martha Noebel
The bottom line is ready or not, He's coming!
I went to the mountain to pray on the Friday after the Sept. 11 disaster as the mayor of Virginia Beach had asked us to do. I felt that if I went with the other approximate 10,000 people that gathered on Mt. Trashmore, that I would feel closer to those who were hurting in New York, Washington, D.C., and around the world. I loved the chance to stand and pray with the many people who stood beside me in the night, candles lit, and hearts sharing the same pain for those who lost their lives so unnecessarily.
I felt the Lord prompt my heart with the title for this article a couple of weeks before the incident even happened. It had a nice ring to it; I just didn't know what it would mean to me. Then on that Friday, as I stood on that mountain looking at the sea of faces and lights, I knew why I needed to write the article.
"Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does" (Psalm 96:1-3, New Living Translation).
God wanted to remind us of His soon return. We need to stand on the mountaintop and tell others. That night many people heard about God and His love for them in the midst of this crisis. The chaplain from the Virginia Beach Police Department shared the message of God's love, offering hope to those who needed to know more about God. Several of the local ministers came forward to pray for those who needed something more. It was an awesome sight.
Then today the Lord reminded me of the article I had written at the beginning of the year, Looking For God?. It felt a little strange to see what the Lord had put on my heart then and to compare it to what was happening now. People are now thinking about God like they have never before. They are reevaluating their lives and their walk with God. We are becoming a "God conscious" nation. It wasn't that way back in January 2001 when I wrote the first article concerning our lack of interest in God.
The bottom line is ready or not, He's coming! Jesus is coming back for a people looking for Him. He is coming to take with Him those who have asked forgiveness of their sins. There is not a better time to turn to God. Now is the appointed hour.
"I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge" (Psalms 62:5-8, New Living Translation).
Whether it is on a mountain or in your front yard, take time to tell others of a loving God who wants to know them in a personal way. Time is short.
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.
(African-American Spiritual)
cbn
By Martha Noebel
The bottom line is ready or not, He's coming!
I went to the mountain to pray on the Friday after the Sept. 11 disaster as the mayor of Virginia Beach had asked us to do. I felt that if I went with the other approximate 10,000 people that gathered on Mt. Trashmore, that I would feel closer to those who were hurting in New York, Washington, D.C., and around the world. I loved the chance to stand and pray with the many people who stood beside me in the night, candles lit, and hearts sharing the same pain for those who lost their lives so unnecessarily.
I felt the Lord prompt my heart with the title for this article a couple of weeks before the incident even happened. It had a nice ring to it; I just didn't know what it would mean to me. Then on that Friday, as I stood on that mountain looking at the sea of faces and lights, I knew why I needed to write the article.
"Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD! Sing to the LORD; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does" (Psalm 96:1-3, New Living Translation).
God wanted to remind us of His soon return. We need to stand on the mountaintop and tell others. That night many people heard about God and His love for them in the midst of this crisis. The chaplain from the Virginia Beach Police Department shared the message of God's love, offering hope to those who needed to know more about God. Several of the local ministers came forward to pray for those who needed something more. It was an awesome sight.
Then today the Lord reminded me of the article I had written at the beginning of the year, Looking For God?. It felt a little strange to see what the Lord had put on my heart then and to compare it to what was happening now. People are now thinking about God like they have never before. They are reevaluating their lives and their walk with God. We are becoming a "God conscious" nation. It wasn't that way back in January 2001 when I wrote the first article concerning our lack of interest in God.
The bottom line is ready or not, He's coming! Jesus is coming back for a people looking for Him. He is coming to take with Him those who have asked forgiveness of their sins. There is not a better time to turn to God. Now is the appointed hour.
"I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge" (Psalms 62:5-8, New Living Translation).
Whether it is on a mountain or in your front yard, take time to tell others of a loving God who wants to know them in a personal way. Time is short.
Go tell it on the mountain,
Over the hills and everywhere,
Go tell it on the mountain,
That Jesus Christ is born.
(African-American Spiritual)
cbn
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Free to Serve
by John Fischer
“For you have been called to live in freedom—not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13
What will you use your freedom for? It’s an important question, since one of the greatest things about being born again is the freedom that comes from the Spirit of God. “And wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
In Christ we have been set free from the power and the penalty of sin, free from trying to earn God’s favor, free from the insatiable need to please ourselves, and free to know the truth. Even though we may not be aware of all these freedoms, they are nonetheless true and available to each of us by faith.
But the question Paul addressed in Galatians is what we use this freedom for. He suggests that we use this freedom to lovingly serve each other.
Notice the things we have been set free from, they all revolve around the self. Think about it. Most of us have spent the better part of our lives getting all the attention. Even the guilt, self-pity and regret we love to wallow in are all about us. Imagine freeing up the thinking time we put into self-indulgence—feeling guilty, judging others to feel better by comparison, and figuring out how to please our selfish desires—and imagine spending that time on someone else.
First you will need to remind yourself of your freedom in Christ because forgetting that is what gets us stuck in the first place. Then use that freed-up time to identify with what someone else is going through and plan how you can serve him or her.
If being free to serve sounds like an oxymoron, it’s only because we have all become so used to being in bondage, we can’t imagine being free. But free to serve is what we were meant to be. It’s how we become useful to God.
Next time you catch yourself absorbed in you-know-who, stop and think about what you can do for someone around you. Remember your freedom in Christ and spend it on others. Think about what their needs might be—ask them, if you don’t know—and serve them in love. It’s time for someone else to get our attention for a change.
PDL
by John Fischer
“For you have been called to live in freedom—not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13
What will you use your freedom for? It’s an important question, since one of the greatest things about being born again is the freedom that comes from the Spirit of God. “And wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, he gives freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17
In Christ we have been set free from the power and the penalty of sin, free from trying to earn God’s favor, free from the insatiable need to please ourselves, and free to know the truth. Even though we may not be aware of all these freedoms, they are nonetheless true and available to each of us by faith.
But the question Paul addressed in Galatians is what we use this freedom for. He suggests that we use this freedom to lovingly serve each other.
Notice the things we have been set free from, they all revolve around the self. Think about it. Most of us have spent the better part of our lives getting all the attention. Even the guilt, self-pity and regret we love to wallow in are all about us. Imagine freeing up the thinking time we put into self-indulgence—feeling guilty, judging others to feel better by comparison, and figuring out how to please our selfish desires—and imagine spending that time on someone else.
First you will need to remind yourself of your freedom in Christ because forgetting that is what gets us stuck in the first place. Then use that freed-up time to identify with what someone else is going through and plan how you can serve him or her.
If being free to serve sounds like an oxymoron, it’s only because we have all become so used to being in bondage, we can’t imagine being free. But free to serve is what we were meant to be. It’s how we become useful to God.
Next time you catch yourself absorbed in you-know-who, stop and think about what you can do for someone around you. Remember your freedom in Christ and spend it on others. Think about what their needs might be—ask them, if you don’t know—and serve them in love. It’s time for someone else to get our attention for a change.
PDL
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
NEW NORMAL?
Hebrews 13:1-61 Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2 Do not forget toentertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertainedangels without knowing it. 3 Remember those in prison as if you weretheir fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if youyourselves were suffering. 4 Marriage should be honored by all, andthe marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of moneyand be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never willI leave you; never will I forsake you." 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do tome?"
There's a new majority on the horizon. For the first time in US history, a group other than married-couple households is becoming the largest population segment. This emerging leader on the block is comprised of single adults.
Michelle Conlin, writing in Business Week, observes that "the US's86 million single adults could soon define the new majority. . . .What many once thought of as the fringe is becoming the new normal."
In comparison, families made up 80 percent of the US population inthe 1950s. Today that figure has dropped to just 50.7 percent.
There are many reasons for this drop, including: (1) The proliferation of unmarried couples living together; (2) A dramatic increase in divorce; (3) Widows who are livinglonger, healthier lives.
A number of societal changes are present in the wake of this new era. For instance, more and more voices are calling for thediscontinuation of benefits (taxes, insurance, Social Security) for married couples only. The institution of marriage is gradually being marginalized and moved out of the center of society. It seems like the nuclear family is being blown apart.
Now, don't get me wrong. Being single is not a bad thing, but neither is marriage.
In Hebrews 13, the writer honed in on the subject of love--for believers and for those who don't know Jesus. Then, in verse 4, he wrote, "Marriage should be honored by all." This is an imperative statement that we should read in this way: "Let marriage be held in honor."
When these words were written, marriage was under attack. The Gnostics felt it was better to remain single because the material world (that includes our bodies) was evil.
Despite the attacks then and the threats of today, we should holdmarriage in great honor. Paul did, and God created it. Marriage canbe beautiful, protecting, and perfecting if Jesus is at the center. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* How do I view marriage?
* Why is marriage such an importantcreation of God?
LINKS:
The New Normal--Singleness in America
http://www.christianexaminer.com/Articles/Chuck%20Colson/Art_Jan04_Colson.html
bottom line: Marriage is good in God's sight.
soul journey
Hebrews 13:1-61 Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2 Do not forget toentertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertainedangels without knowing it. 3 Remember those in prison as if you weretheir fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if youyourselves were suffering. 4 Marriage should be honored by all, andthe marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. 5 Keep your lives free from the love of moneyand be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never willI leave you; never will I forsake you." 6 So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do tome?"
There's a new majority on the horizon. For the first time in US history, a group other than married-couple households is becoming the largest population segment. This emerging leader on the block is comprised of single adults.
Michelle Conlin, writing in Business Week, observes that "the US's86 million single adults could soon define the new majority. . . .What many once thought of as the fringe is becoming the new normal."
In comparison, families made up 80 percent of the US population inthe 1950s. Today that figure has dropped to just 50.7 percent.
There are many reasons for this drop, including: (1) The proliferation of unmarried couples living together; (2) A dramatic increase in divorce; (3) Widows who are livinglonger, healthier lives.
A number of societal changes are present in the wake of this new era. For instance, more and more voices are calling for thediscontinuation of benefits (taxes, insurance, Social Security) for married couples only. The institution of marriage is gradually being marginalized and moved out of the center of society. It seems like the nuclear family is being blown apart.
Now, don't get me wrong. Being single is not a bad thing, but neither is marriage.
In Hebrews 13, the writer honed in on the subject of love--for believers and for those who don't know Jesus. Then, in verse 4, he wrote, "Marriage should be honored by all." This is an imperative statement that we should read in this way: "Let marriage be held in honor."
When these words were written, marriage was under attack. The Gnostics felt it was better to remain single because the material world (that includes our bodies) was evil.
Despite the attacks then and the threats of today, we should holdmarriage in great honor. Paul did, and God created it. Marriage canbe beautiful, protecting, and perfecting if Jesus is at the center. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* How do I view marriage?
* Why is marriage such an importantcreation of God?
LINKS:
The New Normal--Singleness in America
http://www.christianexaminer.com/Articles/Chuck%20Colson/Art_Jan04_Colson.html
bottom line: Marriage is good in God's sight.
soul journey
Monday, August 23, 2004
VOODOO HOMEWORK
2 Timothy 3:10-17 10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I was shocked and appalled by a local news story. The headline read, "Voodoo Homework Upsets Parents." Apparently an English comprehension exercise on voodoo (a form of black magic) was given out as an assignment by a public school to 8-year-old students. The school has since ordered the homework assignment to be withdrawn. Teachers have also been instructed to hold discussions on the topicand to find out the students' views and correct them if necessary.
The assignment was meant to supplement a chapter about witches andmagic spells found in an English textbook for 8-year-olds. The controversial English comprehension passage is presented in factual prose and endorses the practice of voodoo. As a result, the school received complaints from concerned parents. The parents were afraid that subliminal messages were being sent to their young children who wouldn't be able to distinguish the values and morality of such information.
The article also quoted the opinions of a child psychiatrist, whosaid, "The conclusion in the passage is that voodoo can do wonders. This is very controversial especially in a multi-religious country like Singapore, where we have to be careful about promoting religious beliefs that are not mainstream. Eight-year-olds can't form judgments about ethical issues like these."
As I read this article, I realized that the education system is continually conforming to the standards of the world. Anything goes--there are no set standards as to what is truth. There is no black and white but rather many gray areas.
As Christians, however, we should not live in such a manner. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul exhorted Timothy to use the Word as the guide to truth and warned him that impostors of the truth will continue to grow and deceive many. To be able to stand and live for Jesus in our world today, we need to know the truth and practice it. - JoannaLim
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have the spiritual values I learned when I first became aChristian been eroded by the values of this world?
* In the light ofGod's Word, how do I interpret what I'm learning from the media?
*According to 2 Timothy 3:16, what is the Word of God used for? Howoften do I take the time to study the Scriptures for myself?
bottom line: Don't compromise the truth!
soul journey
2 Timothy 3:10-17 10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings--what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I was shocked and appalled by a local news story. The headline read, "Voodoo Homework Upsets Parents." Apparently an English comprehension exercise on voodoo (a form of black magic) was given out as an assignment by a public school to 8-year-old students. The school has since ordered the homework assignment to be withdrawn. Teachers have also been instructed to hold discussions on the topicand to find out the students' views and correct them if necessary.
The assignment was meant to supplement a chapter about witches andmagic spells found in an English textbook for 8-year-olds. The controversial English comprehension passage is presented in factual prose and endorses the practice of voodoo. As a result, the school received complaints from concerned parents. The parents were afraid that subliminal messages were being sent to their young children who wouldn't be able to distinguish the values and morality of such information.
The article also quoted the opinions of a child psychiatrist, whosaid, "The conclusion in the passage is that voodoo can do wonders. This is very controversial especially in a multi-religious country like Singapore, where we have to be careful about promoting religious beliefs that are not mainstream. Eight-year-olds can't form judgments about ethical issues like these."
As I read this article, I realized that the education system is continually conforming to the standards of the world. Anything goes--there are no set standards as to what is truth. There is no black and white but rather many gray areas.
As Christians, however, we should not live in such a manner. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul exhorted Timothy to use the Word as the guide to truth and warned him that impostors of the truth will continue to grow and deceive many. To be able to stand and live for Jesus in our world today, we need to know the truth and practice it. - JoannaLim
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have the spiritual values I learned when I first became aChristian been eroded by the values of this world?
* In the light ofGod's Word, how do I interpret what I'm learning from the media?
*According to 2 Timothy 3:16, what is the Word of God used for? Howoften do I take the time to study the Scriptures for myself?
bottom line: Don't compromise the truth!
soul journey
Sunday, August 22, 2004
The Humanity Of Jesus
Read: Hebrews 2:9-18
We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses. —Hebrews 4:15
Bible In One Year: Psalms 110-112; 1 Corinthians 5
I once overheard this comment about a person who was always critical: "The trouble with him is that he's forgotten what it's like to be human!" How easily we forget our past struggles and become unsympathetic toward those who are struggling today. But there's one who hasn't forgotten what it's like to be human—Jesus.
In Hebrews 2:9-18, we "see" Jesus' humanity more fully. As a man, He was able by God's grace to experience death in our place. And during His earthly life Jesus was made perfect through His sufferings (v.10). But there's more. "Both [Jesus] who sanctifies and [we] who are being sanctified are all of one." Because of this oneness, Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters (v.11).
In a body like ours, Jesus lived, worked, and overcame every obstacle, so He knows what it's like to be one of us. Having passed through all these experiences without sinning, He then went to heaven and is now our approachable High Priest at the throne of grace (vv.17-18; 4:14-16).
We all need someone who knows what it's like to be human yet has limitless power to help us overcome our human weaknesses. Jesus is that one. He longs to hear us speak His name and ask for His help. —Joanie Yoder
No one understands like Jesus.
daily bread
Read: Hebrews 2:9-18
We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses. —Hebrews 4:15
Bible In One Year: Psalms 110-112; 1 Corinthians 5
I once overheard this comment about a person who was always critical: "The trouble with him is that he's forgotten what it's like to be human!" How easily we forget our past struggles and become unsympathetic toward those who are struggling today. But there's one who hasn't forgotten what it's like to be human—Jesus.
In Hebrews 2:9-18, we "see" Jesus' humanity more fully. As a man, He was able by God's grace to experience death in our place. And during His earthly life Jesus was made perfect through His sufferings (v.10). But there's more. "Both [Jesus] who sanctifies and [we] who are being sanctified are all of one." Because of this oneness, Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters (v.11).
In a body like ours, Jesus lived, worked, and overcame every obstacle, so He knows what it's like to be one of us. Having passed through all these experiences without sinning, He then went to heaven and is now our approachable High Priest at the throne of grace (vv.17-18; 4:14-16).
We all need someone who knows what it's like to be human yet has limitless power to help us overcome our human weaknesses. Jesus is that one. He longs to hear us speak His name and ask for His help. —Joanie Yoder
God lived as man, as one of us,
And understands our need for grace;
He is not distant nor detached
From all the trials that we face. —Sper
No one understands like Jesus.
daily bread
Saturday, August 21, 2004
Giving the Most Out of Life
by John Fischer
You were put here on earth to make a contribution. God did not create us in His image to do nothing but sit around on clouds and play harps. He’s not doing that, so why would we ever think of this as a fitting conclusion for us? He created us to share in the ongoing creating and nurturing of His world. We were made in His image to share in His work. We are supposed to do that here on earth, and we will do that in heaven. And we can start today.
The need and capacity to serve was in us from the beginning. Adam was immediately given the job of naming the animals and subduing the earth. This did not change after disobedience took its course and banished him and Eve from the garden; it just got harder to do. Eve was given the job of being his helpmate and that definitely got harder to do! But nonetheless, we all have jobs. Not the job you get paid for, but a job to do in relation to your existence—a job to do in service to those around you.
The more we are conscious of this purpose, the easier it will be to figure out what this job is at any given time. Suffice it to say, it is primarily found in focusing our attention on others. This is in stark contrast to “getting the most out of life,” which has become the modern mantra of a “me” generation. This would be more along the lines of “giving the most out of life.”
Deep down inside, every one of us wants to leave something behind. We want to leave a legacy. We want to be significant. We want an epitaph with substance. God put this desire in us because it is one of our purposes in life. If your epitaph were written today, where would the significance lie? Who would be better off because of your life? If you’re anything like me, the current answer to that question makes me glad I still have time to affect it.
Think today of what you can add to someone’s life, not take away. Think of leaving situations better than you found them. Think of whom you can serve—of how this can be a better day for someone because of you. This is important. It‘s part of your legacy. Let’s be careful to give the most out of life today.
PDL
by John Fischer
You were put here on earth to make a contribution. God did not create us in His image to do nothing but sit around on clouds and play harps. He’s not doing that, so why would we ever think of this as a fitting conclusion for us? He created us to share in the ongoing creating and nurturing of His world. We were made in His image to share in His work. We are supposed to do that here on earth, and we will do that in heaven. And we can start today.
The need and capacity to serve was in us from the beginning. Adam was immediately given the job of naming the animals and subduing the earth. This did not change after disobedience took its course and banished him and Eve from the garden; it just got harder to do. Eve was given the job of being his helpmate and that definitely got harder to do! But nonetheless, we all have jobs. Not the job you get paid for, but a job to do in relation to your existence—a job to do in service to those around you.
The more we are conscious of this purpose, the easier it will be to figure out what this job is at any given time. Suffice it to say, it is primarily found in focusing our attention on others. This is in stark contrast to “getting the most out of life,” which has become the modern mantra of a “me” generation. This would be more along the lines of “giving the most out of life.”
Deep down inside, every one of us wants to leave something behind. We want to leave a legacy. We want to be significant. We want an epitaph with substance. God put this desire in us because it is one of our purposes in life. If your epitaph were written today, where would the significance lie? Who would be better off because of your life? If you’re anything like me, the current answer to that question makes me glad I still have time to affect it.
Think today of what you can add to someone’s life, not take away. Think of leaving situations better than you found them. Think of whom you can serve—of how this can be a better day for someone because of you. This is important. It‘s part of your legacy. Let’s be careful to give the most out of life today.
PDL
Thursday, August 19, 2004
The Power of Who You Are
by John Fischer
I sat next to a Jewish woman once at a PTA function and when she found out I was a Christian, she had a question all ready for me.
“Maybe you can explain this,” she said. “A young man came to my door recently. He was a college student painting houses. My house needed painting so I took his card. When I asked him about the fish symbol I noticed on the card, he smiled and said ‘Oh, I’m a Christian painter!’ Now what do you suppose he meant by that?”
I laughed and told her I really didn’t know except that he was a Christian who was trying to make some money painting houses.
When it comes to our place in the world, it’s much better to be a Christian than to be a Christian something-or-other. In other words, stay away from using “Christian” as an adjective. No one knows what a Christian painter is anyway. Even Christians don’t know; we just think we do because we use these terms all the time.
I asked the woman how she responded to his comment about being a Christian painter and she said, “Oh, I just asked him if he could paint!”
I like this lady. It’s really pretty simple isn’t it? It makes no difference to her if he was a Christian painter or a Muslim painter or a Buddhist painter… she only wanted to know if he could paint her house. There’s a lesson here.
When it comes to our work in the world, our work comes first. The young painter, as well-meaning and as passionate about Christ as I’m sure he was, got his witness too far out in front of him. His witness is to do a good job as a Christian. How we do our job is not a means to a witness, it is our witness.
In the marketplace no one cares if you are a Christian. They just want to know: Can you paint? Can you compute? Can you run a company? Can you market this product? Can you manage this store? Can you operate this cash register and smile at all my customers? Once you prove yourself as having integrity and value to your employer, then the fact that you are a Christian will mean something.
People have so many religious preconceptions today. To announce your allegiance up front means you will have to fight through all those preconceptions just to be heard; and even then, the stereotype is hard to shake. If you establish credibility on other levels first, you can clear the deck of all that other stuff. Then you might have a better chance of getting someone to consider what it really means to be a Christian.
In the end, what you claim to be is nothing compared to who you are.
PDL
by John Fischer
I sat next to a Jewish woman once at a PTA function and when she found out I was a Christian, she had a question all ready for me.
“Maybe you can explain this,” she said. “A young man came to my door recently. He was a college student painting houses. My house needed painting so I took his card. When I asked him about the fish symbol I noticed on the card, he smiled and said ‘Oh, I’m a Christian painter!’ Now what do you suppose he meant by that?”
I laughed and told her I really didn’t know except that he was a Christian who was trying to make some money painting houses.
When it comes to our place in the world, it’s much better to be a Christian than to be a Christian something-or-other. In other words, stay away from using “Christian” as an adjective. No one knows what a Christian painter is anyway. Even Christians don’t know; we just think we do because we use these terms all the time.
I asked the woman how she responded to his comment about being a Christian painter and she said, “Oh, I just asked him if he could paint!”
I like this lady. It’s really pretty simple isn’t it? It makes no difference to her if he was a Christian painter or a Muslim painter or a Buddhist painter… she only wanted to know if he could paint her house. There’s a lesson here.
When it comes to our work in the world, our work comes first. The young painter, as well-meaning and as passionate about Christ as I’m sure he was, got his witness too far out in front of him. His witness is to do a good job as a Christian. How we do our job is not a means to a witness, it is our witness.
In the marketplace no one cares if you are a Christian. They just want to know: Can you paint? Can you compute? Can you run a company? Can you market this product? Can you manage this store? Can you operate this cash register and smile at all my customers? Once you prove yourself as having integrity and value to your employer, then the fact that you are a Christian will mean something.
People have so many religious preconceptions today. To announce your allegiance up front means you will have to fight through all those preconceptions just to be heard; and even then, the stereotype is hard to shake. If you establish credibility on other levels first, you can clear the deck of all that other stuff. Then you might have a better chance of getting someone to consider what it really means to be a Christian.
In the end, what you claim to be is nothing compared to who you are.
PDL
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
THE ANTIDOTE TO JEALOUSY
Galatians 5:19-2619 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred,discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions,factions, 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warnyou, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those whobelong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with itspassions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep instep with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking andenvying each other.
Jealousy is an interesting creature. Unlike other pests, it iseasily caught but difficult to lose. Often found in the company ofother undesirables like dissension, envy, anger, andhatred--jealousy is a relational impediment. If we don't quicklyusher him out the door he'll soon spoil the party.
Felt jealous lately? It's a common emotion. We can feel jealous overrelationships (the other guy getting the girl), envy over things (afriend's car or CD collection), recognition (awards or promotions wemissed out on), and experiences. (I can get quite jealous over thoseTV guys who check out the best vacation spots. And they get paid fordoing that?)
We can also get jealous over spiritual matters. Like when God givessomeone a spiritual experience that He hasn't given us. Some of mymost jealous moments have been of this nature--when God blessedsomeone else's efforts more than mine and gave them additionalresponsibility instead of to me.
I've often wondered if the twelve disciples ever felt jealous ofeach other. Read the Gospels carefully and you'll see that Jesusintentionally singled out Peter, James, and John from the group.Only these privileged three were allowed into the room of Jairus'sick daughter to see her miraculous healing (Mark 5:37). Only theireyes saw Jesus transfigured into dazzling light (Mark 9:2). Onlythis inner circle knelt closest to Jesus as He prayed in Gethsemane(Mark 14:33). I wonder how Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas son of James,and Judas Iscariot felt after these events.
Jesus sent the Spirit to give them--and us--an antidote to jealousy.By being filled with Him, we can overcome its power in our life(Galatians 5:25).
Jealousy melts away when we are in step with the Spirit of love. Hefills all the empty gaps of need, and He levels the ground betweenus and those we are jealous of. --Sheridan Voysey
DESTINATION POINTS
* What one thing am I most prone to become jealous about?
* Whatstrategy can I put in place to combat jealousy the next time itvisits?
LINKS:
My spouse is sometimes threatened by my career. How should Irespond?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/questions/threatenedcareer.html
bottom line: Jealousy flees when we're filled with the Spirit.
soul journey
Galatians 5:19-2619 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred,discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions,factions, 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warnyou, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness,and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those whobelong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with itspassions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep instep with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking andenvying each other.
Jealousy is an interesting creature. Unlike other pests, it iseasily caught but difficult to lose. Often found in the company ofother undesirables like dissension, envy, anger, andhatred--jealousy is a relational impediment. If we don't quicklyusher him out the door he'll soon spoil the party.
Felt jealous lately? It's a common emotion. We can feel jealous overrelationships (the other guy getting the girl), envy over things (afriend's car or CD collection), recognition (awards or promotions wemissed out on), and experiences. (I can get quite jealous over thoseTV guys who check out the best vacation spots. And they get paid fordoing that?)
We can also get jealous over spiritual matters. Like when God givessomeone a spiritual experience that He hasn't given us. Some of mymost jealous moments have been of this nature--when God blessedsomeone else's efforts more than mine and gave them additionalresponsibility instead of to me.
I've often wondered if the twelve disciples ever felt jealous ofeach other. Read the Gospels carefully and you'll see that Jesusintentionally singled out Peter, James, and John from the group.Only these privileged three were allowed into the room of Jairus'sick daughter to see her miraculous healing (Mark 5:37). Only theireyes saw Jesus transfigured into dazzling light (Mark 9:2). Onlythis inner circle knelt closest to Jesus as He prayed in Gethsemane(Mark 14:33). I wonder how Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew,Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas son of James,and Judas Iscariot felt after these events.
Jesus sent the Spirit to give them--and us--an antidote to jealousy.By being filled with Him, we can overcome its power in our life(Galatians 5:25).
Jealousy melts away when we are in step with the Spirit of love. Hefills all the empty gaps of need, and He levels the ground betweenus and those we are jealous of. --Sheridan Voysey
DESTINATION POINTS
* What one thing am I most prone to become jealous about?
* Whatstrategy can I put in place to combat jealousy the next time itvisits?
LINKS:
My spouse is sometimes threatened by my career. How should Irespond?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/questions/threatenedcareer.html
bottom line: Jealousy flees when we're filled with the Spirit.
soul journey
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Everything We Need in God
By Scott Presson
But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the Word, making it unfruitful...
How many times have you heard this statement, "we have everything we need in God"? Probably more times than you can count. But wait a minute -- let's think about this a different way. What if we were to get everything WE THINK WE NEED in this life? What would that do for us?
Well, people say if you have your health you have everything so let's put that at the top of the list.
1. Health
Then wealth has got to follow that. Hey you have to have money to live. The money also takes care of quite a few things.
2. Wealth
Then since money doesn't buy you happiness that would be next.
3. Happiness
Well, everyone knows money can't buy you love either so let's add that.
4. Love
How about some "smarts" or knowledge. That's going to take education. We need to know how to apply all this good stuff.
5. Knowledge
It's lonely at the top so we need some "hanger-on's" for company. They're pretty far down the list, but hey,everyone needs a rich uncle, (or aunt) and now it's you!
6. Family and Friends
Now we have it all and we did it without God! Our list could go on and the order can change depending on stock investments, lightning strikes, family arguments, and bad grades, but this is basically it.
Let's face it we always think we know best in regards to what we want and need in this life.The reality is -- God is the only one who knows what's best for us. Look at these verses:
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to get into the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 19:23).
But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the Word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19).
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9).
What's the point in us getting everything we want in life if it's going to destroy us anyway? What's the point in getting all we want and it only takes us to hell? God really does have everything we need. His plan is always best. We pay lip service to this statement but we HAVE TO really believe it in our hearts! We may not ever be rich, but one verse above says: "the desires for other things come in and choke the Word, making it unfruitful". Even the desire for these other things can choke out the Word in our lives!
The Bible says the promises of God are yes and amen.They happen. No ifs, ands, or buts. There is no "shadow of turning" in God. He never changes. He is not a liar. You can believe it all.
He is the Lover of your soul.
He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother.
He is our present help in times of trouble.
He is our salvation.
He is our peace that passes all of our understanding.
He is our Creator.
He is Truth. He is our Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the King of all kings, our Great Redeemer.
He is the name above every name!
HE IS!!!
This is the list that is endless. This is what the Word says:
God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him (Ecclesiastes 2:26).
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people (Ephesians 1:18).
Let's take the promised "wonderful future" and the "rich and glorious inheritance he has given" as what we need. He knows what else we need and when -- and He is faithful and just to give us all we need at that time.
cbn
By Scott Presson
But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the Word, making it unfruitful...
How many times have you heard this statement, "we have everything we need in God"? Probably more times than you can count. But wait a minute -- let's think about this a different way. What if we were to get everything WE THINK WE NEED in this life? What would that do for us?
Well, people say if you have your health you have everything so let's put that at the top of the list.
1. Health
Then wealth has got to follow that. Hey you have to have money to live. The money also takes care of quite a few things.
2. Wealth
Then since money doesn't buy you happiness that would be next.
3. Happiness
Well, everyone knows money can't buy you love either so let's add that.
4. Love
How about some "smarts" or knowledge. That's going to take education. We need to know how to apply all this good stuff.
5. Knowledge
It's lonely at the top so we need some "hanger-on's" for company. They're pretty far down the list, but hey,everyone needs a rich uncle, (or aunt) and now it's you!
6. Family and Friends
Now we have it all and we did it without God! Our list could go on and the order can change depending on stock investments, lightning strikes, family arguments, and bad grades, but this is basically it.
Let's face it we always think we know best in regards to what we want and need in this life.The reality is -- God is the only one who knows what's best for us. Look at these verses:
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is very hard for a rich person to get into the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 19:23).
But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the Word, making it unfruitful (Mark 4:19).
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction (1 Timothy 6:9).
What's the point in us getting everything we want in life if it's going to destroy us anyway? What's the point in getting all we want and it only takes us to hell? God really does have everything we need. His plan is always best. We pay lip service to this statement but we HAVE TO really believe it in our hearts! We may not ever be rich, but one verse above says: "the desires for other things come in and choke the Word, making it unfruitful". Even the desire for these other things can choke out the Word in our lives!
The Bible says the promises of God are yes and amen.They happen. No ifs, ands, or buts. There is no "shadow of turning" in God. He never changes. He is not a liar. You can believe it all.
He is the Lover of your soul.
He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother.
He is our present help in times of trouble.
He is our salvation.
He is our peace that passes all of our understanding.
He is our Creator.
He is Truth. He is our Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, the King of all kings, our Great Redeemer.
He is the name above every name!
HE IS!!!
This is the list that is endless. This is what the Word says:
God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him (Ecclesiastes 2:26).
I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future he has promised to those he called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people (Ephesians 1:18).
Let's take the promised "wonderful future" and the "rich and glorious inheritance he has given" as what we need. He knows what else we need and when -- and He is faithful and just to give us all we need at that time.
cbn
Monday, August 16, 2004
ROAD SIGNS
Psalm 143:7-127 Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your facefrom me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. 8 Let themorning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put mytrust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up mysoul. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You.10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your goodSpirit lead me on level ground. 11 For Your name's sake, O Lord,preserve my life; in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. 12In Your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, forI am Your servant.
How to create chaos? Remove a stop sign. I am not recommending this as a prank. When our university decidedto turn a three-way stop into a two-way stop, though, some driversfelt it was a cruel joke, and they were not laughing.
For several days afterward, approaching the intersection was anadventure. Drivers who still had to observe the stop sign assumedthat oncoming traffic did too, and at least once I had to swerve toavoid an unenlightened motorist who was expecting me to stop.
As the semester progressed, everyone got used to the new system. Butit was amusing to see the same problems at graduation as uninformedparents and alumni came back, and the chaos ensued.
In the days before cars (and now-you-see-'em, now-you-don't stopsigns), people faced their own highway hazards. They could be assimple as stones to trip over, as scary as high ledges, or asdangerous as robbers. When they prayed to God for travel safety, itwas serious business.
Also, when they compared life to a journey, they were again thinkingabout the variety of hazards they faced, not about speed andcomfort. They prayed that God would guide them, making their pathstraight, level, and above all, safe.
As I look at my life, I see dangers too. A lot of travelers outthere are ignoring the moral road signs. If I don't watch out, Imight get caught up in their wrecks. A wrong turn could send meplunging off a steep cliff.
Do I expect God to supernaturally intervene, straightening curveslike on a tire commercial? Hardly. I need to obey His road signs.Others in my path might not always do the same, but alert and wisedriving will help me avoid them.
As you drive your car, obey all stop signs--at least the ones thatare really there. In life's journey, obey God's direction, asdetailed in His Word.
And have a safe trip. --John Carvalho
DESTINATION POINTS
* How do I rate in obeying the directions of God's Word?
* Whatchanges do I need to make so that my life journey will be safe?
LINKS:
Run The Red Light?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2000/004/aug/7.7.html
bottom line: A safe journey begins with good direction.
soul journey
Psalm 143:7-127 Answer me quickly, O Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your facefrom me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. 8 Let themorning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put mytrust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up mysoul. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in You.10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your goodSpirit lead me on level ground. 11 For Your name's sake, O Lord,preserve my life; in Your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. 12In Your unfailing love, silence my enemies; destroy all my foes, forI am Your servant.
How to create chaos? Remove a stop sign. I am not recommending this as a prank. When our university decidedto turn a three-way stop into a two-way stop, though, some driversfelt it was a cruel joke, and they were not laughing.
For several days afterward, approaching the intersection was anadventure. Drivers who still had to observe the stop sign assumedthat oncoming traffic did too, and at least once I had to swerve toavoid an unenlightened motorist who was expecting me to stop.
As the semester progressed, everyone got used to the new system. Butit was amusing to see the same problems at graduation as uninformedparents and alumni came back, and the chaos ensued.
In the days before cars (and now-you-see-'em, now-you-don't stopsigns), people faced their own highway hazards. They could be assimple as stones to trip over, as scary as high ledges, or asdangerous as robbers. When they prayed to God for travel safety, itwas serious business.
Also, when they compared life to a journey, they were again thinkingabout the variety of hazards they faced, not about speed andcomfort. They prayed that God would guide them, making their pathstraight, level, and above all, safe.
As I look at my life, I see dangers too. A lot of travelers outthere are ignoring the moral road signs. If I don't watch out, Imight get caught up in their wrecks. A wrong turn could send meplunging off a steep cliff.
Do I expect God to supernaturally intervene, straightening curveslike on a tire commercial? Hardly. I need to obey His road signs.Others in my path might not always do the same, but alert and wisedriving will help me avoid them.
As you drive your car, obey all stop signs--at least the ones thatare really there. In life's journey, obey God's direction, asdetailed in His Word.
And have a safe trip. --John Carvalho
DESTINATION POINTS
* How do I rate in obeying the directions of God's Word?
* Whatchanges do I need to make so that my life journey will be safe?
LINKS:
Run The Red Light?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2000/004/aug/7.7.html
bottom line: A safe journey begins with good direction.
soul journey
Sunday, August 15, 2004
MY WAY
Proverbs 16:20-2520 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he whotrusts in the Lord. 21 The wise in heart are called discerning, andpleasant words promote instruction. 22 Understanding is a fountainof life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promoteinstruction. 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the souland healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to aman, but in the end it leads to death.
Think about some of the worst intellectual match-ups of all time.For instance, let's say we put Albert Einstein in a room with AlCapone to debate the theory of relativity. Or how about GeorgeWashington Carver and Boy George discussing biochemical engineering.
It's silly to think of putting these people together to havediscussions. One person is the ultimate expert; the other would knowlittle or nothing about the topic.
Let's think of another one. God and any one of us arguing with Himabout His plan for mankind. Now we're talking mismatch!
Yet listen to people try to explain away God's matchless wisdom--Hisplan--His gospel--everything. Listen to people attempt to explainthat they have a better way to live than what God has given us inHis very own words. Listen to people try to explain how much bettertheir way is than God's way. You don't have to listen very long tohear all of these things.
Then listen to a man who is in prison. In a letter to a Christianministry, he wrote: "I came to the point in my life where I finallyaccepted the fact that God is real . . . the Creator of everything.I grew tired of trying to do things my way. Everything I tried to doand everything the judges sentenced me to--rehabs, programs,prison--never worked! When I started humbling myself and acceptingGod's Word, I allowed myself a whole new way."
How self-destructive it is to live as if we know better than God.How sad that people reject His great plan of salvation and hope forthe future. How misguided that they often neglect His commandmentsand guidelines for this life.
Are you still trying to do things in what could be described as "myway"? Do you see how foolish that pathway is compared with God'sclear road to hope and help? Stop making losing arguments. Agreewith God and go His way. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* What part of God's way bugs me so much that I want to choose adifferent path? Do I truly believe that I know more than God abouthow to live?
* What about trouble and pain? I've trusted God andstill have difficulties in life. Does that mean God's plan doesn'twork for me?
* What can I do to help a friend or family member whojust cannot see the importance of living for God?
LINKS:
God Is Smart. So?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2003/003/jun/28.28.html/
bottom line: God's plan dwarfs the thoughts of man.
soul journey
Proverbs 16:20-2520 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he whotrusts in the Lord. 21 The wise in heart are called discerning, andpleasant words promote instruction. 22 Understanding is a fountainof life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools.23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promoteinstruction. 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the souland healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to aman, but in the end it leads to death.
Think about some of the worst intellectual match-ups of all time.For instance, let's say we put Albert Einstein in a room with AlCapone to debate the theory of relativity. Or how about GeorgeWashington Carver and Boy George discussing biochemical engineering.
It's silly to think of putting these people together to havediscussions. One person is the ultimate expert; the other would knowlittle or nothing about the topic.
Let's think of another one. God and any one of us arguing with Himabout His plan for mankind. Now we're talking mismatch!
Yet listen to people try to explain away God's matchless wisdom--Hisplan--His gospel--everything. Listen to people attempt to explainthat they have a better way to live than what God has given us inHis very own words. Listen to people try to explain how much bettertheir way is than God's way. You don't have to listen very long tohear all of these things.
Then listen to a man who is in prison. In a letter to a Christianministry, he wrote: "I came to the point in my life where I finallyaccepted the fact that God is real . . . the Creator of everything.I grew tired of trying to do things my way. Everything I tried to doand everything the judges sentenced me to--rehabs, programs,prison--never worked! When I started humbling myself and acceptingGod's Word, I allowed myself a whole new way."
How self-destructive it is to live as if we know better than God.How sad that people reject His great plan of salvation and hope forthe future. How misguided that they often neglect His commandmentsand guidelines for this life.
Are you still trying to do things in what could be described as "myway"? Do you see how foolish that pathway is compared with God'sclear road to hope and help? Stop making losing arguments. Agreewith God and go His way. --Dave Branon
DESTINATION POINTS
* What part of God's way bugs me so much that I want to choose adifferent path? Do I truly believe that I know more than God abouthow to live?
* What about trouble and pain? I've trusted God andstill have difficulties in life. Does that mean God's plan doesn'twork for me?
* What can I do to help a friend or family member whojust cannot see the importance of living for God?
LINKS:
God Is Smart. So?
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2003/003/jun/28.28.html/
bottom line: God's plan dwarfs the thoughts of man.
soul journey
Saturday, August 14, 2004
THE RETURN OF THE KING
Matthew 24:36-4436 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels inheaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the daysof Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For inthe days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marryingand giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 andthey knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came andtook them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Sonof Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and theother left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one willbe taken and the other left. 42 Therefore keep watch, because you donot know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: Ifthe owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief wascoming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house bebroken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Manwill come at an hour when you do not expect Him.
Ever since The Lord of the Rings trilogy hit the big screen, fansaround the world have been attracted to it, and its third and finalepisode was no exception. The Return of the King drew huge crowdsthat waited in long lines to watch the new release--eagerlyanticipating a great movie. The show generated big bucks with itscaptivating plot and storyline. It was phenomenal.
Something occurred to me as I thought about the flick: Arewe--children of the King of kings--ready and eagerly awaiting Hisreturn, just as fans counted down the days to the release of TheReturn of the King? The Word of God says in Matthew 24:40, "Keepwatch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."Jesus promised us that He'll return one day to take all of Hischildren home with Him to the place He has prepared. Yet, not all ofus are prepared for His arrival as evidenced by the way we live hereon earth.
As the day draws nearer, let's be ready for our King's return. Jesustold His disciples that He will come at an unexpected hour (v.44),and He wants to find us serving Him faithfully and doing His willhere--not sinning against Him. Despite the fact that no one on earthknows when our Savior will come again, we must constantly remindourselves of His imminent return, live right before Him, and tellothers about His love and truth.
Sounds like a huge responsibility, doesn't it? But that's what we'recalled to do as His children--live out our faith and proclaim Hisgoodness to all. In 1 Peter 2:9 we read, "You are a chosen people, aroyal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that youmay declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness intoHis wonderful light."
When our King comes back, there will be a great reward and joyfulcelebration if we declare His praises today. --David Chan, Singapore
Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader
DESTINATION POINTS
* If Jesus were to return today, where would I be going?
* How is my life today pleasing and acceptable to God? How is it not?
LINKS:
Where Do We Go From Here?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q1202
What Can We Know About The Second Coming?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q1204
bottom line: Are you ready for the return of the King?
soul journey
Matthew 24:36-4436 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels inheaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 As it was in the daysof Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For inthe days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marryingand giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; 39 andthey knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came andtook them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Sonof Man. 40 Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and theother left. 41 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one willbe taken and the other left. 42 Therefore keep watch, because you donot know on what day your Lord will come. 43 But understand this: Ifthe owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief wascoming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house bebroken into. 44 So you also must be ready, because the Son of Manwill come at an hour when you do not expect Him.
Ever since The Lord of the Rings trilogy hit the big screen, fansaround the world have been attracted to it, and its third and finalepisode was no exception. The Return of the King drew huge crowdsthat waited in long lines to watch the new release--eagerlyanticipating a great movie. The show generated big bucks with itscaptivating plot and storyline. It was phenomenal.
Something occurred to me as I thought about the flick: Arewe--children of the King of kings--ready and eagerly awaiting Hisreturn, just as fans counted down the days to the release of TheReturn of the King? The Word of God says in Matthew 24:40, "Keepwatch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."Jesus promised us that He'll return one day to take all of Hischildren home with Him to the place He has prepared. Yet, not all ofus are prepared for His arrival as evidenced by the way we live hereon earth.
As the day draws nearer, let's be ready for our King's return. Jesustold His disciples that He will come at an unexpected hour (v.44),and He wants to find us serving Him faithfully and doing His willhere--not sinning against Him. Despite the fact that no one on earthknows when our Savior will come again, we must constantly remindourselves of His imminent return, live right before Him, and tellothers about His love and truth.
Sounds like a huge responsibility, doesn't it? But that's what we'recalled to do as His children--live out our faith and proclaim Hisgoodness to all. In 1 Peter 2:9 we read, "You are a chosen people, aroyal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that youmay declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness intoHis wonderful light."
When our King comes back, there will be a great reward and joyfulcelebration if we declare His praises today. --David Chan, Singapore
Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader
DESTINATION POINTS
* If Jesus were to return today, where would I be going?
* How is my life today pleasing and acceptable to God? How is it not?
LINKS:
Where Do We Go From Here?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q1202
What Can We Know About The Second Coming?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q1204
bottom line: Are you ready for the return of the King?
soul journey
Thursday, August 12, 2004
When Bad Things Happen
by John Fischer
When bad things happen to good people we can be assured that this is God, out to make good people better.
There are so many things in life that make us cry, “Why?” “Why me?” “Why now?” I don’t think we are capable of knowing all the answers to these questions. Our lives fit into a vast and complicated tapestry that only God could unravel, because He’s the one making it. There are things that happen in our lives that are tied in an intricate domino effect to something else happening somewhere else that we may never realize in this life. I’ve heard of enough bizarre connections to know this is happening a lot more than we realize. Chalk it up to God’s amazing creativity as He weaves His will into the events of the world.
Someone gets sick, goes to the hospital, and ends up leading the person in the next bed to the Lord. Not only this, but huge growth issues were established in both of their lives when this happened, and this started a chain of events still going on today. And we want to ask “Why?” I have a feeling God might say, “You don’t have time for that answer. Besides, you haven’t lived long enough to see the end of it. Sorry, but I could never explain it all to you. You just have to trust me.”
Our job is to look at what happens in our lives and learn from what God is trying to teach us. There are no mistakes here. God doesn’t go, “Whoops!” or to the angels: “Okay, what went wrong here? Which one of you guys had Fischer this time?”
Here’s the truth of the matter: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). Which is another way of saying that God’s purpose is in everything that you and I go through, whether we are able to see it or not. And that purpose is producing something good in and through our lives, no matter what happens. Do you believe that?
We all have things in our lives in which it is hard—almost impossible—to see God’s purpose. That doesn’t mean anything except that we are shortsighted and short on faith sometimes. That’s when we need to keep on believing and knowing that God is working things out for the best.
What about you? Is something bad happening to you right now? Think back on a time when you felt like this about something that you now see God had a purpose in, and believe that He is at work, doing the same redemptive act with what you can’t see right now; and believe. Don’t stop believing.
PDL
by John Fischer
When bad things happen to good people we can be assured that this is God, out to make good people better.
There are so many things in life that make us cry, “Why?” “Why me?” “Why now?” I don’t think we are capable of knowing all the answers to these questions. Our lives fit into a vast and complicated tapestry that only God could unravel, because He’s the one making it. There are things that happen in our lives that are tied in an intricate domino effect to something else happening somewhere else that we may never realize in this life. I’ve heard of enough bizarre connections to know this is happening a lot more than we realize. Chalk it up to God’s amazing creativity as He weaves His will into the events of the world.
Someone gets sick, goes to the hospital, and ends up leading the person in the next bed to the Lord. Not only this, but huge growth issues were established in both of their lives when this happened, and this started a chain of events still going on today. And we want to ask “Why?” I have a feeling God might say, “You don’t have time for that answer. Besides, you haven’t lived long enough to see the end of it. Sorry, but I could never explain it all to you. You just have to trust me.”
Our job is to look at what happens in our lives and learn from what God is trying to teach us. There are no mistakes here. God doesn’t go, “Whoops!” or to the angels: “Okay, what went wrong here? Which one of you guys had Fischer this time?”
Here’s the truth of the matter: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). Which is another way of saying that God’s purpose is in everything that you and I go through, whether we are able to see it or not. And that purpose is producing something good in and through our lives, no matter what happens. Do you believe that?
We all have things in our lives in which it is hard—almost impossible—to see God’s purpose. That doesn’t mean anything except that we are shortsighted and short on faith sometimes. That’s when we need to keep on believing and knowing that God is working things out for the best.
What about you? Is something bad happening to you right now? Think back on a time when you felt like this about something that you now see God had a purpose in, and believe that He is at work, doing the same redemptive act with what you can’t see right now; and believe. Don’t stop believing.
PDL
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Lord of the Struggle
By Martha Noebel
God is faithful to bring us through our difficulties, but we must wait on His timing.
We often feel the pressure of the struggles of life. The answers to our questions do not always come right away. So what do we do?
"The Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler [shield] to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth paths of judgement and preserveth the way of his saints" (Proverbs 2:7-8, KJV).
OK, we know God is in control, and He is giving us all we need. Wisdom is ours for the asking, but what about God's timing? He can show us the way to go and what will be ours in the future. The question is when?
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you"(1 Peter 5:6-7, NKJV).
God is working everything out for our good. He will do it in His timing and in His way. It may seem frustrating at times, but we must trust Him. We need to humble ourselves before Him, knowing He is more than able to meet the desires of our hearts.
When the struggles in life seem to be getting the best of me, I sometimes let them block God's presence. I am not able to feel His love, as I would like. But I must remind myself like David in the Psalms:
"Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever" (Psalm 73:25-26, New Living Translation).
I can stay strong by focusing on God and His Word. He is not upset when He senses that I have questions and concerns. He knows everything is going to be OK. God understands that I will soon shake off these feelings and that I will be back in His presence once again.
If you have found the cares of this life getting you down, join me in thanking God for His faithfulness. Allow Him to be the "Lord of the Struggle."
cbn
By Martha Noebel
God is faithful to bring us through our difficulties, but we must wait on His timing.
We often feel the pressure of the struggles of life. The answers to our questions do not always come right away. So what do we do?
"The Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler [shield] to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth paths of judgement and preserveth the way of his saints" (Proverbs 2:7-8, KJV).
OK, we know God is in control, and He is giving us all we need. Wisdom is ours for the asking, but what about God's timing? He can show us the way to go and what will be ours in the future. The question is when?
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you"(1 Peter 5:6-7, NKJV).
God is working everything out for our good. He will do it in His timing and in His way. It may seem frustrating at times, but we must trust Him. We need to humble ourselves before Him, knowing He is more than able to meet the desires of our hearts.
When the struggles in life seem to be getting the best of me, I sometimes let them block God's presence. I am not able to feel His love, as I would like. But I must remind myself like David in the Psalms:
"Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever" (Psalm 73:25-26, New Living Translation).
I can stay strong by focusing on God and His Word. He is not upset when He senses that I have questions and concerns. He knows everything is going to be OK. God understands that I will soon shake off these feelings and that I will be back in His presence once again.
If you have found the cares of this life getting you down, join me in thanking God for His faithfulness. Allow Him to be the "Lord of the Struggle."
cbn
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Loving the Other
by John Fischer
There is one thing, among many, that we share as human beings. We are all selfish. It’s built into our DNA. Not that this is all bad. In fact the one commandment that Jesus said that summed up everything God expects of us relies on our being this way. Jesus said we were to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. So self-love is assumed. It’s interesting to me that Jesus doesn’t tell us to stop being selfish; he tells us how to turn our preoccupation with self into something that will take us beyond ourselves.
We all care for ourselves and look after our own needs. We’re all number one in our own book. Jesus was counting on this when he told us how to love. He said to love others the way you love yourself. Look after someone else’s needs the way you look after your own. If you want to find out how to love someone, observe how you treat yourself, and then do that for someone else.
This shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. If you want people to listen to you, listen to them. If you want people to applaud you, applaud them. If you want to be recognized, recognize someone. If you want people to take you seriously, take them seriously. If you’re getting hungry, then you can assume that others around you are probably hungry too. How else did Jesus know to take care of feeding the crowd he had been speaking to all day except that he was hungry himself? You could go as far as to say that this is precisely why we have needs, so we can understand and deal with the needs of those around us.
Noticing others by all the attention we pay ourselves, is a way of using our natural born instincts for something better. This is one of the great things about fellowship. If everyone is concerned about everyone else, everyone gets taken care of without having to focus on ourselves. We all take care of each other taking extra care to make sure no one is left out.
Think about this as you go through this day—that your own needs are more than likely an indication of the needs of those around you, and try satisfying your need by meeting theirs.
PDL
by John Fischer
There is one thing, among many, that we share as human beings. We are all selfish. It’s built into our DNA. Not that this is all bad. In fact the one commandment that Jesus said that summed up everything God expects of us relies on our being this way. Jesus said we were to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. So self-love is assumed. It’s interesting to me that Jesus doesn’t tell us to stop being selfish; he tells us how to turn our preoccupation with self into something that will take us beyond ourselves.
We all care for ourselves and look after our own needs. We’re all number one in our own book. Jesus was counting on this when he told us how to love. He said to love others the way you love yourself. Look after someone else’s needs the way you look after your own. If you want to find out how to love someone, observe how you treat yourself, and then do that for someone else.
This shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. If you want people to listen to you, listen to them. If you want people to applaud you, applaud them. If you want to be recognized, recognize someone. If you want people to take you seriously, take them seriously. If you’re getting hungry, then you can assume that others around you are probably hungry too. How else did Jesus know to take care of feeding the crowd he had been speaking to all day except that he was hungry himself? You could go as far as to say that this is precisely why we have needs, so we can understand and deal with the needs of those around us.
Noticing others by all the attention we pay ourselves, is a way of using our natural born instincts for something better. This is one of the great things about fellowship. If everyone is concerned about everyone else, everyone gets taken care of without having to focus on ourselves. We all take care of each other taking extra care to make sure no one is left out.
Think about this as you go through this day—that your own needs are more than likely an indication of the needs of those around you, and try satisfying your need by meeting theirs.
PDL
Monday, August 09, 2004
AMBUSH DETECTION
Proverbs 2:1-81 My son, if you accept My words and store up My commands withinyou, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart tounderstanding, 3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud forunderstanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search forit as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear ofthe Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom,and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holdsvictory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walkis blameless, 8 for He guards the course of the just and protectsthe way of His faithful ones.
The surprise attack is one of the oldest and most effective tacticsof war. A hidden force lies in wait and strikes without warning,creating fear and confusion while inflicting maximum casualties onan unsuspecting enemy. According to a New York Times article, modernmilitary forces are spending hundreds of millions of dollars onsurveillance aircraft, sensors, and intelligence gathering in aneffort to keep their troops from being ambushed.
Is it possible for us to avoid being ambushed spiritually? Is therea way to see temptation or discouragement coming and take steps toprotect ourselves? The book of Proverbs is a practical guide we canuse to prepare for the sneak attacks of life. It is written asadvice from a wise father to a son who is moving towardindependence. But it's applicable for anyone wanting to face lifehead-on in the power of God. Throughout Proverbs, the key to victoryis held by God:
"The Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge andunderstanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is ashield to those whose walk is blameless" (Proverbs 2:6-7).
The month of August is often a transition period as people go backto school, move, and take new jobs. It's a great time to seek theLord's help in preparing for what's ahead. Here's a suggestion thatcould make a difference. Read Proverbs 9 today. Then, for the next30 days, keep reading the chapter each day that corresponds to thedate until you've read the entire book. When you come across apassage that's challenging or encouraging, make a note, copy thetext, and think it over.
The writer of Proverbs discusses the most common "surprises" of theenemy--pride, money, sex, anger, careless words, fear. Nothing isoff limits.
The Holy Spirit uses the Bible as our early warning device againsttemptation. As we accept God's words and seek His way, we "willunderstand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God"(v.5).
That's ambush detection and life protection. --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* What happens to an ambush when the element of surprise iseliminated?
* When am I most vulnerable to temptation?
* Whom can Iask to join me in reading one chapter of Proverbs every day for thenext month?
LINKS:
Knowing God Through Proverbs
http://www.discoveryseries.org/sb130/
bottom line: Be prepared for Satan's surprises.
soul journey
Proverbs 2:1-81 My son, if you accept My words and store up My commands withinyou, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart tounderstanding, 3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud forunderstanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search forit as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear ofthe Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom,and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holdsvictory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walkis blameless, 8 for He guards the course of the just and protectsthe way of His faithful ones.
The surprise attack is one of the oldest and most effective tacticsof war. A hidden force lies in wait and strikes without warning,creating fear and confusion while inflicting maximum casualties onan unsuspecting enemy. According to a New York Times article, modernmilitary forces are spending hundreds of millions of dollars onsurveillance aircraft, sensors, and intelligence gathering in aneffort to keep their troops from being ambushed.
Is it possible for us to avoid being ambushed spiritually? Is therea way to see temptation or discouragement coming and take steps toprotect ourselves? The book of Proverbs is a practical guide we canuse to prepare for the sneak attacks of life. It is written asadvice from a wise father to a son who is moving towardindependence. But it's applicable for anyone wanting to face lifehead-on in the power of God. Throughout Proverbs, the key to victoryis held by God:
"The Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge andunderstanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is ashield to those whose walk is blameless" (Proverbs 2:6-7).
The month of August is often a transition period as people go backto school, move, and take new jobs. It's a great time to seek theLord's help in preparing for what's ahead. Here's a suggestion thatcould make a difference. Read Proverbs 9 today. Then, for the next30 days, keep reading the chapter each day that corresponds to thedate until you've read the entire book. When you come across apassage that's challenging or encouraging, make a note, copy thetext, and think it over.
The writer of Proverbs discusses the most common "surprises" of theenemy--pride, money, sex, anger, careless words, fear. Nothing isoff limits.
The Holy Spirit uses the Bible as our early warning device againsttemptation. As we accept God's words and seek His way, we "willunderstand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God"(v.5).
That's ambush detection and life protection. --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* What happens to an ambush when the element of surprise iseliminated?
* When am I most vulnerable to temptation?
* Whom can Iask to join me in reading one chapter of Proverbs every day for thenext month?
LINKS:
Knowing God Through Proverbs
http://www.discoveryseries.org/sb130/
bottom line: Be prepared for Satan's surprises.
soul journey
Sunday, August 08, 2004
"We Cut The Coal"
Read: Romans 16:1-16
I commend to you Phoebe . . . ; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. —Romans 16:1-2
Winston Churchill knew that people who work behind the scenes don't always get the credit they deserve. During World War II, many of England's coal miners wanted to enlist and fight on the front lines. Churchill acknowledged their patriotism but reminded them of how valuable their work was to the cause of the war. "Some must stay in the pits," he said, "and others must stay in the army. Both are equally needed, and for both there is equal credit."
Looking ahead to when children would ask their parents what they did in the war, Churchill said, "One will say, 'I was a fighter pilot'; another will say, 'I was in the submarine service'; . . . and you in your turn will say with equal pride and with equal right, 'We cut the coal.'"
Paul too recognized the vital importance of those who worked behind the scenes. Much of Romans 16 is dedicated to honoring some of his fellow workers in the faith—people such as Phoebe, Andronicus, and Urbanus—whom we would otherwise never know about. Their service was valuable to Paul and to the cause of reaching people for Christ.
Your labor for the Lord may be unseen and unheralded, but it is essential. Continue to "cut the coal." You are valuable to the Lord. —Dave Egner
Use now what God has given you,
Count not its worth as small;
God does not ask of you great things,
Just faithfulness—that's all! —Bosch
Your little is a lot when you give your all.
daily bread
Read: Romans 16:1-16
I commend to you Phoebe . . . ; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. —Romans 16:1-2
Winston Churchill knew that people who work behind the scenes don't always get the credit they deserve. During World War II, many of England's coal miners wanted to enlist and fight on the front lines. Churchill acknowledged their patriotism but reminded them of how valuable their work was to the cause of the war. "Some must stay in the pits," he said, "and others must stay in the army. Both are equally needed, and for both there is equal credit."
Looking ahead to when children would ask their parents what they did in the war, Churchill said, "One will say, 'I was a fighter pilot'; another will say, 'I was in the submarine service'; . . . and you in your turn will say with equal pride and with equal right, 'We cut the coal.'"
Paul too recognized the vital importance of those who worked behind the scenes. Much of Romans 16 is dedicated to honoring some of his fellow workers in the faith—people such as Phoebe, Andronicus, and Urbanus—whom we would otherwise never know about. Their service was valuable to Paul and to the cause of reaching people for Christ.
Your labor for the Lord may be unseen and unheralded, but it is essential. Continue to "cut the coal." You are valuable to the Lord. —Dave Egner
Use now what God has given you,
Count not its worth as small;
God does not ask of you great things,
Just faithfulness—that's all! —Bosch
Your little is a lot when you give your all.
daily bread
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Loving the Other
by John Fischer
There is one thing, among many, that we share as human beings. We are all selfish. It’s built into our DNA. Not that this is all bad. In fact the one commandment that Jesus said that summed up everything God expects of us relies on our being this way. Jesus said we were to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. So self-love is assumed. It’s interesting to me that Jesus doesn’t tell us to stop being selfish; he tells us how to turn our preoccupation with self into something that will take us beyond ourselves.
We all care for ourselves and look after our own needs. We’re all number one in our own book. Jesus was counting on this when he told us how to love. He said to love others the way you love yourself. Look after someone else’s needs the way you look after your own. If you want to find out how to love someone, observe how you treat yourself, and then do that for someone else.
This shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. If you want people to listen to you, listen to them. If you want people to applaud you, applaud them. If you want to be recognized, recognize someone. If you want people to take you seriously, take them seriously. If you’re getting hungry, then you can assume that others around you are probably hungry too. How else did Jesus know to take care of feeding the crowd he had been speaking to all day except that he was hungry himself? You could go as far as to say that this is precisely why we have needs, so we can understand and deal with the needs of those around us.
Noticing others by all the attention we pay ourselves, is a way of using our natural born instincts for something better. This is one of the great things about fellowship. If everyone is concerned about everyone else, everyone gets taken care of without having to focus on ourselves. We all take care of each other taking extra care to make sure no one is left out.
Think about this as you go through this day—that your own needs are more than likely an indication of the needs of those around you, and try satisfying your need by meeting theirs.
PDL
by John Fischer
There is one thing, among many, that we share as human beings. We are all selfish. It’s built into our DNA. Not that this is all bad. In fact the one commandment that Jesus said that summed up everything God expects of us relies on our being this way. Jesus said we were to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. So self-love is assumed. It’s interesting to me that Jesus doesn’t tell us to stop being selfish; he tells us how to turn our preoccupation with self into something that will take us beyond ourselves.
We all care for ourselves and look after our own needs. We’re all number one in our own book. Jesus was counting on this when he told us how to love. He said to love others the way you love yourself. Look after someone else’s needs the way you look after your own. If you want to find out how to love someone, observe how you treat yourself, and then do that for someone else.
This shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. If you want people to listen to you, listen to them. If you want people to applaud you, applaud them. If you want to be recognized, recognize someone. If you want people to take you seriously, take them seriously. If you’re getting hungry, then you can assume that others around you are probably hungry too. How else did Jesus know to take care of feeding the crowd he had been speaking to all day except that he was hungry himself? You could go as far as to say that this is precisely why we have needs, so we can understand and deal with the needs of those around us.
Noticing others by all the attention we pay ourselves, is a way of using our natural born instincts for something better. This is one of the great things about fellowship. If everyone is concerned about everyone else, everyone gets taken care of without having to focus on ourselves. We all take care of each other taking extra care to make sure no one is left out.
Think about this as you go through this day—that your own needs are more than likely an indication of the needs of those around you, and try satisfying your need by meeting theirs.
PDL
Thursday, August 05, 2004
THE ART OF MIRACLES
Luke 1:31-3831 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are togive Him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called theSon of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of Hisfather David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever;His kingdom will never end." 34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered, "The HolySpirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High willovershadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Five-year-old Mark watched with interest as his father sketched theportrait of one of his clients. The woman sat very still on thecouch while Mark's father worked swiftly with his pencil to outlineher face on the paper in front of him.
But there was something that Mark could not understand. His father'ssketch didn't look like the woman he saw sitting on the couch. Marksaw only lines, crosses, and circles on the clean white paper. Itdidn't make any sense to the young boy. Innocently, he asked, "Dad,how is it that what you're drawing is not what I see?"
His father smiled and continued working with his pencil. Tired ofwaiting for an answer, Mark fell asleep beside his father. Hours later, Mark woke up. On the drawing board was his father's completed picture of the woman. Mark exclaimed excitedly, "It's a miracle!"
When we read Luke 1, we see another miracle. An angel appeared tothe virgin Mary and told her she would become pregnant (v.31).Imagine Mary's dilemma when she heard what the angel said. She wasengaged to be married to Joseph. If she were found to be pregnantbefore their wedding, she faced the possibility of a brokenengagement and social scorn. Confronted with the risk of heartbreak,tremendous persecution, and great disgrace, Mary chose to submit tothe Lord's will.
God honored Mary's obedience. The Lord spoke to Joseph on behalf of Mary, and she was used as a vessel to bring about the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25).
Like Mary, we don't understand all the things that happen to us.Daily we must learn to trust and obey God more fully. Someday inheaven we'll see our Father's final sketch of us and realizecompletely the goodness of His sovereign will. --Joanna Lim
DESTINATION POINTS
* When was the last time I was in a difficult situation that didn'tmake any sense? How did I react?
* What can I learn from Mary inLuke 1:38?
* How do I trust and obey God in difficult circumstances?
LINKS:
Down But Never Out
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cr/2003/006/2.62.html
bottom line: Submission to God involves trust and obedience.
soul journey
Luke 1:31-3831 You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are togive Him the name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called theSon of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of Hisfather David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever;His kingdom will never end." 34 "How will this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?" 35 The angel answered, "The HolySpirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High willovershadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. 37 For nothing is impossible with God." 38 "I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Then the angel left her.
Five-year-old Mark watched with interest as his father sketched theportrait of one of his clients. The woman sat very still on thecouch while Mark's father worked swiftly with his pencil to outlineher face on the paper in front of him.
But there was something that Mark could not understand. His father'ssketch didn't look like the woman he saw sitting on the couch. Marksaw only lines, crosses, and circles on the clean white paper. Itdidn't make any sense to the young boy. Innocently, he asked, "Dad,how is it that what you're drawing is not what I see?"
His father smiled and continued working with his pencil. Tired ofwaiting for an answer, Mark fell asleep beside his father. Hours later, Mark woke up. On the drawing board was his father's completed picture of the woman. Mark exclaimed excitedly, "It's a miracle!"
When we read Luke 1, we see another miracle. An angel appeared tothe virgin Mary and told her she would become pregnant (v.31).Imagine Mary's dilemma when she heard what the angel said. She wasengaged to be married to Joseph. If she were found to be pregnantbefore their wedding, she faced the possibility of a brokenengagement and social scorn. Confronted with the risk of heartbreak,tremendous persecution, and great disgrace, Mary chose to submit tothe Lord's will.
God honored Mary's obedience. The Lord spoke to Joseph on behalf of Mary, and she was used as a vessel to bring about the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25).
Like Mary, we don't understand all the things that happen to us.Daily we must learn to trust and obey God more fully. Someday inheaven we'll see our Father's final sketch of us and realizecompletely the goodness of His sovereign will. --Joanna Lim
DESTINATION POINTS
* When was the last time I was in a difficult situation that didn'tmake any sense? How did I react?
* What can I learn from Mary inLuke 1:38?
* How do I trust and obey God in difficult circumstances?
LINKS:
Down But Never Out
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cr/2003/006/2.62.html
bottom line: Submission to God involves trust and obedience.
soul journey
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Rats Indeed!
By Dan Betzer
I wonder what you and I allow to come scurrying into our lives.
It was the early 1300's. Europe was enjoying prosperity because of its trade network from China to the Mediterranean. When an ordinary ship docked at Messina, Sicily, in October of 1347, nobody thought much of it.
It was doubtless loaded with jewels, silks and spices for trade. Unfortunately, that ship was also laden with dying sailors. One observer said there was “a sickness clinging to their very bones.”
The frightened citizens drove the ship out to sea. But they were too late. Some of the rats of that diseased ship had scurried down the mooring ropes tied to the docks. They were carriers of what would become known as The Black Death, which wiped out as many as 50 million people.
Within weeks, people all over Sicily were dying. In only 3 years, most of Europe had been infected. In some cases, people went to bed feeling great and they would be dead by morning. They were the fortunate ones.
Others suffered for as much as seven to ten days with aches and chills, egg-sized swellings in their armpits and groins, hemorrhaging under the skin and the collapse of their nervous systems. In England, corpses were buried in mass graves six feet deep, six feet wide and one hundred yards long. It all started with a few rats, scooting down ropes.
I wonder what you and I allow to come scurrying into our lives. It may seem like little more than a rather innocent mouse, infecting our brains and hearts. Before long death comes knocking at our door. Be careful what you allow in your life, good friend. That innocent-appearing rat could be the start of the plague.
cbn
By Dan Betzer
I wonder what you and I allow to come scurrying into our lives.
It was the early 1300's. Europe was enjoying prosperity because of its trade network from China to the Mediterranean. When an ordinary ship docked at Messina, Sicily, in October of 1347, nobody thought much of it.
It was doubtless loaded with jewels, silks and spices for trade. Unfortunately, that ship was also laden with dying sailors. One observer said there was “a sickness clinging to their very bones.”
The frightened citizens drove the ship out to sea. But they were too late. Some of the rats of that diseased ship had scurried down the mooring ropes tied to the docks. They were carriers of what would become known as The Black Death, which wiped out as many as 50 million people.
Within weeks, people all over Sicily were dying. In only 3 years, most of Europe had been infected. In some cases, people went to bed feeling great and they would be dead by morning. They were the fortunate ones.
Others suffered for as much as seven to ten days with aches and chills, egg-sized swellings in their armpits and groins, hemorrhaging under the skin and the collapse of their nervous systems. In England, corpses were buried in mass graves six feet deep, six feet wide and one hundred yards long. It all started with a few rats, scooting down ropes.
I wonder what you and I allow to come scurrying into our lives. It may seem like little more than a rather innocent mouse, infecting our brains and hearts. Before long death comes knocking at our door. Be careful what you allow in your life, good friend. That innocent-appearing rat could be the start of the plague.
cbn
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Growing Pains
by John Fischer
Often, as a child, when I complained about some ache or pain that had no clear physical explanation, the simple parental diagnosis was: “It’s just growing pains.” I used to imagine my muscles and bones actually hurting while they stretched and grew. While I know nothing about the scientific nature of this evaluation, I do know it has a spiritual application that is entirely accurate. It hurts to grow.
It hurts to grow because we have to die to old ways in order to live anew, and old ways die hard. We place a high premium in life on dying peacefully, but in reality dying almost always is accompanied by pain. We have dependencies with coping mechanisms that have enslaved us. It’s hard letting go of our security blankets.
In a touching scene from the romantic comedy, Mr. Mom, Michael Keaton has to coax his toddler’s “whoopee” blanket away from him. Upon rendering it up, the little boy asks for a moment to himself to grieve the loss and we can almost touch his pain. We would like similar moments to grieve our little daily deaths, but we have to learn to move on, because the pain of losing is followed by the greater joy of finding that God always meets us on the other side of our loss.
It hurts to grow because growing usually means facing some fear or weakness that has limited us. Though God saves us through no effort of our own, he asks for our cooperation when it comes to our spiritual growth. Real spiritual growth only happens when our effort to act upon God’s word meets the provision of the Holy Spirit in us.
Or as Paul teaches, “Put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:12-13 NLT).
This is always the spiritual principle of growth. We obey by stepping into our weakness or our fear, hoping in faith that because it is something He asks of us, He will meet us somewhere along the way with the power to do it. This is almost always a painful proposition because it requires a step into the unknown. What if God doesn’t show up? What if this is all a hoax? I suppose you can ask these questions, but you will never get them answered on this side of the pain. You have to take the step, believing that there is something there that you can’t see. And if that doesn’t hurt, it’s probably not faith.
So if what God asks you to do today hurts, remember what you’re feeling is just growing pains.
PDL
by John Fischer
Often, as a child, when I complained about some ache or pain that had no clear physical explanation, the simple parental diagnosis was: “It’s just growing pains.” I used to imagine my muscles and bones actually hurting while they stretched and grew. While I know nothing about the scientific nature of this evaluation, I do know it has a spiritual application that is entirely accurate. It hurts to grow.
It hurts to grow because we have to die to old ways in order to live anew, and old ways die hard. We place a high premium in life on dying peacefully, but in reality dying almost always is accompanied by pain. We have dependencies with coping mechanisms that have enslaved us. It’s hard letting go of our security blankets.
In a touching scene from the romantic comedy, Mr. Mom, Michael Keaton has to coax his toddler’s “whoopee” blanket away from him. Upon rendering it up, the little boy asks for a moment to himself to grieve the loss and we can almost touch his pain. We would like similar moments to grieve our little daily deaths, but we have to learn to move on, because the pain of losing is followed by the greater joy of finding that God always meets us on the other side of our loss.
It hurts to grow because growing usually means facing some fear or weakness that has limited us. Though God saves us through no effort of our own, he asks for our cooperation when it comes to our spiritual growth. Real spiritual growth only happens when our effort to act upon God’s word meets the provision of the Holy Spirit in us.
Or as Paul teaches, “Put into action God’s saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him” (Philippians 2:12-13 NLT).
This is always the spiritual principle of growth. We obey by stepping into our weakness or our fear, hoping in faith that because it is something He asks of us, He will meet us somewhere along the way with the power to do it. This is almost always a painful proposition because it requires a step into the unknown. What if God doesn’t show up? What if this is all a hoax? I suppose you can ask these questions, but you will never get them answered on this side of the pain. You have to take the step, believing that there is something there that you can’t see. And if that doesn’t hurt, it’s probably not faith.
So if what God asks you to do today hurts, remember what you’re feeling is just growing pains.
PDL
Monday, August 02, 2004
THE LITTLE THINGS!
Galatians 5:16-2416 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify thedesires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires whatis contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to thesinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you donot do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you arenot under law. 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexualimmorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft;hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and thelike. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like thiswill not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spiritis love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful naturewith its passions and desires.
One of the most frustrating experiences for a driver is to crashinto someone else's vehicle. Sadly, this has happened to me morethan once. One evening, I was trying to park my car in a very tightspot. I hit the parked vehicle next to me as I was reversing andcreated a dent. I felt horrible!
I have to say, however, the first thought that came to my mind wasto drive off before anyone noticed. As I was leaving, though, myconscience just wouldn't let me go. I turned back.
With great reluctance, I left a note with my contact number on hiswindshield. I thought, Maybe the driver will be so touched by myhonesty, he will decide to be gracious to me. Anyway, it was a"small" dent.
That same evening, the driver called me. Despite my humbleapologies, he angrily demanded I bear the full cost of the damage.At that moment, I thought to myself, If I had driven off, I wouldhave saved myself from this humiliation and some money too. When hehung up, I began to wonder whether it was worth it.
In hindsight, I know it was! It was the right thing to do. If I hadleft, I wouldn't have had to face a hostile man, but I would havehad to face a bruised conscience. I could have rationalized that itwas a small thing, but isn't it the sum of the little things thatdetermine who we really are?
In Galatians 5, we read that those who belong to Jesus havecrucified the acts of the sinful nature and now bear the fruit ofthe Spirit. Our godly character is not just seen in the "big" thingsbut also the "little" things we do.
We are truly led by the Spirit if we live out His fruit in our dailyconversations, responses, and conduct. --Lim Chien Chong
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I exhibit more acts of the sinful nature or more aspects of thefruit of the Spirit? Can my friends affirm that?
* How can I exhibitthe fruit of the Spirit in what I say and how I respond to others?
LINKS
Family Resemblance
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2001/004/jul/26.26.html
bottom line: Our character is seen in the little things.
soul journey
Galatians 5:16-2416 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify thedesires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires whatis contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to thesinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you donot do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you arenot under law. 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexualimmorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft;hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and thelike. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like thiswill not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spiritis love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful naturewith its passions and desires.
One of the most frustrating experiences for a driver is to crashinto someone else's vehicle. Sadly, this has happened to me morethan once. One evening, I was trying to park my car in a very tightspot. I hit the parked vehicle next to me as I was reversing andcreated a dent. I felt horrible!
I have to say, however, the first thought that came to my mind wasto drive off before anyone noticed. As I was leaving, though, myconscience just wouldn't let me go. I turned back.
With great reluctance, I left a note with my contact number on hiswindshield. I thought, Maybe the driver will be so touched by myhonesty, he will decide to be gracious to me. Anyway, it was a"small" dent.
That same evening, the driver called me. Despite my humbleapologies, he angrily demanded I bear the full cost of the damage.At that moment, I thought to myself, If I had driven off, I wouldhave saved myself from this humiliation and some money too. When hehung up, I began to wonder whether it was worth it.
In hindsight, I know it was! It was the right thing to do. If I hadleft, I wouldn't have had to face a hostile man, but I would havehad to face a bruised conscience. I could have rationalized that itwas a small thing, but isn't it the sum of the little things thatdetermine who we really are?
In Galatians 5, we read that those who belong to Jesus havecrucified the acts of the sinful nature and now bear the fruit ofthe Spirit. Our godly character is not just seen in the "big" thingsbut also the "little" things we do.
We are truly led by the Spirit if we live out His fruit in our dailyconversations, responses, and conduct. --Lim Chien Chong
DESTINATION POINTS
* Do I exhibit more acts of the sinful nature or more aspects of thefruit of the Spirit? Can my friends affirm that?
* How can I exhibitthe fruit of the Spirit in what I say and how I respond to others?
LINKS
Family Resemblance
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2001/004/jul/26.26.html
bottom line: Our character is seen in the little things.
soul journey
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Complicate Your Life
by John Fischer
Relationships are complicated. Have you ever thought about how much easier life would be without any people in it? How about it? A sure way to an uncomplicated life would be to remove everyone but you. Right?
When you stop and think about it there really are only two options: isolation or complication. You can hole up inside your own shell or come out and complicate your neat, orderly life with unpredictable relationships. Unfortunately, love has no other options.
At the end of the romantic comedy, Six Days, Seven Nights, Harrison Ford decides to complicate his simple, controlled life with a love relationship, and we all think he has made a good choice, because we too have fallen for Anne Heche’s bright blue eyes. “Go for it,” we say to him at the predictable feel-good ending, “complicate the [heck] out of your life”—which is precisely what he says with a slight adjustment for the fact that this is a devotional.
Ever imagine how complicated God’s life got when He created us? “Now the Lord observed the extent of the people’s wickedness, and He saw that all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry He had ever made them. It broke His heart” (Genesis 6:5-6). Hey, even God has His days.
Yes, God’s life got very complicated when He created us, and that complication culminated in a devastating crucifixion. It took that much for Him to straighten everything out. Yet that didn’t stop Him. So why should we stop at nothing less in order to love each other? Love is worth it.
Love is impossible in isolation. Isolation is a vacuum and love needs a relationship to breathe. Any relationship brings complications; so it’s your choice. Hey, someone made the right choice or you wouldn’t be here to make your own now.
Lest you think that others are the source of your complications, think again. Relationships merely show us who we really are. They are like mirrors into our own dysfunction, and that is actually part of our salvation, because we probably wouldn’t see it otherwise.
So think about all the complicated relationships in your life today, and thank God for what they show you about yourself. Ask God to heal you and then put your arms around those complications, because the overcoming power of God’s love is in them, waiting for you, and you wouldn’t want anything less.
PDL
by John Fischer
Relationships are complicated. Have you ever thought about how much easier life would be without any people in it? How about it? A sure way to an uncomplicated life would be to remove everyone but you. Right?
When you stop and think about it there really are only two options: isolation or complication. You can hole up inside your own shell or come out and complicate your neat, orderly life with unpredictable relationships. Unfortunately, love has no other options.
At the end of the romantic comedy, Six Days, Seven Nights, Harrison Ford decides to complicate his simple, controlled life with a love relationship, and we all think he has made a good choice, because we too have fallen for Anne Heche’s bright blue eyes. “Go for it,” we say to him at the predictable feel-good ending, “complicate the [heck] out of your life”—which is precisely what he says with a slight adjustment for the fact that this is a devotional.
Ever imagine how complicated God’s life got when He created us? “Now the Lord observed the extent of the people’s wickedness, and He saw that all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry He had ever made them. It broke His heart” (Genesis 6:5-6). Hey, even God has His days.
Yes, God’s life got very complicated when He created us, and that complication culminated in a devastating crucifixion. It took that much for Him to straighten everything out. Yet that didn’t stop Him. So why should we stop at nothing less in order to love each other? Love is worth it.
Love is impossible in isolation. Isolation is a vacuum and love needs a relationship to breathe. Any relationship brings complications; so it’s your choice. Hey, someone made the right choice or you wouldn’t be here to make your own now.
Lest you think that others are the source of your complications, think again. Relationships merely show us who we really are. They are like mirrors into our own dysfunction, and that is actually part of our salvation, because we probably wouldn’t see it otherwise.
So think about all the complicated relationships in your life today, and thank God for what they show you about yourself. Ask God to heal you and then put your arms around those complications, because the overcoming power of God’s love is in them, waiting for you, and you wouldn’t want anything less.
PDL