God Rewards a Step of Faith
Scott Presson
One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets, and you will catch many fish." "Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, we'll try again." And this time their nets were so full they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, "Oh, Lord, please leave me – I'm too much of a sinner to be around you." For he was awestruck by the size of their catch, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, "Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people!" And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.
Luke 5: 1-11
Imagine the spectacle. In a small fishing village, this was the highlight of the month . . . forget the day! Family and friends are carrying the sick and lame; others are limping and maybe even crawling on their own. People have already heard of Jesus and are anticipating His words and actions. What would He do next? What would He say? There’s a push as people try to get closer, but they’re nearly at the waters edge. The crowd is hushed, straining to hear his words. Many cannot even see Him. A sick baby is crying. Seagulls are calling and circling the nets. The waves are slapping at an anchored boat.
Look at verse one. Great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God They came for the Word. They wanted something to fill their thirsty souls. They wanted a word of encouragement. They wanted to know what we have always wanted to know: Does my life have meaning? Will my hopes and dreams really ever happen? Is it too much to ask if I will be happy? And, well, is there a God and does He really love me?
Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water (vs. 3). Even though he didn’t know Him, Simon listened to the Lord and pushed off, but he’s probably asking himself, Who is this man? He must be someone important because everyone wants to hear Him.
This Scripture doesn’t elaborate on what Jesus taught about that day, but we know what He did next.
. . . he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper and let down your nets, and you will catch many fish" (vs. 4).
God doesn’t give a little harvest. The output of God never equals the input. In the natural realm, you plant one seed; you get a tree that produces fruit for half a century. You pick an orange and it’s full of seeds. A grape or an apple, the same thing. Every fall the ground is littered with thousands of seeds from acorns to maple trees. In the spiritual realm, it is the same way. God always blesses us above and beyond what we could ever hope or dream of. HE ALWAYS GIVES US MORE THAN WE HAVE GIVEN HIM.
Simon’s obedience to push out and allow Jesus to preach from his boat reaps a tremendous reward! Simon makes a step of faith. At that point, he does say, “We worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing.” However, by faith Simon says, “If you say so, we'll try again (vs. 5).
His step of faith pays off big time -- their nets were so full they began to tear (vs. 6).
Again, we see the timeless themes of Jesus. Simon did not rebel against God. He did as he was asked.
He was OBEDIENT! He did as the Lord asked.
He stepped out by FAITH! He did as the Lord asked.
His action GLORIFIED the Lord! He did as the Lord asked.
Obedience and Faithfulness always glorify God. The Word says if we faint not, we will reap a reward in due time. Simon was tired and maybe a little puzzled. He certainly didn’t expect that day to catch one of the biggest catches of his life or to walk away from what was probably a profitable fishing venture and end up with a throne in Heaven (Jesus later told him and the other disciples they would be seated on 12 thrones in heaven, judging the 12 tribes of Israel- Matthew 19:28) and eternal life! That’s what I call a pay-off.
You and I are making an investment of time and energy in the Kingdom of God. Sometimes we are taken from our families and homes to do the Lord’s work. As we are obedient to the Lord’s call in our lives, and as we are being faithful to do His will, God will be glorified in our actions. Millions will realize they are not here by chance but by God’s divine will. Millions will come to the realization that, YES, Jesus is real and He does love them and has a plan for their lives. Thirsty souls will receive the water of life that refreshes. The Holy Spirit will comfort and encourage millions, and fill them with understanding as they realize that God will grant them the righteous desires of their hearts. The pay-off for the Kingdom of God and for us will be huge. Millions will be saved. Millions will be delivered. Millions will be healed. Millions will be blessed.
And all you have to do is listen, obey, and do as God directs.
WHY?
Because GOD REWARDS A STEP OF FAITH. Be blessed today.
cbn
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Thursday, April 28, 2005
The Fear Trap
John Fischer
He who seeks good finds good will, but evil comes to him who searches for it. (Proverbs 11:27)
Here is a debilitating cycle that can easily capture and render us useless to the kingdom of God. It’s what I call the fear trap, and it goes something like this: a) Fearful people are always looking for evil. b) People who are looking for evil find it everywhere or as the Proverb says: it finds them! Thus proving their fears were well founded, so that now they are really afraid and quite capable of passing on their fears to others. c) Now a whole bunch of people are afraid and coming up with evil everywhere. (“The world is just getting worse and worse, isn’t it?”) They are overwhelmed and desperate, and ripe to make two missteps: 1) give into those who are building a power base on the fears of immature believers, and 2) remove themselves further and further away from the world out of fear for their safety, thus losing contact with those who need Christ’s love and compassion through them.
How do you get out of the fear trap? First: Don’t be afraid. Easier said than done, you say, but this is precisely why we have the Lord in our hearts. God is love, and perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). No one could put it any clearer than Peter does in 1 Peter 3: 14-15, “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” Or as Eugene Peterson puts it in The Message, “Don’t give the opposition a second thought.” You see when we are afraid; we are playing right into the devil’s schemes. The only way to avoid doing this is to let Christ rule your heart.
Which sets us up for the second way out of the fear trap: Instead of focusing on evil, which is exactly what the opposition wants, us to do, focus on the good. “The one who seeks good finds good will.” There is enough good in the world to claim our focus. I believe there is enough good in the world to keep us worshiping God all the time. Sometimes, the good isn’t obvious to everyone, but to the one who seeks it, it can be found. This is looking through the eyes of Christ, and instead of seeing the evil and fearing it, we see what God created us to be and what the world can be under His Lordship, and we can put our efforts into reclaiming that good for ourselves and everyone around us. Then we won’t be so susceptible to falling into the fear trap, and being manipulated by those who prey on the fearful.
PDL
John Fischer
He who seeks good finds good will, but evil comes to him who searches for it. (Proverbs 11:27)
Here is a debilitating cycle that can easily capture and render us useless to the kingdom of God. It’s what I call the fear trap, and it goes something like this: a) Fearful people are always looking for evil. b) People who are looking for evil find it everywhere or as the Proverb says: it finds them! Thus proving their fears were well founded, so that now they are really afraid and quite capable of passing on their fears to others. c) Now a whole bunch of people are afraid and coming up with evil everywhere. (“The world is just getting worse and worse, isn’t it?”) They are overwhelmed and desperate, and ripe to make two missteps: 1) give into those who are building a power base on the fears of immature believers, and 2) remove themselves further and further away from the world out of fear for their safety, thus losing contact with those who need Christ’s love and compassion through them.
How do you get out of the fear trap? First: Don’t be afraid. Easier said than done, you say, but this is precisely why we have the Lord in our hearts. God is love, and perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). No one could put it any clearer than Peter does in 1 Peter 3: 14-15, “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened. But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” Or as Eugene Peterson puts it in The Message, “Don’t give the opposition a second thought.” You see when we are afraid; we are playing right into the devil’s schemes. The only way to avoid doing this is to let Christ rule your heart.
Which sets us up for the second way out of the fear trap: Instead of focusing on evil, which is exactly what the opposition wants, us to do, focus on the good. “The one who seeks good finds good will.” There is enough good in the world to claim our focus. I believe there is enough good in the world to keep us worshiping God all the time. Sometimes, the good isn’t obvious to everyone, but to the one who seeks it, it can be found. This is looking through the eyes of Christ, and instead of seeing the evil and fearing it, we see what God created us to be and what the world can be under His Lordship, and we can put our efforts into reclaiming that good for ourselves and everyone around us. Then we won’t be so susceptible to falling into the fear trap, and being manipulated by those who prey on the fearful.
PDL
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
The Sanctity of Simple Things
Dena Dyer
Teach us delight in simple things. —Rudyard Kipling
I've battled depression for several years. Mostly, it's under control because of my medication, exercise, periodic visits to a counselor, family support, and other things I try to make a part of daily life.
One of those "helps" is being grateful for the small miracles that happen every day. Depression can be a black cloud looming over my head, and noticing everyday wonders has helped poke holes in the clouds to let God's grace shine through.
Case in point: a day last spring, which I recorded in my journal—not because of its hugeness, but because of the little things that made it wonderful.
On that particular day, I ached with tiredness and I had run out of my anti-depressants over the weekend and had to wait to get more. (My depression is always worse when I'm tired.) Jordan, Carey, and I were also fighting spring sniffles, which made us all a little testy.
But it was a bright, cloudless afternoon, and Carey decided to mow our backyard, since its height could have concealed a small car. Jordan helped Carey clean up the toys and play tools strewn about in the back yard. He even put on a half-face mask like Carey, who has to be careful with his allergies when he does yard work. I watched from the table and chairs on the patio, journal and Dr. Pepper beside me.
Then sleepy Jordan asked me if he could have his sleeping bag and put it in his clubhouse so he could "west."
Pretty soon, my four year-old prince was curled up on his blue and yellow bag, arm around his stuffed frog, fast asleep. No doubt he had been lulled by the sun, the hum of the mower, and the frequent birdsong.
And instead of aching with tiredness and gloominess, I began to ache with love and joy and thankfulness. In our small corner of the universe, I was suddenly bursting with gratitude for small miracles—and large ones. For sniffly boys who sleep contentedly in clubhouses, for hardworking daddies who care for exhausted mommies, for the red bird that kept circling the yard, for blue skies—and for peace.
In that moment, the sanctity of simple things overwhelmed me. It's what Arthur Gordon summed up so well in his lovely book, A Touch of Wonder: "In moments of discouragement, defeat, or even despair, there are always certain things to cling to. Little things, usually: remembered laughter, the face of a sleeping child, a tree in the wind—in fact, any reminder of something deeply felt or dearly loved."
There have been many other days when God has brought me peace with little, but important, treasures during the midst of a dark mood. But I've found that it's up to me to recognize them, and to not let them float away before whispering, "Thanks." Otherwise, I'll have turned away a precious gift.
As Gordon says, "No man is so poor as not to have many of these small candles. When they are lighted, darkness goes away . . . and a touch of wonder remains."
Notes from the Coach:
Who despises the day of small things?
Zechariah 4:10, NIV
Four Small Wonders
There are four small creatures, wisest of the wise they are—ants—frail as they are,get plenty of food in for the winter; marmots—vulnerable as they are, manage to arrange for rock-solid homes; locusts—leaderless insects, yet they strip the field like an army regiment; lizards—easy enough to catch, but they sneak past vigilant palace guards.
Proverbs 30:24-28, The Message
Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it.
Proverbs 15:16, NASB
cbn
Dena Dyer
Teach us delight in simple things. —Rudyard Kipling
I've battled depression for several years. Mostly, it's under control because of my medication, exercise, periodic visits to a counselor, family support, and other things I try to make a part of daily life.
One of those "helps" is being grateful for the small miracles that happen every day. Depression can be a black cloud looming over my head, and noticing everyday wonders has helped poke holes in the clouds to let God's grace shine through.
Case in point: a day last spring, which I recorded in my journal—not because of its hugeness, but because of the little things that made it wonderful.
On that particular day, I ached with tiredness and I had run out of my anti-depressants over the weekend and had to wait to get more. (My depression is always worse when I'm tired.) Jordan, Carey, and I were also fighting spring sniffles, which made us all a little testy.
But it was a bright, cloudless afternoon, and Carey decided to mow our backyard, since its height could have concealed a small car. Jordan helped Carey clean up the toys and play tools strewn about in the back yard. He even put on a half-face mask like Carey, who has to be careful with his allergies when he does yard work. I watched from the table and chairs on the patio, journal and Dr. Pepper beside me.
Then sleepy Jordan asked me if he could have his sleeping bag and put it in his clubhouse so he could "west."
Pretty soon, my four year-old prince was curled up on his blue and yellow bag, arm around his stuffed frog, fast asleep. No doubt he had been lulled by the sun, the hum of the mower, and the frequent birdsong.
And instead of aching with tiredness and gloominess, I began to ache with love and joy and thankfulness. In our small corner of the universe, I was suddenly bursting with gratitude for small miracles—and large ones. For sniffly boys who sleep contentedly in clubhouses, for hardworking daddies who care for exhausted mommies, for the red bird that kept circling the yard, for blue skies—and for peace.
In that moment, the sanctity of simple things overwhelmed me. It's what Arthur Gordon summed up so well in his lovely book, A Touch of Wonder: "In moments of discouragement, defeat, or even despair, there are always certain things to cling to. Little things, usually: remembered laughter, the face of a sleeping child, a tree in the wind—in fact, any reminder of something deeply felt or dearly loved."
There have been many other days when God has brought me peace with little, but important, treasures during the midst of a dark mood. But I've found that it's up to me to recognize them, and to not let them float away before whispering, "Thanks." Otherwise, I'll have turned away a precious gift.
As Gordon says, "No man is so poor as not to have many of these small candles. When they are lighted, darkness goes away . . . and a touch of wonder remains."
Notes from the Coach:
Who despises the day of small things?
Zechariah 4:10, NIV
Four Small Wonders
There are four small creatures, wisest of the wise they are—ants—frail as they are,get plenty of food in for the winter; marmots—vulnerable as they are, manage to arrange for rock-solid homes; locusts—leaderless insects, yet they strip the field like an army regiment; lizards—easy enough to catch, but they sneak past vigilant palace guards.
Proverbs 30:24-28, The Message
Better is a little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and turmoil with it.
Proverbs 15:16, NASB
cbn
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Focus on God
John Fischer
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)
Are you ever overwhelmed by so much spiritual advice that you wonder how you can remember all this stuff? Ever return from a seminar or weekend retreat and almost wish you didn’t go because now you have fifteen other things to add to your “to do” list in order to really be a good Christian? Ever feel like you are inundated with too many steps, principles, guidelines, yes, and even purposes, that you can’t keep them all straight?
Well good news, there’s really only one thing to remember: Focus on God.
If reading this devotional every day only complicates your life then unsubscribe; I am doing you a disservice. If they are true to what they should be, these words every day should simplify your life. They should bring you some relief. The success of The Purpose Driven Life is not that it gives people five more things to think about, but it reduces everything to five, and ultimately to only one thing: you were made for God, focus on Him. Phew! Thank you!
Ever notice how when you hear the truth, it’s like a knot coming undone inside you? And conversely, when you hear falsehood, it’s like someone is pulling the knot tighter? The truth lets you take a deep breath; falsehood chokes you.
If you need a degree in order to get it right, then it is probably wrong. The truth “uncomplicates” our lives. St. Peter is not going to be standing at the gate of heaven when you get there and say, “Oh, I’m so sorry, but you were only a four point Calvinist. You have to have all five to get in,” because just inside that gate are a bunch of children who got in by being… well… children. If a child can’t get it, then it’s not the truth. Incidentally those children are there because they got one thing right: God is their Father and they are at His mercy. Focus on God.
Even the two great commandments Jesus gave us (quoted above) come down to one, because if you love God, you will love your neighbor. He gave us the second one to show us whether or not we were doing the first, as John later wrote: it’s impossible to love God and hate your neighbor (1 John 4:12, 20).
So focus on God. Get that one right and you’ll get all the rest. Phew!
PDL
John Fischer
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV)
Are you ever overwhelmed by so much spiritual advice that you wonder how you can remember all this stuff? Ever return from a seminar or weekend retreat and almost wish you didn’t go because now you have fifteen other things to add to your “to do” list in order to really be a good Christian? Ever feel like you are inundated with too many steps, principles, guidelines, yes, and even purposes, that you can’t keep them all straight?
Well good news, there’s really only one thing to remember: Focus on God.
If reading this devotional every day only complicates your life then unsubscribe; I am doing you a disservice. If they are true to what they should be, these words every day should simplify your life. They should bring you some relief. The success of The Purpose Driven Life is not that it gives people five more things to think about, but it reduces everything to five, and ultimately to only one thing: you were made for God, focus on Him. Phew! Thank you!
Ever notice how when you hear the truth, it’s like a knot coming undone inside you? And conversely, when you hear falsehood, it’s like someone is pulling the knot tighter? The truth lets you take a deep breath; falsehood chokes you.
If you need a degree in order to get it right, then it is probably wrong. The truth “uncomplicates” our lives. St. Peter is not going to be standing at the gate of heaven when you get there and say, “Oh, I’m so sorry, but you were only a four point Calvinist. You have to have all five to get in,” because just inside that gate are a bunch of children who got in by being… well… children. If a child can’t get it, then it’s not the truth. Incidentally those children are there because they got one thing right: God is their Father and they are at His mercy. Focus on God.
Even the two great commandments Jesus gave us (quoted above) come down to one, because if you love God, you will love your neighbor. He gave us the second one to show us whether or not we were doing the first, as John later wrote: it’s impossible to love God and hate your neighbor (1 John 4:12, 20).
So focus on God. Get that one right and you’ll get all the rest. Phew!
PDL
Monday, April 25, 2005
CAGED
Hebrews 10:10-23
10 We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all . . . 14 because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy . . . 17 Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." 18 And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Trapped in a cage that was slightly larger than its own body, the lion could move only two steps forward and two steps back. For nearly all of its life, it spent every moment of every day in its cage, doing the same thing over and over again.
One day, after many years, the lion was finally released into a beautiful savanna, spanning countless acres in every direction. But all it did was pace two steps forward and two steps back, again and again. Though the cage was now gone, the lion imagined that it was still there, standing between him and absolute freedom.
Sometimes it can be hard for us to let go of certain sins even after we've confessed them to God. Some of us hold on to them so tightly that we imprison ourselves in unnecessary cages of guilt and shame, rather than allow ourselves to experience the freedom of God's grace.
According to 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." When Jesus Christ came to earth, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice, spotless and unblemished, to die for all of mankind's sins--not just for some of them. It was something eternal and universal for every generation.
Whenever we sin and then honestly confess our sins to God, He hurls those sins to the depths of the ocean (Micah 7:19) and remembers them no more (Hebrews 10:17). In Psalm 103:12, the Bible promises that "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."
No sin is ever too great for God's forgiveness, because no sin is ever too much for Jesus' sacrifice. It is God's promise to us, and His promises never fail because His faithfulness never fails. If God is able to let go of our sins when we confess them, why don't we? --David Yuen
Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader
DESTINATION POINTS
* What kind of sins do I tend to hold on to even after I bring them to God? Why do I hold on to them?
* How does that affect my fellowship with God?
LINKS:
Repentance from Sin
http://www.christianitytoday.com/spiritualhelp/features/repentance.html
The Forgiveness of God
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0602
bottom line: Learn to repent and let go.
soul journey
Hebrews 10:10-23
10 We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all . . . 14 because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy . . . 17 Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." 18 And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin. 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Trapped in a cage that was slightly larger than its own body, the lion could move only two steps forward and two steps back. For nearly all of its life, it spent every moment of every day in its cage, doing the same thing over and over again.
One day, after many years, the lion was finally released into a beautiful savanna, spanning countless acres in every direction. But all it did was pace two steps forward and two steps back, again and again. Though the cage was now gone, the lion imagined that it was still there, standing between him and absolute freedom.
Sometimes it can be hard for us to let go of certain sins even after we've confessed them to God. Some of us hold on to them so tightly that we imprison ourselves in unnecessary cages of guilt and shame, rather than allow ourselves to experience the freedom of God's grace.
According to 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." When Jesus Christ came to earth, He offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice, spotless and unblemished, to die for all of mankind's sins--not just for some of them. It was something eternal and universal for every generation.
Whenever we sin and then honestly confess our sins to God, He hurls those sins to the depths of the ocean (Micah 7:19) and remembers them no more (Hebrews 10:17). In Psalm 103:12, the Bible promises that "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."
No sin is ever too great for God's forgiveness, because no sin is ever too much for Jesus' sacrifice. It is God's promise to us, and His promises never fail because His faithfulness never fails. If God is able to let go of our sins when we confess them, why don't we? --David Yuen
Written by a fellow Soul Journey reader
DESTINATION POINTS
* What kind of sins do I tend to hold on to even after I bring them to God? Why do I hold on to them?
* How does that affect my fellowship with God?
LINKS:
Repentance from Sin
http://www.christianitytoday.com/spiritualhelp/features/repentance.html
The Forgiveness of God
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0602
bottom line: Learn to repent and let go.
soul journey
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Is the Proverbs 31 Woman For Real?
Dena Dyer
I tried to do so many things for God that I missed being with God. But I've learned—the hard way—life isn't about keeping it all together. It's about trusting the One who can. —Nicole Johnson
Do you ever feel intimidated by the Proverbs 31 woman—the one who sewed like Betsy Ross, volunteered like Mother Theresa, and ran her own business like Oprah? I know I have.
But I have a theory about that “perfect” biblical woman. As we know, Solomon wrote Proverbs, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. So, dear reader, I believe the Proverbs 31 woman was a composite. Solomon simply took the best qualities from several wives and created a word portrait of his “ideal” companion. (It works for me!)
Seriously, I've often felt discouraged while reading that famous biblical chapter. I can’t tell the difference between soufflé and flambé, and—to my mother's horror—I can’t even sew on a button. I've ruined laundry, sent "belated birthday" cards, and taken my kid to preschool in my pajamas more times than I can count.
For years, every time I read Proverbs 31, I felt as if this spiritual Superwoman was up in heaven, mocking my paltry attempts at being a wife, friend, mom and daughter. I didn't realize that the chapter was most likely an overview of the woman's entire life (and not one day, week, or even month)—or that, as my friend and fellow author Char Barnes says, "In Proverbs 31, the woman's children rise up and call her blessed. Toddlers don't rise up and bless their mother—this lady obviously had grown children."
After I began to experience panic attacks because of my perfectionism, I realized God was calling me to a different standard than the one I had erroneously set for myself. And through the wisdom of a godly counselor, I discovered that in the verse I had taken as my mantra—"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48, NIV)—the word "perfect" can also be translated as "mature."
Part of my becoming mature has meant learning that I have limits. We have just one life, and our Savior died and rose again so that it could be an abundant life. When Jesus said in John 10:10, "I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full," He wasn't talking about a day-planner jammed-packed with activities, or a schedule crammed with "to do's."
Christ was speaking about a life of purpose, contentment, and peace. As a busy wife and mom, I've come to believe that we can experience abundant life daily if we get off the hamster wheel of perfectionism, recognize our limits, and nestle close to Jesus.
When I remember that He loved me enough to leave the perfection of heaven and soil His feet with the crud of earth, I can see myself as He does. I can accept God's mercy, and impart that mercy to the imperfect people around me.
Then—and only then—can I live each day with joy and perfect peace.
Notes from the Coach:
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life . . . She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue . . . Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31: 10-11, 25-26, 30, NIV
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:29-30, MSG
cbn
Dena Dyer
I tried to do so many things for God that I missed being with God. But I've learned—the hard way—life isn't about keeping it all together. It's about trusting the One who can. —Nicole Johnson
Do you ever feel intimidated by the Proverbs 31 woman—the one who sewed like Betsy Ross, volunteered like Mother Theresa, and ran her own business like Oprah? I know I have.
But I have a theory about that “perfect” biblical woman. As we know, Solomon wrote Proverbs, and Solomon had hundreds of wives. So, dear reader, I believe the Proverbs 31 woman was a composite. Solomon simply took the best qualities from several wives and created a word portrait of his “ideal” companion. (It works for me!)
Seriously, I've often felt discouraged while reading that famous biblical chapter. I can’t tell the difference between soufflé and flambé, and—to my mother's horror—I can’t even sew on a button. I've ruined laundry, sent "belated birthday" cards, and taken my kid to preschool in my pajamas more times than I can count.
For years, every time I read Proverbs 31, I felt as if this spiritual Superwoman was up in heaven, mocking my paltry attempts at being a wife, friend, mom and daughter. I didn't realize that the chapter was most likely an overview of the woman's entire life (and not one day, week, or even month)—or that, as my friend and fellow author Char Barnes says, "In Proverbs 31, the woman's children rise up and call her blessed. Toddlers don't rise up and bless their mother—this lady obviously had grown children."
After I began to experience panic attacks because of my perfectionism, I realized God was calling me to a different standard than the one I had erroneously set for myself. And through the wisdom of a godly counselor, I discovered that in the verse I had taken as my mantra—"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48, NIV)—the word "perfect" can also be translated as "mature."
Part of my becoming mature has meant learning that I have limits. We have just one life, and our Savior died and rose again so that it could be an abundant life. When Jesus said in John 10:10, "I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full," He wasn't talking about a day-planner jammed-packed with activities, or a schedule crammed with "to do's."
Christ was speaking about a life of purpose, contentment, and peace. As a busy wife and mom, I've come to believe that we can experience abundant life daily if we get off the hamster wheel of perfectionism, recognize our limits, and nestle close to Jesus.
When I remember that He loved me enough to leave the perfection of heaven and soil His feet with the crud of earth, I can see myself as He does. I can accept God's mercy, and impart that mercy to the imperfect people around me.
Then—and only then—can I live each day with joy and perfect peace.
Notes from the Coach:
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life . . . She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue . . . Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31: 10-11, 25-26, 30, NIV
Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:29-30, MSG
cbn
Saturday, April 23, 2005
THE GREATEST GENERATION
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
7 We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 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 of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
The book The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw chronicles the personal stories of World War II heroes such as Tom Broderick. Turning his back on a promising career in the Merchant Marines, Broderick enlisted in the Airborne "to get into the war." After intense combat training, Broderick found himself in a foxhole drawing his sights on a German soldier. Distracted by his target, he rose a little too high and became a target himself. An enemy sniper shot him in the head.
When he awoke in the hospital, he couldn't see. Later he learned he had been blinded for life. At first he rebelled against his fate, angrily objecting to learning Braille and adopting the limitations of a man without vision. Then Broderick turned to God with an interesting request: "If I can't have my eyesight back, could You find a girl for me to marry?"
Soon Tom met Eileen on a blind date (no pun intended). They fell in love, married, and raised seven children in a loving Christian home. Tom strongly resisted being treated as a disabled person. He ran a successful insurance business and led a full life. His son Scott commented, "You know how everyone says their dad is the best? Well, do you know how many people I've heard that from about my dad? Friends, neighbors, clients. Every kid thinks it, but to hear it from other people is so gratifying. He never let his disability get in the way of anything."
The apostle Paul had a disability, but he didn't let it get him down. After seeking God to take it away three separate times, he came to terms with it. Paul understood that weaknesses have a way of reminding us to depend on the power of Jesus.
Do you have a weakness that you need to turn over to the Lord so you can experience His strength? You can come to the place where you'll say, "When I am weak, then I am strong" (1 Corinthians 12:10). --Dennis Fisher
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why do weaknesses showcase God's power?
* What weaknesses will I turn over to Jesus?
LINKS:
Man of Vision
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrjhome/1999/May-30-Sun-1999/lifestyles/11140343.html
Why Is Life So Unfair? The Story Of Psalm 73
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0719
bottom line: God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
soul journey
2 Corinthians 4:7-10
7 We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 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 of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
The book The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw chronicles the personal stories of World War II heroes such as Tom Broderick. Turning his back on a promising career in the Merchant Marines, Broderick enlisted in the Airborne "to get into the war." After intense combat training, Broderick found himself in a foxhole drawing his sights on a German soldier. Distracted by his target, he rose a little too high and became a target himself. An enemy sniper shot him in the head.
When he awoke in the hospital, he couldn't see. Later he learned he had been blinded for life. At first he rebelled against his fate, angrily objecting to learning Braille and adopting the limitations of a man without vision. Then Broderick turned to God with an interesting request: "If I can't have my eyesight back, could You find a girl for me to marry?"
Soon Tom met Eileen on a blind date (no pun intended). They fell in love, married, and raised seven children in a loving Christian home. Tom strongly resisted being treated as a disabled person. He ran a successful insurance business and led a full life. His son Scott commented, "You know how everyone says their dad is the best? Well, do you know how many people I've heard that from about my dad? Friends, neighbors, clients. Every kid thinks it, but to hear it from other people is so gratifying. He never let his disability get in the way of anything."
The apostle Paul had a disability, but he didn't let it get him down. After seeking God to take it away three separate times, he came to terms with it. Paul understood that weaknesses have a way of reminding us to depend on the power of Jesus.
Do you have a weakness that you need to turn over to the Lord so you can experience His strength? You can come to the place where you'll say, "When I am weak, then I am strong" (1 Corinthians 12:10). --Dennis Fisher
DESTINATION POINTS
* Why do weaknesses showcase God's power?
* What weaknesses will I turn over to Jesus?
LINKS:
Man of Vision
http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrjhome/1999/May-30-Sun-1999/lifestyles/11140343.html
Why Is Life So Unfair? The Story Of Psalm 73
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0719
bottom line: God's strength is made perfect in weakness.
soul journey
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Crossing the Red Sea
John Fischer
There was a sea of red as almost everyone in the Angel Stadium crowd of 30,000 stood to their feet and held up a red sign. The next day, a picture of that red sea was on the front page of the California section of the Los Angeles Times, next to an article that reported on the 25th anniversary celebration of Saddleback Church that had taken place in Anaheim. On each one of those red signs were the words, “Whatever it takes.” Those standing were responding to Rick Warren’s call to service and commitment to the Lord’s will for their lives for the next 25 years.
It’s a bold and daring statement. And everyone put some bite behind those words by declaring together, corporately, in Rick Warren’s prepared statement (the content of yesterday’s devotional), “Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes!”
I wonder what it will take. It will undoubtedly take some sacrifice of time, money, talent and influence. It will take thinking of God first, and others after that, before ever considering ourselves (the opposite of how this naturally goes). It will take valuing “worship over wealth, ‘we’ over ‘me,’ character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures.” What a radical departure this is from the popular messages of today that appeal to what we think we deserve, and yet, how refreshing to know that it’s only in serving God and others that we are truly happy. This isn’t some legalistic drudgery we are committing ourselves to; it is the most exciting life possible.
These people have caught a vision for using their life for something more than themselves. Many of them are already experiencing the fruits of serving God; they are now simply saying: “Whatever is next, Lord, we’re ready.”
For some, it may mean sacrificing those home improvements they’ve been thinking about so that a family in Rwanda can have a home they never thought possible. For others, it may mean giving up that hobby at home for a ministry across town. For others it may mean making their family available to a single mom and her needs. For still others it may mean getting over their fear of relationships and committing themselves to a small group. Still others, it may mean hardship or sickness — even death — so that others can be serviced with the comfort and strength they have received in their own affliction and grief.
For all of us, it will mean being a part of God’s church in the future, and that’s pretty exciting when you think of it. Worth crossing over that sea of red to “Whatever it takes!”
PDL
John Fischer
There was a sea of red as almost everyone in the Angel Stadium crowd of 30,000 stood to their feet and held up a red sign. The next day, a picture of that red sea was on the front page of the California section of the Los Angeles Times, next to an article that reported on the 25th anniversary celebration of Saddleback Church that had taken place in Anaheim. On each one of those red signs were the words, “Whatever it takes.” Those standing were responding to Rick Warren’s call to service and commitment to the Lord’s will for their lives for the next 25 years.
It’s a bold and daring statement. And everyone put some bite behind those words by declaring together, corporately, in Rick Warren’s prepared statement (the content of yesterday’s devotional), “Wherever you lead and whatever the cost, I’m ready. Anytime. Anywhere. Anyway. Whatever it takes Lord; Whatever it takes!”
I wonder what it will take. It will undoubtedly take some sacrifice of time, money, talent and influence. It will take thinking of God first, and others after that, before ever considering ourselves (the opposite of how this naturally goes). It will take valuing “worship over wealth, ‘we’ over ‘me,’ character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasures.” What a radical departure this is from the popular messages of today that appeal to what we think we deserve, and yet, how refreshing to know that it’s only in serving God and others that we are truly happy. This isn’t some legalistic drudgery we are committing ourselves to; it is the most exciting life possible.
These people have caught a vision for using their life for something more than themselves. Many of them are already experiencing the fruits of serving God; they are now simply saying: “Whatever is next, Lord, we’re ready.”
For some, it may mean sacrificing those home improvements they’ve been thinking about so that a family in Rwanda can have a home they never thought possible. For others, it may mean giving up that hobby at home for a ministry across town. For others it may mean making their family available to a single mom and her needs. For still others it may mean getting over their fear of relationships and committing themselves to a small group. Still others, it may mean hardship or sickness — even death — so that others can be serviced with the comfort and strength they have received in their own affliction and grief.
For all of us, it will mean being a part of God’s church in the future, and that’s pretty exciting when you think of it. Worth crossing over that sea of red to “Whatever it takes!”
PDL
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Putting the 'Awe' Back in Awesome
Missey Butler
I suppose we can safely say, “Spring has officially ‘sprung!’ ” All around us we see the telltale signs of newly budding life as it sleepily awakes from a long winter’s nap. Like the tuning up of a symphony orchestra, Mother Nature anxiously awaits to make her seasonal debut.
The rows and rows of vibrant tulips, the baby robins with their high-pitched chirping, impatient for momma robin to bring them breakfast, the warming rays of the sun, and the sounds of lawn mowers on the move -- all creation is taking center stage in a perfect crescendo of harmony as our favorite season shows off her manifold splendor.
It is truly an awesome sight to behold. Yes, awesome, indeed!
Lately, I’ve been thinking about that word “awesome,” in particular, the little prefix “awe.” I thought to myself, you know, it’s really not even so much a word as it is something we utter when we simply open our mouths and allow sound to move through our lips.
No doubt you’ve heard the term “awe inspiring”? Well, I believe we have somehow lost our inspiration to “awe” in association with the things of God.
Did you know that, historically, some of the more devout men and women of the 1800s actually set aside what we call the “wonder words,” such as “awesome,” “magnificent,” “marvelous,” “resplendent,” and “incredible,” for the express purpose of one thing: to describe God?
They reserved these words to define God and His unending attributes. We need only to look back at some of those famous old hymns and recognize that the authors and lyricists held God in the highest regard and in the holiest revere.
My heart standeth in awe of thy word (Psalm 119:161).
Nowadays, we use the word “awesome” to describe a 99-cent hamburger, or the fact that our favorite sports hero can “palm” a basketball. We toss around the word “marvelous” to describe the appearance of our favorite Hollywood starlet. And we label “incredible” as the last name of a family of animated cartoon superheroes. (Don’t get me wrong, I love The Incredibles!)
The point I’m trying to make is that maybe it’s time for us as a people (and as a nation) to rediscover our wonder words and the meaningful significance they hold.
We don’t have to become legalistic by making new rules about the do’s and don’ts of what words to use or not use. The real issue always boils down to the condition of our hearts anyway. Do we esteem God with a respectful “awe”? Can we say that we revere Him enough to give Him first place in our lives? If so, then we will automatically begin to sense the true awe-inspiring emotion that sums up beautifully our feelings, articulated so well in that little three-letter-word.
Let’s put the awe back where it belongs, in our mouths and in our hearts, as we daily worship and adore our loving God, the Great I AM, whose honor is above all reproach and whose name is above all names!
Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him (Psalm 33:8).
cbn
Missey Butler
I suppose we can safely say, “Spring has officially ‘sprung!’ ” All around us we see the telltale signs of newly budding life as it sleepily awakes from a long winter’s nap. Like the tuning up of a symphony orchestra, Mother Nature anxiously awaits to make her seasonal debut.
The rows and rows of vibrant tulips, the baby robins with their high-pitched chirping, impatient for momma robin to bring them breakfast, the warming rays of the sun, and the sounds of lawn mowers on the move -- all creation is taking center stage in a perfect crescendo of harmony as our favorite season shows off her manifold splendor.
It is truly an awesome sight to behold. Yes, awesome, indeed!
Lately, I’ve been thinking about that word “awesome,” in particular, the little prefix “awe.” I thought to myself, you know, it’s really not even so much a word as it is something we utter when we simply open our mouths and allow sound to move through our lips.
No doubt you’ve heard the term “awe inspiring”? Well, I believe we have somehow lost our inspiration to “awe” in association with the things of God.
Did you know that, historically, some of the more devout men and women of the 1800s actually set aside what we call the “wonder words,” such as “awesome,” “magnificent,” “marvelous,” “resplendent,” and “incredible,” for the express purpose of one thing: to describe God?
They reserved these words to define God and His unending attributes. We need only to look back at some of those famous old hymns and recognize that the authors and lyricists held God in the highest regard and in the holiest revere.
My heart standeth in awe of thy word (Psalm 119:161).
Nowadays, we use the word “awesome” to describe a 99-cent hamburger, or the fact that our favorite sports hero can “palm” a basketball. We toss around the word “marvelous” to describe the appearance of our favorite Hollywood starlet. And we label “incredible” as the last name of a family of animated cartoon superheroes. (Don’t get me wrong, I love The Incredibles!)
The point I’m trying to make is that maybe it’s time for us as a people (and as a nation) to rediscover our wonder words and the meaningful significance they hold.
We don’t have to become legalistic by making new rules about the do’s and don’ts of what words to use or not use. The real issue always boils down to the condition of our hearts anyway. Do we esteem God with a respectful “awe”? Can we say that we revere Him enough to give Him first place in our lives? If so, then we will automatically begin to sense the true awe-inspiring emotion that sums up beautifully our feelings, articulated so well in that little three-letter-word.
Let’s put the awe back where it belongs, in our mouths and in our hearts, as we daily worship and adore our loving God, the Great I AM, whose honor is above all reproach and whose name is above all names!
Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him (Psalm 33:8).
cbn
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
CAN WE TRUST THE GOSPELS?
John 19:31-3631 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of His bones will be broken."
"We can't trust history, because all historic accounts have been written by the winners." Many secular professors and scholars make this claim.
It's also the belief of Dan Brown, writer of the bestseller The DaVinci Code. He uses this conclusion to support his opinion that we can't trust the biblical accounts about Jesus.
Brown's novel is supposed to be historical fiction, but he promotes it by claiming it's based on "facts" that have been covered up by the church: Jesus was not miraculously resurrected; Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene; some people living today are genetic descendants of Jesus; the New Testament is deliberately deceptive; the real truth about Jesus is found in the so-called Lost Gospels.
This "history"--according to Dan Brown--is the real truth. So his novel is not based on established history, which he thinks is false, but on the "real history" he believes Leonardo DaVinci knew and sought to reveal in hidden symbols in his paintings.
Many scholars have examined Brown's claims and have found them to be mere fiction. Yet thousands of Bible believers are questioning their faith because of his writings. They're beginning to have doubts about the New Testament.
That's actually good. Writer George MacDonald asks, "What are doubts but the strengthening building blocks toward summits of yet higher faith in Him who always leads us into the high places?"
I've had doubts about my faith. And those doubts persisted--until I took the time to face them squarely, think about them honestly, look for the truth earnestly and prayerfully, and then trust God fully. After all, if biblical history can't stand up to honest scrutiny, we shouldn't believe it. Even the apostle Paul said, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile" (1 Corinthians 15:17).
I believe the integrity of the Gospels is questioned primarily by those who choose to resist God. In the end, faith is about the surrender of the human will, not the surrender of human reason. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* How do challenges to my faith--and the real history that supports it--affect me?
* Do these attacks tend to stifle my witness as a believer? How can they drive me to dig even deeper into the foundations of my faith?
LINKS:
What Are The Gnostic Gospels?
gospelcom.net/rbc/questions/answer/christian/gnosticism/gnosticgospels.xml/
How Can I Handle My Doubts About God? http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/questions/handledoubtsgod3.html
bottom line: Without Jesus, history makes no sense.
soul journey
John 19:31-3631 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of His bones will be broken."
"We can't trust history, because all historic accounts have been written by the winners." Many secular professors and scholars make this claim.
It's also the belief of Dan Brown, writer of the bestseller The DaVinci Code. He uses this conclusion to support his opinion that we can't trust the biblical accounts about Jesus.
Brown's novel is supposed to be historical fiction, but he promotes it by claiming it's based on "facts" that have been covered up by the church: Jesus was not miraculously resurrected; Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene; some people living today are genetic descendants of Jesus; the New Testament is deliberately deceptive; the real truth about Jesus is found in the so-called Lost Gospels.
This "history"--according to Dan Brown--is the real truth. So his novel is not based on established history, which he thinks is false, but on the "real history" he believes Leonardo DaVinci knew and sought to reveal in hidden symbols in his paintings.
Many scholars have examined Brown's claims and have found them to be mere fiction. Yet thousands of Bible believers are questioning their faith because of his writings. They're beginning to have doubts about the New Testament.
That's actually good. Writer George MacDonald asks, "What are doubts but the strengthening building blocks toward summits of yet higher faith in Him who always leads us into the high places?"
I've had doubts about my faith. And those doubts persisted--until I took the time to face them squarely, think about them honestly, look for the truth earnestly and prayerfully, and then trust God fully. After all, if biblical history can't stand up to honest scrutiny, we shouldn't believe it. Even the apostle Paul said, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile" (1 Corinthians 15:17).
I believe the integrity of the Gospels is questioned primarily by those who choose to resist God. In the end, faith is about the surrender of the human will, not the surrender of human reason. --Dean Ohlman
DESTINATION POINTS
* How do challenges to my faith--and the real history that supports it--affect me?
* Do these attacks tend to stifle my witness as a believer? How can they drive me to dig even deeper into the foundations of my faith?
LINKS:
What Are The Gnostic Gospels?
gospelcom.net/rbc/questions/answer/christian/gnosticism/gnosticgospels.xml/
How Can I Handle My Doubts About God? http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/questions/handledoubtsgod3.html
bottom line: Without Jesus, history makes no sense.
soul journey
Monday, April 18, 2005
Sin, a Hindrance to Answered Prayer
Carlos Garcia
Have you ever found that the prayers you have before God have gone unanswered? Have you ever wondered what it could be that is holding back the answer to your petition? After spending some time in fasting in prayer the Lord revealed to me five hindrances to receiving prayers answered, they are the following: sin, fear, self, time and disorder. Today, I'll be discussing the first point, sin.
God's word says that without obedience there is no blessing. Disobedience to God's word is sin. We may be faithful in tithing and church attendance, but if we are not walking according to God's word, we are in disobedience and sin.
We may want to become angry with God for not answering our prayer, but if we walking in disobedience to God then we are hindering ourselves from receiving a blessing.
Sin seems to develop in stages, A) Thoughts, B) Words, and C) Action. The Scriptures state, "as a man *THINKS in his heart, so is he." If the thoughts of your heart are angry, lustful, jealous, and the like, then it is an indication of whom we are, even if it is not whom we want or claim to be. (cf. II Co 10:3-5)
As Christians we must strive to keep our thoughts pure and in line with the word of God. Philippians 4:8 challenges the Believer, "Whatsoever things are holy, ... pure, ... and of good report ...think [meditate] on these things."
If we keep our thoughts on the Lord, we will be much more effective in keeping our thoughts pure. And since our objective as Christians is to be more like Jesus, we must meditate (keep our thoughts) on the Lord so we can become more like Him. And if we walk in obedience we will be at a place to receive the blessing we have petitioned God.
The Bible state, "the power of life and death is in the tongue" and we will eat the fruit of those words. For example, if we are asking God for a financial blessing, but on our "non-prayer" time we keep speaking doubtful or negative words, we will eat the "fruit" of our doubt and miss the blessing of our prayers.
Action speaks to what we live and walk out in our day-to-day lives. There are believers who have the misconception that because we "talk the talk," behind close door we are not obligated to "walk the walk." Yet, in Galatians 6: 7-8 it states plainly, "God is not mocked…he that soweth to the flesh…will reap destruction." We cannot look to blame others for our lack of blessings.
In essence, if we live life as if God is not omnipresent [present in all places] and omniscient [all knowing], than we deceive ourselves. Our Christianity is not only about words, but it's about actions. As it says in the book of James, "Faith without works [actions] is dead."
If we desire the blessing of the Lord, we must walk in line with His word. If we walk in obedience we will be in the place to receive God's blessing.
cbn
Carlos Garcia
Have you ever found that the prayers you have before God have gone unanswered? Have you ever wondered what it could be that is holding back the answer to your petition? After spending some time in fasting in prayer the Lord revealed to me five hindrances to receiving prayers answered, they are the following: sin, fear, self, time and disorder. Today, I'll be discussing the first point, sin.
God's word says that without obedience there is no blessing. Disobedience to God's word is sin. We may be faithful in tithing and church attendance, but if we are not walking according to God's word, we are in disobedience and sin.
We may want to become angry with God for not answering our prayer, but if we walking in disobedience to God then we are hindering ourselves from receiving a blessing.
Sin seems to develop in stages, A) Thoughts, B) Words, and C) Action. The Scriptures state, "as a man *THINKS in his heart, so is he." If the thoughts of your heart are angry, lustful, jealous, and the like, then it is an indication of whom we are, even if it is not whom we want or claim to be. (cf. II Co 10:3-5)
As Christians we must strive to keep our thoughts pure and in line with the word of God. Philippians 4:8 challenges the Believer, "Whatsoever things are holy, ... pure, ... and of good report ...think [meditate] on these things."
If we keep our thoughts on the Lord, we will be much more effective in keeping our thoughts pure. And since our objective as Christians is to be more like Jesus, we must meditate (keep our thoughts) on the Lord so we can become more like Him. And if we walk in obedience we will be at a place to receive the blessing we have petitioned God.
The Bible state, "the power of life and death is in the tongue" and we will eat the fruit of those words. For example, if we are asking God for a financial blessing, but on our "non-prayer" time we keep speaking doubtful or negative words, we will eat the "fruit" of our doubt and miss the blessing of our prayers.
Action speaks to what we live and walk out in our day-to-day lives. There are believers who have the misconception that because we "talk the talk," behind close door we are not obligated to "walk the walk." Yet, in Galatians 6: 7-8 it states plainly, "God is not mocked…he that soweth to the flesh…will reap destruction." We cannot look to blame others for our lack of blessings.
In essence, if we live life as if God is not omnipresent [present in all places] and omniscient [all knowing], than we deceive ourselves. Our Christianity is not only about words, but it's about actions. As it says in the book of James, "Faith without works [actions] is dead."
If we desire the blessing of the Lord, we must walk in line with His word. If we walk in obedience we will be in the place to receive God's blessing.
cbn
Sunday, April 17, 2005
DESTINED FOR TRIALS
1 Thessalonians 3:1-61 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.
Good news! If you're a Christian, you're destined for trouble. "Huh?" you say. "What kind of good news is that?!"
Well, gospel means "good news," and the good news of salvation through Jesus includes the promise that His followers will share in His suffering before they share in His glory (Romans 8:17).
Those who "sell" Christianity by using the argument that life here on earth will get better and better are misguided. Yes, life will be better in one sense: Believers in Jesus can have confidence that even their suffering has purpose. Their lives, however, will not be better in the sense that they will not suffer.
Some who receive Jesus under false pretenses abandon their faith when trouble comes. Jesus warned of this when He explained the parable of the sower: "The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the Word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, he quickly falls away" (Matthew 13:20-21).
The apostle Paul was painfully aware of this possibility. He was concerned that new converts in Thessalonica, a prominent first-century Greek seaport not far from Mount Olympus, would see the persecution he experienced and say, "Whoa, that's not what I thought I was getting into. Leave me out of this."
When his concern for the converts was more than he could bear, Paul sent his associate Timothy to check on them. Timothy's report brought great relief to Paul: "In all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8).
Another apostle, Peter, wrote: "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering" (1 Peter 4:12). His advice is still good. If we follow Jesus we won't avoid all trouble but we will have an excellent companion. --Julie Ackerman Link
DESTINATION POINTS
* In what ways have I suffered for following Jesus?
* In what ways have I suffered for following my own selfish desires?
* Which pattern dominates my life?
LINKS:
http://www.bibleplaces.com/thessalonica.htm
bottom line: Suffering can strengthen your faith or weaken it.
soul journey
1 Thessalonians 3:1-61 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. 6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.
Good news! If you're a Christian, you're destined for trouble. "Huh?" you say. "What kind of good news is that?!"
Well, gospel means "good news," and the good news of salvation through Jesus includes the promise that His followers will share in His suffering before they share in His glory (Romans 8:17).
Those who "sell" Christianity by using the argument that life here on earth will get better and better are misguided. Yes, life will be better in one sense: Believers in Jesus can have confidence that even their suffering has purpose. Their lives, however, will not be better in the sense that they will not suffer.
Some who receive Jesus under false pretenses abandon their faith when trouble comes. Jesus warned of this when He explained the parable of the sower: "The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the Word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, he quickly falls away" (Matthew 13:20-21).
The apostle Paul was painfully aware of this possibility. He was concerned that new converts in Thessalonica, a prominent first-century Greek seaport not far from Mount Olympus, would see the persecution he experienced and say, "Whoa, that's not what I thought I was getting into. Leave me out of this."
When his concern for the converts was more than he could bear, Paul sent his associate Timothy to check on them. Timothy's report brought great relief to Paul: "In all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8).
Another apostle, Peter, wrote: "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering" (1 Peter 4:12). His advice is still good. If we follow Jesus we won't avoid all trouble but we will have an excellent companion. --Julie Ackerman Link
DESTINATION POINTS
* In what ways have I suffered for following Jesus?
* In what ways have I suffered for following my own selfish desires?
* Which pattern dominates my life?
LINKS:
http://www.bibleplaces.com/thessalonica.htm
bottom line: Suffering can strengthen your faith or weaken it.
soul journey
Saturday, April 16, 2005
Venomous Vipers
Dan Betzer
The Old Testament book of Numbers tells the chilling tale about snakebite. The Israelites, led by Moses, were making their way across that wilderness from the Nile to the Jordan River. They encountered a vicious enemy, the carpet viper -- not just one, but apparently thousands of them.
These snakes are rather small, never more than 24 inches, and very hard to see. They blend into the sand, sometimes just their heads protruding.
The late Karl Schmid of the Chicago Museum, who himself died of a snakebite, regarded the carpet viper as one of the most dangerous of all snakes known. They do not travel alone. In northwest India, nearly a quarter of a million of them were killed in one small region.
G. S. Cansdale has written that no other snake is known to exist in such numbers. The venom of the carpet viper is more deadly, gram for gram, than any other viper. These reptiles are easily provoked and are bad tempered.
A virtual army of them had nestled in the sand near Edom. Here came nearly three-million Israelis, trekking across the sand. And the snakes struck at the passing ankles and sandaled feet.
Moses put it so simply, “They bit the people, and many died.” In Scripture, Satan is often referred to as the serpent. One thing is sure, his bite is brutal.
But, thank God, there is an antivenin, and that is the blood of Jesus Christ. Did I say “an” antivenin? No, no, there is ONE antivenin.
All our pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps will never stop the deadly process of sin’s bites. Jesus is still your answer, good friend. Count on it!
cbn
Dan Betzer
The Old Testament book of Numbers tells the chilling tale about snakebite. The Israelites, led by Moses, were making their way across that wilderness from the Nile to the Jordan River. They encountered a vicious enemy, the carpet viper -- not just one, but apparently thousands of them.
These snakes are rather small, never more than 24 inches, and very hard to see. They blend into the sand, sometimes just their heads protruding.
The late Karl Schmid of the Chicago Museum, who himself died of a snakebite, regarded the carpet viper as one of the most dangerous of all snakes known. They do not travel alone. In northwest India, nearly a quarter of a million of them were killed in one small region.
G. S. Cansdale has written that no other snake is known to exist in such numbers. The venom of the carpet viper is more deadly, gram for gram, than any other viper. These reptiles are easily provoked and are bad tempered.
A virtual army of them had nestled in the sand near Edom. Here came nearly three-million Israelis, trekking across the sand. And the snakes struck at the passing ankles and sandaled feet.
Moses put it so simply, “They bit the people, and many died.” In Scripture, Satan is often referred to as the serpent. One thing is sure, his bite is brutal.
But, thank God, there is an antivenin, and that is the blood of Jesus Christ. Did I say “an” antivenin? No, no, there is ONE antivenin.
All our pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps will never stop the deadly process of sin’s bites. Jesus is still your answer, good friend. Count on it!
cbn
Thursday, April 14, 2005
What Takes Our Breath Away
John Fischer
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers — wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families — more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
Some might be surprised to find the words just quoted were written by that bawdy comedian and sometimes-vulgar commentator on life, George Carlin. Of course, none of his trademark crudeness means he can’t be right; and that’s just the thing: he often is. Comedians are our present day answer to the court jesters of medieval times. They are usually very astute when it comes to human nature and its inconsistencies, since that’s where a good deal of their humor comes from. One of the most poignant comments on the excesses of modern materialism is found in Carlin’s hilarious routine on “stuff.” You laugh, and then you cry, because you see yourself so much in it. No one escapes unscathed.
You may have even seen this current piece I’m quoting today floating around the Internet. I understand it was written shortly after the death of his wife, which would explain many of its insights, which are worthy of reflection. We were made for relationships — with God and with each other. So much of our busy lives can keep us from seeing that until it’s too late. This becomes, then, a painful reminder from someone who acutely feels the loss of a loved one, to invest in those we love while we can.
Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all “mean it.” A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment, for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. And always remember: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. – George Carlin
PDL
John Fischer
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers — wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families — more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
Some might be surprised to find the words just quoted were written by that bawdy comedian and sometimes-vulgar commentator on life, George Carlin. Of course, none of his trademark crudeness means he can’t be right; and that’s just the thing: he often is. Comedians are our present day answer to the court jesters of medieval times. They are usually very astute when it comes to human nature and its inconsistencies, since that’s where a good deal of their humor comes from. One of the most poignant comments on the excesses of modern materialism is found in Carlin’s hilarious routine on “stuff.” You laugh, and then you cry, because you see yourself so much in it. No one escapes unscathed.
You may have even seen this current piece I’m quoting today floating around the Internet. I understand it was written shortly after the death of his wife, which would explain many of its insights, which are worthy of reflection. We were made for relationships — with God and with each other. So much of our busy lives can keep us from seeing that until it’s too late. This becomes, then, a painful reminder from someone who acutely feels the loss of a loved one, to invest in those we love while we can.
Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all “mean it.” A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment, for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. And always remember: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. – George Carlin
PDL
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
WHY DID YOU DO THAT?
1 Thessalonians 2:1-61 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you His gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
During the Olympics last year, athletes competed for lots of different reasons. Some were honoring a loved one who had died. Some wanted to improve on their result from 4 years earlier. Others just wanted to experience the pageantry of the Games. One track star came to prove his tattoo to be true: "Greatest of All Time." (He came in third.)
We all have motives for what we do, whether they're tattooed on our arm or tucked away inside our heart. It's good to take them out and look at them every once in a while to figure out why we do what we do.
When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he wanted them to know that his motives were on the up-and-up. He cared for them and shared the gospel with them, knowing that God was the one he and his companions were serving--not themselves. "We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts" (1 Thessalonians 2:4). He didn't want fame or rewards for his service. He knew his reward would come later, when he finished his work on earth and entered heaven for eternity. Yes, he received recognition, honor, and respect along the way. But those things weren't the driving force behind his work.
Paul was a living example of what Jesus taught in Matthew 6. He said, "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. . . . Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (vv.1,4).
So it's up to you: glory now, or glory later. You can choose to receive your reward today--fame, applause, recognition. Or you can choose to serve God with the right heart, one that is trying to please Him alone. The reward you'll receive from your Father will be better than any reward you could get from anyone else. --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I ever stopped to examine my motives for doing what I do? Why or why not?
* What are my motives for my work, activities, service?
* Why does God care about my motives?
LINKS:
What Does It Take To Follow Christ?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0710
The Official Web site of the Olympic Movement
olympic.org/uk/index_uk.asp
bottom line: Suffering can strengthen your faith or weaken it.
soul journey
1 Thessalonians 2:1-61 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you His gospel in spite of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
During the Olympics last year, athletes competed for lots of different reasons. Some were honoring a loved one who had died. Some wanted to improve on their result from 4 years earlier. Others just wanted to experience the pageantry of the Games. One track star came to prove his tattoo to be true: "Greatest of All Time." (He came in third.)
We all have motives for what we do, whether they're tattooed on our arm or tucked away inside our heart. It's good to take them out and look at them every once in a while to figure out why we do what we do.
When Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, he wanted them to know that his motives were on the up-and-up. He cared for them and shared the gospel with them, knowing that God was the one he and his companions were serving--not themselves. "We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts" (1 Thessalonians 2:4). He didn't want fame or rewards for his service. He knew his reward would come later, when he finished his work on earth and entered heaven for eternity. Yes, he received recognition, honor, and respect along the way. But those things weren't the driving force behind his work.
Paul was a living example of what Jesus taught in Matthew 6. He said, "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. . . . Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (vv.1,4).
So it's up to you: glory now, or glory later. You can choose to receive your reward today--fame, applause, recognition. Or you can choose to serve God with the right heart, one that is trying to please Him alone. The reward you'll receive from your Father will be better than any reward you could get from anyone else. --Tracy Carbaugh
DESTINATION POINTS
* Have I ever stopped to examine my motives for doing what I do? Why or why not?
* What are my motives for my work, activities, service?
* Why does God care about my motives?
LINKS:
What Does It Take To Follow Christ?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0710
The Official Web site of the Olympic Movement
olympic.org/uk/index_uk.asp
bottom line: Suffering can strengthen your faith or weaken it.
soul journey
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Life is but a Vapor
Missey Butler
At a very early age, I was blessed to discover the wonderful writings of King Solomon, the humble ruler who unselfishly asked God for wisdom, instead of the typical list of wants compiled by most kings.
I am not sure if he won my affection by his great insight with the teaching of the two disputing mothers and the baby, or when after he experienced all the pleasures life had to offer, he then had the conviction to tell the world, “None of it matters.”
God must have had something up His sleeve, because as a youngster, He made sure many nuggets of truth were planted deep within my very impressionable heart. It produced a kind of “Princess and the Pea” fairy tale effect. It caused me not be able to rest too comfortably on the “mattress of complacency.”
The Holy Spirit always made sure that soft whispers of wisdom would consistently move in and out of my life for many years. I recall one particular verse that I could never seem to forget. It was one of those sayings that you weighed everything against.
It’s found in the book of Ecclesiastes. It says,
It is better to spend more time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die and you should think about it while there is still time (Ecclesiastes 7:2).
You must be thinking as I did, Goodness gracious, what a depressing statement! A real bubble buster! Actually, for me it was quite the contrary. That rather gloomy statement would cause me to continually reprioritize my life.
The Holy Spirit made sure that particular Scripture was stored in a “refer to often” file within my mind. He was faithful to lead me to that mental index whenever I developed the self-centered notion that somehow my life was my own and I could live it anyway I pleased.
As James often reminds us,
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away (James 4:14).
This verse is certainly not one of those “claim it” verses we so readily display on our fridges with a cute little magnet. But then again, why don’t we? Are we so in love with our lives or so deeply immersed in our pleasures that we cannot bare to be reminded that one day it will all disappear like a passing mist?
On the front of my computer at work, I keep a small, neon colored “post it” with the following words displayed directly at eye level: “Soon this life as we know it shall pass … only what’s done for Jesus will last.”
So what is our duty? The wisest king that ever lived summed it up in one sentence.
Fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
So, in closing, I leave you with a K.I.S.S. – “Keep It Simple Saints.” And always remember, “It’s only a minute, but eternity’s in it.” Make your vapor count!
cbn
Missey Butler
At a very early age, I was blessed to discover the wonderful writings of King Solomon, the humble ruler who unselfishly asked God for wisdom, instead of the typical list of wants compiled by most kings.
I am not sure if he won my affection by his great insight with the teaching of the two disputing mothers and the baby, or when after he experienced all the pleasures life had to offer, he then had the conviction to tell the world, “None of it matters.”
God must have had something up His sleeve, because as a youngster, He made sure many nuggets of truth were planted deep within my very impressionable heart. It produced a kind of “Princess and the Pea” fairy tale effect. It caused me not be able to rest too comfortably on the “mattress of complacency.”
The Holy Spirit always made sure that soft whispers of wisdom would consistently move in and out of my life for many years. I recall one particular verse that I could never seem to forget. It was one of those sayings that you weighed everything against.
It’s found in the book of Ecclesiastes. It says,
It is better to spend more time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die and you should think about it while there is still time (Ecclesiastes 7:2).
You must be thinking as I did, Goodness gracious, what a depressing statement! A real bubble buster! Actually, for me it was quite the contrary. That rather gloomy statement would cause me to continually reprioritize my life.
The Holy Spirit made sure that particular Scripture was stored in a “refer to often” file within my mind. He was faithful to lead me to that mental index whenever I developed the self-centered notion that somehow my life was my own and I could live it anyway I pleased.
As James often reminds us,
For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanishes away (James 4:14).
This verse is certainly not one of those “claim it” verses we so readily display on our fridges with a cute little magnet. But then again, why don’t we? Are we so in love with our lives or so deeply immersed in our pleasures that we cannot bare to be reminded that one day it will all disappear like a passing mist?
On the front of my computer at work, I keep a small, neon colored “post it” with the following words displayed directly at eye level: “Soon this life as we know it shall pass … only what’s done for Jesus will last.”
So what is our duty? The wisest king that ever lived summed it up in one sentence.
Fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
So, in closing, I leave you with a K.I.S.S. – “Keep It Simple Saints.” And always remember, “It’s only a minute, but eternity’s in it.” Make your vapor count!
cbn
Monday, April 11, 2005
SEEING JESUS
John 14:15-21
15 "If you love Me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him."
I love the writings of C. S. Lewis because of his ability to express biblical truth in vivid and imaginative ways. In the book Prince Caspian, one of his Chronicles of Narnia, a girl named Lucy sees the great lion Aslan, but can't convince her sister and two brothers of it. Instead, they go the opposite direction and are thwarted at every turn
.
That night, Lucy sees Aslan again and realizes that he had meant for her to follow him alone, even if the others wouldn't come. Even now Aslan is calling to her, saying, "If you go back to the others now, and wake them up; and tell them you have seen me again; and that you must all get up at once and follow me--what will happen? There is only one way of finding out."
When Lucy asks if the others will see him too, Aslan replies, "Certainly not at first. Later on, it depends."
Even though the others can't see Aslan, they go with Lucy as she leads them along a precipitous path, following the lion only she can see. But as they travel on, one by one the others begin to catch glimpses of Aslan until they see the great lion clearly and know that he is leading them.
For me, the story illustrates what Jesus told His disciples just before He was crucified. "Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. . . . Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him" (John 14:19,21).
In our walk of faith, obedience is the key to seeing Jesus. As we do what He says, the clearer our vision of Him becomes. What will happen when we follow the Lord? There is only one way of finding out. --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* What clear command of Jesus do I need to obey today?
* How can I be sure that Jesus will show Himself to me along the way?
LINKS:
Into the Wardrobe
http://cslewis.drzeus.net/
bottom line: Obedience is the key to seeing Jesus.
soul journey
John 14:15-21
15 "If you love Me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him."
I love the writings of C. S. Lewis because of his ability to express biblical truth in vivid and imaginative ways. In the book Prince Caspian, one of his Chronicles of Narnia, a girl named Lucy sees the great lion Aslan, but can't convince her sister and two brothers of it. Instead, they go the opposite direction and are thwarted at every turn
.
That night, Lucy sees Aslan again and realizes that he had meant for her to follow him alone, even if the others wouldn't come. Even now Aslan is calling to her, saying, "If you go back to the others now, and wake them up; and tell them you have seen me again; and that you must all get up at once and follow me--what will happen? There is only one way of finding out."
When Lucy asks if the others will see him too, Aslan replies, "Certainly not at first. Later on, it depends."
Even though the others can't see Aslan, they go with Lucy as she leads them along a precipitous path, following the lion only she can see. But as they travel on, one by one the others begin to catch glimpses of Aslan until they see the great lion clearly and know that he is leading them.
For me, the story illustrates what Jesus told His disciples just before He was crucified. "Before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. . . . Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I too will love him and show Myself to him" (John 14:19,21).
In our walk of faith, obedience is the key to seeing Jesus. As we do what He says, the clearer our vision of Him becomes. What will happen when we follow the Lord? There is only one way of finding out. --Dave McCasland
DESTINATION POINTS
* What clear command of Jesus do I need to obey today?
* How can I be sure that Jesus will show Himself to me along the way?
LINKS:
Into the Wardrobe
http://cslewis.drzeus.net/
bottom line: Obedience is the key to seeing Jesus.
soul journey
Sunday, April 10, 2005
THAT'S ADVERTAINMENT!
Matthew 13:11-16
11 [Jesus] replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear."
Have you noticed the "mini-movie" trend in TV ads? Instead of simply presenting the virtues of a particular product, marketers tell a story that subtly sells the stuff.
For instance, do you remember the commercial in which Trisha, a sophisticated city-dweller, takes a trip to her boyfriend's family farm? She's seen riding a tractor, feeding fowl, and wandering in a field of wildflowers. The ad makes the viewer feel good with its storyline of an urban person having a great time on some green acres. But the point of the story is that Trisha had no problems with her chronic allergies because she took the right meds before heading for the countryside.
Marketers call these spots "advertainments." Expect to see more of them as advertisers struggle to get the attention of viewers armed with commercial-evading tools like TiVo and the always popular remote control.
There are no "mini-movies" in the Bible, but we do read of Jesus telling mini-stories. These brief, simple tales--called "parables"--reveal truths using characters and situations that His audience could easily follow.
The message, however, was often subtle--for a reason. Jesus knew the heart of man. When He said, "This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand" (Matthew 13:13), He was letting His disciples know two things: Believers would "get it" and unbelievers would reject it.
As theologian Dr. D. A. Carson has written, "If Jesus simply wished to hide the truth from outsiders, He need never have spoken to them. His concern for mission excludes that idea. So He must preach without casting His pearls before pigs (7:6). He does so in parables: i.e., in such a way as to harden and reject those who are hard of heart, and to enlighten--often without further explanation--His disciples."
As you read Jesus' parables, thank Him for revealing the "knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven" (13:11). These mini-stories can alter the story of your life. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* As I read the parable of the soils in Matthew 13:3-9, what insight do I gain into my own faith?
* Which parables mean the most to me and why?
bottom line: Jesus used parables to prick the heart.
soul journey
Matthew 13:11-16
11 [Jesus] replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. 12 Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 13 This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. 14 In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: 'You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people's heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.' 16 But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear."
Have you noticed the "mini-movie" trend in TV ads? Instead of simply presenting the virtues of a particular product, marketers tell a story that subtly sells the stuff.
For instance, do you remember the commercial in which Trisha, a sophisticated city-dweller, takes a trip to her boyfriend's family farm? She's seen riding a tractor, feeding fowl, and wandering in a field of wildflowers. The ad makes the viewer feel good with its storyline of an urban person having a great time on some green acres. But the point of the story is that Trisha had no problems with her chronic allergies because she took the right meds before heading for the countryside.
Marketers call these spots "advertainments." Expect to see more of them as advertisers struggle to get the attention of viewers armed with commercial-evading tools like TiVo and the always popular remote control.
There are no "mini-movies" in the Bible, but we do read of Jesus telling mini-stories. These brief, simple tales--called "parables"--reveal truths using characters and situations that His audience could easily follow.
The message, however, was often subtle--for a reason. Jesus knew the heart of man. When He said, "This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand" (Matthew 13:13), He was letting His disciples know two things: Believers would "get it" and unbelievers would reject it.
As theologian Dr. D. A. Carson has written, "If Jesus simply wished to hide the truth from outsiders, He need never have spoken to them. His concern for mission excludes that idea. So He must preach without casting His pearls before pigs (7:6). He does so in parables: i.e., in such a way as to harden and reject those who are hard of heart, and to enlighten--often without further explanation--His disciples."
As you read Jesus' parables, thank Him for revealing the "knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven" (13:11). These mini-stories can alter the story of your life. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* As I read the parable of the soils in Matthew 13:3-9, what insight do I gain into my own faith?
* Which parables mean the most to me and why?
bottom line: Jesus used parables to prick the heart.
soul journey
Saturday, April 09, 2005
I'm Waiting Lord, I Really Am
Cathy Irvin
Ever felt like you had been patient but it seemed like too much time had passed? We tend to think that God has forgotten the desires of our hearts, but we need to remember that He has it all under control. There are certain questions that should be considered during this waiting period.
1. Are we ready?
2. Have we been pruned enough for the task?
3. Is it the timing of the Lord?
This third question is extremely vital, because if we are not prepared and go ahead of God’s timing, our ministry will not succeed. There are purposes that God has ordained for us to accomplish.
Each person has been called of God and has a purpose and a destiny in God's kingdom. For some, it is in the public eye. For others, it is behind the scenes. It may be a leadership position or in the ministry of helps. You can have more than one talent or gift, but there lies in each of us a passion for something. We may know what we are to do, or we may still be in that seeking mode. Our heart’s cry might be one of the two following questions:
1."Lord what do You want me to do? I am waiting for You to let me know Your plan.”
2."Lord, when can I do what You've called me do? I'm ready.”
If you've been a Christian for a while, you are more than likely asking the latter question.
I saw the movie Seabiscuit about a horse that was groomed for racing. As the underdog in professional horse racing, Seabiscuit was smaller than a lot of other racehorses, but he loved to run. Though he experienced setbacks, he kept going until an injury temporarily kept him out of the race. That’s when he had to take time to heal.
We must have a time to grow and to heal from our past hurts or wounds, also. There will be a point when we are ready to be released into doing the thing God destined for us to do. We will find ourselves flowing in our giftings, and reaching out to minister to those who are hurting and are without hope.
In Isaiah 61:1-3, it says:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
God will send us out when it is His time, so we must be patient and wait for the season.
cbn
Cathy Irvin
Ever felt like you had been patient but it seemed like too much time had passed? We tend to think that God has forgotten the desires of our hearts, but we need to remember that He has it all under control. There are certain questions that should be considered during this waiting period.
1. Are we ready?
2. Have we been pruned enough for the task?
3. Is it the timing of the Lord?
This third question is extremely vital, because if we are not prepared and go ahead of God’s timing, our ministry will not succeed. There are purposes that God has ordained for us to accomplish.
Each person has been called of God and has a purpose and a destiny in God's kingdom. For some, it is in the public eye. For others, it is behind the scenes. It may be a leadership position or in the ministry of helps. You can have more than one talent or gift, but there lies in each of us a passion for something. We may know what we are to do, or we may still be in that seeking mode. Our heart’s cry might be one of the two following questions:
1."Lord what do You want me to do? I am waiting for You to let me know Your plan.”
2."Lord, when can I do what You've called me do? I'm ready.”
If you've been a Christian for a while, you are more than likely asking the latter question.
I saw the movie Seabiscuit about a horse that was groomed for racing. As the underdog in professional horse racing, Seabiscuit was smaller than a lot of other racehorses, but he loved to run. Though he experienced setbacks, he kept going until an injury temporarily kept him out of the race. That’s when he had to take time to heal.
We must have a time to grow and to heal from our past hurts or wounds, also. There will be a point when we are ready to be released into doing the thing God destined for us to do. We will find ourselves flowing in our giftings, and reaching out to minister to those who are hurting and are without hope.
In Isaiah 61:1-3, it says:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
God will send us out when it is His time, so we must be patient and wait for the season.
cbn
Thursday, April 07, 2005
FAITH LESSON #1
Hebrews 11:7-11
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered Him faithful who had made the promise.
When it comes to living by faith, one question continues to bug me: How do I know we're not just fooling ourselves? We all know of people who have done some pretty wacky things in the name of "faith." How do we know when we've crossed the line from faith into presumption?
By faith Noah built a boat in a dry land; Abraham left home without a destination; and as a senior citizen, Sarah prepared for a child. These three faith heroes leaped and landed safely on the other side of the chasm. What do their stories have in common? Well, God told each of them what they were to do. He promised, they obeyed.
God does occasionally call us to unusual ventures. (Try doing a Noah and building a cruise ship in the Sahara.) When we take on such tasks, family will worry, enemies will scoff, and close friends may ask if we've lost our minds. Faith ventures defy conventional thinking. But the difference between God's call and our self-delusion is His promise.
We test our faith venture. But God has already promised to provide what we're looking for.
Need food and clothing? God promises to supply (Matthew 6:25-34). Ask expectantly.
Require guidance and wisdom? God will give you what you need (Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5-7).
I'm in the middle of a risky career change that I feel is a calling from God. One of my greatest worries is money. But God has promised to provide. So get on with it, Sheridan, and trust God.
Sift through the many biblical references to faith and you'll find that most of them are not of the "have faith to get what we want" variety. The majority are an encouragement to have faith in Him. Christian faith is grounded in God's character, and this brings great comfort.
We could misunderstand--we might slip into presuming on His promises. But if so, into redeeming hands we will fall (Psalm 103:1-4). --Sheridan Voysey
DESTINATION POINTS
* What is God calling me to do--today, this year, and in the future?
* Is it wrong to have a "Plan B" when pursuing a faith venture?
LINKS:
How Can I Know What God Wants Me To Do?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0704
bottom line: God Himself is the object of our faith.
soul journey
Hebrews 11:7-11
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because he considered Him faithful who had made the promise.
When it comes to living by faith, one question continues to bug me: How do I know we're not just fooling ourselves? We all know of people who have done some pretty wacky things in the name of "faith." How do we know when we've crossed the line from faith into presumption?
By faith Noah built a boat in a dry land; Abraham left home without a destination; and as a senior citizen, Sarah prepared for a child. These three faith heroes leaped and landed safely on the other side of the chasm. What do their stories have in common? Well, God told each of them what they were to do. He promised, they obeyed.
God does occasionally call us to unusual ventures. (Try doing a Noah and building a cruise ship in the Sahara.) When we take on such tasks, family will worry, enemies will scoff, and close friends may ask if we've lost our minds. Faith ventures defy conventional thinking. But the difference between God's call and our self-delusion is His promise.
We test our faith venture. But God has already promised to provide what we're looking for.
Need food and clothing? God promises to supply (Matthew 6:25-34). Ask expectantly.
Require guidance and wisdom? God will give you what you need (Proverbs 3:5-6; James 1:5-7).
I'm in the middle of a risky career change that I feel is a calling from God. One of my greatest worries is money. But God has promised to provide. So get on with it, Sheridan, and trust God.
Sift through the many biblical references to faith and you'll find that most of them are not of the "have faith to get what we want" variety. The majority are an encouragement to have faith in Him. Christian faith is grounded in God's character, and this brings great comfort.
We could misunderstand--we might slip into presuming on His promises. But if so, into redeeming hands we will fall (Psalm 103:1-4). --Sheridan Voysey
DESTINATION POINTS
* What is God calling me to do--today, this year, and in the future?
* Is it wrong to have a "Plan B" when pursuing a faith venture?
LINKS:
How Can I Know What God Wants Me To Do?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0704
bottom line: God Himself is the object of our faith.
soul journey
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
This is Only a Test
Missey Butler
The scene is a jubilant one. The entire Israelite community had been miraculously delivered from the heavy bondage of slavery. Their jaws dropped as they watched God part the Red Sea so they could walk triumphantly into freedom. The book of Exodus gives us the account.
Miriam, Moses’ big sister, led the procession with clashing tambourines in what must have been the biggest “Praise Celebration” of all time. They had witnessed first hand how their mighty Jehovah had brought them out from under the cruel demands of Pharaoh and his chariot officers.
You would have surely thought that they would be riding this “wave of faith” for quite some time to come. But only three days later, they were complaining to Moses, “Why did you take us from Egypt and drag us out here only to have us die from thirst?”
Moses himself even got out of sorts. He complained to God, “What am I to do with these people”?
God calmly answered Moses (as if He was not surprised at all by their behavior),
“Walk on ahead of the people. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink. So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah and Meribah because they quarreled and they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:5-7).
They tested God… but in reality God was testing them.
As we continue to journey with them in the hot dessert sand through the Old Testament, we begin to realize that the picture only becomes more dismal. What the Israelites failed to see was that God was continually bringing them into a “wilderness of testing” for one purpose: to see what was truly in their hearts, to see if they would trust and obey Him without a grand display of miracles.
Even in our own lives, we travel through different places of testing. God has historically used this story of the Israelites as an example of how not to respond when faced with trials. (See Hebrews 4:11.)
The bottom line is that God is after something in each one of us. This thing called life is simply our own desert of testing. Why not allow God to part the “red seas” of your life? He has a “promised land” that He wants to bring you into so He can show Himself mighty and strong on your behalf.
With boldness and courage let us learn from our predecessors the valuable lessons of faith and let us remind ourselves, “This is only a test.”
cbn
Missey Butler
The scene is a jubilant one. The entire Israelite community had been miraculously delivered from the heavy bondage of slavery. Their jaws dropped as they watched God part the Red Sea so they could walk triumphantly into freedom. The book of Exodus gives us the account.
Miriam, Moses’ big sister, led the procession with clashing tambourines in what must have been the biggest “Praise Celebration” of all time. They had witnessed first hand how their mighty Jehovah had brought them out from under the cruel demands of Pharaoh and his chariot officers.
You would have surely thought that they would be riding this “wave of faith” for quite some time to come. But only three days later, they were complaining to Moses, “Why did you take us from Egypt and drag us out here only to have us die from thirst?”
Moses himself even got out of sorts. He complained to God, “What am I to do with these people”?
God calmly answered Moses (as if He was not surprised at all by their behavior),
“Walk on ahead of the people. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink. So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah and Meribah because they quarreled and they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” (Exodus 17:5-7).
They tested God… but in reality God was testing them.
As we continue to journey with them in the hot dessert sand through the Old Testament, we begin to realize that the picture only becomes more dismal. What the Israelites failed to see was that God was continually bringing them into a “wilderness of testing” for one purpose: to see what was truly in their hearts, to see if they would trust and obey Him without a grand display of miracles.
Even in our own lives, we travel through different places of testing. God has historically used this story of the Israelites as an example of how not to respond when faced with trials. (See Hebrews 4:11.)
The bottom line is that God is after something in each one of us. This thing called life is simply our own desert of testing. Why not allow God to part the “red seas” of your life? He has a “promised land” that He wants to bring you into so He can show Himself mighty and strong on your behalf.
With boldness and courage let us learn from our predecessors the valuable lessons of faith and let us remind ourselves, “This is only a test.”
cbn
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Amazing Knee-Mail
Susanne Scheppmann
Key Verse:
Isaiah 65:24, "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." (NIV)
Devotion:
Email amazes me. Right now, I am flying across the country, 38,000 feet above the earth and I jotted an email note to my girlfriend. When the plane lands, I will hit a computer key and within moments, my message floats through the atmosphere and somehow lands in my friend's e-mail box. "You've got mail." Amazing!
Now this brings me to a thought. That is exactly how prayer works. It springs from my mind right into the ear of God. Nothing can hinder my whispers to Him. In fact, Scripture tells me that God hears me before I even speak a word. "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24, NIV) Amazing!
Prayer works like e-mail, only you do not need a computer. You can sit, stand or kneel. Whatever position you find yourself in, you can speak to God. I prefer to kneel when I pray in the mornings, so I think of my prayers as knee-mail."Before they call I will answer." God promises to reply to our prayers. Sometimes the answers may not always be what we want. Or many times, we do not even recognize how he answers our requests. It is as if we hit the delete key and never see the answer.
However, I find great comfort in knowing that he receives my prayers with a listening ear, just as surely as my girlfriend will open her email tomorrow. She might not reply right away, but I know heart-to-heart communication took place. Our prayers work the same way, they build-up our relationship with God.
For myself, I need to learn to send knee-mail as frequently as I send e-mail. I desire to commune with God, so He will communicate with me. He waits for me to call. "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." (Isaiah 58:9a, NIV) Amazing!
My Prayer for Today:
Father God, help me to make prayer a priority in my day. Father, I want to learn the discipline of prayer. So before I open up my email each morning, remind me to get on my knees to have sweet communication with you.
Application Steps:
Pray the words of Psalm 119:18 and then read all of Psalm 119. Underline all the verses that touch your heart. Memorize Psalm 119:105 and ask God to light your path with His Word each day.
Reflection Points:
Do I believe that God hears my smallest request?
How much time do I spend on e-mail in comparison to praying?
Do I watch expectantly to see how God might answers my prayers?
Power Verses:
Psalm 91:15, "He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him." (NIV) Isaiah 58:9a, "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." (NIV)
Psalm 34:17, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (NIV)
Psalm 55:17, "Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice." (NIV)
Psalm 69:33, "The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people." (NIV)
Additional Resources:
Living Life on Purpose by Lysa TerKeurst
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/newsletter.html
Intimate Moments with God by Sharon Jaynes
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/newsletter.html
Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed by Lysa TerKeurst http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/newsletter.html
crosswalk
Susanne Scheppmann
Key Verse:
Isaiah 65:24, "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." (NIV)
Devotion:
Email amazes me. Right now, I am flying across the country, 38,000 feet above the earth and I jotted an email note to my girlfriend. When the plane lands, I will hit a computer key and within moments, my message floats through the atmosphere and somehow lands in my friend's e-mail box. "You've got mail." Amazing!
Now this brings me to a thought. That is exactly how prayer works. It springs from my mind right into the ear of God. Nothing can hinder my whispers to Him. In fact, Scripture tells me that God hears me before I even speak a word. "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." (Isaiah 65:24, NIV) Amazing!
Prayer works like e-mail, only you do not need a computer. You can sit, stand or kneel. Whatever position you find yourself in, you can speak to God. I prefer to kneel when I pray in the mornings, so I think of my prayers as knee-mail."Before they call I will answer." God promises to reply to our prayers. Sometimes the answers may not always be what we want. Or many times, we do not even recognize how he answers our requests. It is as if we hit the delete key and never see the answer.
However, I find great comfort in knowing that he receives my prayers with a listening ear, just as surely as my girlfriend will open her email tomorrow. She might not reply right away, but I know heart-to-heart communication took place. Our prayers work the same way, they build-up our relationship with God.
For myself, I need to learn to send knee-mail as frequently as I send e-mail. I desire to commune with God, so He will communicate with me. He waits for me to call. "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." (Isaiah 58:9a, NIV) Amazing!
My Prayer for Today:
Father God, help me to make prayer a priority in my day. Father, I want to learn the discipline of prayer. So before I open up my email each morning, remind me to get on my knees to have sweet communication with you.
Application Steps:
Pray the words of Psalm 119:18 and then read all of Psalm 119. Underline all the verses that touch your heart. Memorize Psalm 119:105 and ask God to light your path with His Word each day.
Reflection Points:
Do I believe that God hears my smallest request?
How much time do I spend on e-mail in comparison to praying?
Do I watch expectantly to see how God might answers my prayers?
Power Verses:
Psalm 91:15, "He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him." (NIV) Isaiah 58:9a, "Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I." (NIV)
Psalm 34:17, "The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." (NIV)
Psalm 55:17, "Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice." (NIV)
Psalm 69:33, "The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people." (NIV)
Additional Resources:
Living Life on Purpose by Lysa TerKeurst
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/newsletter.html
Intimate Moments with God by Sharon Jaynes
http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/newsletter.html
Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed by Lysa TerKeurst http://www.gospelcom.net/p31/resources/newsletter.html
crosswalk
Monday, April 04, 2005
TWO KINGDOMS
Matthew 22:15-22
15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Him in His words. 16 They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know You are a man of integrity and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because You pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is Your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap Me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought Him a denarius, 20 and He asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" 21 "Caesar's," they replied. Then He said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." 22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.
In a report in USA Today, Rick Hampton wrote, "The young generally don't have the old-time political religion. They look at voting and see a quaint, irrational act." One graduate was quoted as saying, "I don't care enough to care about why I don't care."
I wonder if this is the way many Jesus-followers view their civic responsibility. What should shape our thinking as it relates to our civic duty in our world?
Jesus helps us to think clearly about this issue. You see, the Jewish people were under Roman authority, and they would say, "Given the reality of our current political situation, should we even pay taxes to Caesar?" When the Pharisees, along with some Herod supporters, posed the tax question to Jesus, they were trying to trap Him. If He said, "Pay taxes to Caesar," many of the Jews would be upset because He was affirming Caesar's authority. If, on the other hand, He said, "Don't pay taxes to Caesar," the political authorities would be ticked.
Jesus' amazing answer (Matthew 22:20-21) gives us at least three significant insights:
* We live in a world with two kingdoms--Caesar's kingdom (human, political authority) and God's kingdom (spiritual authority). These kingdoms battle for our allegiance.
* We have responsibilities to both kingdoms. Our responsibilities in human government include paying taxes, honoring political leaders, and voting. Praying for and submitting to political leaders are two of our spiritual responsibilities in God's kingdom.
* Our greater duty is to God and His kingdom. Jesus' point was that while we have obligations to Caesar, we have a greater responsibility to God.
David gives us perspective: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7). Our ultimate hope is not in human government; it's in the sovereign purpose of God. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* What is my responsibility for being a good citizen?
* What positive support can I give to my government leaders?
* In trying to please God, under what circumstances can I disobey the clear commands of political leaders?
LINKS:
Dual Citizenship
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2004/004/jul/5.5.html
bottom line: All governments are placed in power by God.
soul journey
Matthew 22:15-22
15 Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap Him in His words. 16 They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know You are a man of integrity and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by men, because You pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is Your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap Me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought Him a denarius, 20 and He asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" 21 "Caesar's," they replied. Then He said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." 22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left Him and went away.
In a report in USA Today, Rick Hampton wrote, "The young generally don't have the old-time political religion. They look at voting and see a quaint, irrational act." One graduate was quoted as saying, "I don't care enough to care about why I don't care."
I wonder if this is the way many Jesus-followers view their civic responsibility. What should shape our thinking as it relates to our civic duty in our world?
Jesus helps us to think clearly about this issue. You see, the Jewish people were under Roman authority, and they would say, "Given the reality of our current political situation, should we even pay taxes to Caesar?" When the Pharisees, along with some Herod supporters, posed the tax question to Jesus, they were trying to trap Him. If He said, "Pay taxes to Caesar," many of the Jews would be upset because He was affirming Caesar's authority. If, on the other hand, He said, "Don't pay taxes to Caesar," the political authorities would be ticked.
Jesus' amazing answer (Matthew 22:20-21) gives us at least three significant insights:
* We live in a world with two kingdoms--Caesar's kingdom (human, political authority) and God's kingdom (spiritual authority). These kingdoms battle for our allegiance.
* We have responsibilities to both kingdoms. Our responsibilities in human government include paying taxes, honoring political leaders, and voting. Praying for and submitting to political leaders are two of our spiritual responsibilities in God's kingdom.
* Our greater duty is to God and His kingdom. Jesus' point was that while we have obligations to Caesar, we have a greater responsibility to God.
David gives us perspective: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7). Our ultimate hope is not in human government; it's in the sovereign purpose of God. --Marvin Williams
DESTINATION POINTS
* What is my responsibility for being a good citizen?
* What positive support can I give to my government leaders?
* In trying to please God, under what circumstances can I disobey the clear commands of political leaders?
LINKS:
Dual Citizenship
http://www.christianitytoday.com/moi/2004/004/jul/5.5.html
bottom line: All governments are placed in power by God.
soul journey
Sunday, April 03, 2005
TOTAL COW MAKEOVER?
1 Peter 3:1-6
1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
This whole makeover thing is getting out of hand. As you may have seen, the TV show Extreme Makeover allows people to be physically transformed by liposuction, hair replacement, and other tricks of the trade.
Now some ranchers "down under" have decided that if it's good enough for people, it's good enough for cattle. In response, the folks running the Tasmania Agricultural Show in Australia have had to lay down some rules to stop bovines from being made artificially beautiful.
Yep, ol' Bessie the cow was given plastic surgery so she could take the grand prize. Under a code of ethics designed to reinforce the "natural attractiveness" of the animals, this is no longer allowed.
"We don't want cows' teats sealed or glued," said a spokesman for the Tasmania Show. "We don't want people pumping cows' stomachs up to expand the stomach. . . . We want to put them in the show ring as they have bred them."
It's obvious that our world is obsessed with beauty. And shows like Extreme Makeover can make us feel so inadequate. When we see an average person adorned with the best makeup, wardrobe, and snow-white teeth veneers money can buy--we want the image in our mirror to get a makeover too.
The apostle Peter had a different version of beauty. He saw it as something that shines from the inside, not something plastered on the outside. In his words to wives, he stated that their beauty "should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" (1 Peter 3:4). He was talking about character.
It's the inner self that needs more of our attention, not the outside packaging. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).
Attractiveness isn't found in jewelry and the latest clothing. Extreme beauty is found in a quiet spirit that hopes in God and seeks His heart. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* In what ways have I been obsessed with beauty?
* How can I become more attractive on the inside?
LINKS:
Makeover Mania
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2004/005/1.24.html
Self-Esteem
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0503
bottom line: Beauty is more than skin deep--it's in the heart.
soul journey
1 Peter 3:1-6
1 Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, 2 when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. 3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4 Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. 5 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, 6 like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
This whole makeover thing is getting out of hand. As you may have seen, the TV show Extreme Makeover allows people to be physically transformed by liposuction, hair replacement, and other tricks of the trade.
Now some ranchers "down under" have decided that if it's good enough for people, it's good enough for cattle. In response, the folks running the Tasmania Agricultural Show in Australia have had to lay down some rules to stop bovines from being made artificially beautiful.
Yep, ol' Bessie the cow was given plastic surgery so she could take the grand prize. Under a code of ethics designed to reinforce the "natural attractiveness" of the animals, this is no longer allowed.
"We don't want cows' teats sealed or glued," said a spokesman for the Tasmania Show. "We don't want people pumping cows' stomachs up to expand the stomach. . . . We want to put them in the show ring as they have bred them."
It's obvious that our world is obsessed with beauty. And shows like Extreme Makeover can make us feel so inadequate. When we see an average person adorned with the best makeup, wardrobe, and snow-white teeth veneers money can buy--we want the image in our mirror to get a makeover too.
The apostle Peter had a different version of beauty. He saw it as something that shines from the inside, not something plastered on the outside. In his words to wives, he stated that their beauty "should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" (1 Peter 3:4). He was talking about character.
It's the inner self that needs more of our attention, not the outside packaging. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).
Attractiveness isn't found in jewelry and the latest clothing. Extreme beauty is found in a quiet spirit that hopes in God and seeks His heart. --Tom Felten
DESTINATION POINTS
* In what ways have I been obsessed with beauty?
* How can I become more attractive on the inside?
LINKS:
Makeover Mania
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/2004/005/1.24.html
Self-Esteem
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0503
bottom line: Beauty is more than skin deep--it's in the heart.
soul journey
Saturday, April 02, 2005
To Till or not to Till
Kathy Schultz
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
Kathy Schultz
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