Getting a Handle on Handel
John Fischer
I hauled down the Christmas boxes from the attic this weekend, a little earlier than usual, but with my daughter's college graduation in mid-December, we figured we'd better get an early start on what we anticipate is going to be a short season for us. Of course with the boxes come the Christmas CDs, and the first one I popped in our player on Sunday morning was a collection of all the choruses from Handel's Messiah.
This work has a huge tug on my heart, having grown up with choirs that performed at least some portion of the Messiah almost every year. My father directed our church choir when I was a kid, and my mom and older siblings all sang in it at one time or another, as did I when I was old enough. Those choruses with the repetitive sections, as in, “For unto us a child is bo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-rn! Unto us (unto us)… a Son is give- (a Son is given)” are second nature to me. (Isaiah 9:6)
Once as a teenager home from school with the flu, I discovered the family's four album set of the complete works of Handel's Messiah, and I spent the day listening to and following the lyrics for the first time from start to finish. I was a basket case when it was over - emotionally exhausted over the power of the gospel and the meaning of the scriptures this piece contains, for there isn't one word in Messiah that doesn't come from the King James Version of the Bible.
So yesterday, I was recalling all this and something new hit me. If you know anything about this classical work, you know that every chorus is made up lyrically of no more than one sentence or even a phrase from the Bible that gradually unfolds as it is sung. For instance, there's one complete chorus with the lyric, “For as in Adam all die,” and another chorus for, “So in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)
There was a time when these long-winded renderings seemed laborious to me, but yesterday, I couldn't get enough, and suddenly I got it. The statements Handel chose are so significant - so deep in their eternal ramifications - that you can hear them over and over again and never exhaust their meaning.
How many times can you say, “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), and it cease to amaze you? How can you ever get too much of, “Surely, He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4)? Or what part of, “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it” (Isaiah 40:5), do you not want to hear again?
Lots of local churches have Messiah sing-alongs. I highly recommend the experience, but be forewarned, you may have difficulty trying to sing and cry at the same time.
“King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (Revelation 19:16)!
“Hallelujah!”
PDL
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
there’s coming a day
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21
We live in a day of immense injustice. Perhaps never before in human history have more people lived and died under such unpunished wrongdoing. The media can't begin to tell the horrid tales of the immeasurable wickedness. On the international scene there is genocide, vigilante governments, and “ethnic cleansing.” Closer to home we have bankers that embezzle, doctors that deceive, ministers that molest, and on and on.
Doesn't it disturb you?!
We are to fight for justice and speak up for those who can't defend themselves. But there's also something we need to remember. The Word of God says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'” (Romans 12:17).
The world says, “Don't get mad, get even.” God says, “Leave it with me—I'll handle this.” But when our desire for revenge rears up within us, it's tough not to take matters into our own hands.
God knows how hard this injustice thing is for us, and so he begins his action plan by calling us “Beloved,” and letting us know we, the precious people of his love, shouldn't avenge ourselves. Instead, he says, “Leave it to the wrath of God” (v.19). Vengeance is God's responsibility. When we try to get even with people who have injured us or others, we are taking responsibility that belongs to God. He reminds us, “I see what they've done. I may let the hands on the clock go around a few more times, but I have a perfect memory. Trust me with the whole thing.” He says, “I will repay.”
There's a day coming, circled in red on the calendar in heaven. I don't know how many pages will be turned until God balances the books of justice, but the day is coming. In the Bible it's called “the day of the Lord,” the “great day,” or “that day.” It's when God will right all the wrongs, even the score, and bring awful judgment on everyone who has not sought forgiveness from Jesus.
Take the injustices of life that outrage and crush your spirit, do what you can, and give them over to God. Vengeance is God's job and he will take care of it all in a way that defies explanation and staggers the mind. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, how has my vision of your justice just been altered? What praise for you is welling up in my heart?
responding: Has personal or wide-scale injustice hindered my ability or willingness to trust God? • How can I stir the faith of others who are bothered by God's seeming lack of response to injustice?
God, please give me a heart of compassion and wisdom to do what I can when I see or experience injustice. Grant me a willingness to trust you to bring about perfect justice one day.
following: Don't get in the way of God doing his job.
our journey
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21
We live in a day of immense injustice. Perhaps never before in human history have more people lived and died under such unpunished wrongdoing. The media can't begin to tell the horrid tales of the immeasurable wickedness. On the international scene there is genocide, vigilante governments, and “ethnic cleansing.” Closer to home we have bankers that embezzle, doctors that deceive, ministers that molest, and on and on.
Doesn't it disturb you?!
We are to fight for justice and speak up for those who can't defend themselves. But there's also something we need to remember. The Word of God says, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord'” (Romans 12:17).
The world says, “Don't get mad, get even.” God says, “Leave it with me—I'll handle this.” But when our desire for revenge rears up within us, it's tough not to take matters into our own hands.
God knows how hard this injustice thing is for us, and so he begins his action plan by calling us “Beloved,” and letting us know we, the precious people of his love, shouldn't avenge ourselves. Instead, he says, “Leave it to the wrath of God” (v.19). Vengeance is God's responsibility. When we try to get even with people who have injured us or others, we are taking responsibility that belongs to God. He reminds us, “I see what they've done. I may let the hands on the clock go around a few more times, but I have a perfect memory. Trust me with the whole thing.” He says, “I will repay.”
There's a day coming, circled in red on the calendar in heaven. I don't know how many pages will be turned until God balances the books of justice, but the day is coming. In the Bible it's called “the day of the Lord,” the “great day,” or “that day.” It's when God will right all the wrongs, even the score, and bring awful judgment on everyone who has not sought forgiveness from Jesus.
Take the injustices of life that outrage and crush your spirit, do what you can, and give them over to God. Vengeance is God's job and he will take care of it all in a way that defies explanation and staggers the mind. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, how has my vision of your justice just been altered? What praise for you is welling up in my heart?
responding: Has personal or wide-scale injustice hindered my ability or willingness to trust God? • How can I stir the faith of others who are bothered by God's seeming lack of response to injustice?
God, please give me a heart of compassion and wisdom to do what I can when I see or experience injustice. Grant me a willingness to trust you to bring about perfect justice one day.
following: Don't get in the way of God doing his job.
our journey
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Any Mother's Son
John Fischer
“It's hard, in a court of law, to convict absentee and abusive parents, drug lords, heroine itself, and even the Prince of Darkness,” wrote Matt as he reflected on discovering the drug overdosed body of a teenage runaway and seethed inside for someone to blame. Matt is a man who ministers to homeless kids in downtown Denver. It is a unique ministry that has sprung up due to the desperate need of wandering “gutterpunks” in many American cities.
This is a new kind of “inner city,” not the ethnically divided poor neighborhoods of our cities (a tragedy of its own proportions), these are kids from middle, upper-middle class homes who find home to be a prison of sorts and prefer the “freedom” of the streets, but the dangers are great. These kids suffer across the street from Starbucks. They sleep in alleys along the financial district. They may look like normal kids hanging around a shopping mall but they are at great risk.
Matt and those he works with have created a caring community among these kids. They love them, feed them when they can, teach them the Bible, and try and somehow share their pain without judging them or scaring them away. They see some turn around and can provide the resources to help them when they are ready to do that. They see others stay the same and there is little they can do but love them and try and be there for them, and sometimes, like this time, they have to see them die.
“I'm tired of my friends dying,” says one of Matt's friends on the street. It's a comment Matt himself echoes later as he reflects on the ten kids he has seen die in the last four years of his ministry.
Matt and his organization have a unique mission to a specific need. But it occurs to me that we all probably rub shoulders with people this desperate every day without knowing it. This is not a starving child in a third world country. This is any mother's son right next to you today at the bus stop or Starbucks, and today may be his last. You have to have a reason to live in order to make a necessary change in what is a downward spiral with a powerful grip. We can give people a reason to live through loving them.
Think of it. There could be someone within your reach today to whom an act of love might be the difference between life and death. Love is the reason, and we have it. We can love with the same love the Father has loved us. It's what we are here for.
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the vacant space inside of someone's life today.
PDL
John Fischer
“It's hard, in a court of law, to convict absentee and abusive parents, drug lords, heroine itself, and even the Prince of Darkness,” wrote Matt as he reflected on discovering the drug overdosed body of a teenage runaway and seethed inside for someone to blame. Matt is a man who ministers to homeless kids in downtown Denver. It is a unique ministry that has sprung up due to the desperate need of wandering “gutterpunks” in many American cities.
This is a new kind of “inner city,” not the ethnically divided poor neighborhoods of our cities (a tragedy of its own proportions), these are kids from middle, upper-middle class homes who find home to be a prison of sorts and prefer the “freedom” of the streets, but the dangers are great. These kids suffer across the street from Starbucks. They sleep in alleys along the financial district. They may look like normal kids hanging around a shopping mall but they are at great risk.
Matt and those he works with have created a caring community among these kids. They love them, feed them when they can, teach them the Bible, and try and somehow share their pain without judging them or scaring them away. They see some turn around and can provide the resources to help them when they are ready to do that. They see others stay the same and there is little they can do but love them and try and be there for them, and sometimes, like this time, they have to see them die.
“I'm tired of my friends dying,” says one of Matt's friends on the street. It's a comment Matt himself echoes later as he reflects on the ten kids he has seen die in the last four years of his ministry.
Matt and his organization have a unique mission to a specific need. But it occurs to me that we all probably rub shoulders with people this desperate every day without knowing it. This is not a starving child in a third world country. This is any mother's son right next to you today at the bus stop or Starbucks, and today may be his last. You have to have a reason to live in order to make a necessary change in what is a downward spiral with a powerful grip. We can give people a reason to live through loving them.
Think of it. There could be someone within your reach today to whom an act of love might be the difference between life and death. Love is the reason, and we have it. We can love with the same love the Father has loved us. It's what we are here for.
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the vacant space inside of someone's life today.
PDL
Monday, August 28, 2006
Wisdom from a Fifth Grade Goalie
John Fischer
Our devotional thought for today comes by way of one of our readers who, inspired by my “soccer devotionals,” wrote me about her own soccer experience as a parent. I thought her insights were worth sharing with everyone.
I have really enjoyed your devotionals about soccer. I, too, remember when my daughter started in first grade. Usually, she was the goalie. Mostly she was a ballerina. She couldn’t prevent the other team from scoring unless she was in the middle of a very intense dance routine like pirouetting, doing the arabesque or practicing her positions. To all of this, her coach would just laugh. We had that coach for four years and I think patience is probably his best virtue.
This year, our coach was different. He is a former military man. He is fierce, disciplined, unforgiving and unfortunately, extremely sarcastic and belittling. Great for marines, I suppose. Not so great for fifth grade girls. But, we stuck it out, kept our mouths shut, and counted down the weeks until the season was over. After our final game, I stared in amazement as my daughter, who really disliked this man, went to him and thanked him for taking the time to coach her. I couldn't believe it. She had endured his insults, ridicule and snide remarks. I asked her why she had done that, and she said that maybe he was not nice because no one had been nice to him.
From the mouth of a fifth grader comes incredibly simple wisdom. Almost always this is the case. Abusers have been abused. Oppressors have been oppressed. The neglected become neglectful. How else do we know what to do? We have been trained in our vices.
Two lessons here: 1) Realize how important it is to treat people well. 2) Realize that those who err in their own handling of relationships have most likely had poor examples from which to learn. This is not an excuse for bad behavior, but it does help to understand and break the cycle. When possible, it helps to give a different response than what a poor attitude typically engenders.
“You have heard that the Law of Moses says, `Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy,” Jesus said. “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else” (Matthew 5:43-47)?
PDL
John Fischer
Our devotional thought for today comes by way of one of our readers who, inspired by my “soccer devotionals,” wrote me about her own soccer experience as a parent. I thought her insights were worth sharing with everyone.
I have really enjoyed your devotionals about soccer. I, too, remember when my daughter started in first grade. Usually, she was the goalie. Mostly she was a ballerina. She couldn’t prevent the other team from scoring unless she was in the middle of a very intense dance routine like pirouetting, doing the arabesque or practicing her positions. To all of this, her coach would just laugh. We had that coach for four years and I think patience is probably his best virtue.
This year, our coach was different. He is a former military man. He is fierce, disciplined, unforgiving and unfortunately, extremely sarcastic and belittling. Great for marines, I suppose. Not so great for fifth grade girls. But, we stuck it out, kept our mouths shut, and counted down the weeks until the season was over. After our final game, I stared in amazement as my daughter, who really disliked this man, went to him and thanked him for taking the time to coach her. I couldn't believe it. She had endured his insults, ridicule and snide remarks. I asked her why she had done that, and she said that maybe he was not nice because no one had been nice to him.
From the mouth of a fifth grader comes incredibly simple wisdom. Almost always this is the case. Abusers have been abused. Oppressors have been oppressed. The neglected become neglectful. How else do we know what to do? We have been trained in our vices.
Two lessons here: 1) Realize how important it is to treat people well. 2) Realize that those who err in their own handling of relationships have most likely had poor examples from which to learn. This is not an excuse for bad behavior, but it does help to understand and break the cycle. When possible, it helps to give a different response than what a poor attitude typically engenders.
“You have heard that the Law of Moses says, `Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy,” Jesus said. “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and on the unjust, too. If you love only those who love you, what good is that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else” (Matthew 5:43-47)?
PDL
Saturday, August 26, 2006
the test of plenty
4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” . . . 13 In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. 14 And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.” Exodus 16:4-15
The account of God supplying manna to the children of Israel is one of Scripture's most beautiful expressions of God's provision. He allowed his children to become hungry in a barren wilderness. They had neither means nor hope of acquiring food on their own. God rained down bread from heaven's kitchen 6 days a week for 40 years. They never had to ask. Surrounded by barrenness, they received plenty.
Tucked away in Exodus 16 is a phrase we must not miss: “That I may test them” (v.4). A constant dose of plenty can sometimes be a more difficult spiritual test than a constant dose of need. We have plenty, but we think we “need” more.
Many wealthy countries are lands of manna. The plenty is a test. What is the purpose of the test of abundance? To “test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.” God is pinpointing an overwhelming tendency in human nature: We are far less likely to be obedient when we are not in need.
Necessity has a way of reordering our priorities, doesn't it? If we belong to Jesus and find ourselves lacking something we think we need, sooner or later we may begin evaluating whether we're living obedient lives that God can bless. Coming face to face with need is a very effective prompter toward obedience.
But what about a daily dose of plenty? I'm not referring to wealth—just the absence of worry as to whether or not our family will eat each week. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, our greatest dilemma is how we'll cook and serve our manna today, not whether we'll have the manna.
Herein lies the test. Must we be in immediate need to live obedient lives?
God is so faithful, so daily. He delights in obedience prompted from something deeply internal—a heart of love and devotion. Ask him today to help you become a child of his whose levels of obedience are less regulated by circumstances and more governed by love. —Beth Moore bethmoore.org
seeking: Father, how has your faithfulness strengthened me this day? How can I show you my worship and thankfulness for what you've done?
responding: In what ways has God tested me with plenty? • Do I have a tendency to be less obedient during times of abundance? Why?
Loving Father, thank you for the abundant provision of manna I receive each day from you. Please forgive me for growing rebellious and disobedient during times of ease. I pray to develop such sincere love and devotion that my obedience will not waver during seasons of famine or abundance. Help me to pass the test of plenty, dear Lord. In the name of Jesus, amen.
following: Times of plenty are a test of our obedience.
our journey
4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.” . . . 13 In the evening quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning dew lay around the camp. 14 And when the dew had gone up, there was on the face of the wilderness a fine, flake-like thing, fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.” Exodus 16:4-15
The account of God supplying manna to the children of Israel is one of Scripture's most beautiful expressions of God's provision. He allowed his children to become hungry in a barren wilderness. They had neither means nor hope of acquiring food on their own. God rained down bread from heaven's kitchen 6 days a week for 40 years. They never had to ask. Surrounded by barrenness, they received plenty.
Tucked away in Exodus 16 is a phrase we must not miss: “That I may test them” (v.4). A constant dose of plenty can sometimes be a more difficult spiritual test than a constant dose of need. We have plenty, but we think we “need” more.
Many wealthy countries are lands of manna. The plenty is a test. What is the purpose of the test of abundance? To “test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.” God is pinpointing an overwhelming tendency in human nature: We are far less likely to be obedient when we are not in need.
Necessity has a way of reordering our priorities, doesn't it? If we belong to Jesus and find ourselves lacking something we think we need, sooner or later we may begin evaluating whether we're living obedient lives that God can bless. Coming face to face with need is a very effective prompter toward obedience.
But what about a daily dose of plenty? I'm not referring to wealth—just the absence of worry as to whether or not our family will eat each week. Like the Israelites in the wilderness, our greatest dilemma is how we'll cook and serve our manna today, not whether we'll have the manna.
Herein lies the test. Must we be in immediate need to live obedient lives?
God is so faithful, so daily. He delights in obedience prompted from something deeply internal—a heart of love and devotion. Ask him today to help you become a child of his whose levels of obedience are less regulated by circumstances and more governed by love. —Beth Moore bethmoore.org
seeking: Father, how has your faithfulness strengthened me this day? How can I show you my worship and thankfulness for what you've done?
responding: In what ways has God tested me with plenty? • Do I have a tendency to be less obedient during times of abundance? Why?
Loving Father, thank you for the abundant provision of manna I receive each day from you. Please forgive me for growing rebellious and disobedient during times of ease. I pray to develop such sincere love and devotion that my obedience will not waver during seasons of famine or abundance. Help me to pass the test of plenty, dear Lord. In the name of Jesus, amen.
following: Times of plenty are a test of our obedience.
our journey
Friday, August 25, 2006
life of gratitude
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
One way to fortify our lives against sin is to live out active gratitude. Dissatisfaction can grow into a menacing monster. An unsatisfied soul should never be ignored. Ongoing or chronic feelings of dissatisfaction are red flags that need to be dealt with. Such feelings may mean that something vital is missing, and we need to seek God without delay.
Other times, nagging feelings of dissatisfaction can be little more than the byproduct of living in an overindulged society. Think about it. Countless millions of dollars are spent annually by advertisers whose only goal is to convince us that we are not yet satisfied. Sometimes our feelings tell us we're less satisfied than we really are.
How can we know the difference? Apply the phrase Paul gave us: “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Active gratitude will cure self- or society-induced dissatisfaction. Often we know what our problem is. We even know what the remedy may be. But we must take the medicine the Word prescribes when we're feeling under the weather spiritually.
Many times we don't have a knowledge problem; we have an obedience problem. Give thanks in all circumstances. Just trying to sit like a thankful-looking bump on a log won't cut it. Actively giving thanks is required.
When I'm feeling down or a little bit like a brat, I often sense God speaking to my heart, “Name ’em, child.” I don't even have to ask what he means. He means start naming a mere 20 or 30 of the thousands of ways he's been good to me. God has had such mercy on my life, I ought to be among the most grateful people around, and that's exactly what I want to be.
If our selfish hearts are trying to trick us into feeling a sense of dissatisfaction, a dose of thanksgiving will cure what ails us. If it doesn't, we have a more serious issue, and we must diligently seek the wisdom and remedy of God. —Beth Moore
seeking: Father, what thanks will I offer you this moment? What praise will I offer to you out of gratitude for all you've done?
responding: What feelings of dissatisfaction am I experiencing? What will change in my life if I start to actively give thanks to God?
Father, you are the source of all good things and you are worthy of all my gratitude. Please help me to develop a thankful heart that glorifies you. In Jesus' name, amen.
following: Active gratitude cures dissatisfaction.
our journey
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
One way to fortify our lives against sin is to live out active gratitude. Dissatisfaction can grow into a menacing monster. An unsatisfied soul should never be ignored. Ongoing or chronic feelings of dissatisfaction are red flags that need to be dealt with. Such feelings may mean that something vital is missing, and we need to seek God without delay.
Other times, nagging feelings of dissatisfaction can be little more than the byproduct of living in an overindulged society. Think about it. Countless millions of dollars are spent annually by advertisers whose only goal is to convince us that we are not yet satisfied. Sometimes our feelings tell us we're less satisfied than we really are.
How can we know the difference? Apply the phrase Paul gave us: “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Active gratitude will cure self- or society-induced dissatisfaction. Often we know what our problem is. We even know what the remedy may be. But we must take the medicine the Word prescribes when we're feeling under the weather spiritually.
Many times we don't have a knowledge problem; we have an obedience problem. Give thanks in all circumstances. Just trying to sit like a thankful-looking bump on a log won't cut it. Actively giving thanks is required.
When I'm feeling down or a little bit like a brat, I often sense God speaking to my heart, “Name ’em, child.” I don't even have to ask what he means. He means start naming a mere 20 or 30 of the thousands of ways he's been good to me. God has had such mercy on my life, I ought to be among the most grateful people around, and that's exactly what I want to be.
If our selfish hearts are trying to trick us into feeling a sense of dissatisfaction, a dose of thanksgiving will cure what ails us. If it doesn't, we have a more serious issue, and we must diligently seek the wisdom and remedy of God. —Beth Moore
seeking: Father, what thanks will I offer you this moment? What praise will I offer to you out of gratitude for all you've done?
responding: What feelings of dissatisfaction am I experiencing? What will change in my life if I start to actively give thanks to God?
Father, you are the source of all good things and you are worthy of all my gratitude. Please help me to develop a thankful heart that glorifies you. In Jesus' name, amen.
following: Active gratitude cures dissatisfaction.
our journey
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Today's scripture is Galatians 6:7
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
If you feel like you're under pressure these days, you're not alone. Satan is putting more pressure on more people right now than ever before. He's pressuring us mentally, financially, emotionally and every other way he can. The pressure has gotten so great everywhere that governments don't know what to do. Businesses don't know what to do. Families don't know. Churches don't know.
But, praise God, Jesus does! He says we can give our way right out from under any pressure the devil brings to bear.
Giving is always Jesus' way out. Whenever there's a need, He plants seed! In fact, in Mark 4, He compares the entire kingdom of God to a seed. Just think about the importance of seeds for a moment. Every living thing on this earth came from a seed. You came from a seed. Then you were born again from the seed of God's Word. Jesus Himself was The Seed planted by God. God sowed Him in sacrifice. He came forth and grew up into many brethren.
So, when Satan puts you under pressure, go to Jesus and let Him tell you how and where to plant. If you'll do it, that seed will grow up until it breaks the powers of darkness and lack. It will release you from the pressure the devil's been putting on you.
I've seen it happen. When Jerry Savelle first began to work for my ministry, he didn't have but one suit of clothes and one shirt with a pair of slacks to his name. He wore one, then the other, night after night to every service we held. He didn't have the money to even think about buying another suit. I'm telling you, he was under pressure where clothes were concerned!
Then he found out about the principle of seed-faith and harvest. So, he went downtown in the city where we were in a meeting and found a fellow on the street who needed clothes and gave him some. Immediately people started giving Jerry clothes. It started in that meeting and they've been doing it ever since. Today, there are many preachers in Africa wearing Jerry Savelle suits! (Even if the sleeves and pant legs are way too short!) He's still sowing and reaping the greatest clothes harvest I've ever seen.
If the devil's pressuring you, don't panic...plant! Plant your time. Plant your money. Plant the clothes off your back. When your harvest comes in, you can laugh and say, "Hey, Devil, who's feeling the pressure now?"
bibleshack
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
If you feel like you're under pressure these days, you're not alone. Satan is putting more pressure on more people right now than ever before. He's pressuring us mentally, financially, emotionally and every other way he can. The pressure has gotten so great everywhere that governments don't know what to do. Businesses don't know what to do. Families don't know. Churches don't know.
But, praise God, Jesus does! He says we can give our way right out from under any pressure the devil brings to bear.
Giving is always Jesus' way out. Whenever there's a need, He plants seed! In fact, in Mark 4, He compares the entire kingdom of God to a seed. Just think about the importance of seeds for a moment. Every living thing on this earth came from a seed. You came from a seed. Then you were born again from the seed of God's Word. Jesus Himself was The Seed planted by God. God sowed Him in sacrifice. He came forth and grew up into many brethren.
So, when Satan puts you under pressure, go to Jesus and let Him tell you how and where to plant. If you'll do it, that seed will grow up until it breaks the powers of darkness and lack. It will release you from the pressure the devil's been putting on you.
I've seen it happen. When Jerry Savelle first began to work for my ministry, he didn't have but one suit of clothes and one shirt with a pair of slacks to his name. He wore one, then the other, night after night to every service we held. He didn't have the money to even think about buying another suit. I'm telling you, he was under pressure where clothes were concerned!
Then he found out about the principle of seed-faith and harvest. So, he went downtown in the city where we were in a meeting and found a fellow on the street who needed clothes and gave him some. Immediately people started giving Jerry clothes. It started in that meeting and they've been doing it ever since. Today, there are many preachers in Africa wearing Jerry Savelle suits! (Even if the sleeves and pant legs are way too short!) He's still sowing and reaping the greatest clothes harvest I've ever seen.
If the devil's pressuring you, don't panic...plant! Plant your time. Plant your money. Plant the clothes off your back. When your harvest comes in, you can laugh and say, "Hey, Devil, who's feeling the pressure now?"
bibleshack
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Okay, Let's All Get Out Our Cell Phones and Call Each Other
John Fischer
I have found that it is very "in" to condemn the rudeness and intrusion into people's space that has resulted from the widespread use of the cell phone. I have engaged in it once already in these devotionals. Of course this is entirely hypocritical. New technology has a way of altering our lifestyle before we have a chance to fully assess its consequences. This one sprang up so fast that we can find ourselves talking on our cell phones about how rude cell phones are.
Have you noticed how with headphones people appear to be going around talking to themselves? One version looks like a large beetle with a death grip on the wearer's ear. I've been in a public restroom before and the guy next to me says something and I turn to answer him only to discover he's talking to his beetle. He's in another world.
And then have you noticed how quickly we get attached to these new technologies and wonder how we managed without them? And yet if you stop and think about it, we did. We did just fine, as a matter of fact. So why don't we just go back? Well you could if you don't mind becoming out of touch with everyone around you including your own family.
So instead of fighting it, I've decided to think about winning this one. Like most technology, this one has good and bad consequences. What are some situations where a cell phone saved the day, or made something possible that wouldn't have happened without it? I'd love to hear some stories from you especially about how a cell phone was useful for God's purposes. For instance, we're already only a few steps away from small groups meeting to study and pray via cell phone imaging.
Cell phones can bring us into closer communication with those we love and work with, and it's hard to imagine how communication could ever be a bad thing. In heaven we'll have a form of communication that will leave cell phones in the dust (pun intended). I bet we will be in constant communication and have access to anyone, any time. I even bet we'll know stuff about each other in heaven without having to communicate about it. But until then I supposed we'll have to walk around looking like we're talking to ourselves. Do me a favor, though, and don't get one of those beetle things. They really look silly. Some of you may not know yet that you can sign up through your cell phone company to receive a daily text message from Purpose Driven Life. These messages are one liners gleaned from our devotional archives that come to you in the middle of every day. Mine comes every morning precisely at 11:00 a.m. and is always a timely reminder of God's purposes. It's a pretty good use of a cell phone, I think.
To sign up, go to our website at http://www.pdlife.com/proteus.
PDL
John Fischer
I have found that it is very "in" to condemn the rudeness and intrusion into people's space that has resulted from the widespread use of the cell phone. I have engaged in it once already in these devotionals. Of course this is entirely hypocritical. New technology has a way of altering our lifestyle before we have a chance to fully assess its consequences. This one sprang up so fast that we can find ourselves talking on our cell phones about how rude cell phones are.
Have you noticed how with headphones people appear to be going around talking to themselves? One version looks like a large beetle with a death grip on the wearer's ear. I've been in a public restroom before and the guy next to me says something and I turn to answer him only to discover he's talking to his beetle. He's in another world.
And then have you noticed how quickly we get attached to these new technologies and wonder how we managed without them? And yet if you stop and think about it, we did. We did just fine, as a matter of fact. So why don't we just go back? Well you could if you don't mind becoming out of touch with everyone around you including your own family.
So instead of fighting it, I've decided to think about winning this one. Like most technology, this one has good and bad consequences. What are some situations where a cell phone saved the day, or made something possible that wouldn't have happened without it? I'd love to hear some stories from you especially about how a cell phone was useful for God's purposes. For instance, we're already only a few steps away from small groups meeting to study and pray via cell phone imaging.
Cell phones can bring us into closer communication with those we love and work with, and it's hard to imagine how communication could ever be a bad thing. In heaven we'll have a form of communication that will leave cell phones in the dust (pun intended). I bet we will be in constant communication and have access to anyone, any time. I even bet we'll know stuff about each other in heaven without having to communicate about it. But until then I supposed we'll have to walk around looking like we're talking to ourselves. Do me a favor, though, and don't get one of those beetle things. They really look silly. Some of you may not know yet that you can sign up through your cell phone company to receive a daily text message from Purpose Driven Life. These messages are one liners gleaned from our devotional archives that come to you in the middle of every day. Mine comes every morning precisely at 11:00 a.m. and is always a timely reminder of God's purposes. It's a pretty good use of a cell phone, I think.
To sign up, go to our website at http://www.pdlife.com/proteus.
PDL
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
in the dark
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
After the 9/11 terrorist attack, US TV networks devoted many hours to covering memorial services. I was struck by how often Psalm 23 was read during the services. It is appropriate and fitting to use this Psalm to comfort grieving families. But the reference to the valley of the shadow of death is actually broader than it appears.
In his excellent commentary Exposition of Psalms, Herbert C. Leupold states, “The Hebrew word used contains no reference to death as such, but it does refer to all dark and bitter experiences—one of which may be death. So in the common use of the passage, the thought of death need not be excluded, but the reference is certainly much broader.”
The famous phrase could be rendered “even though I walk through the valley of deepest darkness.” The death of a loved one is a valley of deep darkness, but there are other valleys we face in life that can be incredibly dark. The point is this: Whatever valley you are facing, the Shepherd will walk through it with you.
The problem with being in the dark is that you have no reference point. You don't know where you are. You've lost all perspective and all sense of direction. You hesitate to take the next step because you don't know if you'll land on terra firma or if you'll flail in thin air. We hate to be in the dark. It may be in our career, a relationship, or our health that we suddenly experience its stifling ways.
Are you reading this during a dark moment in your life? Is the light of hope far removed from your circumstances? Then take comfort in this truth: You're not alone. The Great Shepherd is right there with you. You can't see him but he can see you. He knows exactly where you are. And today he will give you exactly what you need. You may be in the valley of deepest darkness, but you still have the Light of the world lighting your way through it. —Steve Farrar
seeking: Lord, what have you revealed to me about your power over darkness? How have you changed my perspective this day?
responding: What can I learn from facing dark times? How has God revealed his light and love for me when things have been cloaked in hardship? What other Scriptures encourage me when tough times come?
Lord, I thank you for the light of hope and truth that you have revealed. Help me to follow that light and not turn to my own devices. I love you and worship you with all my heart.
following: Darkness cannot overcome God's deliverance.
our journey
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
After the 9/11 terrorist attack, US TV networks devoted many hours to covering memorial services. I was struck by how often Psalm 23 was read during the services. It is appropriate and fitting to use this Psalm to comfort grieving families. But the reference to the valley of the shadow of death is actually broader than it appears.
In his excellent commentary Exposition of Psalms, Herbert C. Leupold states, “The Hebrew word used contains no reference to death as such, but it does refer to all dark and bitter experiences—one of which may be death. So in the common use of the passage, the thought of death need not be excluded, but the reference is certainly much broader.”
The famous phrase could be rendered “even though I walk through the valley of deepest darkness.” The death of a loved one is a valley of deep darkness, but there are other valleys we face in life that can be incredibly dark. The point is this: Whatever valley you are facing, the Shepherd will walk through it with you.
The problem with being in the dark is that you have no reference point. You don't know where you are. You've lost all perspective and all sense of direction. You hesitate to take the next step because you don't know if you'll land on terra firma or if you'll flail in thin air. We hate to be in the dark. It may be in our career, a relationship, or our health that we suddenly experience its stifling ways.
Are you reading this during a dark moment in your life? Is the light of hope far removed from your circumstances? Then take comfort in this truth: You're not alone. The Great Shepherd is right there with you. You can't see him but he can see you. He knows exactly where you are. And today he will give you exactly what you need. You may be in the valley of deepest darkness, but you still have the Light of the world lighting your way through it. —Steve Farrar
seeking: Lord, what have you revealed to me about your power over darkness? How have you changed my perspective this day?
responding: What can I learn from facing dark times? How has God revealed his light and love for me when things have been cloaked in hardship? What other Scriptures encourage me when tough times come?
Lord, I thank you for the light of hope and truth that you have revealed. Help me to follow that light and not turn to my own devices. I love you and worship you with all my heart.
following: Darkness cannot overcome God's deliverance.
our journey
Friday, August 18, 2006
my shepherd part 1
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
"It's a jungle out there.”
Life is a jungle. It's dangerous and it's treacherous. It's full of predators and enemies. You can get seriously hurt in a jungle.
Sheep don't fit in the jungle. Lions—they fit. Giraffes—they fit. Elephants, zebras, and crocodiles—they all fit. But sheep don't fit. They would be out of place in the jungle. It's just not their turf.
In the wilds, a sheep could very easily be transformed into lamb chops in a matter of seconds. That's why sheep don't usually hang out there.
Close to 200 times in the pages of Scripture, God's people are called sheep. Just think of the magnitude of the creation. He could have called us eagles, gorillas, collies, or armadillos. But he didn't. He called us sheep.
Psalm 23 is a dangerous section of the Bible. It's hazardous because we know it so well. Many of us have memorized this treasured text. Even many non-Christians are familiar with it. The danger of Psalm 23 is that it has lost its significance for us because we have become so familiar with it.
But it has something very special for all of us—people living in a fast-track society. Psalm 23 specifically speaks to the pressures of our culture. It is remarkably contemporary. This tiny psalm is critical because it ultimately tells us how we can survive in the jungle of life.
The sum of its verses, in essence, is a survival manual for the modern-day jungle. It is the manual that tells us how to be in it, but not of it. “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). Every sheep needs to know the 23rd Psalm well.
Quite frankly, it will keep you from the lamb-chop fate that every sheep wants to avoid. —Steve Farrar
seeking: Jesus, how have I been moved by the words of Psalm 23? What did you do in my heart as I read it?
responding: How am I troubled today because of what I'm facing in the jungle? • Is there someone who is a threat to me and is committed to doing me harm? • David said, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
Lord Jesus, you are the Great Shepherd. My life is in your hands. Make me aware today of your presence and your protection. You are greater than any threat.
following: As lambs, we need to listen to our Shepherd.
our journey
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23
"It's a jungle out there.”
Life is a jungle. It's dangerous and it's treacherous. It's full of predators and enemies. You can get seriously hurt in a jungle.
Sheep don't fit in the jungle. Lions—they fit. Giraffes—they fit. Elephants, zebras, and crocodiles—they all fit. But sheep don't fit. They would be out of place in the jungle. It's just not their turf.
In the wilds, a sheep could very easily be transformed into lamb chops in a matter of seconds. That's why sheep don't usually hang out there.
Close to 200 times in the pages of Scripture, God's people are called sheep. Just think of the magnitude of the creation. He could have called us eagles, gorillas, collies, or armadillos. But he didn't. He called us sheep.
Psalm 23 is a dangerous section of the Bible. It's hazardous because we know it so well. Many of us have memorized this treasured text. Even many non-Christians are familiar with it. The danger of Psalm 23 is that it has lost its significance for us because we have become so familiar with it.
But it has something very special for all of us—people living in a fast-track society. Psalm 23 specifically speaks to the pressures of our culture. It is remarkably contemporary. This tiny psalm is critical because it ultimately tells us how we can survive in the jungle of life.
The sum of its verses, in essence, is a survival manual for the modern-day jungle. It is the manual that tells us how to be in it, but not of it. “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). Every sheep needs to know the 23rd Psalm well.
Quite frankly, it will keep you from the lamb-chop fate that every sheep wants to avoid. —Steve Farrar
seeking: Jesus, how have I been moved by the words of Psalm 23? What did you do in my heart as I read it?
responding: How am I troubled today because of what I'm facing in the jungle? • Is there someone who is a threat to me and is committed to doing me harm? • David said, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
Lord Jesus, you are the Great Shepherd. My life is in your hands. Make me aware today of your presence and your protection. You are greater than any threat.
following: As lambs, we need to listen to our Shepherd.
our journey
Thursday, August 17, 2006
do something radical
26 If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins . . . 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:26-31
The most loving word I can give you today is to tell you straight up that sin is serious. Sin is not a blunder; it's not a weakness. It's not an “oops.” And when we choose to sin, well . . . Hebrews 10:26 gives it to us directly: “If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."
Whoa—this is serious.
When we make sin our choice, we cross the line. The idea here is a rational, intentional, willful decision. When I could choose to do right and I choose to do wrong instead—that's deliberate sin.
All of us struggle at times to forgive, but if I choose to nourish hatred in my heart for a person for days . . . or years—that's deliberate sin.
If I know my bent toward a specific sin, like lust or lying or some addiction, and continue to choose it and then cover it up—that's deliberate sin.
If I know I should serve at church and financially give to ministry, but I can't because I'm overbooked or overspent for months—that's deliberate sin.
When my deliberate choice to sin becomes my pattern—I have crossed the line.
Sin will cut a pathway of destruction across your life like a tornado in a Kansas wheat field. I plead with you to deal aggressively with your private and specific sin patterns. Set up parameters for your attitudes and behaviors where you can get some accountability. Insist on change from the inside out. Give your heart to being different.
Don't tolerate sin anymore; don't rationalize it or play around with it or let it go on month after month and year after year. Make a big move and deal radically with that which will only bring devastation to your life. —James MacDonald
seeking: Jesus, how are you working in my heart right now? How have I seen your holiness anew?
responding: Will I heed this warning or will I blow it off? • How will I target the patterns of sin that have become acceptable to me—those I have tolerated for so long? • Which friend can I trust to hold me accountable in my commitment to change?
No one other than you, Lord, knows my heart and sees my sin. Search me and show me and help me to surrender every cherished and private sin to your holy and righteous standard. Give me the courage to deal forcefully with that which would separate me from you.
following: When we make sin our choice, we cross the line.
our journey
26 If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins . . . 29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Hebrews 10:26-31
The most loving word I can give you today is to tell you straight up that sin is serious. Sin is not a blunder; it's not a weakness. It's not an “oops.” And when we choose to sin, well . . . Hebrews 10:26 gives it to us directly: “If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."
Whoa—this is serious.
When we make sin our choice, we cross the line. The idea here is a rational, intentional, willful decision. When I could choose to do right and I choose to do wrong instead—that's deliberate sin.
All of us struggle at times to forgive, but if I choose to nourish hatred in my heart for a person for days . . . or years—that's deliberate sin.
If I know my bent toward a specific sin, like lust or lying or some addiction, and continue to choose it and then cover it up—that's deliberate sin.
If I know I should serve at church and financially give to ministry, but I can't because I'm overbooked or overspent for months—that's deliberate sin.
When my deliberate choice to sin becomes my pattern—I have crossed the line.
Sin will cut a pathway of destruction across your life like a tornado in a Kansas wheat field. I plead with you to deal aggressively with your private and specific sin patterns. Set up parameters for your attitudes and behaviors where you can get some accountability. Insist on change from the inside out. Give your heart to being different.
Don't tolerate sin anymore; don't rationalize it or play around with it or let it go on month after month and year after year. Make a big move and deal radically with that which will only bring devastation to your life. —James MacDonald
seeking: Jesus, how are you working in my heart right now? How have I seen your holiness anew?
responding: Will I heed this warning or will I blow it off? • How will I target the patterns of sin that have become acceptable to me—those I have tolerated for so long? • Which friend can I trust to hold me accountable in my commitment to change?
No one other than you, Lord, knows my heart and sees my sin. Search me and show me and help me to surrender every cherished and private sin to your holy and righteous standard. Give me the courage to deal forcefully with that which would separate me from you.
following: When we make sin our choice, we cross the line.
our journey
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Big Lessons in Small Pictures
Laura Smith
As I looked down into the manger of the nativity scene, the Holy Spirit said to me: "There are big lessons in small pictures."
I began to think about what a manger was used for. It was an "eating place" that held food for the animals -- donkeys,cows, and maybe even sheep.
This seemed to be so small and insignificant, but in Luke, chapter two, God thought it important enough to point it out three times. He also pointed out that the baby Jesus was laid in it.
"Father, I asked, "what is the importance of the manger?"
God led me to the Old Testament, Exodus, chapter 16, which tells about the Israelites being led out of captivity and into the wilderness. They complained about not having food. God gave them "manna" from heaven, which they complained about later also.
From there, my journey continued to the New Testament (John 6). Jesus had fed 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fishes. Later in that chapter, He tells the crowd and the disciples, "...it is My Father Who gives you the true heavenly Bread. For the Bread of God is He Who comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world. ...I am the Bread of Life, He who comes to Me will never be hungry..." (vs.32b,34&35).
From there, I found myself in Matthew, chapter six. In verses 8-13, Jesus tells us that GOD knows what we need and then teaches us "how" to pray. In verses 11 and12, He says, "Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
As I gazed back into the manger, I realized that when Jesus the Messiah was born and laid into that manger that God, Our Father, had sent from heaven Manna that was more holy than any other that was ever sent before. Jesus is our "Manna from heaven."
Sadly, some still complain and want something different, just as the Israelites did. He is the "Bread" that we need to ask to be fed from daily. When we eat from our "Bread of Life" -- Jesus Christ -- it becomes spiritually necessary to get rid of the dirt that is inside. Therefore, we need to ask for forgiveness.
My little sheep, come to the manger and take a second look inside. As you look at the babe inside that manger, whom everyone came to admire, remember that He is the same person who later was rejected, mutilated, and killed for sins He never committed -- but you and I did. Praise God, Jesus arose from the dead! Now, because He did this, we can go to our manger and eat daily from the "Bread of Life" and drink His "Living Water." My little sheep, it's time to eat!
May God bless you with a fresh new look at the birth of our Lord, Savior, and Messiah, Jesus Christ!
cbn
Laura Smith
As I looked down into the manger of the nativity scene, the Holy Spirit said to me: "There are big lessons in small pictures."
I began to think about what a manger was used for. It was an "eating place" that held food for the animals -- donkeys,cows, and maybe even sheep.
This seemed to be so small and insignificant, but in Luke, chapter two, God thought it important enough to point it out three times. He also pointed out that the baby Jesus was laid in it.
"Father, I asked, "what is the importance of the manger?"
God led me to the Old Testament, Exodus, chapter 16, which tells about the Israelites being led out of captivity and into the wilderness. They complained about not having food. God gave them "manna" from heaven, which they complained about later also.
From there, my journey continued to the New Testament (John 6). Jesus had fed 5,000 people with five barley loaves and two fishes. Later in that chapter, He tells the crowd and the disciples, "...it is My Father Who gives you the true heavenly Bread. For the Bread of God is He Who comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world. ...I am the Bread of Life, He who comes to Me will never be hungry..." (vs.32b,34&35).
From there, I found myself in Matthew, chapter six. In verses 8-13, Jesus tells us that GOD knows what we need and then teaches us "how" to pray. In verses 11 and12, He says, "Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors."
As I gazed back into the manger, I realized that when Jesus the Messiah was born and laid into that manger that God, Our Father, had sent from heaven Manna that was more holy than any other that was ever sent before. Jesus is our "Manna from heaven."
Sadly, some still complain and want something different, just as the Israelites did. He is the "Bread" that we need to ask to be fed from daily. When we eat from our "Bread of Life" -- Jesus Christ -- it becomes spiritually necessary to get rid of the dirt that is inside. Therefore, we need to ask for forgiveness.
My little sheep, come to the manger and take a second look inside. As you look at the babe inside that manger, whom everyone came to admire, remember that He is the same person who later was rejected, mutilated, and killed for sins He never committed -- but you and I did. Praise God, Jesus arose from the dead! Now, because He did this, we can go to our manger and eat daily from the "Bread of Life" and drink His "Living Water." My little sheep, it's time to eat!
May God bless you with a fresh new look at the birth of our Lord, Savior, and Messiah, Jesus Christ!
cbn
Monday, August 14, 2006
pay attention
1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:1-4
The Christian life is not a destination—it's a journey. While it began at the moment you came to the cross for forgiveness, it most certainly doesn't stop there. Are you moving ahead into all the great things God has for you?
One of the primary messages of the book of Hebrews is, “Keep up—don't fall behind.” The author repeatedly warned followers of Jesus to keep their relationship with God current, not to let their hearts get hard, cold, or calloused to the things of Jesus. We're told to press on to what's ahead. “We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1).
When you received Jesus as your Savior, you made some promises to God. How are you doing with them? Don't drift away from the most important thing in your life. Here are some penetrating questions to help you keep your relationship with God moving ahead:
• Does my life give evidence that I've been truly redeemed by the Son of God?
• Does my faith endure in hard times as well as good times?
• Does my life reflect a growing pattern of righteousness?
• Do I have an increasing hunger for God's Word and a passion for God's kingdom?
• Is my love increasing for God and his people?
You may be thinking, I don't want to drift away. What can I do? Again, your answer is in verse 1: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention.” What a great wake-up call! Pay attention—this matters! If you think you might be drifting away a little bit—come back. If you've been caught up in other things and have lost sight of your primary purpose—come back to the Lord.
I urge you to stay on course. Whether it's been several days or weeks since you knelt in humility before the Lord, get on your knees right now. Open your heart before him. Review the five questions. Ask the Lord to show you the areas in your life that need a fresh touch from him and a recommitment from you. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, what have you revealed about my relationship with you in the past few minutes? How have you encouraged me to keep going in my faith?
responding: Which of the five questions most need my attention? What was the condition of my faith a year ago? Where am I today? In what area do I want to grow this week?
Father, thank you for the opportunity to have my life shaped and changed by your Spirit. Please quicken fresh love, passion, and fervency in me so that I won't drift away from all that is mine in Jesus. Renew and revive my heart in passionate commitment to you.
following: Pay attention to what God is doing in your life.
our journey
1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. Hebrews 2:1-4
The Christian life is not a destination—it's a journey. While it began at the moment you came to the cross for forgiveness, it most certainly doesn't stop there. Are you moving ahead into all the great things God has for you?
One of the primary messages of the book of Hebrews is, “Keep up—don't fall behind.” The author repeatedly warned followers of Jesus to keep their relationship with God current, not to let their hearts get hard, cold, or calloused to the things of Jesus. We're told to press on to what's ahead. “We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1).
When you received Jesus as your Savior, you made some promises to God. How are you doing with them? Don't drift away from the most important thing in your life. Here are some penetrating questions to help you keep your relationship with God moving ahead:
• Does my life give evidence that I've been truly redeemed by the Son of God?
• Does my faith endure in hard times as well as good times?
• Does my life reflect a growing pattern of righteousness?
• Do I have an increasing hunger for God's Word and a passion for God's kingdom?
• Is my love increasing for God and his people?
You may be thinking, I don't want to drift away. What can I do? Again, your answer is in verse 1: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention.” What a great wake-up call! Pay attention—this matters! If you think you might be drifting away a little bit—come back. If you've been caught up in other things and have lost sight of your primary purpose—come back to the Lord.
I urge you to stay on course. Whether it's been several days or weeks since you knelt in humility before the Lord, get on your knees right now. Open your heart before him. Review the five questions. Ask the Lord to show you the areas in your life that need a fresh touch from him and a recommitment from you. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, what have you revealed about my relationship with you in the past few minutes? How have you encouraged me to keep going in my faith?
responding: Which of the five questions most need my attention? What was the condition of my faith a year ago? Where am I today? In what area do I want to grow this week?
Father, thank you for the opportunity to have my life shaped and changed by your Spirit. Please quicken fresh love, passion, and fervency in me so that I won't drift away from all that is mine in Jesus. Renew and revive my heart in passionate commitment to you.
following: Pay attention to what God is doing in your life.
our journey
Friday, August 11, 2006
Words of the Father
John Fischer
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing…
Words. We do so much in words. We hear sermons and read books and attend seminars and get all excited when someone says something in a way we haven’t heard before. And we get upset when someone says it in a way we think is wrong. We judge a person’s commitment or lack of it by their words. We rush to the store or jump online when new words come out. We are people of many words.
Imagine if God had chosen to come to us in the form of words only. Then following Him would be a factor of how well you could read or take notes. And the keepers of the words would hold all the cards.
But He came in the flesh, or as John put it, “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14). Later in his first letter, John expanded on that, saying that He was the Word of life that they heard and saw and touched. It was Christ’s physical presence that sealed it for them and for us all.
Even still, some prefer to stay immersed in words – their spirituality a factor of how well they can take notes. Imagine the disciples at the cross pulling out their Palm Pilots to take down Christ’s words as He died. That’s what would happen if words were everything.
But Christ’s presence transcended words. Those who followed Him experienced Him. They heard, saw and handled the word of life in human flesh. And because of that they were able to observe Jesus as well as listen to Him. And my guess is that what He showed them stuck with them more than what He told them. They heard Him talk about serving each other, but they watched Him wrap a towel around His waist and wash their feet. They heard Him say that He came not to be ministered unto but to minister, and then they watched Him spend Himself on the crowds and the needs of everyone who came to Him. They heard Him tell them to remember Him and what He did on the cross, and then served them bread and wine so they would have something tangible to remember then by.
The Word of the Father appeared in the flesh and His name was Jesus, and today, our human existence has taken on hope. We can hear and see what He did in His earthly life, and trust His Spirit to give us the power to follow in His footsteps, deny ourselves, and serve those around us as He did. May we be the fulfillment of the peace and goodwill the angels sang about on the eve of His birth!
PDL
John Fischer
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing…
Words. We do so much in words. We hear sermons and read books and attend seminars and get all excited when someone says something in a way we haven’t heard before. And we get upset when someone says it in a way we think is wrong. We judge a person’s commitment or lack of it by their words. We rush to the store or jump online when new words come out. We are people of many words.
Imagine if God had chosen to come to us in the form of words only. Then following Him would be a factor of how well you could read or take notes. And the keepers of the words would hold all the cards.
But He came in the flesh, or as John put it, “The Word became flesh” (John 1:14). Later in his first letter, John expanded on that, saying that He was the Word of life that they heard and saw and touched. It was Christ’s physical presence that sealed it for them and for us all.
Even still, some prefer to stay immersed in words – their spirituality a factor of how well they can take notes. Imagine the disciples at the cross pulling out their Palm Pilots to take down Christ’s words as He died. That’s what would happen if words were everything.
But Christ’s presence transcended words. Those who followed Him experienced Him. They heard, saw and handled the word of life in human flesh. And because of that they were able to observe Jesus as well as listen to Him. And my guess is that what He showed them stuck with them more than what He told them. They heard Him talk about serving each other, but they watched Him wrap a towel around His waist and wash their feet. They heard Him say that He came not to be ministered unto but to minister, and then they watched Him spend Himself on the crowds and the needs of everyone who came to Him. They heard Him tell them to remember Him and what He did on the cross, and then served them bread and wine so they would have something tangible to remember then by.
The Word of the Father appeared in the flesh and His name was Jesus, and today, our human existence has taken on hope. We can hear and see what He did in His earthly life, and trust His Spirit to give us the power to follow in His footsteps, deny ourselves, and serve those around us as He did. May we be the fulfillment of the peace and goodwill the angels sang about on the eve of His birth!
PDL
Thursday, August 10, 2006
others
1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
During our growing-up years, my sisters and I would often start whining about something—displaying our self-centeredness. My father would say, “One monkey don't stop the show.” He wasn't being demeaning or calling us monkeys. No, his message was clear: “You're not the only person who lives in this house, and we're not going to stop and bow down in obedience to your self-centered demand.”
My father had a sixth sense about selfishness. He wouldn't put up with it. He would say, “You can whine and do whatever you want to do and you'll pay the consequences for that, but it doesn't stop anything around here.”
Some Christians are sophisticated whiners. We act as if God owes us a place on center stage. The ones who whine and complain about everything do so because they want attention. We're all selfish. The Bible says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6).
Selfishness is an equal-opportunity sin. It's stamped on everybody's soul. Some of us are simply more selfish than others. Selfishness is ugly and destructive and driven by pride. It says, “I'm the one to pay attention to—I'm it.”
We find in Philippians 2 that we need to face our selfishness, seek to overcome it, and conquer it. Paul wrote, “Stop being so headstrong. Stop demanding your way. Stop brokering every situation to get what you want and to do what you want. Don't approach things that way.” The essence of Christlikeness is not to demand what you want—but to surrender . . . to consider other people more important than yourself or your agenda. Our motivation must not be to have our own way but rather, to do what's right. God's work, God's will, and God's kingdom are bigger than we are.
God has called us to live in community with others. We need to focus on what is right and not what we want, because . . . really . . . “one monkey don't stop the show.” —Crawford W. Loritts livingalegacy.org
seeking: Heavenly Father, what have you helped me to see about my own pride and self-focus? What happens as I turn my eyes to you?
responding: How am I getting in the way of what God wants to do in my life? • Do I think of myself more highly than I think of others? How I can serve others better?
Father, please forgive me for being so selfish at times. I want to be more like you and serve others with a grateful heart for all that you've done for me.
following: We make too many concessions to self-centeredness.
our journey
1 If there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4
During our growing-up years, my sisters and I would often start whining about something—displaying our self-centeredness. My father would say, “One monkey don't stop the show.” He wasn't being demeaning or calling us monkeys. No, his message was clear: “You're not the only person who lives in this house, and we're not going to stop and bow down in obedience to your self-centered demand.”
My father had a sixth sense about selfishness. He wouldn't put up with it. He would say, “You can whine and do whatever you want to do and you'll pay the consequences for that, but it doesn't stop anything around here.”
Some Christians are sophisticated whiners. We act as if God owes us a place on center stage. The ones who whine and complain about everything do so because they want attention. We're all selfish. The Bible says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6).
Selfishness is an equal-opportunity sin. It's stamped on everybody's soul. Some of us are simply more selfish than others. Selfishness is ugly and destructive and driven by pride. It says, “I'm the one to pay attention to—I'm it.”
We find in Philippians 2 that we need to face our selfishness, seek to overcome it, and conquer it. Paul wrote, “Stop being so headstrong. Stop demanding your way. Stop brokering every situation to get what you want and to do what you want. Don't approach things that way.” The essence of Christlikeness is not to demand what you want—but to surrender . . . to consider other people more important than yourself or your agenda. Our motivation must not be to have our own way but rather, to do what's right. God's work, God's will, and God's kingdom are bigger than we are.
God has called us to live in community with others. We need to focus on what is right and not what we want, because . . . really . . . “one monkey don't stop the show.” —Crawford W. Loritts livingalegacy.org
seeking: Heavenly Father, what have you helped me to see about my own pride and self-focus? What happens as I turn my eyes to you?
responding: How am I getting in the way of what God wants to do in my life? • Do I think of myself more highly than I think of others? How I can serve others better?
Father, please forgive me for being so selfish at times. I want to be more like you and serve others with a grateful heart for all that you've done for me.
following: We make too many concessions to self-centeredness.
our journey
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
broken, but hopeful
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. . . . 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:1-5,10
In 102 different directions, my mind is racing;
All over my restricting room, I find myself pacing.
So desperately, I'm trying to establish balance.
Although, it seems I'm lacking the talents.
Gently, softly, you whisper in my ear—
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Frantically running, searching for answers, I'm too busy to hear—
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Fatigued, I collapse into the comfort of my bed;
Overwhelmed, I try in vain to plan my day ahead.
I acknowledge my dependence upon self is futile.
Your constant strength in my life is crucial.
You say, “I'm all you need;
Without me you won't succeed.
I'll be your refuge, your hiding place.
Just calm your anxious spirit and seek my face.
"It's not about you; it's all about me.
Now proclaim to the world what I have done for thee.
Bring glory to my name.
Tell how you will never be the same.”
There are times when we're troubled as we carry heavy burdens. We can find comfort in Jesus' words, “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). But giving our troubles to Jesus doesn't mean that everything will instantly be made whole.
I wrote the poem above after a 2-week period when it seemed that every time a hardship was resolved, three more would occur. In the midst of everything, God taught me some lessons. First, I must quiet my busy mind before God. Second, I must remember that no one can take away my joy (John 16:22). I have hope for the future, and I need to share that hope with those around me. Third, I must acknowledge that his ways are higher than my ways (Isaiah 55:9).
We may not understand now why bad events happen, but God sees beyond today—into eternity. —Julie Hamm, Ohio
seeking: Father, what have I experienced as I quieted myself before you today? What have you revealed about your work in my hardships?
responding: Do I struggle with any of these three things: quieting my mind, letting insignificant things rob my joy, or understanding that God’s ways are higher than mine? • How can I be broken before God?
Father, I seek your peace—even as I face tough times. May I learn from the difficulties that you allow. You are God and your will is perfect. In Jesus’ name, amen.
following: We can best see God’s work in our weakness.
our journey
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. . . . 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:1-5,10
In 102 different directions, my mind is racing;
All over my restricting room, I find myself pacing.
So desperately, I'm trying to establish balance.
Although, it seems I'm lacking the talents.
Gently, softly, you whisper in my ear—
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Frantically running, searching for answers, I'm too busy to hear—
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Fatigued, I collapse into the comfort of my bed;
Overwhelmed, I try in vain to plan my day ahead.
I acknowledge my dependence upon self is futile.
Your constant strength in my life is crucial.
You say, “I'm all you need;
Without me you won't succeed.
I'll be your refuge, your hiding place.
Just calm your anxious spirit and seek my face.
"It's not about you; it's all about me.
Now proclaim to the world what I have done for thee.
Bring glory to my name.
Tell how you will never be the same.”
There are times when we're troubled as we carry heavy burdens. We can find comfort in Jesus' words, “Come to me . . . and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). But giving our troubles to Jesus doesn't mean that everything will instantly be made whole.
I wrote the poem above after a 2-week period when it seemed that every time a hardship was resolved, three more would occur. In the midst of everything, God taught me some lessons. First, I must quiet my busy mind before God. Second, I must remember that no one can take away my joy (John 16:22). I have hope for the future, and I need to share that hope with those around me. Third, I must acknowledge that his ways are higher than my ways (Isaiah 55:9).
We may not understand now why bad events happen, but God sees beyond today—into eternity. —Julie Hamm, Ohio
seeking: Father, what have I experienced as I quieted myself before you today? What have you revealed about your work in my hardships?
responding: Do I struggle with any of these three things: quieting my mind, letting insignificant things rob my joy, or understanding that God’s ways are higher than mine? • How can I be broken before God?
Father, I seek your peace—even as I face tough times. May I learn from the difficulties that you allow. You are God and your will is perfect. In Jesus’ name, amen.
following: We can best see God’s work in our weakness.
our journey
Monday, August 07, 2006
faith on fire
15 David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the Wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. 16 And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” 18 And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home. 1 Samuel 23:15-18
Most Christians today do not live a fervent Christian life. They may have experienced a passion for God at some time, but they don't know how to keep that fire going.
I know one reason why. After 20 years as a pastor, I've observed that people whose hearts are passionate for God are surrounded by biblical friendships. Without friends, our flame dies down. With another's strengthening influence, our passion for God burns brighter.
Hebrews 10:24 speaks to this dynamic when it urges us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
David and Jonathan's friendship is a model of “flammable” passion for God. If ever there was a friendship with the cards stacked against it, this was it. Yet out of their adversity comes a powerful picture of how we can stoke each other's faith.
Biblical friends support each other. I'm sure there were many long nights during David's life-and-death struggle with crazy King Saul when he wanted to give up, strike back, or rebel against the Lord. I'm convinced that one key to David's success was his friendship with Jonathan. At great personal risk, Jonathan refused to let David go through his crisis alone.
Biblical friends pray together. Against the backdrop of intense danger, Jonathan didn't show up with human platitudes or worldly counsel for David. He helped him take his problems to the Lord. He “strengthened his hand in God” (1 Samuel 23:16).
Do you have a friend or two like Jonathan? Biblical friends help you submit to God's character-molding influence in your life. They come to you in times when God is using some circumstance to help you conform to the life of Jesus, and they blow on the coals of your faith. Biblical friends stoke your passion for God and your commitment to follow hard after him.
You need them and they need you. Keep your Christian life on fire for God by pursuing that kind of friend—and being that kind of friend. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, as I have reflected on friendship, what have you called me to do? How have I seen friendship with you in a fresh way?
responding: Who has been a strengthening friend to me like David's friend Jonathan? How can I strengthen my friends in God?
Lord, I want to be used by you to strengthen the faith of my friends. By your grace, I begin again today. Give me strength and the renewed commitment I need to accomplish this task.
following: True friends fire up their friends' faith.
our journey
15 David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the Wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. 16 And Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” 18 And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home. 1 Samuel 23:15-18
Most Christians today do not live a fervent Christian life. They may have experienced a passion for God at some time, but they don't know how to keep that fire going.
I know one reason why. After 20 years as a pastor, I've observed that people whose hearts are passionate for God are surrounded by biblical friendships. Without friends, our flame dies down. With another's strengthening influence, our passion for God burns brighter.
Hebrews 10:24 speaks to this dynamic when it urges us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
David and Jonathan's friendship is a model of “flammable” passion for God. If ever there was a friendship with the cards stacked against it, this was it. Yet out of their adversity comes a powerful picture of how we can stoke each other's faith.
Biblical friends support each other. I'm sure there were many long nights during David's life-and-death struggle with crazy King Saul when he wanted to give up, strike back, or rebel against the Lord. I'm convinced that one key to David's success was his friendship with Jonathan. At great personal risk, Jonathan refused to let David go through his crisis alone.
Biblical friends pray together. Against the backdrop of intense danger, Jonathan didn't show up with human platitudes or worldly counsel for David. He helped him take his problems to the Lord. He “strengthened his hand in God” (1 Samuel 23:16).
Do you have a friend or two like Jonathan? Biblical friends help you submit to God's character-molding influence in your life. They come to you in times when God is using some circumstance to help you conform to the life of Jesus, and they blow on the coals of your faith. Biblical friends stoke your passion for God and your commitment to follow hard after him.
You need them and they need you. Keep your Christian life on fire for God by pursuing that kind of friend—and being that kind of friend. —James MacDonald walkintheword.com
seeking: Father, as I have reflected on friendship, what have you called me to do? How have I seen friendship with you in a fresh way?
responding: Who has been a strengthening friend to me like David's friend Jonathan? How can I strengthen my friends in God?
Lord, I want to be used by you to strengthen the faith of my friends. By your grace, I begin again today. Give me strength and the renewed commitment I need to accomplish this task.
following: True friends fire up their friends' faith.
our journey
Saturday, August 05, 2006
curiously compassionate
1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. John 9:1-7
The disciples who first followed Jesus were dreadfully out of step with their Master's heart when they asked who sinned—the man's parents or he in his mother's womb—that he should be born blind. No doubt they had seen this beggar many times before and may have reacted with the same kind of standoffish, theological curiosity. What they saw in Jesus' response was hardly standoffish, and it clearly demonstrated the distance between the Lord and his followers about responding to people's needs. His was a response of compassion, not curiosity and judgment. He marshaled his resources to grant sight to the beggar and claimed that the blindness was actually intended to provide a moment when God could be magnified through Jesus' compassionate touch.
We are so prone to be like those detached disciples. When we hear of trouble in someone's life, we are far more interested in the details and an analysis of what, why, when, and where than we are in finding out what we can do to reach out and help.
It's amazing what a listening ear, a season of prayer, a note, a hug (with no lecture about the sovereignty of God), a meal, or some free babysitting can mean to those who are suffering. I've had the pleasure of pastoring churches that were full of followers who went beyond curiosity to Christlike compassion. What I learned was that unsaved relatives and friends were consistently touched by watching the uniqueness of a caring community. No doubt they wondered who would rally to their support if similar fates were to befall them.
If we would only learn to see tragedy as a platform for the kind of compassion that reflects the power of God's glory through us, we could have a far greater impact on our world. Anyone can be curious. Followers of Jesus are curiously compassionate. —Joe Stowell www.rbc.org
seeking: Jesus, what have you just stirred in my heart about real compassion for others? How has your compassion blessed me today?
responding: What experiences have I had with receiving compassion? • Who needs to receive my compassion today? What will I do to show it to them?
Jesus, may your love, mercy, and compassion flow through me to a needy world. Thank you for allowing me to be used by you to lift others up. May you be glorified in all I do.
following: Living like Jesus requires real compassion.
our journey
1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 Having said these things, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing. John 9:1-7
The disciples who first followed Jesus were dreadfully out of step with their Master's heart when they asked who sinned—the man's parents or he in his mother's womb—that he should be born blind. No doubt they had seen this beggar many times before and may have reacted with the same kind of standoffish, theological curiosity. What they saw in Jesus' response was hardly standoffish, and it clearly demonstrated the distance between the Lord and his followers about responding to people's needs. His was a response of compassion, not curiosity and judgment. He marshaled his resources to grant sight to the beggar and claimed that the blindness was actually intended to provide a moment when God could be magnified through Jesus' compassionate touch.
We are so prone to be like those detached disciples. When we hear of trouble in someone's life, we are far more interested in the details and an analysis of what, why, when, and where than we are in finding out what we can do to reach out and help.
It's amazing what a listening ear, a season of prayer, a note, a hug (with no lecture about the sovereignty of God), a meal, or some free babysitting can mean to those who are suffering. I've had the pleasure of pastoring churches that were full of followers who went beyond curiosity to Christlike compassion. What I learned was that unsaved relatives and friends were consistently touched by watching the uniqueness of a caring community. No doubt they wondered who would rally to their support if similar fates were to befall them.
If we would only learn to see tragedy as a platform for the kind of compassion that reflects the power of God's glory through us, we could have a far greater impact on our world. Anyone can be curious. Followers of Jesus are curiously compassionate. —Joe Stowell www.rbc.org
seeking: Jesus, what have you just stirred in my heart about real compassion for others? How has your compassion blessed me today?
responding: What experiences have I had with receiving compassion? • Who needs to receive my compassion today? What will I do to show it to them?
Jesus, may your love, mercy, and compassion flow through me to a needy world. Thank you for allowing me to be used by you to lift others up. May you be glorified in all I do.
following: Living like Jesus requires real compassion.
our journey
Friday, August 04, 2006
Moving Forward
Cathy Irvin
Once again some people will begin the countdown, 10, 9, 8... until they reach number 1 when the beautiful sparkling ball drops in Times Square and they all can say Happy New Year. Some will wonder where the time went. Others will sleep away the old year and wake up to a new one like they always do. Many will be in Church praying for God to bless them, their family, friends, and even their enemies.
However one chooses to celebrate the New Year, we should pray daily for God to bless what we do in it and forget "the list" -- you know, those resolutions that we have all made in some point and time. Haven’t we failed to get them all done, forgotten them or perhaps even misplaced them? Yes, we often just dismiss them anyway entirely.
It is true that man has a plan, but God orders our steps. I did away with my list long ago, except that I try to work on the Scripture verse that says, 'I must decrease so that He will increase in my life' (John 3:30).
We can only reflect on some things we feel were done right to bless others and there we can find satisfaction in knowing that the Lord is pleased. There are many personal goals that all of us did not fulfill, so it is best to thank God for the positives and not dwell on the negative. We must understand that the Bible tells us to press on towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. We are in a race and we can’t go back and retrieve any time lost from the previous year.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 King James Version)
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (1 Corinthians 9:24 King James Version)
We are constantly to be moving forward, growing and doing all we can to get the message of God’s love to others. We must make sure that we are living a life that reflects Christ’s nature to attract others to Him.
So there is no list of do’s and don’ts for me. Plain and simply put, I want to live my life one day at a time, asking the Lord what He requires. I will take each day and say, 'Lord, what is on your agenda for me today?' If I can find out His plans on a daily basis then I won’t be disappointed at the end of the year.
cbn
Cathy Irvin
Once again some people will begin the countdown, 10, 9, 8... until they reach number 1 when the beautiful sparkling ball drops in Times Square and they all can say Happy New Year. Some will wonder where the time went. Others will sleep away the old year and wake up to a new one like they always do. Many will be in Church praying for God to bless them, their family, friends, and even their enemies.
However one chooses to celebrate the New Year, we should pray daily for God to bless what we do in it and forget "the list" -- you know, those resolutions that we have all made in some point and time. Haven’t we failed to get them all done, forgotten them or perhaps even misplaced them? Yes, we often just dismiss them anyway entirely.
It is true that man has a plan, but God orders our steps. I did away with my list long ago, except that I try to work on the Scripture verse that says, 'I must decrease so that He will increase in my life' (John 3:30).
We can only reflect on some things we feel were done right to bless others and there we can find satisfaction in knowing that the Lord is pleased. There are many personal goals that all of us did not fulfill, so it is best to thank God for the positives and not dwell on the negative. We must understand that the Bible tells us to press on towards the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. We are in a race and we can’t go back and retrieve any time lost from the previous year.
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 King James Version)
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. (1 Corinthians 9:24 King James Version)
We are constantly to be moving forward, growing and doing all we can to get the message of God’s love to others. We must make sure that we are living a life that reflects Christ’s nature to attract others to Him.
So there is no list of do’s and don’ts for me. Plain and simply put, I want to live my life one day at a time, asking the Lord what He requires. I will take each day and say, 'Lord, what is on your agenda for me today?' If I can find out His plans on a daily basis then I won’t be disappointed at the end of the year.
cbn
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Stepping into Your New Season
By Paul Dailey
"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday" (Psalm 37:5-6).
We have those times in our lives when it seems we have stepped from sure footing onto shaky ground. Looking back, we find that everything seemed so certain. But in the present we feel like someone standing on a log in the middle of a river, frantically moving our feet this way and that, with our arms outstretched and trying to keep our balance.
I'm sure that's how Peter felt when he got out of the boat. Along with the other disciples, he was in a storm, but as a fisherman, he was used to that and the boat was a place of safety for him. It was familiar and required relatively little faith to stay in the boat. Despite his fear, he could go under his own strength and do what he knew to do in order to save himself. But the minute he stepped over the side of the boat and placed his foot solidly on the top of that first wave, he was in foreign territory.
Walking on water isn't something you do halfway. In the same way, you either commit totally to the Lord, or you don't. That's where God separates the men from the boys. (No offense ladies.) However unnerving it may be to find yourself standing in the most unlikely, unpredictable circumstances as Peter did, it's really a place of surety. When you put your trust in the Lord and commit to follow Him wherever He leads, you've actually stepped out of the boat and onto the solid rock. God will never allow you to utterly fall when you are living by faith.
Verse six of Psalm 37 says, "He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light." Abraham was counted righteous because of his faith. He left his normal routine in order to follow God's voice. From that day on, his life was changed. When his enemies attacked him, they were destroyed. When people tried to curse him, God cursed them. His life was indelibly etched into the tablets of history. Isaiah 30:15 says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and confidence is your strength."
If you are facing a time of uncertainty in your life right now, I beg you to return to the Lord. Orchestrate your schedule in such a way that you can have some time alone with the Lord. Come back to that place of rest, the place where you first met Jesus. You remember it, don't you? It was there, in your “Garden of Eden”, as you walked with Jesus in the cool of the day, that you found your confidence in God. You knew in the deepest part of your soul the reason why you were created. You knew you would never be alone. You knew you could never fail. Your mind was quiet before the Lord, and He spoke without hindrance into your life.
I'm finding more every day how invaluable these regular times with Jesus really are. It's bearing fruit in every area of my life. My joy has increased, which has enabled me to more boldly share the Gospel. I'm able to see past the temporal, frustrating circumstances that I often have to deal with and into God's plan for me. My thoughts are more orderly. There is a peace in my heart that is not shaken by external things. It is wonderful. It's killing every bit of jealousy and strife in me. Worry is becoming less of an issue. Also, it is freeing me to serve others. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture.
This is my prayer for you as you step into the next phase of your life, into your new season. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). And may you also find this beautiful place of rest in the Lord.
cbn
By Paul Dailey
"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday" (Psalm 37:5-6).
We have those times in our lives when it seems we have stepped from sure footing onto shaky ground. Looking back, we find that everything seemed so certain. But in the present we feel like someone standing on a log in the middle of a river, frantically moving our feet this way and that, with our arms outstretched and trying to keep our balance.
I'm sure that's how Peter felt when he got out of the boat. Along with the other disciples, he was in a storm, but as a fisherman, he was used to that and the boat was a place of safety for him. It was familiar and required relatively little faith to stay in the boat. Despite his fear, he could go under his own strength and do what he knew to do in order to save himself. But the minute he stepped over the side of the boat and placed his foot solidly on the top of that first wave, he was in foreign territory.
Walking on water isn't something you do halfway. In the same way, you either commit totally to the Lord, or you don't. That's where God separates the men from the boys. (No offense ladies.) However unnerving it may be to find yourself standing in the most unlikely, unpredictable circumstances as Peter did, it's really a place of surety. When you put your trust in the Lord and commit to follow Him wherever He leads, you've actually stepped out of the boat and onto the solid rock. God will never allow you to utterly fall when you are living by faith.
Verse six of Psalm 37 says, "He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light." Abraham was counted righteous because of his faith. He left his normal routine in order to follow God's voice. From that day on, his life was changed. When his enemies attacked him, they were destroyed. When people tried to curse him, God cursed them. His life was indelibly etched into the tablets of history. Isaiah 30:15 says, "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and confidence is your strength."
If you are facing a time of uncertainty in your life right now, I beg you to return to the Lord. Orchestrate your schedule in such a way that you can have some time alone with the Lord. Come back to that place of rest, the place where you first met Jesus. You remember it, don't you? It was there, in your “Garden of Eden”, as you walked with Jesus in the cool of the day, that you found your confidence in God. You knew in the deepest part of your soul the reason why you were created. You knew you would never be alone. You knew you could never fail. Your mind was quiet before the Lord, and He spoke without hindrance into your life.
I'm finding more every day how invaluable these regular times with Jesus really are. It's bearing fruit in every area of my life. My joy has increased, which has enabled me to more boldly share the Gospel. I'm able to see past the temporal, frustrating circumstances that I often have to deal with and into God's plan for me. My thoughts are more orderly. There is a peace in my heart that is not shaken by external things. It is wonderful. It's killing every bit of jealousy and strife in me. Worry is becoming less of an issue. Also, it is freeing me to serve others. I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture.
This is my prayer for you as you step into the next phase of your life, into your new season. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). And may you also find this beautiful place of rest in the Lord.
cbn
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
brought back
1 The word of the Lord that came to Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. 2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord.” 3 So he went and took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. Hosea 1:1-3
If you're honest with God when you read this opening passage of Hosea, you have to ask, “What were you thinking?" As if it were not difficult enough being a prophet, why place on Hosea's shoulders such an intolerable burden as an unfaithful wife?
When God gave this bizarre command to Hosea, you'll notice that he did not use her name. This is probably because Hosea knew exactly who it was God was talking about. Her name was Gomer. She was notorious for her unfaithfulness. Nonetheless, in obedience to the command, the prophet took her as his wife.
You would hope that living with a person who wrote one of the books of the Bible might have had some small impact on her behavior. It did. She got worse! Chapter 3 alludes to the fact that she became a prostitute and that Hosea was forced to buy her back for 15 shekels and a measure of barley.
It would be difficult to describe the emotional pain Hosea must have endured because of this impossible relationship. But the pain is the point and through that suffering God was doing something truly amazing—inviting the prophet into his own emotional life. Hosea and the Lord shared something in common—they were both married to unfaithful people!
Two points beg to be made here. First, God uses suffering in his plan. Hosea was being called to “participate in the sufferings” of God and thereby to become acquainted with his heart (1 Peter 4:12-16). His pain uniquely prepared him to better represent the Lord.
Second, by buying her back, Hosea demonstrated prophetically what God would someday do for us through Jesus. Like Gomer, we are habitually unfaithful and yet we have been bought back at an enormous price (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Did you notice that Hosea did not demand that his wife “clean up her act” before he bought her back? Do you ever find yourself in painful relationships like Hosea's? Could God be using the pain to invite you deeper into his heart?
He does not demand that you “clean up your act” before you come. He only bids you to come. He'll do the cleaning. —Michael Card michaelcard.com
seeking: Father, what have you just revealed to me about my unfaithful heart? What do I need to confess to you this moment?
responding: Why is it important to know that God uses suffering to mold us? How has he shaped me through hard times? • How will I glorify him through my suffering today?
Master, look at me. My name is Gomer and I have been unfaithful. You called me your bride, inviting me into the intimacy of walking with you. And I have broken faith. Jesus, I turn back to you. I acknowledge the price you paid to buy me back. And so I ask, Lord, that you would keep a close watch on me. Don't let me go, or else I'm likely to stray once more. You are my Faithfulness, my Ransom, my patient, loving, forgiving Husband.
following: Jesus loved us and bought us back.
our journey
1 The word of the Lord that came to Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel. 2 When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take to yourself a wife of whoredom and have children of whoredom, for the land commits great whoredom by forsaking the Lord.” 3 So he went and took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. Hosea 1:1-3
If you're honest with God when you read this opening passage of Hosea, you have to ask, “What were you thinking?" As if it were not difficult enough being a prophet, why place on Hosea's shoulders such an intolerable burden as an unfaithful wife?
When God gave this bizarre command to Hosea, you'll notice that he did not use her name. This is probably because Hosea knew exactly who it was God was talking about. Her name was Gomer. She was notorious for her unfaithfulness. Nonetheless, in obedience to the command, the prophet took her as his wife.
You would hope that living with a person who wrote one of the books of the Bible might have had some small impact on her behavior. It did. She got worse! Chapter 3 alludes to the fact that she became a prostitute and that Hosea was forced to buy her back for 15 shekels and a measure of barley.
It would be difficult to describe the emotional pain Hosea must have endured because of this impossible relationship. But the pain is the point and through that suffering God was doing something truly amazing—inviting the prophet into his own emotional life. Hosea and the Lord shared something in common—they were both married to unfaithful people!
Two points beg to be made here. First, God uses suffering in his plan. Hosea was being called to “participate in the sufferings” of God and thereby to become acquainted with his heart (1 Peter 4:12-16). His pain uniquely prepared him to better represent the Lord.
Second, by buying her back, Hosea demonstrated prophetically what God would someday do for us through Jesus. Like Gomer, we are habitually unfaithful and yet we have been bought back at an enormous price (1 Corinthians 6:20).
Did you notice that Hosea did not demand that his wife “clean up her act” before he bought her back? Do you ever find yourself in painful relationships like Hosea's? Could God be using the pain to invite you deeper into his heart?
He does not demand that you “clean up your act” before you come. He only bids you to come. He'll do the cleaning. —Michael Card michaelcard.com
seeking: Father, what have you just revealed to me about my unfaithful heart? What do I need to confess to you this moment?
responding: Why is it important to know that God uses suffering to mold us? How has he shaped me through hard times? • How will I glorify him through my suffering today?
Master, look at me. My name is Gomer and I have been unfaithful. You called me your bride, inviting me into the intimacy of walking with you. And I have broken faith. Jesus, I turn back to you. I acknowledge the price you paid to buy me back. And so I ask, Lord, that you would keep a close watch on me. Don't let me go, or else I'm likely to stray once more. You are my Faithfulness, my Ransom, my patient, loving, forgiving Husband.
following: Jesus loved us and bought us back.
our journey