The Father’s Affirmation
Timrufus
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. -Colossians 3:21
Every child longs for love from their father - The affirmation of love from their father. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it. 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (Matthew 22:37-39)
I remember how as a kid my sister wouldn’t talk to me for days because she thought our father loved me more, when in fact I was the one who got the most lashes at all times. While I liked to listen to his old grandfather's bedtimes stories, she would always hide under the bed and wouldn’t come out until everyone was gone. But when play time, we could literally raze the whole playground to plain. Come weekends, my sister would tell very interesting little story but I could only sit afar and listen readily at a corner.
It was this affirmation of love from the father she was deprived of. She felt she had been treated most unfairly but she never knew how our father loved her. I had a word with him before he passed on and I knew how he felt towards her but she never know because she had never talked to him all those years. The only thing she could have remembered were his last rebukes to her.
Today, many of us do not want to affirm others but yet we want our boss, our colleague, our friends, our relatives to affirm us in many ways. Most of us had needed an affirmation from one or the other most important person of our life but far more important than that, what we really need is The Father’s affirmation. Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” (Rev 3:20)
The Lord wants to affirm us today. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. He who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. To love the Lord your God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (Matthew 20:28) This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
Yes LORD, you will not accuse forever or will You be always angry. For then the spirit of men will faint away because of You - the very people whom You have created. Restore us to yourself, LORD, that we may return. Renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.
Verse for meditation: Luke 15:11-31
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Plans of God
A Heavenly Strategic Planning
Os Hillman
Os Hillman
"And the Lord said, 'Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?' One suggested this, and another that. -1 Kings 22:20
There are few times we get a glimpse of what goes on in Heaven. Here is one instance when the angels were conferring with the Lord about the judgment of King Ahab for his sin and who was going to set up Ahab for this judgment.
If God wanted to use you to impact your world for Jesus Christ, what circumstances would have to be created in order for you to respond to His call? Would prospering you materially encourage you to this end? Would a major change in what you are presently doing be necessary? What would your response be should God and the angels conclude that the only way to move you into a position of fulfilling God's purposes was to remove some things that might be very dear to you? Would you agree with their plan if you knew this would be the only way you would achieve the purposes for which God made you? Hard questions, aren't they?
This is the very thing God does in many who have been called for a special mission. Moses had to be stripped of his royal position in the family of Egypt and sit in the desert for 40 years. The apostle Paul had to be knocked off his horse, blinded, and receive a personal visitation from Jesus. The 12 disciples had to leave their jobs for three years to follow Christ. Imagine what kind of disruption this had on their lives. There are many examples of God bringing major upheaval in the lives of those He called for His purposes. Why?
The reason is that we do not seek God with a whole heart in times of prosperity and comfort. Prosperity and comfort tend to breed complacency and satisfaction. It is rare to find the man or woman who seeks God with a whole heart who does so simply from a grateful heart. We often must have pain or crisis to motivate us. Eventually, that crisis bridges us to a new calling, and we embrace that calling if we are open to the Holy Spirit's work in us. We can actually thank God for the change that was required to get us to this place, but it is not without anguish of heart.
Would you be willing to sit in the strategic planning session for your life and agree with the plans God has for your life? Could you give God complete freedom to implement that plan, no matter the cost? Ask God to give you the grace and trust in His love for you to say "yes.
If God wanted to use you to impact your world for Jesus Christ, what circumstances would have to be created in order for you to respond to His call? Would prospering you materially encourage you to this end? Would a major change in what you are presently doing be necessary? What would your response be should God and the angels conclude that the only way to move you into a position of fulfilling God's purposes was to remove some things that might be very dear to you? Would you agree with their plan if you knew this would be the only way you would achieve the purposes for which God made you? Hard questions, aren't they?
This is the very thing God does in many who have been called for a special mission. Moses had to be stripped of his royal position in the family of Egypt and sit in the desert for 40 years. The apostle Paul had to be knocked off his horse, blinded, and receive a personal visitation from Jesus. The 12 disciples had to leave their jobs for three years to follow Christ. Imagine what kind of disruption this had on their lives. There are many examples of God bringing major upheaval in the lives of those He called for His purposes. Why?
The reason is that we do not seek God with a whole heart in times of prosperity and comfort. Prosperity and comfort tend to breed complacency and satisfaction. It is rare to find the man or woman who seeks God with a whole heart who does so simply from a grateful heart. We often must have pain or crisis to motivate us. Eventually, that crisis bridges us to a new calling, and we embrace that calling if we are open to the Holy Spirit's work in us. We can actually thank God for the change that was required to get us to this place, but it is not without anguish of heart.
Would you be willing to sit in the strategic planning session for your life and agree with the plans God has for your life? Could you give God complete freedom to implement that plan, no matter the cost? Ask God to give you the grace and trust in His love for you to say "yes.
When Prayers Listen
When Prayers Listen
Moments with You
Moments with You
NASB "Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer;and give heed to the voice of my supplications!" -Psalm 86:6
I heard a wife talking about how prayer had enhanced her relationship with her husband. "When we pray together," she said, "we are communicating with God, but we are also communicating with each other and sharing our common love for our Savior." I hope this doesn't sound either irreverent or intrusive to you. I hope it doesn't make you feel threatened or bashful to know that part of what is happening when you're praying together is this: Your spouse is listening to you and gaining a deeper understanding for what's going on in your heart.
The truth is, when you actively listen to each other in prayer, you are able to empathize at the deepest, most honest level. You are putting yourself in your spouse's shoes. Prayer becomes a much more significant experience when you are listening carefully to the burdens your spouse is repeatedly bringing to the Lord so that you can join him or her in praying for those same things, as well.
This can only happen, of course, when each of you is willing to honestly verbalize what's on your heart, when prayer is not a routine exercise devoid of real-life substance and content, when prayer becomes your heart's genuine cry before the Father. Only then can you go to the Lord God almighty together--with both humility and confidence--asking the Lord to encourage your wife when she feels like a failure as a mom or asking God to grant your husband increased wisdom when he struggles to be the leader of your family.
From our own experience, Barbara and I can assure you that your times of prayer together will be greatly enriched and more productive if you communicate openly and listen attentively. Discuss and Talk about how praying together enriches your relationship. Share what you are facing today that could use your spouse's prayers. Pray and Turn your prayer today to the needs of your spouse, interceding for him or her with the understanding gained from knowing each other so well.
I heard a wife talking about how prayer had enhanced her relationship with her husband. "When we pray together," she said, "we are communicating with God, but we are also communicating with each other and sharing our common love for our Savior." I hope this doesn't sound either irreverent or intrusive to you. I hope it doesn't make you feel threatened or bashful to know that part of what is happening when you're praying together is this: Your spouse is listening to you and gaining a deeper understanding for what's going on in your heart.
The truth is, when you actively listen to each other in prayer, you are able to empathize at the deepest, most honest level. You are putting yourself in your spouse's shoes. Prayer becomes a much more significant experience when you are listening carefully to the burdens your spouse is repeatedly bringing to the Lord so that you can join him or her in praying for those same things, as well.
This can only happen, of course, when each of you is willing to honestly verbalize what's on your heart, when prayer is not a routine exercise devoid of real-life substance and content, when prayer becomes your heart's genuine cry before the Father. Only then can you go to the Lord God almighty together--with both humility and confidence--asking the Lord to encourage your wife when she feels like a failure as a mom or asking God to grant your husband increased wisdom when he struggles to be the leader of your family.
From our own experience, Barbara and I can assure you that your times of prayer together will be greatly enriched and more productive if you communicate openly and listen attentively. Discuss and Talk about how praying together enriches your relationship. Share what you are facing today that could use your spouse's prayers. Pray and Turn your prayer today to the needs of your spouse, interceding for him or her with the understanding gained from knowing each other so well.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Passing The Test
The Test Of Success
Relevant Children’s Ministry
Relevant Children’s Ministry
"Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,but a person is tested by being praised." -Proverbs 27:21
Success will test you. Just as fire brings out the impurities in silver and gold, so success will bring out our impurities. One of the hardest things for anyone to handle is when they are praised by others. Our fallen nature is quick to take credit for achievement.
The test is not whether you will allow others to compliment you or not. The test is how you will respond to the compliments. Here are some truths to keep in your heart when you are tested by success. Always remember that you can't accomplish anything without God. Keep John 15 in your heart. Abide in Him. Depend upon His power not your own. Fruit comes from the seed not the sower. Beg for His wisdom instead of using your own limited wisdom.
We don't bring success to God. He brings it to us. Stay teachable so you can remain useable. Don't let success turn you into a know-it-all. Keep a humble, teachable spirit. Be a leader who is always learning. Learn from everywhere you go and from everyone you meet.
Always give the credit to God. Doing this privately is more important than doing it publicly. When others praise you, don't become "pious" in your humility by saying something like "It's all because of Jesus." Everyone already knows that. Simply acknowledge their compliment with a simple "thank you" while internally thanking God for His work through your life.
I have watched godly leaders when others acknowledge them and this is what they do. Know that the commendations and condemnations of man will come and go. Don't let either sway you. Ask God to grow you to the place where the praises of men will not cause you to feel exalted in pride, nor will their criticisms cause you to become fearful or discouraged. Don't pursue success...pursue God. God hasn't called us to be "successful." He has called us to be faithful to love and serve Him. Success is knowing Him and making Him known.
Let your joy come from your personal relationship with God not from your performance for God. We all have a natural bent toward feeling valued based on our performance. You have nothing to prove. God loves you unconditionally. Rest in the fact that you are His child. What you do with past success can determine how much future success God gives you. The Bible reminds us that if we humble ourselves we will be exalted in God's time. If you are faithful to give God the glory for a little success, He may entrust you with more success.
The test is not whether you will allow others to compliment you or not. The test is how you will respond to the compliments. Here are some truths to keep in your heart when you are tested by success. Always remember that you can't accomplish anything without God. Keep John 15 in your heart. Abide in Him. Depend upon His power not your own. Fruit comes from the seed not the sower. Beg for His wisdom instead of using your own limited wisdom.
We don't bring success to God. He brings it to us. Stay teachable so you can remain useable. Don't let success turn you into a know-it-all. Keep a humble, teachable spirit. Be a leader who is always learning. Learn from everywhere you go and from everyone you meet.
Always give the credit to God. Doing this privately is more important than doing it publicly. When others praise you, don't become "pious" in your humility by saying something like "It's all because of Jesus." Everyone already knows that. Simply acknowledge their compliment with a simple "thank you" while internally thanking God for His work through your life.
I have watched godly leaders when others acknowledge them and this is what they do. Know that the commendations and condemnations of man will come and go. Don't let either sway you. Ask God to grow you to the place where the praises of men will not cause you to feel exalted in pride, nor will their criticisms cause you to become fearful or discouraged. Don't pursue success...pursue God. God hasn't called us to be "successful." He has called us to be faithful to love and serve Him. Success is knowing Him and making Him known.
Let your joy come from your personal relationship with God not from your performance for God. We all have a natural bent toward feeling valued based on our performance. You have nothing to prove. God loves you unconditionally. Rest in the fact that you are His child. What you do with past success can determine how much future success God gives you. The Bible reminds us that if we humble ourselves we will be exalted in God's time. If you are faithful to give God the glory for a little success, He may entrust you with more success.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Freedom and Boundaries
Freedom and Boundaries
Os Hillman
Os Hillman
"Now the serpent was craftier than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, 'Did God really say, "You must not eat from any tree in the garden"?'" -Genesis 3:1
God is big on giving man freedom and boundaries-freedom to manage what He has entrusted to us, boundaries to protect us from evil. The boundaries in the Garden of Eden were not set for the purpose of limiting Adam. Man got into trouble when he questioned those boundaries. God had provided everything he would need for life. He also entrusted man with responsibility to manage and work the Garden. God gave him freedom in that responsibility. God knows we were made to express ourselves creatively through our work.
Each of us must have freedom and boundaries in our work life. Whenever you are hired for a job, you must have the freedom to make certain decisions. You must have the authority to manage things within your area of expertise. You must also have limits within your area of responsibility. You need to know where those limits are and stay within them. Both freedom and boundaries are always under the umbrella of God's authority and our authorities at work.
Jesus understood these boundaries. When He was tempted for 40 days by the devil after being baptized, He was challenged by satan to go outside His freedom and boundaries. (See Matthew 4:1-11.) Satan said that He had the power to turn a stone into bread. Jesus was hungry and easily could have justified using His power to feed Himself. However, Jesus understood He could do nothing outside the boundaries of God's will for His life. It was God's will for Jesus to be tempted and to withstand the temptation. God was showing His Son that "man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4b).
You and I are tempted every day to go beyond our God-ordained boundaries. Whether it is solving financial problems that have arisen through debt, making wrong decisions due to pressure, or manipulating someone in order to achieve our ends, it all represents rebellion toward God. Ask God to show you His freedom and boundaries for your life. These are meant to enhance your life, not hinder it.
God is big on giving man freedom and boundaries-freedom to manage what He has entrusted to us, boundaries to protect us from evil. The boundaries in the Garden of Eden were not set for the purpose of limiting Adam. Man got into trouble when he questioned those boundaries. God had provided everything he would need for life. He also entrusted man with responsibility to manage and work the Garden. God gave him freedom in that responsibility. God knows we were made to express ourselves creatively through our work.
Each of us must have freedom and boundaries in our work life. Whenever you are hired for a job, you must have the freedom to make certain decisions. You must have the authority to manage things within your area of expertise. You must also have limits within your area of responsibility. You need to know where those limits are and stay within them. Both freedom and boundaries are always under the umbrella of God's authority and our authorities at work.
Jesus understood these boundaries. When He was tempted for 40 days by the devil after being baptized, He was challenged by satan to go outside His freedom and boundaries. (See Matthew 4:1-11.) Satan said that He had the power to turn a stone into bread. Jesus was hungry and easily could have justified using His power to feed Himself. However, Jesus understood He could do nothing outside the boundaries of God's will for His life. It was God's will for Jesus to be tempted and to withstand the temptation. God was showing His Son that "man does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4b).
You and I are tempted every day to go beyond our God-ordained boundaries. Whether it is solving financial problems that have arisen through debt, making wrong decisions due to pressure, or manipulating someone in order to achieve our ends, it all represents rebellion toward God. Ask God to show you His freedom and boundaries for your life. These are meant to enhance your life, not hinder it.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Strengthened Through Weakness
Strengthened Through Weakness
Chip Brogden
Chip Brogden
"When I am weak, then I am strong." -2 Corinthians 12:10
The way of the world says that in order to be stronger, we must build ourselves up and seek strength and dominance over others. Christians everywhere are keenly interested in how to be increased, how to be stronger, how to take authority, how to rise up, how to get more. They look for methods, formulas, and techniques for becoming bigger and better.
The results have been disappointing. Many mistakes have been made and many people have been hurt and disillusioned. The Lord has a different approach for us to take. He invites us to accept weakness in order to be strengthened. We do not become strong by embracing strength, but by embracing weakness! This is the secret of all spiritual power. When Paul learned this secret he was able to say, "When I am weak, then I am strong." This makes no sense to the natural man.
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Creator, the Almighty, You choose to use the weak and helpless to demonstrate Your power and might. You use me, not because of my strength and wisdom but because of my weakness and failure so that You will be revealed in all Your Glory. Praise You, my Lord and my Master. In Jesus mighty name, Amen and Amen.
The way of the world says that in order to be stronger, we must build ourselves up and seek strength and dominance over others. Christians everywhere are keenly interested in how to be increased, how to be stronger, how to take authority, how to rise up, how to get more. They look for methods, formulas, and techniques for becoming bigger and better.
The results have been disappointing. Many mistakes have been made and many people have been hurt and disillusioned. The Lord has a different approach for us to take. He invites us to accept weakness in order to be strengthened. We do not become strong by embracing strength, but by embracing weakness! This is the secret of all spiritual power. When Paul learned this secret he was able to say, "When I am weak, then I am strong." This makes no sense to the natural man.
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Creator, the Almighty, You choose to use the weak and helpless to demonstrate Your power and might. You use me, not because of my strength and wisdom but because of my weakness and failure so that You will be revealed in all Your Glory. Praise You, my Lord and my Master. In Jesus mighty name, Amen and Amen.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Having Nothing Yet Possessing All
Having Nothing Yet Possessing All
Edward Powell
Edward Powell
"As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich;as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." -2 Corinthians 6:10
The scriptures reveal many paradoxes that are perplexing to those who have not experienced God's saving grace. The unbeliever forms his opinions on outward appearances, and his evaluation is confined to his finite reasoning. How sad to see those who are rich in this world's goods but destitute of the peace, joy, and hope that adorns the Christian. Whatever happiness they have is shallow, transient, and delusive. They live in a vacuum of emptiness, an illusion of their own choosing, deceived by Satan himself.
The scriptures reveal many paradoxes that are perplexing to those who have not experienced God's saving grace. The unbeliever forms his opinions on outward appearances, and his evaluation is confined to his finite reasoning. How sad to see those who are rich in this world's goods but destitute of the peace, joy, and hope that adorns the Christian. Whatever happiness they have is shallow, transient, and delusive. They live in a vacuum of emptiness, an illusion of their own choosing, deceived by Satan himself.
Paul's life was a classic example of a believer's paradoxical experience. He was the "idol" of his day, the favorite of the ruling class, tutored in all the teachings of the Law by Gamaliel, and a persecutor of Christians. But then "HE MET GOD" on God's terms...and his life was transformed. He himself proclaims, "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ...I have suffered the loss of all things that I may win Christ" (Philippians 3:7-8). His whole life was completely turned around. His priorities, goals, ambition, values...everything! The wealth of this world meant nothing. Christ was his all in all.
Regardless of our status in life, the Christian is rich, and has an inexhaustible resource in the grace of God. He has been reconciled to God...has access into the very presence of God...has the blessed assurance of eternal life...and is enriched with unsearchable riches. What inexpressible consolation the believer has when he contemplates the virtue of Christ's atonement, the efficacy of His intercession, the sufficiency of His grace, the extent of His promises, and His inviolable truth and faithfulness! He cries out with heavenly joy, "I am sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; having nothing, yet possessing all things."
Regardless of our status in life, the Christian is rich, and has an inexhaustible resource in the grace of God. He has been reconciled to God...has access into the very presence of God...has the blessed assurance of eternal life...and is enriched with unsearchable riches. What inexpressible consolation the believer has when he contemplates the virtue of Christ's atonement, the efficacy of His intercession, the sufficiency of His grace, the extent of His promises, and His inviolable truth and faithfulness! He cries out with heavenly joy, "I am sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; having nothing, yet possessing all things."
The men of this world are altogether dependent on outward circumstances for their happiness. If the well of their happiness fails, they become the objects of pity, misery, and grief.
Not so with the Christian. Amidst devastating circumstances, he has the comfort of ONE that has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." He may be deprived of this world's wealth, but he has the promise of the Father, he may be weak and heavy laden with the cares imposed upon him by this world, but he has the promise from above.
Not so with the Christian. Amidst devastating circumstances, he has the comfort of ONE that has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." He may be deprived of this world's wealth, but he has the promise of the Father, he may be weak and heavy laden with the cares imposed upon him by this world, but he has the promise from above.
He may be destitute of loved ones, but there is ONE "who sticks closer than a brother." He may have no friends, lonely, and alone, but nothing can hinder his communion with the King of kings and Lord of lords. Though accused and criticized by the world, he can say, "If God be for us, who can be against us?"
What a blessed union the Christian has with Christ. He can say with Paul..."Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?...NO, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us." THIS is the paradox that portrays every Christian. HOW GLORIOUS!
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Gracious God, all that I have comes from You: my body and mind, my strength and intelligence, my time and abilities, my energy and possessions. Guard me from the temptation to use these gifts only for my personal benefit. Make me willing to use them joyfully in service to You and to Your people. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen and Amen.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Good Things Versus God-Things
Good Things Versus God-Things
Os Hillman
Os Hillman
"Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." -Romans 8:14
The greatest sign that you and I are maturing in our walk with God is when we can discern the difference between "good things" and "God-things." When the people of Israel journeyed out of Egypt through the desert, the cloud led them by day. They could move only as fast as the cloud. If they went ahead, they went without God's presence. If they lagged behind, they also lost God's presence.
Each of us must have the discernment to know when God is leading in a matter, or if it is simply a good idea. There are so many things in which you and I can be involved, and the more successful you become, the greater the temptations to enter into things where God has not called you. Entrepreneurs are especially prone to see all the opportunities.
I recall one time when I entered into a project that I thought was a great idea. It would help many people. After two years, the project had to be discontinued. It was a great lesson on understanding what projects have God's blessing on them. There are some projects you and I might get involved in that result in little fruit compared to the investment put into them. That is because they may never have been birthed by the Holy Spirit.
As sons of God, we are called to be led by the Spirit. This requires a level of dependence on God in which many of us really do not want to invest. It requires listening, waiting, and moving only when God's Spirit tells us to move. Workplace believers are "action" people. We know how to get things done, but our greatest strength can be our greatest weakness.
Today, ask God to make you a Romans 8:14 man or woman who is led by the Spirit of God. Pray against lagging behind or moving ahead. Ask God to reveal whether the next project you consider is a "good thing" or a "God-thing."
The greatest sign that you and I are maturing in our walk with God is when we can discern the difference between "good things" and "God-things." When the people of Israel journeyed out of Egypt through the desert, the cloud led them by day. They could move only as fast as the cloud. If they went ahead, they went without God's presence. If they lagged behind, they also lost God's presence.
Each of us must have the discernment to know when God is leading in a matter, or if it is simply a good idea. There are so many things in which you and I can be involved, and the more successful you become, the greater the temptations to enter into things where God has not called you. Entrepreneurs are especially prone to see all the opportunities.
I recall one time when I entered into a project that I thought was a great idea. It would help many people. After two years, the project had to be discontinued. It was a great lesson on understanding what projects have God's blessing on them. There are some projects you and I might get involved in that result in little fruit compared to the investment put into them. That is because they may never have been birthed by the Holy Spirit.
As sons of God, we are called to be led by the Spirit. This requires a level of dependence on God in which many of us really do not want to invest. It requires listening, waiting, and moving only when God's Spirit tells us to move. Workplace believers are "action" people. We know how to get things done, but our greatest strength can be our greatest weakness.
Today, ask God to make you a Romans 8:14 man or woman who is led by the Spirit of God. Pray against lagging behind or moving ahead. Ask God to reveal whether the next project you consider is a "good thing" or a "God-thing."
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
The Ownership
A Question of Ownership
Os Hillman
Os Hillman
"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it." -Matthew 10:39
Otto Koning was a missionary in New Guinea. He worked among a native tribe that had known only their village ways. One of those village ways was stealing from others. When Otto and his wife arrived and moved into a hut, the natives often came by to visit.
The Konings would notice that after the natives left the missionaries' home, various household items had disappeared. They saw these items again when they went to preach in the natives' village. The only fruit Otto could grow on the island was pineapples. Otto loved pineapples, and he took pride in the pineapples he was able to grow. However, whenever the pineapples began to ripen, the natives would steal them.
Otto could never keep a ripe pineapple for himself. This was a frustration, and he became angry with the natives. All during the seven-year period in which this took place, Otto preached the gospel to these natives, but never had a conversion. The more the natives stole, the angrier Otto became. Finally, one day Otto had a German Shepherd dog flown in from another missionary to protect his pineapple garden after other frustrated efforts failed. This only further alienated the natives from him.
Otto took a furlough to the United States and attended a conference on personal rights. At this conference, he discovered that he was frustrated over this situation because he had taken personal ownership of his pineapple garden. After much soul searching, he gave his garden to God. Soon the natives started having problems among their tribe. They discovered that Otto was the reason for their problems because he gave his garden to his God.
The natives saw a correlation between what Otto had done and their own lives being affected by calamities in their village. When Otto gave his garden to God, he no longer got angry and was free from worry. The natives started bringing him fruit from the garden because they didn't want any more calamities to come into their village. The light came on one day when a native said to Otto, "You must have become a Christian, Otto. You don't get angry anymore. We always wondered if we would ever meet a Christian." They had never associated Otto with the kind of person he was preaching about because his message did not line up with his life.
Otto was broken in spirit when he realized he had been such a failure. At the end of seven years, he witnessed his first conversion, and many began coming to Christ once he fully gave his garden to God. The fruit grew so abundant that Otto began exporting it and growing other types of fruit, such as bananas. His village became the most evangelized in the whole region, yet for seven years he had not one convert. Otto realized something each of us must realize: To gain your life you must lose it, along with your possessions. It was only when he gave all his possessions to God that he became free from them. God measured back to him manifold once He had complete ownership.
Do you have some possessions that you need to give up to God today? Let God have all that you have. Become a steward, not an owner. You will be surprised at how well God can take care of His possessions.
Otto Koning was a missionary in New Guinea. He worked among a native tribe that had known only their village ways. One of those village ways was stealing from others. When Otto and his wife arrived and moved into a hut, the natives often came by to visit.
The Konings would notice that after the natives left the missionaries' home, various household items had disappeared. They saw these items again when they went to preach in the natives' village. The only fruit Otto could grow on the island was pineapples. Otto loved pineapples, and he took pride in the pineapples he was able to grow. However, whenever the pineapples began to ripen, the natives would steal them.
Otto could never keep a ripe pineapple for himself. This was a frustration, and he became angry with the natives. All during the seven-year period in which this took place, Otto preached the gospel to these natives, but never had a conversion. The more the natives stole, the angrier Otto became. Finally, one day Otto had a German Shepherd dog flown in from another missionary to protect his pineapple garden after other frustrated efforts failed. This only further alienated the natives from him.
Otto took a furlough to the United States and attended a conference on personal rights. At this conference, he discovered that he was frustrated over this situation because he had taken personal ownership of his pineapple garden. After much soul searching, he gave his garden to God. Soon the natives started having problems among their tribe. They discovered that Otto was the reason for their problems because he gave his garden to his God.
The natives saw a correlation between what Otto had done and their own lives being affected by calamities in their village. When Otto gave his garden to God, he no longer got angry and was free from worry. The natives started bringing him fruit from the garden because they didn't want any more calamities to come into their village. The light came on one day when a native said to Otto, "You must have become a Christian, Otto. You don't get angry anymore. We always wondered if we would ever meet a Christian." They had never associated Otto with the kind of person he was preaching about because his message did not line up with his life.
Otto was broken in spirit when he realized he had been such a failure. At the end of seven years, he witnessed his first conversion, and many began coming to Christ once he fully gave his garden to God. The fruit grew so abundant that Otto began exporting it and growing other types of fruit, such as bananas. His village became the most evangelized in the whole region, yet for seven years he had not one convert. Otto realized something each of us must realize: To gain your life you must lose it, along with your possessions. It was only when he gave all his possessions to God that he became free from them. God measured back to him manifold once He had complete ownership.
Do you have some possessions that you need to give up to God today? Let God have all that you have. Become a steward, not an owner. You will be surprised at how well God can take care of His possessions.
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Yes LORD God Almighty, we don't want to be like Otto but we have become like Otto. Bring us back to The first Love whom we have forsaken and help us to know that we are but stewards of the good things God placed in our hands. In Jesus Most Powerful Name. Amen.
When Kids Want To Fight
When Kids Want To Fight
Biblical Parenting
Biblical Parenting
When children are unhappy they look for ways to draw their parents into a fight. Kids know just where your buttons are and how to push them to make you angry. "Dad wouldn't do it that way," or "You never let me have fun," might be all that's needed to create the volcano effect. When children get angry and are looking for a fight, it's as if they step into the boxing ring and invite you to join them.
All too often parents, believing that they are stronger, smarter, and more powerful, are willing to put on the gloves and enter the ring to "teach this kid a lesson" or "put him in his place." The key indicator that says you want to accept the invitation to fight is your harshness. The intensity increases as each party is determined to win the battle. Unfortunately, setting ourselves up as opponents does more damage to the relationship than we expect.
Instead of getting into the ring with your children, imagine going around the ring to the child's corner and becoming a coach. You might say, "I'm not going to discuss this with you while you're upset. First, you need to settle down and then we'll talk about the problem." Or, "The way you're talking to me sounds like you're trying to provoke me into an argument. I'm not going to fight with you."
Coaching children out of the boxing ring means that we stop dealing with the issue at hand and instead discuss the way we're relating. Moving our focus from the issue to the process has a dramatic effect on the relationship when things begin to get tense. The parent refuses to become a sparring partner and instead looks for ways to improve the relationship. This doesn't mean that the child will instantly become responsive, but it does mean that the parent chooses a different posture, one that offers healing instead of antagonism, and closeness instead of distance.
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Yes Father God, many a time we tend to find ourselves more childish than the kids we nurture, but Lord, we know that we aren’t any stronger, any smarter nor are we anything more important than they are to us. And as we lay them down at Your feet Lord, there Your Holy Spirit will guide them, nurture them and sustain them daily by the power of Your Word. In Jesus Most Mighty Name. Amen!
All too often parents, believing that they are stronger, smarter, and more powerful, are willing to put on the gloves and enter the ring to "teach this kid a lesson" or "put him in his place." The key indicator that says you want to accept the invitation to fight is your harshness. The intensity increases as each party is determined to win the battle. Unfortunately, setting ourselves up as opponents does more damage to the relationship than we expect.
Instead of getting into the ring with your children, imagine going around the ring to the child's corner and becoming a coach. You might say, "I'm not going to discuss this with you while you're upset. First, you need to settle down and then we'll talk about the problem." Or, "The way you're talking to me sounds like you're trying to provoke me into an argument. I'm not going to fight with you."
Coaching children out of the boxing ring means that we stop dealing with the issue at hand and instead discuss the way we're relating. Moving our focus from the issue to the process has a dramatic effect on the relationship when things begin to get tense. The parent refuses to become a sparring partner and instead looks for ways to improve the relationship. This doesn't mean that the child will instantly become responsive, but it does mean that the parent chooses a different posture, one that offers healing instead of antagonism, and closeness instead of distance.
--------------------------------------------
Yes Father God, many a time we tend to find ourselves more childish than the kids we nurture, but Lord, we know that we aren’t any stronger, any smarter nor are we anything more important than they are to us. And as we lay them down at Your feet Lord, there Your Holy Spirit will guide them, nurture them and sustain them daily by the power of Your Word. In Jesus Most Mighty Name. Amen!
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Learning For Life
Passion To Save Souls
Truth For Life
Truth For Life
"I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." -1 Corinthians 9:22
Paul's great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he desired to see men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact saved.
Have our Christian efforts been aimed at anything below this great objective? Then let us correct our ways, for what good will it be at the last great day to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved? If through life we have sought inferior objects and forgotten that men needed to be saved, then we will be held accountable.
Paul knew the ruin of man's natural state and did not try to educate him, but to save him; he saw men sinking to hell and did not talk of refining them, but of saving from the wrath to come. To accomplish their salvation, he gave himself up with untiring zeal to spreading the Gospel, to warning and beseeching men to be reconciled to God. His prayers were persistent and his labors incessant. His consuming passion, his ambition, his calling was to save souls.
He became a servant to all men, working for them, feeling a woe within him if he did not preach the Gospel. He laid aside his preferences to prevent prejudice; he submitted his will in things indifferent, and if men would just receive the Gospel, he raised no questions about forms or ceremonies.
The Gospel was the one all-important business with him. If he might save some, he would be content. This was the crown for which he extended himself, the sole and sufficient reward of all his labors and self-denials. Dear reader, have you and I lived to win souls to this extent?
Are we possessed with the same all-absorbing desire? If not, why not? Jesus died for sinners. Can we not live for them? Where is our tenderness? Where is our love for Christ, if we do not seek His honor in the salvation of men? Lord Jesus, saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men.
Paul's great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he desired to see men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact saved.
Have our Christian efforts been aimed at anything below this great objective? Then let us correct our ways, for what good will it be at the last great day to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved? If through life we have sought inferior objects and forgotten that men needed to be saved, then we will be held accountable.
Paul knew the ruin of man's natural state and did not try to educate him, but to save him; he saw men sinking to hell and did not talk of refining them, but of saving from the wrath to come. To accomplish their salvation, he gave himself up with untiring zeal to spreading the Gospel, to warning and beseeching men to be reconciled to God. His prayers were persistent and his labors incessant. His consuming passion, his ambition, his calling was to save souls.
He became a servant to all men, working for them, feeling a woe within him if he did not preach the Gospel. He laid aside his preferences to prevent prejudice; he submitted his will in things indifferent, and if men would just receive the Gospel, he raised no questions about forms or ceremonies.
The Gospel was the one all-important business with him. If he might save some, he would be content. This was the crown for which he extended himself, the sole and sufficient reward of all his labors and self-denials. Dear reader, have you and I lived to win souls to this extent?
Are we possessed with the same all-absorbing desire? If not, why not? Jesus died for sinners. Can we not live for them? Where is our tenderness? Where is our love for Christ, if we do not seek His honor in the salvation of men? Lord Jesus, saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, Father God, help us to be like Paul and grant us hearts of this kind.
Teach us your way, LORD, that we may rely on your faithfulness. Give
us an undivided heart, that we may fear your name. In Jesus Most Glorious
Name. Amen!
Yes, Father God, help us to be like Paul and grant us hearts of this kind.
Teach us your way, LORD, that we may rely on your faithfulness. Give
us an undivided heart, that we may fear your name. In Jesus Most Glorious
Name. Amen!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Starting Over
Starting Over
Os Hillman
Os Hillman
"The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position." -James 1:9
Do you find yourself in humble circumstances? If so, James tells us that we are to take pride in this "high" position. These two things would seem to be an oxymoron. Most of us would not consider humble circumstances a high position.
Successful business tells us that being on top means being wealthy, attaining favor and status, or having power to influence. However, Jesus influenced not from power, but from weakness. J.C. Penney is a name synonymous with department store. He first launched his chain of "The Golden Rule" stores in 1907. In 1910 his first wife died. Three years later, he incorporated as the J.C. Penney company. In 1923 his second wife died giving birth to his son. In 1929 the stock market crashed and he lost $40 million. By 1932, he had to sell out to satisfy...creditors. This left [Penney] virtually broke. ...Crushed in spirit from his loss and his health suddenly failing, Penney wound up in a Battle Creek, Michigan sanitarium.
One morning he heard the distant singing of employees who gathered to start the day with God: Be not dismayed, whate'er betide, God will take care of you.... Penney followed the music to its source and slipped into a back row. He left a short time later a changed man, his health and spirit renewed, and ready to start the long climb back at age fifty-six. By 1951 there was a J.C. Penney store in every state, and for the first time sales surpassed $1 billion a year. [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 340-343.]
The success of J.C. Penney can be traced to God's mercy in his life to bring him out of his humble circumstance. Do you find yourself in a humble circumstance? God is the only one who can help you see your humble circumstance from His viewpoint-a high position. It is a high position because of what God is going to teach you in this place. He does not intend you to stay there; it is merely a stopping place to learn some important things you would not learn otherwise. Press into God and trust Him for the outcome to your circumstances.
Do you find yourself in humble circumstances? If so, James tells us that we are to take pride in this "high" position. These two things would seem to be an oxymoron. Most of us would not consider humble circumstances a high position.
Successful business tells us that being on top means being wealthy, attaining favor and status, or having power to influence. However, Jesus influenced not from power, but from weakness. J.C. Penney is a name synonymous with department store. He first launched his chain of "The Golden Rule" stores in 1907. In 1910 his first wife died. Three years later, he incorporated as the J.C. Penney company. In 1923 his second wife died giving birth to his son. In 1929 the stock market crashed and he lost $40 million. By 1932, he had to sell out to satisfy...creditors. This left [Penney] virtually broke. ...Crushed in spirit from his loss and his health suddenly failing, Penney wound up in a Battle Creek, Michigan sanitarium.
One morning he heard the distant singing of employees who gathered to start the day with God: Be not dismayed, whate'er betide, God will take care of you.... Penney followed the music to its source and slipped into a back row. He left a short time later a changed man, his health and spirit renewed, and ready to start the long climb back at age fifty-six. By 1951 there was a J.C. Penney store in every state, and for the first time sales surpassed $1 billion a year. [John Woodbridge, ed., More Than Conquerors (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Press, 1992), 340-343.]
The success of J.C. Penney can be traced to God's mercy in his life to bring him out of his humble circumstance. Do you find yourself in a humble circumstance? God is the only one who can help you see your humble circumstance from His viewpoint-a high position. It is a high position because of what God is going to teach you in this place. He does not intend you to stay there; it is merely a stopping place to learn some important things you would not learn otherwise. Press into God and trust Him for the outcome to your circumstances.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Fulfilling Vows
Fulfilling Vows
Os Hillman
Os Hillman
"When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow." -Ecclesiastes 5:4
Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement." Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people. God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows.
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry with what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God? (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7).
God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives. Are there any unfulfilled vows in your life that may be hindering your projects?
Vows show up in many areas of our lives - marriages, businesses, personal friendships. Unfulfilled vows in any one of these could be the reason your work may be hindered. Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.
Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement." Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people. God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows.
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry with what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God? (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7).
God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives. Are there any unfulfilled vows in your life that may be hindering your projects?
Vows show up in many areas of our lives - marriages, businesses, personal friendships. Unfulfilled vows in any one of these could be the reason your work may be hindered. Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.
Back To The Cross
Back To The Cross
Chip Brogden
Chip Brogden
"We who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake." -2 Corinthians 4:11
The answer to why there is so little power and genuine spiritual fruit in the lives of those who follow Jesus is a simple one: they desire the Life of the Lord, but not His Death. They want a daily pouring out of the Lord's Life, but they shun the prospect of daily sharing in His Death.
The saints of the Lord are well instructed in living victoriously, being blessed, walking in power, overcoming the enemy, and living up to their potential. By comparison, the majority of them know next to nothing about self-denial, bearing their Cross, boasting in their weaknesses, being joyful in trials, winning by losing, gaining by giving up, working by resting, accepting both the bitter and the sweet as gifts from God, enduring hardness and accepting suffering. God desires to increase us and enlarge us; He therefore calls us to go back to the Cross and start over again.
The answer to why there is so little power and genuine spiritual fruit in the lives of those who follow Jesus is a simple one: they desire the Life of the Lord, but not His Death. They want a daily pouring out of the Lord's Life, but they shun the prospect of daily sharing in His Death.
The saints of the Lord are well instructed in living victoriously, being blessed, walking in power, overcoming the enemy, and living up to their potential. By comparison, the majority of them know next to nothing about self-denial, bearing their Cross, boasting in their weaknesses, being joyful in trials, winning by losing, gaining by giving up, working by resting, accepting both the bitter and the sweet as gifts from God, enduring hardness and accepting suffering. God desires to increase us and enlarge us; He therefore calls us to go back to the Cross and start over again.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Spiritual Warfare and Sin: Dispositional Sins
Spiritual Warfare and Sin: Dispositional Sins
A. W. Tozer
A. W. Tozer
To be entirely safe from the devil's snares the man of God must be completely obedient to the Word of the Lord. The driver on the highway is safe, not when he reads the signs but when he obeys them.
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor,and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."-Ephesians 4:31
Dispositional sins are fully as injurious to the Christian cause as the more overt acts of wickedness. These sins are as many as the various facets of human nature. Just so there may be no misunderstanding let us list a few of them: Sensitiveness, irritability, churlishness, faultfinding, peevishness, temper, resentfulness, cruelty, uncharitable attitudes; and of course there are many more. These kill the spirit of the church and slow down any progress which the gospel may be making in the community.
Many persons who had been secretly longing to find Christ have been turned away and embittered by manifestations of ugly dispositional flaws in the lives of the very persons who were trying to win them....
Unsaintly saints are the tragedy of Christianity. People of the world usually pass through the circle of disciples to reach Christ, and if they find those disciples severe and sharp-tongued they can hardly be blamed if they sigh and turn away from Him. The low state of religion in our day is largely due to the lack of public confidence in religious people. Of God and Men, pp 84-85.
Dispositional sins are fully as injurious to the Christian cause as the more overt acts of wickedness. These sins are as many as the various facets of human nature. Just so there may be no misunderstanding let us list a few of them: Sensitiveness, irritability, churlishness, faultfinding, peevishness, temper, resentfulness, cruelty, uncharitable attitudes; and of course there are many more. These kill the spirit of the church and slow down any progress which the gospel may be making in the community.
Many persons who had been secretly longing to find Christ have been turned away and embittered by manifestations of ugly dispositional flaws in the lives of the very persons who were trying to win them....
Unsaintly saints are the tragedy of Christianity. People of the world usually pass through the circle of disciples to reach Christ, and if they find those disciples severe and sharp-tongued they can hardly be blamed if they sigh and turn away from Him. The low state of religion in our day is largely due to the lack of public confidence in religious people. Of God and Men, pp 84-85.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Joy of Foolishness
The Joy Of Foolishness
Dorsey Marshall
Dorsey Marshall
"Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path." - Proverbs 15:21
The wisdom of God is all-important! When we go after Him, we will receive it, little by little, if we desire it. Many people today want a God who does not require them to make any changes, and who places His stamp of approval on whatever way they want to live.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Man cannot continue living to please his own self and others. He must please God. Situations do not determine our morality! However, what used to be called “living-in-sin” is now called “a meaningful relationship.” What used to be called “self-indulgence” is now called “self-fulfillment.” What used to be called “chastity” is now called “neurotic inhibition.” “Stealing” is now called “creative-financing.” In addition, what used to be called “killing the unborn” is now called “the right to choose.”
Man’s wisdom is, in reality, foolishness compared to the glory of God’s wisdom! Possessing wisdom is not the same as acting wisely. Foolishness is often a choice. Most people who do stupid things experience some sort of red light first. It is when we choose to ignore these warnings that we get sidetracked and then plunge into trouble.
We go to great effort to make it look as if sin just overtook us, and then we try to look helpless. Wise people have their eyes opened. Fools bounce around like a ball in a pinball machine -- no plan, no direction, and no insight. Millions of Christians today are bent on re-inventing the spiritual wheel! (Ecclesiastes 1:9, Ecclesiastes 12:6-7)
My friend, there is nothing new under the sun. Sin is still sin; wrong is still wrong. There will never be a right way to do the wrong thing. It is just that plain and simple. One characteristic of foolishness is carelessness. When we begin to get careless with our God-given habits, we will fall into foolishness, which leads to destruction. Foolish living will bring happiness . . . for a while, but in the end, it will bring more heartbreak that we think we can bear.
If we have any sense at all, we will live our lives on the right path. It is important that we live each day of our life with eternity in mind. One day each of us will face God. How will we answer Him? Wisdom Word: “A fool despises good counsel, but a wise man takes it to heart.”
Today’s Prayer: “Father, show me the right path; give me power, wisdom, and strength to walk according to Your plan, In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”
The wisdom of God is all-important! When we go after Him, we will receive it, little by little, if we desire it. Many people today want a God who does not require them to make any changes, and who places His stamp of approval on whatever way they want to live.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” Man cannot continue living to please his own self and others. He must please God. Situations do not determine our morality! However, what used to be called “living-in-sin” is now called “a meaningful relationship.” What used to be called “self-indulgence” is now called “self-fulfillment.” What used to be called “chastity” is now called “neurotic inhibition.” “Stealing” is now called “creative-financing.” In addition, what used to be called “killing the unborn” is now called “the right to choose.”
Man’s wisdom is, in reality, foolishness compared to the glory of God’s wisdom! Possessing wisdom is not the same as acting wisely. Foolishness is often a choice. Most people who do stupid things experience some sort of red light first. It is when we choose to ignore these warnings that we get sidetracked and then plunge into trouble.
We go to great effort to make it look as if sin just overtook us, and then we try to look helpless. Wise people have their eyes opened. Fools bounce around like a ball in a pinball machine -- no plan, no direction, and no insight. Millions of Christians today are bent on re-inventing the spiritual wheel! (Ecclesiastes 1:9, Ecclesiastes 12:6-7)
My friend, there is nothing new under the sun. Sin is still sin; wrong is still wrong. There will never be a right way to do the wrong thing. It is just that plain and simple. One characteristic of foolishness is carelessness. When we begin to get careless with our God-given habits, we will fall into foolishness, which leads to destruction. Foolish living will bring happiness . . . for a while, but in the end, it will bring more heartbreak that we think we can bear.
If we have any sense at all, we will live our lives on the right path. It is important that we live each day of our life with eternity in mind. One day each of us will face God. How will we answer Him? Wisdom Word: “A fool despises good counsel, but a wise man takes it to heart.”
Today’s Prayer: “Father, show me the right path; give me power, wisdom, and strength to walk according to Your plan, In Jesus’ Name, Amen!”
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A Specific Ministry
God Made You For A Specific Ministry
Rick Warren
Rick Warren
"Your hands shaped me and made me." -Job 10:8
God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true with humans. Each of us is uniquely designed, or "shaped," to do certain things.
Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building. Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted you to serve him, and then he shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.
The Bible says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). Our English word "poem" comes from this Greek word translated "workmanship." You're God's handcrafted work of art. You're not an assembly-line product, mass-produced without thought. You're a custom designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece.
God deliberately shaped and formed you to serve him in a way that makes your ministry unique. He carefully mixed the DNA recipe that created you. David praised God for this incredible personal attention to detail God gave in designing each of us: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14 NLT).
God formed every creature on this planet with a special area of expertise. Some animals run, some hop, some swim, some burrow, and some fly. Each has a particular role to play based on the way they were shaped by God. The same is true with humans. Each of us is uniquely designed, or "shaped," to do certain things.
Before architects design any new building they first ask, "What will be its purpose? How will it be used?" The intended function always determines the form of the building. Before God created you, he decided what role he wanted you to play on earth. He planned exactly how he wanted you to serve him, and then he shaped you for those tasks. You are the way you are because you were made for a specific ministry.
The Bible says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works" (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). Our English word "poem" comes from this Greek word translated "workmanship." You're God's handcrafted work of art. You're not an assembly-line product, mass-produced without thought. You're a custom designed, one-of-a-kind, original masterpiece.
God deliberately shaped and formed you to serve him in a way that makes your ministry unique. He carefully mixed the DNA recipe that created you. David praised God for this incredible personal attention to detail God gave in designing each of us: "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous" (Psalm 139:13-14 NLT).
Not only did God shape you before your birth, he planned every day of your life to support his shaping process. David continues, "Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed" (Psalm 139:16 NLT).
This means nothing that happens in your life is insignificant. God uses all of it to mold you for your ministry to others and shape you for your service to him. God never wastes anything. He would not give you abilities, interests, talents, gifts, personality, and life experiences unless he intended to use them for his glory.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Created for His Good Pleasure
Created for His Good Pleasure
Os Hillman
Os Hillman
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” -Ephesians 2:10
Eric Liddell was an Olympic runner from Britain who won a gold medal in the 1924 Paris Olympics. He was a man who had a deep commitment to the Lord and had future plans of being a missionary. In the meantime, he knew God had given him a special gift to run, and he often said, “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.”
He spent years training for the Olympics. He passed each hurdle and qualified for the Olympics. Finally, the day came for him to run in the games that were held in Paris. There was only one problem. One of his running events was held on Sunday. Liddell refused to run on Sunday, believing it dishonored the Lord’s Sabbath. He held to his convictions and brought great persecution on himself. He made a decision that even if it meant losing his opportunity to compete, he would not run. God’s laws were greater than man’s applause. Just when the circumstances seemed hopeless, another situation arose that allowed Liddell to run on a different day. So often this is the case in the spiritual realm. God tests our hearts to see if we will remain faithful to Him at the cost of something important to us. Once He knows where our loyalty lies, He opens a new door that meets the desires of our hearts. God takes pleasure in seeing His creation used for His glory. Liddell understood why he was made to run; he used his gift of running to bring pleasure to his Creator. Later, Eric Liddell went on to serve God on the mission field.
Does your life work bring pleasure to the Lord? Do you understand that God instilled certain gifts and talents in you so that He might find pleasure in His creation of you? Take pleasure in the gifts God has given to you this day. And let His glory shine through you.
Eric Liddell was an Olympic runner from Britain who won a gold medal in the 1924 Paris Olympics. He was a man who had a deep commitment to the Lord and had future plans of being a missionary. In the meantime, he knew God had given him a special gift to run, and he often said, “I feel God’s pleasure when I run.”
He spent years training for the Olympics. He passed each hurdle and qualified for the Olympics. Finally, the day came for him to run in the games that were held in Paris. There was only one problem. One of his running events was held on Sunday. Liddell refused to run on Sunday, believing it dishonored the Lord’s Sabbath. He held to his convictions and brought great persecution on himself. He made a decision that even if it meant losing his opportunity to compete, he would not run. God’s laws were greater than man’s applause. Just when the circumstances seemed hopeless, another situation arose that allowed Liddell to run on a different day. So often this is the case in the spiritual realm. God tests our hearts to see if we will remain faithful to Him at the cost of something important to us. Once He knows where our loyalty lies, He opens a new door that meets the desires of our hearts. God takes pleasure in seeing His creation used for His glory. Liddell understood why he was made to run; he used his gift of running to bring pleasure to his Creator. Later, Eric Liddell went on to serve God on the mission field.
Does your life work bring pleasure to the Lord? Do you understand that God instilled certain gifts and talents in you so that He might find pleasure in His creation of you? Take pleasure in the gifts God has given to you this day. And let His glory shine through you.
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Soul’s Sole Anchorage
The Soul’s Sole Anchorage
Timrufus
Timrufus
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” –John 14:6
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” While there are truths that can get people hysterically worked up, there are also truths that have made other lose their life. Here Jesus introduces Himself as The Way, The Truth and The Life.
The Truth here is not just any plain human truth but the one crucial spiritual Truth. The devil came to steal, to kill and to destroy. The devil is most certainly the father of all lies but whenever anyone would turns to the Lord, this veil is taken away. (Hebrews 4:14-17) Whenever a one truth is being revealed, the man can choose to respond to the devil’s lies of despondent or look to God's hope of restoration; for the thief, the devil comes only to steal and kill and destroy but Jesus come that they may have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom and this is the One Spiritual Truth expresses here; only God himself can set people freed. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ Jesus said, “You do not know me or my Father,” for if you knew me, you would know my Father also. Jesus is The Only Way. (John 8:36) The Pharisees and Sadducess were most familiar with Jesus in all of God’s most awesome deeds, and of the Israelites who saw how the Red Sea parted before them but none would have the faith to believe in Him.
God’s spiritual truths are not simply made to reveal (or cause to believe) unto the flesh but by God The Father who chose to reveal Himself by His Holy Spirit to those whom He is pleased to reveal them to. (Matthew 16:17, Luke 10:21) For if signs and wonders were intended for faith to made arise in the first place, let the whole earth be covered with magician and wise men as in the days of the Pharaoh. But instead let us live by faith and not by sight. (Exodus 14:13-14, John 6:35-39, Acts 3:19) Paul said these, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." (2 Corinthians 11:14-15) But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened partly because he himself chose to harden it and so God gave it up it to harden some more. (Exodus 8:15, 9:12,Romans 11:23) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Matthew 10:14-15)
Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. "And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:23-24)
Verses For Meditation: John 8:23-36
Yes Lord, the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few. Send out then laborers into the harvest field for the harvests are ripe for no one to harvest. In Jesus most mighty name. Amen.
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” While there are truths that can get people hysterically worked up, there are also truths that have made other lose their life. Here Jesus introduces Himself as The Way, The Truth and The Life.
The Truth here is not just any plain human truth but the one crucial spiritual Truth. The devil came to steal, to kill and to destroy. The devil is most certainly the father of all lies but whenever anyone would turns to the Lord, this veil is taken away. (Hebrews 4:14-17) Whenever a one truth is being revealed, the man can choose to respond to the devil’s lies of despondent or look to God's hope of restoration; for the thief, the devil comes only to steal and kill and destroy but Jesus come that they may have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
Now the Lord is the Spirit, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom and this is the One Spiritual Truth expresses here; only God himself can set people freed. Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ Jesus said, “You do not know me or my Father,” for if you knew me, you would know my Father also. Jesus is The Only Way. (John 8:36) The Pharisees and Sadducess were most familiar with Jesus in all of God’s most awesome deeds, and of the Israelites who saw how the Red Sea parted before them but none would have the faith to believe in Him.
God’s spiritual truths are not simply made to reveal (or cause to believe) unto the flesh but by God The Father who chose to reveal Himself by His Holy Spirit to those whom He is pleased to reveal them to. (Matthew 16:17, Luke 10:21) For if signs and wonders were intended for faith to made arise in the first place, let the whole earth be covered with magician and wise men as in the days of the Pharaoh. But instead let us live by faith and not by sight. (Exodus 14:13-14, John 6:35-39, Acts 3:19) Paul said these, "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." (2 Corinthians 11:14-15) But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened partly because he himself chose to harden it and so God gave it up it to harden some more. (Exodus 8:15, 9:12,Romans 11:23) Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Matthew 10:14-15)
Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. "And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:23-24)
Verses For Meditation: John 8:23-36
Yes Lord, the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few. Send out then laborers into the harvest field for the harvests are ripe for no one to harvest. In Jesus most mighty name. Amen.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The Value of Hard Places
The Value of Hard Places
Os Hillman
Os Hillman
"So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." -2 Corinthians 4:12
Being forced into hard places gives us a whole new perspective on life. Things we once valued no longer hold the same value. Small things become big things, and what we once thought big no longer holds such importance. These hard places allow us to identify with the sufferings of others. It keeps us from having a shallow view of the hardships of others and allows us to truly identify with them.
Those who speak of such trials from no experience often judge others who have had such hardship. It is a superficiality of Christian experience that often permeates shallow believers. Those who have walked in hard places immediately have a kinship with others who have walked there also. They do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience. They know that death has worked a special thing in them. This death leads to life in others because of the hard places God has taken them through.
It is impossible to appreciate any valley experience while you are in it. However, once you have reached the top of the mountain, you are able to appreciate what terrain you have passed through. You marvel at what you were able to walk through. The valley of the shadow of death has yielded more than you ever thought possible. You are able to appreciate the beauty of the experience and lay aside the sorrow and pain it may have produced.
Death works in you for a greater purpose. If you are there today, be assured that God is producing something of much greater value than you will ever know.
Being forced into hard places gives us a whole new perspective on life. Things we once valued no longer hold the same value. Small things become big things, and what we once thought big no longer holds such importance. These hard places allow us to identify with the sufferings of others. It keeps us from having a shallow view of the hardships of others and allows us to truly identify with them.
Those who speak of such trials from no experience often judge others who have had such hardship. It is a superficiality of Christian experience that often permeates shallow believers. Those who have walked in hard places immediately have a kinship with others who have walked there also. They do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience. They know that death has worked a special thing in them. This death leads to life in others because of the hard places God has taken them through.
It is impossible to appreciate any valley experience while you are in it. However, once you have reached the top of the mountain, you are able to appreciate what terrain you have passed through. You marvel at what you were able to walk through. The valley of the shadow of death has yielded more than you ever thought possible. You are able to appreciate the beauty of the experience and lay aside the sorrow and pain it may have produced.
Death works in you for a greater purpose. If you are there today, be assured that God is producing something of much greater value than you will ever know.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Of Things we cannot see
Being Sure And Certain Of Things We Cannot See
Edward Powell
Edward Powell
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." -Hebrews 11:1
The world cannot understand "true believers" or conceive of the life of devotion and commitment to God that characterize their walk. Paul made this very clear when he wrote, "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." We have been given a privileged position, a glorious heritage, a blessed hope, and a supernatural faith to be activated, so that we may live a vibrant, fruitful life for the glory of God. With all of this, God has given us a free will to accept or reject His abounding grace.
The world cannot understand "true believers" or conceive of the life of devotion and commitment to God that characterize their walk. Paul made this very clear when he wrote, "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." We have been given a privileged position, a glorious heritage, a blessed hope, and a supernatural faith to be activated, so that we may live a vibrant, fruitful life for the glory of God. With all of this, God has given us a free will to accept or reject His abounding grace.
Liberating faith breaks through the strongholds of self and sin. Spiritual faith is implanted into our hearts by God, and is activated by a committed confidence in God through a surrendered will. Our confidence is not in the power of faith but in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is the origin, the source, and the resting place for all our faith. It is the character of God that gives faith validity and to us this confidence. It takes us into another realm, which is beyond ourselves and is infinitely beyond the reason of man. Those who have been reconciled to God can only understand spiritual truth and principles.
When one receives Christ as Savior, the Spirit of God comes and dwells within him. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us understanding of the things of God. Man seeks to reason by his own finite mind. He looks at facts and evidence, and deals with what he can perceive and understand. The man of faith enters into a confidence with God, an assurance and boldness that believes God's infallible Word, and takes God at His Word.
Faith ignores reason, as man sees it, and rises above it. Wouldn't it be wonderful if people, who watch the way we live and the things we do, would say of us as they did Jesus, "They wondered at Him, and they marveled."
Faith forges ahead full steam, while reason follows wide-eyed and amazed. This is the way it should be. Our lives should be a miracle of His grace, with people in utter wonder and amazement. The commitment and devotion of our lives before them cannot be explained by human reasoning. They must admit that this is of God, the result of unwavering, confident faith in an Almighty God.
When Peter and John stood before the rulers in Jerusalem, they asked how the impotent man was healed. Perceiving that Peter and John were "unlearned and ignorant men," the rulers marveled. They couldn't understand the boldness, confidence, and power with which they spoke. Beholding the man that was healed, evidence of the power of God, they could say nothing. Would to God that we had such a holy life reflecting His love and the might of His power.
Some people say, "What great faith. I wish I had that kind of faith." It is not "our great faith" that gets the job done. It is SIMPLE CHILDLIKE FAITH IN OUR ALMIGHTY GOD! True faith places its confidence in the holy character of God. He never changes; he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is the confidence we have in Him! "He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think."
He is the origin, the source, and the resting place for all our faith. It is the character of God that gives faith validity and to us this confidence. It takes us into another realm, which is beyond ourselves and is infinitely beyond the reason of man. Those who have been reconciled to God can only understand spiritual truth and principles.
When one receives Christ as Savior, the Spirit of God comes and dwells within him. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us understanding of the things of God. Man seeks to reason by his own finite mind. He looks at facts and evidence, and deals with what he can perceive and understand. The man of faith enters into a confidence with God, an assurance and boldness that believes God's infallible Word, and takes God at His Word.
Faith ignores reason, as man sees it, and rises above it. Wouldn't it be wonderful if people, who watch the way we live and the things we do, would say of us as they did Jesus, "They wondered at Him, and they marveled."
Faith forges ahead full steam, while reason follows wide-eyed and amazed. This is the way it should be. Our lives should be a miracle of His grace, with people in utter wonder and amazement. The commitment and devotion of our lives before them cannot be explained by human reasoning. They must admit that this is of God, the result of unwavering, confident faith in an Almighty God.
When Peter and John stood before the rulers in Jerusalem, they asked how the impotent man was healed. Perceiving that Peter and John were "unlearned and ignorant men," the rulers marveled. They couldn't understand the boldness, confidence, and power with which they spoke. Beholding the man that was healed, evidence of the power of God, they could say nothing. Would to God that we had such a holy life reflecting His love and the might of His power.
Some people say, "What great faith. I wish I had that kind of faith." It is not "our great faith" that gets the job done. It is SIMPLE CHILDLIKE FAITH IN OUR ALMIGHTY GOD! True faith places its confidence in the holy character of God. He never changes; he is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is the confidence we have in Him! "He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think."
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