God's Changing Power
God is a changer.
He changes darkness into Light...
Bondage into Liberty...
Ashes into Beauty...
Conflict into Peace...
He has changed death to Life!
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me... to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness... Isaiah 61:1,3 KJV
May you know His changing power and His love this Independence Day.
:angel:
Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.
Daily New Life
The Art of Acceptance
Come to terms with God and be at peace;
in this way good will come to you.
Job 22:21
Sometimes, we must accept life on its terms, not our own. Life has a way of unfolding, not as we will, but as it will. And sometimes, there is precious little we can do to change things.
When events transpire that are beyond our control, we have a choice: we can either learn the art of acceptance, or we can make ourselves miserable as we struggle to change the unchangeable.
We must entrust the things we cannot change to God. Once we have done so, we can prayerfully and faithfully tackle the important work that He has placed before us: doing something about the things we can change . . . and doing it sooner rather than later.
Can you summon the courage and the wisdom to accept life on its own terms? If so, you'll most certainly be rewarded for your good judgment.
Surrender to the Lord is not a tremendous sacrifice, not an agonizing performance. It is the most sensible thing you can do. - Corrie ten Boom
He does not need to transplant us into a different field. He transforms the very things that were before our greatest hindrances, into the chief and most blessed means of our growth. No difficulties in your case can baffle Him. Put yourself absolutely into His hands, and let Him have His own way with you. - Elisabeth Elliot
How changed our lives would be if we could only fly through the days on wings of surrender and trust! - Hannah Whitall Smith
Ultimately things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out. - Barbara Johnson
Today's Prayer
Father, the events of this world unfold according to a plan that I cannot fully understand. But You understand. Help me to trust You, Lord, even when I am grieving. Help me to trust You even when I am confused. Today, in whatever circumstances I find myself, let me trust Your will and accept Your love . . . completely. Amen
:angel:
New Life
Be Optimistic
My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.
Psalm 23:5-6 NKJV
Are you an optimistic, hopeful, enthusiastic Christian? You should be. After all, as a believer, you have every reason to be optimistic about life here on earth and life eternal. As C. H. Spurgeon observed, "Our hope in Christ for the future is the mainstream of our joy." But sometimes, you may find yourself pulled down by the inevitable demands and worries of life here on earth. If you find yourself discouraged, stressed, or both, then it's time to take your concerns to God. When you do, He will lift your spirits and renew your strength.
Today, make this promise to yourself and keep it: vow to be a hope-filled Christian. Think optimistically about your life, your profession, your family, and your future. Trust your hopes, not your fears. Take time to celebrate God's glorious creation. And then, when you've filled your heart with hope and gladness, share your optimism with others. They'll be better for it, and so will you.
Go forward confidently, energetically attacking problems, expecting favorable outcomes. - Norman Vincent Peale
The popular idea of faith is of a certain obstinate optimism: the hope, tenaciously held in the face of trouble, that the universe is fundamentally friendly and things may get better. - J. I. Packer
The people whom I have seen succeed best in life have always been cheerful and hopeful people who went about their business with a smile on their faces. - Charles Kingsley
No Christian can be a pessimist, for Christianity is a system of radical optimism. - William Ralph Inge
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I will look for the best in other people, I will expect the best from You, and I will try my best to do my best—today and every day. Amen
:angel:
July 07, 2011
Daily New Life
Look Up and Move On
All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be removed from you, along with all wickedness. And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:31-32
The world holds few if any rewards for those who remain angrily focused upon the past. Still, the act of forgiveness is difficult for all but the most saintly men and women. Are you mired in the quicksand of bitterness or regret? If so, you are not only disobeying God's Word; you are also wasting your time.
Being frail, fallible, imperfect human beings, most of us are quick to anger, quick to blame, slow to forgive, and even slower to forget. Yet as Christians, we are commanded to forgive others, just as we, too, have been forgiven.
If there exists even one person—alive or dead—against whom you hold bitter feelings, it's time to forgive. Or, if you are embittered against yourself for some past mistake or shortcoming, it's finally time to forgive yourself and move on. Hatred, bitterness, and regret are not part of God's plan for your life. Forgiveness is.
Be so preoccupied with good will that you haven't room for ill will. - E. Stanley Jones
Acrid bitterness inevitably seeps into the lives of people who harbor grudges and suppress anger, and bitterness is always a poison. - Lee Strobel
Anger breeds remorse in the heart, discord in the home, bitterness in the community, and confusion in the state. - Billy Graham
Bitterness is the trap that snares the hunter. - Max Lucado
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, free me from anger and bitterness. When I am angry, I cannot feel the peace that You intend for my life. When I am bitter, I cannot sense Your presence. Keep me mindful that forgiveness is Your commandment. Let me turn away from bitterness and instead claim the spiritual abundance that You offer through the gift of Your Son. Amen
:angel:
July 08, 2011
Daily New Life
Finding Peace
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 NKJV
Oftentimes, our outer struggles are simply manifestations of the inner conflict that we feel when we stray from God's path. Jesus offers us peace, not as the world gives, but as He alone gives. Our challenge is to accept Christ's peace into our hearts and then, as best we can, to share His peace with our neighbors. When we accept Jesus as our personal Savior, we are transformed by His grace. We are then free to accept the spiritual abundance and peace that can be ours through the power of the risen Christ.
Have you found the genuine peace that can be yours through Jesus Christ? Or are you still rushing after the illusion of "peace and happiness" that the world promises but cannot deliver? Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family, and to your friends, claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright: the peace of Jesus Christ. It is offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking. So ask. And then share.
Prayer guards hearts and minds and causes God to bring peace out of chaos. - Beth Moore
Before God changes our circumstances, He wants to change our hearts. - Warren Wiersbe
When we do what is right, we have contentment, peace, and happiness. - Beverly LaHaye
Peace with God is where all peace begins. - Jim Gallery
To know God as He really is—in His essential nature and character—is to arrive at a citadel of peace that circumstances may storm, but can never capture. - Catherine Marshall
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let me accept the peace and abundance that You offer through Your Son Jesus. You are the Giver of all things good, Father, and You give me peace when I draw close to You. Help me to trust Your will, to follow Your commands, and to accept Your peace, today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Learning to Say No
So let us run the race that is before us and never give up.
We should remove from our lives anything that would get in
the way and the sin that so easily holds us back.
Hebrews 12:1 NCV
Face facts: If you haven't yet learned to say "No" —to say it politely, firmly, and often—you're inviting untold stress into your life. Why? Because if you can't say "No" (when appropriate) to family members, friends, or coworkers, you'll find yourself overcommitted and underappreciated.
If you have trouble standing up for yourself, perhaps you're afraid that you'll be rejected. But here's a tip: don't worry too much about rejection, especially when you're rejected for doing the right thing.
Pleasing other people is a good thing . . . up to a point. But you must never allow your "willingness to please" to interfere with your own good judgment or with God's priorities.
God gave you a conscience for a reason: to inform you about the things you need to do as well as the things you don't need to do. It's up to you to follow your conscience wherever it may lead, even if it means making unpopular decisions. Your job, should you choose to accept it, is to be popular with God, not people.
Some of us would do more for the Lord if we did less. - Vance Havner
Many people never receive God's best for them because they are addicted to the approval of others. - Joyce Meyer
When we are set free from the bondage of pleasing others, when we are free from currying others' favor and others' approval—then no one will be able to make us miserable or dissatisfied. And then, if we know we have pleased God, contentment will be our consolation. - Kay Arthur
Don't be addicted to approval. Follow your heart. Do what you believe God is telling you to do, and stand firm in Him and Him alone. - Joyce Meyer
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I need to say no, give me the courage, the wisdom, and the strength to say it. Today and every day, help me follow my conscience, not the crowd. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Too Busy?
Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run;
hurry and scurry puts you further behind.
Proverbs 21:5 MSG
Has the hectic pace of life robbed you of the peace that might otherwise be yours through Jesus Christ? Are you one of those people who is simply too busy for your own good? If so, you're doing everybody a disservice by heaping needless stresses upon yourself and your loved ones.
God offers you a peace that passes human understanding, but He won't force His peace upon you; in order to experience it, you must slow down long enough to sense His presence and His love.
Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family, and to your world, invite Christ to preside over every aspect of your life. It's the best way to live and the surest path to peace . . . today and forever.
Often our lives are strangled by things that don't ultimately matter. - Grady Nutt
This is a day when we are so busy doing everything that we have no time to be anything. Even religiously we are so occupied with activities that we have no time to know God. - Vance Havner
Being busy, in and of itself, is not a sin. But being busy in an endless pursuit of things that leave us empty and hollow and broken inside—that cannot be pleasing to God. - Max Lucado
We often become mentally and spiritually barren because we're so busy. - Franklin Graham
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when the quickening pace of life leaves me with little time for worship or for praise, help me to reorder my priorities, and let me turn to Jesus for the peace that only He can give. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Seeking God and Finding Happiness
But happy are those . . . whose hope is in the LORD their God.
Psalm 146:5 NLT
Do you sincerely want to be a happy Christian? Then set your mind and your heart upon God's love and His grace.
Happiness depends less upon our circumstances than upon our thoughts. When we turn our thoughts to God, to His gifts, and to His glorious creation, we experience the joy that God intends for His children. But, when we focus on the negative aspects of life, we suffer needlessly.
The fullness of life in Christ is available to all who seek it and claim it. Count yourself among that number. Seek first the salvation that is available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and then claim the joy, the peace, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.
True happiness consists only in the enjoyment of God. His favor is life, and His loving-kindness is better than life. - Arthur W. Pink
Pleasure-seeking is a barren business; happiness is never found till we have the grace to stop looking for it and to give our attention to persons and matters external to ourselves. - J. I. Packer
No matter how hard he searches, nothing beneath the skies and nothing above the skies can make any man happy apart from God. - C. H. Spurgeon
God has charged Himself with full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to Him. - A. W. Tozer
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I am thankful for all the blessings You have given me. Let me be a happy Christian, Father, as I share Your joy with friends, with family, and with the world. Amen
:angel:
Today's Word for Pastors...
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27
Today's Preaching Insight...
Putting Application in Sermons
In the June 27 edition of his Ministry Toolbox newsletter, Rick Warren suggests six guidelines for putting application into sermons:
1. Always aim for specific action
2. Model it from your own life
3. Ask penetrating questions
4. Give specific action steps
5. Give practical examples
6. Offer people hope
Speaking of that last guideline, Rick writes: People need encouragement to change. If they think something's hopeless, then they won't even try. For example, I once did a two-part series on getting out of debt. We had a woman share about how she'd gotten herself $100,000 into credit card debt. She explained how it took several years to pay off, but by applying biblical principles she and her husband were able to do it!
When she finished speaking - and I usually try to fit the testimony right in the middle of a message - I stood up and said, "You may have been discouraged thinking, 'I'm never getting out of debt. But you can do this! Is there anybody here who's got more than $100,000 on their credit card? No. You just heard a story of a woman who with the power of God's Spirit and discipline, and using the biblical principle of putting God first, she got out of debt. You can do this!"
This builds hope in people. They say, "We can do that. We're not nearly as bad as that." (Click here to read the full article.)
Today's Extra...
God's Will, Providence
In a recent edition of his Friday Evenings newsletter, Tom Barnard wrote: When Victor Frankl was arrested by the Nazis during World War II, he was stripped of everything of value he owned. His only possession when he arrived at Auschwitz was a manuscript of a book he had been working on for a very long time. To preserve it from confiscation, Frankl had sewn it into the lining of his coat. When he was searched, his manuscript was found and was taken from him. Later he wrote, "I found myself confronted with the question of whether under such circumstances my life was ultimately void of any meaning."
Apparently in an effort to keep prisoners from accumulating anything worthwhile, the Germans routinely forced prisoners to give up their clothing and in return they were issued clothing taken from other prisoners on their way to the gas chambers. In the garment of the old clothing re-issued to Frankl was a torn piece of paper—a portion of a page from a Hebrew prayer book. On it was part of the Jewish prayer—Shema Yisrael—"Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one God."
Later Frankl wrote, "How should I have interpreted such a 'coincidence' other than as a challenge to live my thoughts instead of merely putting them on paper?" From that experience Frankl concluded, "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how."
Why did God allow Frankl to be robbed of his precious manuscript? Why did God send to Frankl a prayer that been concealed by a prisoner on his way to the gas chamber? I believe God knew that what Frankl needed at that moment was prayer—not a manuscript.
Are you frustrated because an opportunity you believe God was opening to you suddenly was jerked out of your hands and replaced by something less significant and meaningful? Maybe God wants you to turn away from your personal goals and let him set the agenda for you.
Preaching magazine is the premier resource for those who proclaim the Word. To begin your own subscription and get a free year of issues, go to http://magazine.preaching.com/subscribe/.
:angel:
Daily New Life
Facing Fears
Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for
I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you.
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT
We live in a world that is, at times, a frightening place. We live in a world that is, at times, a discouraging place. We live in a world where life-changing losses can be so painful and so profound that it seems we will never recover. But, with God's help, and with the help of encouraging family members and friends, we can recover.
During the darker days of life, we are wise to remember the words of Jesus, who reassured His disciples, saying, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid" (Matthew 14:27 NIV). Then, with God's comfort and His love in our hearts, we can offer encouragement to others. And by helping them face their fears, we can, in turn, tackle our own problems with courage, determination, and faith.
God knows that the strength that comes from wrestling with our fear will give us wings to fly. - Paula Rinehart
His hand on me is a father's hand, gently guiding and encouraging. His hand lets me know He is with me, so I am not afraid. - Mary Morrison Suggs
Adversity is always unexpected and unwelcomed. It is an intruder and a thief, and yet in the hands of God, adversity becomes the means through which His supernatural power is demonstrated. - Charles Stanley
Facing our deepest fears means making peace with our seen self and with our unseen self. - Sheila Walsh
Today's Prayer
Father, even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil because You are with me. Thank You, Lord, for Your perfect love, a love that casts out fear and gives me strength and courage to meet the challenges of this world. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Infinite Possibilities
Is anything too hard for the LORD?
Genesis 18:14 KJV
Are you afraid to ask God to do big things in your life? Is your faith threadbare and worn? If so, it's time to abandon your doubts and reclaim your faith in God's promises.
Ours is a God of infinite possibilities. But sometimes, because of limited faith and limited understanding, we wrongly assume that God cannot or will not intervene in the affairs of mankind. Such assumptions are simply wrong.
God's Holy Word makes it clear: absolutely nothing is impossible for the Lord. And since the Bible means what it says, you can be comforted in the knowledge that the Creator of the universe can do miraculous things in your own life and in the lives of your loved ones. Your challenge, as a believer, is to take God at His word, and to expect the miraculous.
God is the silent partner in all great enterprises. - Abraham Lincoln
If we take God's program, we can have God's power—not otherwise. - E. Stanley Jones
You can believe in the Holy Spirit not because you see Him, but because you see what He does in people's lives when they are surrendered to Christ and possess His power. - Billy Graham
The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us. - Anonymous
Today's Prayer
Dear God, nothing is impossible for You—keep me always mindful of Your strength. When I lose hope, give me faith; when others lose hope, let me tell them of Your glory and Your works. Today, Lord, let me expect the miraculous, and let me trust in You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Contagious Faith
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 NIV
The stronger your faith, the better you can rise above the inevitable stresses of turbulent times. And the more enthused you are about your faith, the better you can share it.
Are you genuinely excited about your faith? And do you make your enthusiasm known to those around you? Or are you a "silent ambassador" for Christ? God's preference is clear: He intends that you stand before others and proclaim your faith.
Genuine, heartfelt Christianity is contagious. If you enjoy a life-altering relationship with God, that relationship will have an impact on others—perhaps a profound impact.
Does Christ reign over your life? Then share your testimony and your excitement. The world needs both.
Don't take hold of a thing unless you want that thing to take hold of you. - E. Stanley Jones
We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about. - Charles Kingsley
Your enthusiasm will be infectious, stimulating, and attractive to others. They will love you for it. They will go for you and with you. - Norman Vincent Peale
When we wholeheartedly commit ourselves to God, there is nothing mediocre or run-of-the-mill about us. To live for Christ is to be passionate about our Lord and about our lives. - Jim Gallery
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let me be an enthusiastic participant in life. And let my enthusiasm bring honor and glory to You. Amen
:angel:
July 15, 2011
Daily New Life
Finding Real Fulfillment in Turbulent Times
For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined . . . we went through fire and through water; but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
Psalm 66:10–12 NKJV
Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, the world promises fulfillment, contentment, and happiness. But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. Thankfully, the fulfillment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting.
Sometimes, amid the inevitable hustle and bustle of life-here-on-earth, we can forfeit—albeit temporarily—the joy of Christ as we wrestle with the challenges of daily living. Yet God's Word is clear: fulfillment through Christ is available to all who seek it and claim it. Count yourself among that number. Seek first a personal, transforming relationship with Jesus, and then claim the joy, the fulfillment, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.
We are made for God, and nothing less will really satisfy us.
Brennan Manning
Find satisfaction in Him who made you, and only then find satisfaction in yourself as part of His creation.
St. Augustine
We are never more fulfilled than when our longing for God is met by His presence in our lives.
Billy Graham
Our sense of joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment in life increases, no matter what the circumstances, if we are in the center of God's will.
Billy Graham
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I turn my thoughts and prayers to You, I feel peace and fulfillment. But sometimes, when I am distracted by the busyness of the day, fulfillment seems far away. Today, let me trust Your will, let me follow Your commands, and let me accept Your peace. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Christ's Abundance
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 NKJV
The familiar words of John 10:10 convey this promise: Jesus came to this earth so that you might have a life of abundance. But what, precisely, did Christ mean when He talked of the abundant life? Was He promising His followers an abundance of fame and fortune? Hardly. The Prince of Peace came to this world, not to give it prosperity, but to give it salvation. Thankfully for Christians, our Savior's abundance is both spiritual and eternal; it never falters—even if we do—and it never dies. We need only to open our hearts to Him, and His grace becomes ours.
The spiritual abundance that Jesus promises is, indeed, available to you. Your task, as a follower of the One from Galilee, is to accept Christ's abundance and to claim His gifts. The fullness of life in Christ can—and should—be yours, but no one can claim those riches on your behalf . . . you must claim them for yourself.
Do you sincerely seek the riches that our Savior offers to those who give themselves to Him? Then follow Him completely and obey Him without reservation. Follow Him today, tomorrow, and every day that you live. When you do, you will receive the love and the abundance that He has promised.
Seek first the personal transformation that is available through a genuine relationship with Christ, and then claim the joy, the peace, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.
The only way you can experience abundant life is to surrender your plans to Him.
Charles Stanley
Jesus wants Life for us, Life with a capital L.
John Eldredge
We honor God by asking for great things when they are a part of His promise. We dishonor Him and cheat ourselves when we ask for molehills where He has promised mountains.
Vance Havner
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You have offered me the gift of abundance through Your Son. Thank You, Father, for the abundant life that is mine through Christ Jesus. Let me accept His gifts and use them always to glorify You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
God's Guides Us Through Turbulent Times
The steps of the Godly are directed by God. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalm 37:22 NLT
The Bible promises that God will guide you if you let Him. Your job, of course, is to let Him. But sometimes, you will be tempted to do otherwise. Sometimes, you'll be tempted to go along with the crowd; other times, you'll be tempted to do things your way, not God's way. When you feel those temptations, resist them.
What will you allow to guide you through the coming day: your own desires (or, for that matter, the desires of your friends)? Or will you allow God to lead the way? The answer should be obvious. You should let God be your guide. When you entrust your life to Him completely and without reservation, God will give you the strength to meet any challenge, the courage to face any trial, and the wisdom to live in His righteousness. So trust Him today and seek His guidance. When you do, your next step will be the right one.
Are you serious about wanting God's guidance to become a personal reality in your life? The first step is to tell God that you know you can't manage your own life; that you need His help.
Catherine Marshall
I believe that the Creator of this universe takes delight in turning the terrors and tragedies that come with living in this old, fallen domain of the devil and transforming them into something that strengthens our hope, tests our faith, and shows forth His glory.
Al Green
God will prove to you how good and acceptable and perfect His will is when He's got His hands on the steering wheel of your life.
Stuart & Jill Briscoe
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You always stand ready to guide me. Let me accept Your guidance, today and every day of my life. Lead me, Father, so that my life can be a tribute to Your grace, to Your mercy, to Your love, and to Your Son.
Amen
:angel:
July 18, 2011
Daily New Life
Confidence Restored
I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world.
John 16:33 MSG
Are you a confident, faithful believer, or do you live under a cloud of uncertainty and doubt? As a Christian, you have many reasons to be confident. After all, God is in His heaven; Christ has risen; and you are the recipient of God's grace. Despite these blessings, you may, from time to time, find yourself being tormented by stressful, destructive emotions—and you are certainly not alone.
During turbulent times like these, even the most faithful Christians are overcome by occasional bouts of fear and doubt. And you are no different. But even when you feel very distant from God, remember that God is never distant from you. When you sincerely seek His presence, He will touch your heart, calm your fears, and restore your confidence.
Bible hope is confidence in the future.
Warren Wiersbe
Feelings of confidence depend upon the type of thoughts you habitually occupy. Think defeat, and you are bound to be defeated.
Norman Vincent Peale
Jesus gives us the ultimate rest, the confidence we need, to escape the frustration and chaos of the world around us.
Billy Graham
Believe and do what God says. The life-changing consequences will be limitless, and the results will be confidence and peace of mind.
Franklin Graham
Today's Prayer
Lord, You are my Savior and my Sustainer. I will be safe with You in heaven, and I am safe with You here on earth. Today, I will trust in Your promises, and I will be a confident, obedient, purposeful servant to Your Son. Amen
:angel:
A Worthy Disciple
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 NIV
When Jesus addressed His disciples, He warned that each one must, "take up his cross and follow me." The disciples must have known exactly what the Master meant. In Jesus' day, prisoners were forced to carry their own crosses to the location where they would be put to death. Thus, Christ's message was clear: in order to follow Him, Christ's disciples must deny themselves and, instead, trust Him completely. Nothing has changed since then.
If we are to be disciples of Christ, we must trust Him and place Him at the very center of our beings. Jesus never comes "next." He is always first.
Do you seek to be a worthy disciple of Christ? Then pick up His cross today and every day that you live. When you do, He will bless you now and forever.
Discipleship is a daily discipline: we follow Jesus a step at a time, a day at a time. - Warren Wiersbe
Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a Person, our Lord Jesus Christ. - Oswald Chambers
Discipleship is a decision to live by what I know about God, not by what I feel about Him or myself or my neighbors. - Eugene Peterson
Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called upon to suffer. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son Jesus, my personal Savior. Let me be a worthy disciple of Christ, and let me be ever grateful for His love. I will praise You always, Father, as I give thanks for Your Son and for Your everlasting love. Amen
:angel:
July 20, 2011
Daily New Life
He Overcomes
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
The hope that the world offers is fleeting and imperfect. The hope that God offers is unchanging, unshakable, and unending. It is no wonder, then, that when we seek security from worldly sources, our hopes are often dashed and our stresses are often increased. Thankfully, God has no such record of failure.
Where will you place your hopes today? Will you entrust your future to man or to God? Will you seek solace exclusively from fallible human beings, or will you place your hopes, first and foremost, in the trusting hands of your Creator? The decision is yours, and you must live with the results of the choice you make.
For thoughtful believers, hope begins with God. Period. So today, as you embark upon the next stage of your life's journey, consider the words of the Psalmist: "You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence" (71:5 NASB). Then, place your trust in the One who cannot be shaken.
When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God. - Charles Allen
Without the certainty of His resurrection, we would come to the end of this life without hope, with nothing to anticipate except despair and doubt. But because He lives, we rejoice, knowing soon we will meet our Savior face to face, and the troubles and trials of this world will be behind us. - Bill Bright
Oh, remember this: There is never a time when we may not hope in God. Whatever our necessities, however great our difficulties, and though to all appearance help is impossible, yet our business is to hope in God, and it will be found that it is not in vain. - George Mueller
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let my hopes always reside in You. If I become discouraged, let me turn to You. If I grow tired, let me find strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my faith, my trust, and my hopes in You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
His Promises
As for God, his way is perfect.
All the LORD's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
Psalm 18:30 NLT
What do you expect from the day ahead? Are you willing to trust God completely, or are you living beneath a cloud of doubt and fear? God's Word makes it clear: you should trust Him and His promises, and when you do, you can live courageously.
For thoughtful Christians, every day begins and ends with God's Son and God's promises. When we accept Christ into our hearts, God promises us the opportunity for earthly peace and spiritual abundance. But more importantly, God promises us the priceless gift of eternal life.
Sometimes, especially when we find ourselves caught in the inevitable entanglements of life, we fail to trust God completely.
Are you tired? Discouraged? Fearful? Be comforted and trust the promises that God has made to you. Are you worried or stressed? Be confident in God's power. Do you see a difficult future ahead? Be courageous and call upon God. He will protect you and then use you according to His purposes. Are you confused? Listen to the quiet voice of your Heavenly Father. He is not a God of confusion. Talk with Him; listen to Him; trust Him, and trust His promises. He is steadfast, and He is your Protector . . . forever.
Joy is not mere happiness. Nor does joy spring from a life of ease, comfort, or peaceful circumstances. Joy is the soul's buoyant response to a God of promise, presence, and power. - Susan Lenzkes
The meaning of hope isn't just some flimsy wishing. It's a firm confidence in God's promises—that He will ultimately set things right. - Sheila Walsh
Gather the riches of God's promises which can strengthen you in the time when there will be no freedom. - Corrie ten Boom
Today's Prayer
Dear God, the Bible contains many promises. Let me trust Your promises, and let me live according to Your Holy Word, not just for today, but forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Beyond Envy
Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.
1 Peter 2:1-2 NKJV
Because we are frail, imperfect human beings, we are sometimes envious of others. But God's Word warns us that envy is sin. Thus, we must guard ourselves against the natural tendency to feel resentment and jealousy when other people experience good fortune. As believers, we have absolutely no reason to be envious of any people on earth. After all, as Christians we are already recipients of the greatest gift in all creation: God's grace. We have been promised the gift of eternal life through God's only begotten Son, and we must count that gift as our most precious possession.
So here's a simple suggestion that is guaranteed to bring you happiness: fill your heart with God's love, God's promises, and God's Son . . . and when you do so, leave no room for envy, hatred, bitterness, or regret.
Discontent dries up the soul. - Elisabeth Elliot
How can you possess the miseries of envy when you possess in Christ the best of all portions? - C. H. Spurgeon
Is there somebody who's always getting your goat? Talk to the Shepherd. - Anonymous
What God asks, does, or requires of others is not my business; it is His. - Kay Arthur
Too many Christians envy the sinners their pleasure and the saints their joy because they don't have either one. - Martin Luther
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I am envious of others, redirect my thoughts to the blessings I have received from You. Make me a thankful Christian, Father, and deliver me from envy. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Right Kind of Fear
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Proverbs 1:7 HCSB
Do you have a healthy, fearful respect for God's power? If so, you are both wise and obedient. And, because you are a thoughtful believer, you also understand that genuine wisdom begins with a profound appreciation for God's limitless power.
God praises humility and punishes pride. That's why God's greatest servants will always be those humble men and women who care less for their own glory and more for God's glory. In God's kingdom, the only way to achieve greatness is to shun it. And the only way to be wise is to understand these facts: God is great; He is all-knowing; and He is all-powerful. We must respect Him, and we must humbly obey His commandments, or we must accept the consequences of our misplaced pride.
A healthy fear of God will do much to deter us from sin. - Charles Swindoll
The remarkable thing about fearing God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else. - Oswald Chambers
It is not possible that mortal men should be thoroughly conscious of the divine presence without being filled with awe. - C. H. Spurgeon
It is an act of the will to allow God to be our refuge. Otherwise, we live outside of His love and protection, wondering why we feel alone and afraid. - Mary Morrison Suggs
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, others have expectations of me, and I have hopes and desires for my life. Lord, bring all other expectations in line with Your plans for me. May my only fear be that of displeasing the One who created me. May I obey Your commandments and seek Your will this day and every day. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Beyond Failure
For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again.
Proverbs 24:16
The occasional disappointments and failures of life are inevitable. Such setbacks are simply the price that we must occasionally pay for our willingness to take risks as we follow our dreams. But even when we encounter bitter disappointments, we must never lose faith.
The reassuring words of Hebrews 10:36 remind us that when we persevere, we will eventually receive that which God has promised. What's required is perseverance, not perfection.
When we encounter the inevitable difficulties and stresses of life here on earth, God stands ready to protect us. Our responsibility, of course, is to ask Him for protection. When we call upon Him in heartfelt prayer, He will answer—in His own time and according to His own plan—and He will heal us. And, while we are waiting for God's plans to unfold and for His healing touch to restore us, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Creator can overcome any obstacle, even if we cannot.
The almighty Father will use life's reverses to move you forward. - Barbara Johnson
So you have failed? You have not failed; you have gained experience. Go forward! - Josemaria Escriva
One of the ways God refills us after failure is through the blessing of Christian fellowship. Just experiencing the joy of simple activities shared with other children of God can have a healing effect on us. - Anne Graham Lotz
Do not be one of those who, rather than risk failure, never attempt anything. - Thomas Merton
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I encounter failures and disappointments, keep me mindful that You are in control. Let me persevere—even if my soul is troubled—and let me follow Your Son, Jesus Christ, this day and forever. Amen
:angel:
July 25, 2011
Daily New Life
Focusing on Appearances?
God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 NCV
It's downright stressful to "keep up appearances." And besides, it's fruitless. After all, the world sees you as you appear to be, but God sees you as you really are—He sees your heart, and He understands your intentions. The opinions of others should be relatively unimportant to you; however, God's view of you—His understanding of your actions, your thoughts, and your motivations—should be vitally important.
Few things in life are more futile than keeping up appearances for the sake of neighbors. What is important, of course, is pleasing your Father in heaven while you provide support and encouragement to your family members and your closest friends.
Today, do yourself a favor: worry less about physical appearances and more about spiritual realities. It's the wise way—and the peaceful way—to live.
God doesn't use us based on what we look like. He uses us based on the condition of our souls. - Judith Couchman
If the narrative of the Scriptures teaches us anything, from the serpent in the Garden to the carpenter in Nazareth, it teaches us that things are rarely what they seem, that we shouldn't be fooled by appearances. - John Eldredge
The life of a good religious person ought to abound in every virtue so that he is, on the interior, what to others he appears to be. - Thomas à Kempis
Outside appearances, things like the clothes you wear or the car you drive, are important to other people but totally unimportant to God. Trust God. - Marie T. Freeman
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, the world focuses on my outward appearance, but You see my heart. Today, Father, I will guard my heart as I focus, not upon outward appearances, but upon the real person I am today, and the person I can become tomorrow. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Simple Life
Whoever becomes simple and elemental again,
like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom.
Matthew 18:4
Want to reduce stress during these turbulent times? Here's a simple solution: Simplify your life. Unfortunately, it's easier said than done. After all, you live in a world where simplicity is in short supply.
Think for a moment about the complexity of your everyday life and compare it to the lives of your ancestors. Certainly, you are the beneficiary of many technological innovations, but those innovations have a price: in all likelihood, your world is highly complex. Unless you take firm control of your time and your life, you may be overwhelmed by a stress-inducing tidal wave of complexity that threatens your happiness.
Your Heavenly Father understands the joy of living simply, and so should you. So do yourself a favor: Keep your life as simple as possible. Simplicity is, indeed, genius. By simplifying your life, you are destined to improve it.
Simplicity reaches out after God; purity discovers and enjoys Him. - Thomas à Kempis
It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile, the sweet fundamental things such as love and duty, work and rest, and living close to nature. - Laura Ingalls Wilder
It is part of Satan's program to make our faith complicated and involved. Now and then, we need a rediscovery of the simplicity that is in Christ and in our faith in Him. - Vance Havner
The most powerful life is the most simple life. The most powerful life is the life that knows where it's going, that knows where the source of strength is; it is the life that stays free of clutter and happenstance and hurriedness. - Max Lucado
Today's Prayer
Lord, help me keep it simple. When I complicate my life, give me the wisdom to simplify. The world values complexity, Father, but You do not. Today, I will strive to keep my thoughts focused intently on Your Word, on Your love, and on Your Son. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Anxious?
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
We live in a fast-paced, stress-inducing, anxiety-filled world that oftentimes seems to shift beneath our feet. Sometimes, trusting God is difficult, especially when we become caught up in the incessant demands of an anxious world.
When you feel stressed to the breaking point—and you will—return your thoughts to God's love and God's promises. And as you confront the challenges of everyday living, turn all of your concerns over to your Heavenly Father.
The same God who created the universe will comfort and guide you if you ask Him . . . so ask Him. Then watch in amazement as your anxieties melt into the warmth of His loving hands.
Worry and anxiety are sand in the machinery of life; faith is the oil. - E. Stanley Jones
We must lay our questions, frustrations, anxieties, and impotence at the feet of God and wait for His answer. And then receiving it, we must live by faith. - Kay Arthur
So often we pray and then fret anxiously, waiting for God to hurry up and do something. All the while God is waiting for us to calm down, so He can do something through us. - Corrie ten Boom
The fierce grip of panic need not immobilize you. God knows no limitation when it comes to deliverance. Admit your fear. Commit it to Him. Dump the pressure on Him. He can handle it. - Charles Swindoll
Today's Prayer
Lord, sometimes this world is a difficult place, and, as a frail human being, I am fearful. When I am worried, restore my faith. When I am anxious, turn my thoughts to You. When I grieve, touch my heart with Your enduring love. And, keep me mindful, Lord, that nothing, absolutely nothing, will happen this day that You and I cannot handle together. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Doers of the Word
But prove yourselves doers of the word,
and not merely hearers.
James 1:22 NASB
It's stressful to believe one thing but do something else. And as Christians, we must beware: Our actions should always give credence to the changes that Jesus can make in the lives of those who walk with Him.
God calls upon each of us to act in accordance with His will and with respect for His commandments. If we are to be responsible believers, we must realize that it is never enough simply to hear the instructions of God; we must also live by them. And it is never enough to wait idly by while others do God's work here on earth; we, too, must act. Doing God's work is a responsibility that each of us must bear, and when we do, our loving Heavenly Father rewards our efforts with a bountiful harvest.
Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Slowly I have realized that I do not have to be qualified to do what I am asked to do, that I just have to go ahead and do it, even if I can't do it as well as I think it ought to be done. This is one of the most liberating lessons of my life. - Madeleine L'Engle
In times of stress and adversity, it's always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something quite positive. - Lee Iacocca
The church needs people who are doers of the Word and not just hearers. - Warren Wiersbe
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I have heard Your Word, and I have felt Your presence in my heart; let me act accordingly. Let my words and deeds serve as a testimony to the changes You have made in my life. Let me praise You, Father, by following in the footsteps of Your Son, and let others see Him through me. Amen
:angel:
July 29, 2011
Daily New Life
Neighbors in Need
Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?" That's exactly what Jesus did.
Romans 15:2-3
Sometimes, it's not you, but instead your neighbors, who are experiencing stress. And, of course, we know that we're instructed to love our neighbors, and yet there's so little time . . . and we're so busy. No matter. As Christians, we are commanded by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to love our neighbors just as we love ourselves. Period.
This very day, you will encounter someone who needs a word of encouragement, a pat on the back, a helping hand, or a heartfelt prayer. And, if you don't reach out to your friend, who will? If you don't take the time to understand the needs of your neighbors, who will? If you don't love your brothers and sisters, who will? So, today, look for a neighbor in need . . . and then do something to help. Father's orders.
The truest help we can render an afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to call out his best energy, that he may be able to bear the burden himself. - Phillips Brooks
Make it a rule, and pray to God to help you to keep it, never, if possible, to lie down at night without being able to say: "I have made one human being at least a little wiser, or a little happier, or at least a little better this day." - Charles Kingsley
Encouraging others means helping people, looking for the best in them, and trying to bring out their positive qualities. - John Maxwell
Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can. - John Wesley
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a Good Samaritan to the people You place along my path, today and every day. Amen
:angel:
Saturday July 30 2011
Daily New Life
Helping Others Manage Turbulent Times
From a wise mind comes wise speech;
the words of the wise are persuasive.
Proverbs 16:23 NLT
If you want to help your family and friends overcome stress, then you must measure your words carefully. And that's exactly what God wants you to do. God's Word reminds us that "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18 NIV).
Today, make this promise to yourself: vow to be an honest, effective, encouraging communicator at work, at home, and everyplace in between. Speak wisely, not impulsively. Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger or derision. Learn how to be truthful without being cruel. Remember that you have the power to heal others or to injure them, to lift others up or to hold them back. And when you learn how to lift them up, you'll soon discover that you've lifted yourself up, too.
Attitude and the spirit in which we communicate are as important as the words we say.
Charles Stanley
Part of good communication is listening with the eyes as well as with the ears.
Josh McDowell
We should ask ourselves three things before we speak: Is it true? Is it kind? Does it glorify God?
Billy Graham
To the loved, a word of affection is a morsel, but to the love-starved, a word of affection can be a feast.
Max Lucado
Today's Prayer
Lord, You have warned me that I will be judged by the words I speak. Keep me mindful, Lord, that I have influence on many people; make me an influence for good. And, may the words that I speak today be worthy of the One who has saved me forever. Amen
:angel:
July 31, 2011
Daily New Life
A Book Unlike Any Other
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes.
Romans 1:16 HCSB
The Bible can be a powerful tool for defeating stress. George Mueller observed, "The vigor of our spiritual lives will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our lives and in our thoughts." As Christians, we are called upon to study God's Holy Word and then apply it to our lives. When we do, we are blessed.
The Bible is a priceless gift, a tool for Christians to use as they share the Good News of their Savior, Christ Jesus. Too many Christians, however, keep their spiritual tool kits tightly closed and out of sight. Jonathan Edwards advised, "Be assiduous in reading the Holy Scriptures. This is the fountain whence all knowledge in divinity must be derived. Therefore let not this treasure lie by you neglected." God's Holy Word is, indeed, a priceless, one-of-a-kind treasure. Handle it with care, but, more importantly, handle it every day.
God gives us a compass and a Book of promises and principles—the Bible—and lets us make our decisions day by day as we sense the leading of His Spirit. This is how we grow.
Warren Wiersbe
I am certain that the Bible is the Word of God. Either it is or it isn't, and either all of it is the Word of God, or we never can be sure of any of it. It is either absolute or obsolete. If we have to start changing this verse, toning down that, apologizing for this and making allowances for that, we might as well give up, so we must take it as it is or leave it alone.
Vance Havner
The instrument of our sanctification is the Word of God. The Spirit of God brings to our minds the precepts and doctrines of truth, and applies them with power. The truth is our sanctifier. If we do not hear or read it, we will not grow in sanctification.
C. H. Spurgeon
The Bible is the one Book to which any thoughtful man may go with any honest question of life or destiny and find the answer of God by honest searching.
John Ruskin
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, the Bible is Your gift to me. Let me use, let me trust it, and let me obey it, today and every day that I live. Amen
:angel:
August 01, 2011
Daily New Life
Cheerfulness 101
Every day is hard for those who suffer, but a happy heart is like a continual feast.
Proverbs 15:15 NCV
Cheerfulness is a wonderful antidote to stress. And, as believers who have been saved by a risen Christ, why shouldn't we be cheerful? The answer, of course, is that we have every reason to honor our Savior with joy in our hearts, smiles on our faces, and words of celebration on our lips.
Christ promises us lives of abundance and joy if we accept His love and His grace. Yet sometimes, even the most righteous among us are beset by fits of ill temper and frustration. During these moments, we may not feel like turning our thoughts and prayers to Christ, but that's precisely what we should do. When we do so, we simply can't stay grumpy for long.
Cheerfulness prepares a glorious mind for all the noblest acts of religion—love, adoration, praise, and every union with our God.
St.Elizabeth Ann Seton
It is not fitting, when one is in God's service, to have a gloomy face or a chilling look.
St. Francis of Assisi
God is good, and heaven is forever. And if those two facts don't cheer you up, nothing will.
Marie T. Freeman
Be assured, my dear friend, that it is no joy to God in seeing you with a dreary countenance.
C. H. Spurgeon
When we bring sunshine into the lives of others, we're warmed by it ourselves. When we spill a little happiness, it splashes on us.
Barbara Johnson
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You have given me so many reasons to be happy, and I want to be a cheerful Christian. Today and every day, I will do my best to share my happiness with my family and my friends. Amen
:angel:
August 02, 2011
Daily New Life
When Our Plans Don't Work Out
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified;
do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God
will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 NIV
Some of our most important dreams are the ones we abandon. Some of our most important goals are the ones we don't attain. Sometimes, our most important journeys are the ones that we take to the winding conclusion of what seem to be dead-end streets. Thankfully, with God there are no dead-ends; there are only opportunities to learn, to yield, to trust, to serve, and to grow.
The next time you experience one of life's inevitable disappointments, don't despair and don't be afraid to try "Plan B." Consider every setback an opportunity to choose a different, more appropriate path. Have faith that God may indeed be leading you in an entirely different direction, a direction of His choosing. And as you take your next step, remember that what looks like a dead-end to you may, in fact, be the fast lane according to God.
The difference between winning and losing is how we choose to react to disappointment. - Barbara Johnson
Often God has to shut a door in our face so that He can subsequently open the door through which He wants us to go. - Catherine Marshall
Every achievement worth remembering is stained with the blood of diligence and scarred by the wounds of disappointment. - Charles Swindoll
The amazing thing is that God follows us into the blackened ruins of our failed dreams, our misbegotten mirages, into the house of cards that has collapsed on us in some way and He speaks, not with the chastisement we feel we deserve, but of all things, with tenderness. - Paula Rinehart
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I face the inevitable disappointments of life, remind me that You are in control. You are the Giver of all good things, Father, and You will bless me today, tomorrow, and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
When People Behave Badly
Bad temper is contagious—don't get infected.
Proverbs 22:25
Sometimes people can behave badly . . . very badly. When other people are unkind to you, you may be tempted to strike back, either verbally or in some other way. Don't do it! Instead, remember that God corrects other people's behaviors in His own way, and He doesn't need your help (even if you're totally convinced that He does).
So, when other people behave cruelly, foolishly, or impulsively—as they will from time to time—don't be hotheaded. Instead, speak up for yourself as politely as you can, and walk away. Then, forgive everybody as quickly as you can, and leave the rest up to God.
We are all fallen creatures and all very hard to live with. - C. S. Lewis
A keen sense of humor helps us to overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable. - Billy Graham
Bear with the faults of others as you would have them bear with yours. - Phillips Brooks
From what does such contrariness arise in habitually angry people, but from a secret cause of too high an opinion of themselves so that it pierces their hearts when they see any man esteem them less than they esteem themselves? An inflated estimation of ourselves is more than half the weight of our wrath. - St. Thomas More
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, sometimes people behave badly. When other people upset me, help me to calm myself down, and help me forgive them as quickly as I can. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
A Series of Choices
The thing you should want most is God's kingdom and
doing what God wants. Then all these other things
you need will be given to you.
Matthew 6:33 NCV
Your life is a series of choices. From the instant you wake up in the morning until the moment you nod off to sleep at night, you make countless decisions—decisions about the things you do, decisions about the words you speak, and decisions about the way that you choose to direct your thoughts.
As a believer who has been transformed by the love of Jesus, you have every reason to make wise choices. But sometimes, when the stresses of the daily grind threaten to grind you up and spit you out, you may make choices that are displeasing to God. When you do, you'll pay a price because you'll forfeit the happiness and the peace that might otherwise have been yours.
So, as you pause to consider the kind of Christian you are—and the kind of Christian you want to become—ask yourself whether you're sitting on the fence or standing in the light. The choice is yours . . . and so are the consequences.
The greatest choice any man makes is to let God choose for him. - Vance Havner
Every step of your life's journey is a choice . . . and the quality of those choices determines the quality of the journey. - Criswell Freeman
Life is pretty much like a cafeteria line—it offers us many choices, both good and bad. The Christian must have a spiritual radar that detects the difference not only between bad and good but also among good, better, and best. - Dennis Swanberg
Every day, I find countless opportunities to decide whether I will obey God and demonstrate my love for Him or try to please myself or the world system. God is waiting for my choices. - Bill Bright
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have many choices to make. Help me choose wisely as I follow in the footsteps of Your only begotten Son. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Praise Him
Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Psalm 106:1 NIV
Sometimes, in our rush to get things done, we simply don't stop long enough to pause and thank our Creator for the countless blessings He has bestowed upon us. After all, we're busy people with many demands upon our time . . . and we have so much to do. But when we slow down long enough to express our gratitude to the One who made us, we enrich our own lives and the lives of those around us.
Thanksgiving should become a habit, a regular part of our daily routines. After all, God has blessed us beyond measure, and we owe Him everything, including our constant praise.
So today, pause and count your blessings. Then, give thanks to the Giver. God's love for you is never-ending; your praise for Him should be never-ending, too.
Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God; all the danger is of saying too little. - Matthew Henry
Stand up and bless the Lord, ye people of His choice; stand up and bless the Lord your God with heart and soul and voice. - James Montgomery
Nothing we do is more powerful or more life-changing than praising God. - Stormie Omartian
Our God is the sovereign Creator of the universe! He loves us as His own children and has provided every good thing we have; He is worthy of our praise every moment. - Shirley Dobson
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, today and every day I will praise You. I will praise You with my thoughts, my prayers, my words, and my deeds . . . now and forever. Amen
:angel:
Beyond Guilt
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1 NKJV
All of us have sinned. Sometimes our sins result from our own stubborn rebellion against God's commandments. And sometimes, we are swept up in events that are beyond our abilities to control. Under either set of circumstances, we may experience intense feelings of guilt. But God has an answer for the guilt that we feel. That answer, of course, is His forgiveness. When we confess our wrongdoings and repent from them, we are forgiven by the One who created us.
Are you troubled by feelings of guilt or regret? If so, you must repent from your misdeeds, and you must ask your Heavenly Father for His forgiveness. When you do so, He will forgive you completely and without reservation. Then, you must forgive yourself just as God has forgiven you: thoroughly and unconditionally.
If God has forgiven you, why can't you forgive yourself? - Marie T. Freeman
Spiritual life without guilt would be like physical life without pain. Guilt is a defense mechanism; it's like an alarm that goes off to lead you to confession when you sin. - John MacArthur
You never lose the love of God. Guilt is the warning that temporarily you are out of touch. - Jack Dominian
One of Satan's most effective ploys is to make us believe that we are small, insignificant, and worthless. - Susan Lenzkes
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the guilt that I feel when I disobey You. Help me confess my wrongdoings, help me accept Your forgiveness, and help me renew my passion to serve You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Genuine Contentment
The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11 NIV
Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, the world promises us contentment and happiness. But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. Thankfully, the contentment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting.
Happiness depends less upon our circumstances than upon our thoughts. When we turn our thoughts to God, to His gifts, and to His glorious creation, we experience the joy that God intends for His children. But, when we focus on the negative aspects of life—or when we disobey God's commandments—we cause ourselves needless suffering.
Do you sincerely want to be a contented Christian? Then set your mind and your heart upon God's love and His grace . . . and let Him take care of the rest.
God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. - John Piper
The secret of contentment in the midst of change is found in having roots in the changeless Christ—the same yesterday, today and forever. - Ed Young
Contentment is something we learn by adhering to the basics—cultivating a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, living daily, and knowing that Christ strengthens us for every challenge. - Charles Stanley
Contentment is not escape from battle, but rather an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of battle. - Warren Wiersbe
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You offer me contentment and peace; let me accept Your peace. Help me to trust Your Word, to follow Your commandments, and to welcome the peace of Jesus into my heart, today and forever. Amen
:angel:
August 8 2011
Daily New Life
The Power of Patience
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage
the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 NASB
Life demands patience . . . and lots of it! We live in an imperfect world inhabited by imperfect people. Sometimes, we inherit troubles from others, and sometimes we create trouble for ourselves. In either case, what's required is patience.
Lamentations 3:25-26 reminds us that, "The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord" (NIV). But, for most of us, waiting quietly for God is difficult. Why? Because we are fallible human beings, sometimes quick to anger and sometimes slow to forgive.
The next time you find your patience tested to the limit, remember that the world unfolds according to God's timetable, not ours. Sometimes, we must wait patiently, and that's as it should be. After all, think how patient God has been with us.
Two signposts of faith: "Slow Down" and "Wait Here." - Charles Stanley
Our challenge is to wait in faith for the day of God's favor and salvation. - Jim Cymbala
God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. To know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves. - A. W. Tozer
As we wait on God, He helps us use the winds of adversity to soar above our problems. As the Bible says, "Those who wait on the LORD . . . shall mount up with wings like eagles." - Billy Graham
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let me live according to Your plan and according to Your timetable. When I am hurried, Lord, slow me down. When I become impatient with others, give me empathy. Today, Lord, let me be a patient Christian, and let me trust in You and in Your master plan. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Counting Your Blessings
Blessings crown the head of the righteous . . . .
Proverbs 10:6 NIV
Because we have been so richly blessed, we should make thanksgiving a habit, a regular part of our daily routines. But sometimes, amid the stresses and obligations of everyday life, we may allow interruptions and distractions to interfere with the time we spend with God.
Have you counted your blessings today? And have you thanked God for them? Hopefully so. After all, God's gifts include your family, your friends, your talents, your opportunities, your possessions, and the priceless gift of eternal life. How glorious are these gifts . . . and God is responsible for every one of them.
So today, as you go about the duties of everyday life, pause and give thanks to the Creator. He deserves your praise, and you deserve the experience of praising Him.
God's kindness is not like the sunset—brilliant in its intensity, but dying every second. God's generosity keeps coming and coming and coming. - Bill Hybels
When you and I are related to Jesus Christ, our strength and wisdom and peace and joy and love and hope may run out, but His life rushes in to keep us filled to the brim. We are showered with blessings, not because of anything we have or have not done, but simply because of Him. - Anne Graham Lotz
Do we not continually pass by blessings innumerable without notice, and instead fix our eyes on what we feel to be our trials and our losses, and think and talk about these until our whole horizon is filled with them, and we almost begin to think we have no blessings at all? - Hannah Whitall Smith
God is more anxious to bestow His blessings on us than we are to receive them. - St. Augustine
Today's Prayer
Lord, I have more blessings than I can count, and I praise You
for Your gifts. Let me use my talents and my possessions for
Your glory . . . and for Your Son. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Trusting God
It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in people.
It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in princes.
Psalm 118:8-9 NLT
Sometimes the future seems bright, and sometimes it does not. Yet even when we cannot see the possibilities of tomorrow, God can. As believers, our challenge is to trust an uncertain future to an all-powerful God.
When we trust God, we should trust Him without reservation. We should steel ourselves against the inevitable stresses of the day, secure in the knowledge that our Heavenly Father has a plan for the future that only He can see.
Can you place your future into the hands of a loving and all-knowing God? Can you live amid the uncertainties of today, knowing that God has dominion over all your tomorrows? If you can, you are wise and you are blessed. When you trust God with everything you are and everything you have, He will bless you now and forever.
God is God. He knows what He is doing. When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart. - Max Lucado
God delights to meet the faith of one who looks up to Him and says, "Lord, You know that I cannot do this—but I believe that You can!" - Amy Carmichael
It helps to resign as the controller of your fate. All that energy we expend to keep things running right is not what keeps things running right. - Anne Lamott
Sometimes the very essence of faith is trusting God in the midst of things He knows good and well we cannot comprehend. - Beth Moore
Today's Prayer
Lord, when I trust in the things of this earth, I will be disappointed. But, when I put my faith in You, I am secure. In every aspect of my life, Father, let me place my hope and my trust in Your infinite wisdom and Your boundless grace. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Conquering Everyday Frustrations
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissention,
but a patient man calms a quarrel.
Proverbs 15:18 NIV
Life is full of frustrations: some great and some small. On occasion, you, like Jesus, will confront evil, and when you do, you may respond as He did: vigorously and without reservation. But, more often your frustrations will be of the more mundane variety. As long as you live here on earth, you will face countless opportunities to lose your temper over small, relatively insignificant events: a traffic jam, a spilled cup of coffee, an inconsiderate comment, a broken promise. When you are tempted to lose your temper over the minor inconveniences of life, don't. Turn away from anger, stress, bitterness, and regret. Turn instead to God. When you do, you'll be following His commandments and giving yourself a priceless gift . . . the gift of peace.
Take no action in a furious passion. It's putting to sea in a storm. - Thomas Fuller
When something robs you of your peace of mind, ask yourself if it is worth the energy you are expending on it. If not, then put it out of your mind in an act of discipline. Every time the thought of "it" returns, refuse it. - Kay Arthur
Anger is the noise of the soul; the unseen irritant of the heart; the relentless invader of silence. - Max Lucado
Doomed are the hotheads! Unhappy are they who lose their cool and are too proud to say, "I'm sorry." - Robert Schuller
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I am angry, I cannot feel the peace that You intend for my life. When I am bitter, I cannot sense Your love. Heavenly Father, keep me mindful that forgiveness is Your commandment and Your will for my life. Let me turn away from anger and instead claim the spiritual abundance that You offer through the priceless gift of Your Son Jesus. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Finding and Sharing Encouragement
Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket.
Proverbs 25:11 NLT
Life is a team sport, and all of us need occasional pats on the back from our teammates. This world can be a difficult place, a place where many of our friends and family members are troubled by the stresses and challenges of everyday life. And since we cannot always be certain who needs our help, we should strive to speak helpful words to all who cross our paths.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (4:29 NIV). This passage reminds us that, as Christians, we are instructed to choose our words carefully so as to build others up through wholesome, honest encouragement. How can we build others up? By celebrating their victories and their accomplishments. As the old saying goes, "When someone does something good, applaud—you'll make two people happy."
As a faithful follower of Jesus, you have every reason to be hopeful, and you have every reason to share your hopes with others. When you do, you will discover that hope, like other human emotions, is contagious. So do the world (and yourself) a favor: Look for the good in others and celebrate the good that you find. When you do, you'll be a powerful force of encouragement to your friends and family . . . and a worthy servant to your God.
He climbs highest who helps another up. - Zig Ziglar
No journey is complete that does not lead through some dark valleys. We can properly comfort others only with the comfort we ourselves have been given by God. - Vance Havner
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, because I am Your child, I am blessed. You have loved me eternally, cared for me faithfully, and saved me through the gift of Your Son Jesus. Just as You have lifted me up, Lord, let me lift up others in a spirit of encouragement and optimism and hope. And, if I can help a fellow traveler, even in a small way, Dear Lord, may the glory be Yours. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Rely Upon Him
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you at the proper time,
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7
Do the stresses of these turbulent times threaten to overwhelm you? If so, you must rely not only upon your own resources but also upon the promises of your Father in heaven.
God is a never-ending source of support and courage for those of us who call upon Him. When we are weary, He gives us strength. When we see no hope, God reminds us of His promises. When we grieve, God wipes away our tears.
God will hold your hand and walk with you every day of your life if you let Him. So even if your circumstances are difficult, trust the Father. His love is eternal and His goodness endures forever.
Faith is not merely you holding on to God—it is God holding on to you. - E. Stanley Jones
God can do all that we need. - Juliana of Norwich
God calls each of us in secret to make certain sacrifices which always involve a risk, even though it may differ from person to person. He does not promise us success, or even final victory in this life. God does not promise that He will protect us from trials, from material cares, from sickness, from physical or moral suffering. He promises only that He will be with us in all these trials, and that He will sustain us if they remain faithful to Him. - Paul Tournier
I was learning something important: we are most vulnerable to the piercing winds of doubt when we distance ourselves from the mission and fellowship to which Christ has called us. Our night of discouragement will seem endless and our task impossible, unless we recognize that He stands in our midst. - Joni Eareckson Tada
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, whatever "it" is, You can handle it! Let me turn to You when I am fearful or worried. You are my loving Father, and I will always trust You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
God Can Handle It
I will lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NKJV
It's a promise that is made over and over again in the Bible: Whatever "it" is, God can handle it.
Life isn't always easy. Far from it! Sometimes, life can be very, very difficult, indeed. But even when the storm clouds form overhead, even during our most stressful moments, we're protected by a loving Heavenly Father.
When we're worried, God can reassure us; when we're sad, God can comfort us. When our hearts are broken, God is not just near; He is here. So we must lift our thoughts and prayers to Him. When we do, He will answer our prayers. Why? Because He is our shepherd, and He has promised to protect us now and forever.
God is God whether we recognize it or not. Nothing about that can change, except us. - Lisa Whelchel
Either we are adrift in chaos or we are individuals, created, loved, upheld and placed purposefully, exactly where we are. Can you believe that? Can you trust God for that? - Elisabeth Elliot
God is in control, and therefore in everything I can give thanks, not because of the situation, but because of the One who directs and rules over it. - Kay Arthur
The choice for me is to either look at all things I have lost or the things I have. To live in fear or to live in hope. Hope comes from knowing I have a sovereign, loving God who is in every event in my life. - Lisa Beamer
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, You never leave or forsake me. You are always with me, protecting me and encouraging me. Whatever this day may bring, I thank You for Your love and Your strength. Let me lean upon You, Father, this day and forever. Amen
:angel:
August 15, 2011
Daily New Life
The Lessons of Tough Times
If you hide your sins, you will not succeed.
If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy.
Proverbs 28:13 NCV
Have you experienced a recent setback? If so, look for the lesson that God is trying to teach you. Instead of complaining about life's sad state of affairs, learn what needs to be learned, change what needs to be changed, and move on. View failure as an opportunity to reassess God's will for your life. And while you're at it, consider life's inevitable disappointments to be powerful opportunities to learn more—more about yourself, more about your circumstances, and more about your world.
Life can be difficult at times. And everybody (including you) makes mistakes. Your job is to make them only once. And how can you do that? By learning the lessons of tough times sooner rather than later, that's how.
Truth will sooner come out of error than from confusion. - Francis Bacon
Mistakes offer the possibility for redemption and a new start in God's kingdom. No matter what you're guilty of, God can restore your innocence. - Barbara Johnson
We become a failure when we allow mistakes to take away our ability to learn, give, grow, and try again. - Susan Lenzkes
Lord, when we are wrong, make us willing to change; and when we are right, make us easy to live with. - Peter Marshall
Today's Prayer
Lord, I know that I am imperfect and that I fail You in many ways. Thank You for Your forgiveness and for Your unconditional love. Show me the error of my ways, Lord, that I might confess my wrongdoing and correct my mistakes. And, let me grow each day in wisdom, in faith, and in my love for You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Serve Him
The greatest among you will be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Matthew 23:11-12 HCSB
We live in a world that glorifies power, prestige, fame, and money. But the words of Jesus teach us that the most esteemed men and women in this world are not the self-congratulatory leaders of society but are instead the humblest of servants.
Are you willing to become a humble servant for Christ? Are you willing to pitch in and make the world a better place, or are you determined to keep all your blessings to yourself? The answers to these questions will determine the quality and the direction of your day and your life.
Today, you may feel the temptation to take more than you give. You may be tempted to withhold your generosity. Or you may be tempted to build yourself up in the eyes of your friends. Resist those temptations. Instead, serve your friends quietly and without fanfare. Find a need and fill it . . . humbly. Lend a helping hand . . . anonymously. Share a word of kindness . . . with quiet sincerity. As you go about your daily activities, remember that the Savior of all humanity made Himself a servant, and we, as His followers, must do no less.
In the very place where God has put us, whatever its limitations, whatever kind of work it may be, we may indeed serve the Lord Christ. - Elisabeth Elliot
Through our service to others, God wants to influence our world for Him. - Vonette Bright
So many times we say that we can't serve God because we aren't whatever is needed. We're not talented enough or smart enough or whatever. But if you are in covenant with Jesus Christ, He is responsible for covering your weaknesses, for being your strength. He will give you His abilities for your disabilities! - Kay Arthur
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let me help others in every way that I can. Jesus served others; I can too. I will serve other people with my good deeds and with my prayers. And I will give thanks for everybody who helps me. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Defeating Negativity
Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger;
if you try to make it better, you'll only make it worse.
Proverbs 19:19 MSG
From experience, we know that it is easy to criticize others. And we know that it is usually far easier to find faults than to find solutions. Still, the urge to criticize others remains a powerful temptation for most of us.
Negativity is highly contagious: We give it to others who, in turn, give it back to us. This stress-inducing cycle can be broken only by positive thoughts, heartfelt prayers, encouraging words, and meaningful acts of kindness.
As thoughtful servants of a loving God, we have no valid reason—and no legitimate excuse—to be negative. So, when we are tempted to be overly critical of others, or unfairly critical of ourselves, we must use the transforming power of God's love to break the chains of negativity. We must defeat negativity before negativity defeats us.
Winners see an answer for every problem; losers see a problem in every answer. - Barbara Johnson
We never get anywhere—nor do our conditions and circumstances change—when we look at the dark side of life. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
To lose heart is to lose everything. - John Eldredge
Do not build up obstacles in your imagination. Difficulties must be studied and dealt with, but they must not be magnified by fear. - Norman Vincent Peale
Today's Prayer
Lord, let me be an expectant Christian. Let me expect the best from You, and let me look for the best in others. If I become discouraged, Father, turn my thoughts and my prayers to You. Let me trust You, Lord, to direct my life. And, let me be Your faithful, hopeful, optimistic servant every day that I live. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Your Own Worst Critic?
My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. And friends, once that's taken care of and we're no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we're bold and free before God!
1 John 3:18-21 MSG
Are you your own worst critic? And in response to that criticism, are you constantly trying to transform yourself into a person who meets society's expectations, but not God's expectations? If so, it's time to become a little more understanding of the person you see whenever you look into the mirror.
Being patient with other people can be difficult. But sometimes, we find it even more difficult to be patient with ourselves. We have high expectations and lofty goals. We want to receive God's blessings now, not later. And, of course, we want our lives to unfold according to our own wishes and our own timetables—not God's. Yet throughout the Bible, we are instructed that patience is the companion of wisdom. Proverbs 16:32 teaches us that "Patience is better than strength" (NCV). God's message, then, is clear: we must be patient with all people—including ourselves.
The Bible affirms the importance of self-acceptance by exhorting believers to love others as they love themselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Furthermore, the Bible teaches that when we genuinely open our hearts to Him, God accepts us just as we are. And, if He accepts us—faults and all—then who are we to believe otherwise?
The great freedom Jesus gives us is to be ourselves, defined by His love and our inner qualities and gifts rather than by any kind of show we put on for the world. - Leslie Williams
Being loved by Him whose opinion matters most gives us the security to risk loving, too—even loving ourselves. - Gloria Gaither
Today's Prayer
Lord, I have so much to learn and so many ways to improve myself, but You love me just as I am. Thank You for Your love and for Your Son. And, help me to become the person that You want me to become. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Keeping Up with the Joneses?
Wherever your treasure is,
there your heart and thoughts will also be.
Luke 12:34 NLT
As a member-in-good-standing in this highly competitive, 21st-century world, you know that the demands and expectations of everyday living can seem burdensome, even overwhelming at times. Keeping up with the Joneses can become a fulltime job if you let it. A better strategy, of course, is to stop trying to please the neighbors and to concentrate, instead, upon pleasing God.
Perhaps you have set your goals high; if so, congratulations! You're willing to dream big dreams, and that's a very good thing. But as you consider your life's purpose, don't allow your quest for excellence to interfere with the spiritual journey that God has planned for you.
As a believer, your instructions are clear: you must strive to please God. How do you please Him? By accepting His Son and obeying His commandments. All other concerns—including, but not limited to, keeping up with the Joneses—are of little or no importance.
For better or worse, you will eventually become more and more like the people you associate with. So why not associate with people who make you better, not worse? - Marie T. Freeman
True friends will always lift you higher and challenge you to walk in a manner pleasing to our Lord. - Lisa Bevere
We, as God's people, are not only to stay far away from sin and sinners who would entice us, but we are to be so like our God that we mourn over sin. - Kay Arthur
You will get untold flak for prioritizing God's revealed and present will for your life over man's . . . but, boy, is it worth it. - Beth Moore
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, other people may encourage me to stray from Your path, but I wish to follow in the footsteps of Your Son. Give me the vision to see the right path—and the wisdom to follow it—today and every day of my life. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Temptations Everywhere
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
If you stop to think about it, the cold, hard evidence is right in front of your eyes: you live in a temptation-filled world. The devil is out on the street, hard at work, causing pain, stress, and heartache in more ways than ever before. Here in the 21st century, the bad guys are working around the clock to lead you astray. That's why you must remain vigilant.
In a letter to believers, Peter offered a stern warning: "Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8 NASB). What was true in New Testament times is equally true in our own. Satan tempts his prey and then devours them. As believing Christians, we must beware. And, if we seek righteousness in our own lives, we must earnestly wrap ourselves in the protection of God's Holy Word. When we do, we are secure.
The devil's most devilish when respectable. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Do not fight the temptation in detail. Turn from it. Look ONLY at your Lord. Sing. Read. Work. - Amy Carmichael
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus went through agony of soul in His efforts to resist the temptation to do what He felt like doing rather than what He knew was God's will for Him. - Joyce Meyer
Temptation is not a sin. Even Jesus was tempted. The Lord Jesus gives you the strength needed to resist temptation. - Corrie ten Boom
Today's Prayer
Lord, life is filled with temptations to stray from Your chosen path. But, I face no temptation that You have not already met and conquered through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the One who empowers me with His strength and His love. Amen
:angel:
August 21, 2011
Daily New Life
Overcommitted?
Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.
Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.
Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder.
Romans 12:11-12 MSG
Do you have too many things on your to-do list and too few hours in which to do them? If so, it's time to take a long, hard look at the way you're prioritizing your days and your life.
The world encourages you to rush full-speed ahead, taking on lots of new commitments, doing many things, but doing few things well. God, on the other hand, encourages you to slow down, to quiet yourself, and to spend time with Him. And you can be sure that God's way is best.
How will you organize your life? Will you carve out quiet moments with the Creator? And while you're at it, will you focus your energies and your resources on only the most important tasks on your to-do list? Or will you max out your schedule, leaving much of your most important work undone?
Today, slow yourself down and commit more time to God. When you do, you'll be amazed at how the Father can revolutionize your life when you start spending more time with Him.
Life is strenuous. See that your clock does not run down. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Taking care of yourself physically really helps emotionally. People who get a lot of sleep, who do the things that relieve stress, can withstand a lot of stress. - Laura Bush
Jesus taught us by example to get out of the rat race and recharge our batteries. - Barbara Johnson
Come, come, come unto Me, / Weary and sore distressed; / Come, come, come unto Me, / Come unto Me and rest. - Fanny Crosby
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I'm tired, give me the wisdom to do the smart thing: give me the wisdom to put my head on my pillow and rest! Amen
:angel:
August 22, 2011
Sharing Your Burdens with God
If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 NKJV
The Bible promises this: tough times are temporary but God's love is not—God's love endures forever. So what does that mean to you? Just this: From time to time, everybody faces hardships and disappointments, and so will you. And when tough times arrive, God always stands ready to protect you and to heal you. Your task is straightforward: you must share your burdens with Him.
As Corrie ten Boom observed, "Any concern that is too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden." Those are comforting words, especially in these difficult days.
Whatever the size of your challenges, God is big enough to handle them. Ask for His help today, with faith and with fervor. Instead of turning things over in your mind, turn them over to God in prayer. Instead of worrying about your next decision, ask God to lead the way. Cast your burdens upon the One who cannot be shaken, and rest assured that He always hears your prayers.
We are not called to be burden-bearers, but cross-bearers and light-bearers. We must cast our burdens on the Lord. - Corrie ten Boom
When you're enjoying the fulfillment and fellowship that inevitably accompanies authentic service, ministry is a joy. Instead of exhausting you, it energizes you; instead of burnout, you experience blessing. - Bill Hybels
God knows what each of us is dealing with. He knows our pressures. He knows our conflicts. And, He has made a provision for each and every one of them. That provision is Himself in the person of the Holy Spirit, dwelling in us and empowering us to respond rightly. - Kay Arthur
No matter what we are going through, no matter how long the waiting for answers, of one thing we may be sure. God is faithful. He keeps His promises. What He starts, He finishes . . . including His perfect work in us. - Gloria Gaither
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, whatever "it" is, You can handle it! Let me turn to You when I am burdened and when I am worried. You are my loving Father, and I will always trust You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Let Jesus Guide the Way
I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone
who believes in Me would not remain in darkness.
John 12:46 HCSB
Is Jesus the cornerstone of your life . . . or have you relegated Him to a far corner of your life? The answer to this question will determine the quality, the direction, the tone, and the ultimate destination of your life here on earth and your life throughout eternity.
Thomas Brooks spoke for believers of every generation when he observed, "Christ is the sun, and all the watches of our lives should be set by the dial of His motion." Christ, indeed, is the ultimate Savior of mankind and the personal Savior of those who believe in Him. As His servants, we should place Him at the very center of our lives. And every day that God gives us breath, we should share Christ's love and His message with a world that needs both.
The dearest friend on earth is but a mere shadow compared with Jesus Christ. - Oswald Chambers
When we are in a situation where Jesus is all we have, we soon discover He is all we really need. - Gigi Graham Tchividjian
In your greatest weakness, turn to your greatest strength, Jesus, and hear Him say, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9, NKJV). - Lisa Whelchel
Tell me the story of Jesus. Write on my heart every word. Tell me the story most precious, sweetest that ever was heard. - Fanny Crosby
Today's Prayer
Dear Jesus, You are my Savior and my protector. Give me the courage to trust You completely. Today, I will praise You, I will honor You, and I will live according to Your commandments. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Your Real Riches
Don't collect for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don't break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21 HCSB
All too often we focus our thoughts and energies on the accumulation of earthly treasures, creating untold stress in our lives and leaving precious little time to accumulate the only treasures that really matter: the spiritual kind. Our material possessions have the potential to do great good—depending upon how we use them. If we allow the things we own to own us, we may pay dearly for our misplaced priorities.
Society focuses intently on material possessions, but God's Word teaches us time and again that money matters little when compared to the spiritual gifts that the Creator offers to those who put Him first in their lives. So today, keep your possessions in perspective. Remember that God should come first, and everything else next. When you give God His rightful place in your heart, you'll have a clearer vision of the things that really matter. Then, you can joyfully thank your Heavenly Father for spiritual blessings that are, in truth, too numerous to count.
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. - Jim Elliot
Wealth is something entrusted to us by God, something God doesn't want us to trust. He wants us to trust Him. - Warren Wiersbe
When possessions become our god, we become materialistic and greedy . . . and we forfeit our contentment and our joy. - Charles Swindoll
What we possess often possesses us—we are possessed by possessions. - Oswald Chambers
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, all I have belongs to You. When I leave this world I take nothing with me. Help me to value my relationship with You—and my relationships with others—more than I value my material possessions. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
This Is His Day
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad today!
Psalm 118:24 NCV
God gives us this day; He fills it to the brim with possibilities, and He challenges us to use it for His purposes. The 118th Psalm reminds us that today, like every other day, is a cause for celebration. The day is presented to us fresh and clean at midnight, free of charge, but we must beware: Today is a non-renewable resource—once it's gone, it's gone forever. Our responsibility, of course, is to use this day in the service of God's will and according to His commandments.
Today, treasure the time that God has given you. Give Him the glory and the praise and the thanksgiving that He deserves. And search for the hidden possibilities that God has placed along your path. This day is a priceless gift from God, so use it joyfully and encourage others to do likewise. After all, this is the day the Lord has made.
Some of us seem so anxious about avoiding hell that we forget to celebrate our journey toward heaven. - Philip Yancey
All our life is a celebration for us; we are convinced, in fact, that God is always everywhere. We sing while we work . . . we pray while we carry out all life's other occupations. - St. Clement of Alexandria
The church is the last place on earth to be solemn . . . provided you have lived right. - Sam Jones
Celebration is possible only through the deep realization that life and death are never found completely separate. Celebration can really come about only where fear and love, joy and sorrow, tear and smiles can exist together. - Henri Nouwen
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You have given me so many blessings, and as a way of saying "Thank You," I will celebrate. I will be a joyful Christian, Lord, quick to smile and slow to frown. And, I will share my joy with my family, with my friends, and with my neighbors, this day and every day. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Using Your Talents
Do not neglect the gift that is in you.
1 Timothy 4:14 NKJV
God gives each of us a unique assortment of talents and opportunities. And our Heavenly Father instructs us to be faithful stewards of the gifts that He bestows upon us. But we live in a world that encourages us to do otherwise.
Ours is a society that is filled to the brim with countless opportunities to squander our time, our resources, and our talents. So we must be watchful for distractions and temptations that might lead us astray.
God has blessed you with unique opportunities to serve Him, and He has given you every tool that you need to do so. Today, accept this challenge: value the talent that God has given you, nourish it, make it grow, and share it with the world. After all, the best way to say "Thank You" for God's gifts is to use them.
Not everyone possesses boundless energy or a conspicuous talent. We are not equally blessed with great intellect or physical beauty or emotional strength. But we have all been given the same ability to be faithful. - Gigi Graham Tchividjian
The Lord has abundantly blessed me all of my life. I'm not trying to pay Him back for all of His wonderful gifts; I just realize that He gave them to me to give away. - Lisa Whelchel
It is the definition of joy to be able to offer back to God the essence of what He's placed in you, be that creativity or a love of ideas or a compassionate heart or the gift of hospitality. - Paula Rinehart
Almighty God created us, redeemed us, called us, endowed us with gifts and abilities and perceptions. To demean the gift is to insult the Giver. - Penelope Stokes
Today's Prayer
Father, You have given me abilities to be used for the glory of Your kingdom. Give me the courage and the perseverance to use those talents. Keep me mindful that all my gifts come from You, Lord. Let me be Your faithful, humble servant, and let me give You all the glory and all the praise. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Good Decisions Mean Less Stress
If you need wisdom—if you want to know what
God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you.
He will not resent your asking.
James 1:5 NLT
Life presents each of us with countless questions, conundrums, doubts, and problems. Thankfully, the riddles of everyday living are not too difficult to solve if we look for answers in the right places. When we have questions, we should consult God's Word, we should consult our own consciences, and we should consult a few close friends and family members.
Perhaps Søren Kierkegaard was stating the obvious when he observed, "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Still, Kierkegaard's words are far easier to understand than they are to live by.
Taking a forward-looking (and stress-conquering) approach to life means learning the art of solving difficult problems sensibly and consistently . . . and sooner rather than later.
Life is built on character, but character is built on decisions. - Warren Wiersbe
No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently. - Agnes DeMille
The Reference Point for the Christian is the Bible. All values, judgments, and attitudes must be gauged in relationship to this Reference Point. - Ruth Bell Graham
Successful people make right decisions early and manage those decisions daily. - John Maxwell
Don't be overwhelmed . . . take it one day and one prayer at a time. - Stormie Omartian
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, give me the insight to make wise decisions and the courage to act upon the decisions that I make. Amen
:angel:
August 28, 2011
Taking Care of Your Body
Didn't you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don't you see that you can't live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you.
1 Corinthians 6:19 MSG
Are you concerned about your spiritual, physical, or emotional health? If so, there is a timeless source of comfort and advice that is as near as your bookshelf. That source is the Holy Bible.
God's Word has much to say about every aspect of your life, including your health. If you face personal health challenges that seem almost insoluble, have faith and seek God's wisdom. If you can't seem to get yourself on a sensible diet or on a program of regular physical exercise, consult God's teachings. If your approach to your physical or emotional health has, up to this point, been undisciplined, pray to your Creator for the strength to do what you know is right.
God has given you the Holy Bible for the purpose of knowing His promises, His power, His commandments, His wisdom, His love, and His Son. As you seek to improve the state of your own health, study God's teachings and apply them to your life. When you do, you will be blessed, now and forever.
Our body is like armor, our soul like the warrior. Take care of both, and you will be ready for what comes. - Amma St. Syncletice
Laughter is the language of the young at heart and the antidote to what ails us. - Barbara Johnson
People are funny. When they are young, they will spend their health to get wealth. Later, they will gladly pay all they have trying to get their health back. - John Maxwell
You can't buy good health at the doctor's office—you've got to earn it for yourself. - Marie T. Freeman
Today's Prayer
Lord, when I am ill, weak, or troubled, You heal me. Renew me, Father, and let me trust Your will for my life. Let me welcome Your unending love and Your healing touch, now and forever. Amen
:angel:
August 29, 2011
Daily New Life
Follow Him
Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it."
Matthew 16:24-25 HCSB
Jesus walks with you. Are you walking with Him seven days a week, and not just on Sunday mornings? Are you a seven-day-a-week Christian who carries your faith with you to work each day, or do you try to keep Jesus at a "safe" distance when you're not sitting in church? Hopefully, you understand the wisdom of walking with Christ all day every day.
Jesus loved you so much that He endured unspeakable humiliation and suffering for you. How will you respond to Christ's sacrifice? Will you take up His cross and follow Him—during good times and tough times—or will you choose another path? When you place your hopes squarely at the foot of the cross, when you place Jesus squarely at the center of your life, you will be blessed.
Do you seek to fulfill God's purpose for your life? Do you seek spiritual abundance? Would you like to partake in "the peace that passes all understanding"? Then follow Christ. Follow Him by picking up His cross today and every day that you live. When you do, you will quickly discover that Christ's love has the power to change everything, including you.
You who suffer take heart. Christ is the answer to sorrow. - Billy Graham
Jesus Christ is not a security from storms. He is perfect security in storms. - Kathy Troccoli
When you are in deep water . . . trust the One who walked on it. - Anonymous
In the midst of the pressure and the heat, I am confident His hand is on my life, developing my faith until I display His glory, transforming me into a vessel of honor that pleases Him! - Anne Graham Lotz
Today's Prayer
Dear Jesus, because I am Your disciple, I will trust You, I will obey Your teachings, and I will share Your Good News. You have given me life abundant and life eternal, and I will follow You today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Joy in God's Presence
Bible Reading: Psalm 65:1-4
We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of his will for us and the power to carry it out.
Most of us need to desire something before we will wholeheartedly seek after it. Until we realize how much God loves us and cares about the details of our lives, we won't want to pray to him. Until we sincerely believe that he has completely forgiven us, we will be ashamed to face him. If we hold to our misconceptions about God, this step will be a formidable chore rather than a joy.
The life of King David gives us hope. Long after he had come face-to-face with his own sinfulness, he was able to sing, "What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion. We will fulfill our vows to you, for you answer our prayers. All of us must come to you. Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all. What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What festivities await us inside your holy Temple" (Psalm 65:1-4). God wants us to be like those who live and serve in his temple, walking freely into his presence. He wants us to know that we are welcome and valued before him. (See also Matthew 10:29-31.)
The place where God lives can be a place of joy and happiness for us now. We can look forward to spending time with him and living in his presence every day.
It is essential for our recovery that we draw close to God.
:angel:
Daily New Life
Prayer ChangesThings and You
And everything—whatever you ask in prayer,
believing—you will receive.
Matthew 21:22
Is prayer an integral part of your daily life, or is it a hit-or miss habit? Do you "pray without ceasing," or is your prayer life an afterthought? Do you regularly pray in the solitude of the early morning darkness, or do you lower your head only when others are watching? The answer to these questions will determine the direction of your day—and your life.
So here's your challenge: during the next 100 days; make yourself a prayer warrior. Begin your prayers early in the morning and continue them throughout the day. And remember this: God does answer your prayers, but He's not likely to answer those prayers until you've prayed them.
You don't need fancy words or religious phrases. Just tell God the way it really is.
Jim Cymbala
100 Days of Prayer
We must pray literally without ceasing, in every occurrence and employment of our lives. You know I mean that prayer of the heart which is independent of place or situation, or which is, rather, a habit of lifting up the heart to God, as in a constant communication with Him.
Elizabeth Ann Seton
I need the spiritual revival that comes from spending quiet time alone with Jesus in prayer and in thoughtful meditation on His Word.
Anne Graham Lotz
Prayer moves the arm that moves the world.
Annie Armstrong
Today's Prayer
I pray to You, my Heavenly Father, because You desire it and because I need it. Prayer not only changes things; it changes me. Help me, Lord, never to face the demands of the day without first spending time with You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Asking for Directions
If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking.
James 1:5 NLT
Genuine, heartfelt prayer produces powerful changes in us and in our world. When we lift our hearts to God, we open ourselves to a never-ending source of divine wisdom and infinite love. Jesus made it clear to His disciples: they should petition God to meet their needs. So should we. Do you have questions about your future that you simply can't answer? Do you have needs that you simply can't meet by yourself ? Do you sincerely seek to know God's unfolding plans for your life? If so, ask Him for direction, for protection, and for strength—and then keep asking Him every day that you live. Whatever your need, no matter how great or small, pray about it and have faith. God is not just near; He is here, and He's perfectly capable of answering your prayers. Now, it's up to you to ask. - 100 Days of Prayer
Notice that we must ask. And we will sometimes struggle to hear and struggle with what we hear. But personally, it's worth it. I'm after the path of life—and he alone knows it. - John Eldredge
God makes prayer as easy as possible for us. He's completely approachable and available, and He'll never mock or upbraid us for bringing our needs before Him. - Shirley Dobson
When will we realize that we're not troubling God with our questions and concerns? His heart is open to hear us—his touch nearer than our next thought—as if no one in the world existed but us. Our very personal God wants to hear from us personally. - Gigi Graham Tchividjian
Today's Prayer
Lord, when I have questions about my purpose in life, I will turn to You. When I am weak, I will seek Your strength. When I am discouraged, Father, I will be mindful of Your love and Your grace. I will ask You for the things I need, Father, and I will trust Your answers, today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
This Is His Day
This is the day the LORD has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NLT
God gives us this day; He fills it to the brim with possibilities, and He challenges us to use it for His purposes. The 118th Psalm reminds us that today, like every other day, is a cause for celebration. The day is presented to us fresh and clean at midnight, free of charge, but we must beware: Today is a non-renewable resource—once it's gone, it's gone forever. Our responsibility, of course, is to use this day in the service of God's will and according to His commandments. Today, treasure the time that God has given you. Give Him the glory and the praise and the thanksgiving that He deserves. And search for the hidden possibilities that God has placed along your path. This day is a priceless gift from God, so use it joyfully and encourage others to do likewise. After all, this is the day the Lord has made . . . .
All our life is a celebration for us; we are convinced, in fact, that God is always everywhere. We sing while we work . . . we pray while we carry out all life's other occupations. - St. Clement of Alexandria, 100 Days of Prayer
The church is the last place on earth to be solemn . . . provided you have lived right. - Sam Jones
Some of us seem so anxious about avoiding hell that we forget to celebrate our journey toward heaven. - Philip Yancey
If you can forgive the person you were, accept the person you are, and believe in the person you will become, you are headed for joy. So celebrate your life. - Barbara Johnson
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You have given me so many blessings, and as a way of saying "Thank You," I will celebrate. I will be a joyful Christian, Lord, quick to smile and slow to frown. And, I will share my joy with my family, with my friends, and with my neighbors, this day and every day. Amen.
:angel:
Daily New Life
An Attitude of Gratitude
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence
and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8 HCSB
How will you direct your thoughts today? Will you obey the words of Philippians 4:8 by dwelling upon those things that are honorable, just, and commendable? Or will you allow your thoughts to be hijacked by the negativity that seems to dominate our troubled world? Are you fearful, angry, bored, or worried? Are you so preoccupied with the concerns of this day that you fail to thank God for the promise of eternity? Are you confused, bitter, or pessimistic? If so, God wants to have a little talk with you. God intends that you experience joy and abundance. So, today and every day hereafter, celebrate the life that God has given you by focusing your thoughts upon those things that are worthy of praise. Today, count your blessings instead of your hardships. And thank the Giver of all things good for gifts that are simply too numerous to count. - 100 Days of Prayer
The mind is like a clock that is constantly running down. It has to be wound up daily with good thoughts. - Fulton J. Sheen
"If the Lord will" is not just a statement on a believer's lips; it is the constant attitude of his heart. - Warren Wiersbe
:angel:
Daily New Life
Discovering God's Plans
It is God who is at work in you,
both to will and to work for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13 NASB
If you seek to live in accordance with God's will for your life—and you should—then you will live in accordance with His commandments. You will study God's Word, and you will be watchful for His signs. You will associate with fellow Christians who will encourage your spiritual growth, and you will listen to that inner voice that speaks to you in the quiet moments of your daily devotionals.
God intends to use you in wonderful, unexpected ways if you let Him. The decision to seek God's plan and to follow it is yours and yours alone. The consequences of that decision have implications that are both profound and eternal, so choose carefully.
Every man's life is a plan of God. - Horace Bushnell, 100 Days of Prayer
God has a plan for the life of every Christian. Every circumstance, every turn of destiny, all things work together for your good and for His glory. - Billy Graham
If not a sparrow falls upon the ground without your Father, you have reason to see that the smallest events of your career and your life are arranged by him. - C. H. Spurgeon
God is preparing you as his chosen arrow. As yet your shaft is hidden in his quiver, in the shadows, but, at the precise moment, he will reach for you and launch you to that place of his appointment. - Charles Swindoll
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You created me for a reason. Give me the wisdom to follow Your direction for my life's journey. Let me do Your work here on earth by seeking Your will and living it, knowing that when I trust in You, Father, I am eternally blessed. Amen
:angel:
September 05, 2011
Christ's Love Changes Everything
Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—
even though invisible to spectators—
is with Christ in God. He is your life.
Colossians 3:3 MSG
Christ's love is perfect and steadfast. Even though we are fallible and wayward, the Good Shepherd cares for us still. What does the love of Christ mean to His believers? It changes everything. Even though we have fallen far short of the Father's commandments, Christ loves us with a power and depth that is beyond our understanding. And, as we accept Christ's love and walk in Christ's footsteps, our lives bear testimony to His power and to His grace. Yes, Christ's love changes everything; may we invite Him into our hearts so it can then change everything in us. Jesus is all compassion. He never betrays us. - Catherine Marshall, 100 Days of Prayer
Live your lives in love, the same sort of love which Christ gives us, and which He perfectly expressed when He gave Himself as a sacrifice to God. - Corrie ten Boom
So Jesus came, stripping himself of everything as he came—omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence—everything except love. "He emptied himself " (Philippians 2:7), emptied himself of everything except love. Love—his only protection, his only weapon, his only method. - E. Stanley Jones
He loved us not because we're lovable, but because He is love. - C. S. Lewis
Today's Prayer
Dear Jesus, my life has been changed forever by Your love and sacrifice. Today I will praise You, I will honor You, and I will walk with You. Amen
:angel:
The Power of Prayer
The intense prayer of the righteous is very powerful.
James 5:16
Prayer is a powerful tool for communicating with our Creator; it is an opportunity to commune with the Giver of all things good. "The power of prayer": these words are so familiar, yet sometimes we forget what they mean. Prayer helps us find strength for today and hope for the future. Prayer is not a thing to be taken lightly or to be used infrequently. The quality of your spiritual life will be in direct proportion to the quality of your prayer life. Prayer changes things, and it changes you. Today, instead of turning things over in your mind, turn them over to God in prayer. Instead of worrying about your next decision, ask God to lead the way. Pray constantly about things great and small. God is listening, and He wants to hear from you now.
Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? - Corrie ten Boom, 100 Days of Prayer
Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things. - Samuel M. Shoemaker
Prayer is the most important tool for your mission to the world. People may refuse our love or reject our message, but they are defenseless against our prayers. - Rick Warren
Where there is much prayer, there will be much of the Spirit; where there is much of the Spirit, there will be ever-increasing power. - Andrew Murray
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let me raise my hopes and my dreams, my worries and my fears to You. Let me be a worthy example to family and friends, showing them the importance and the power of prayer. Let me take everything to You in prayer, Lord, and when I do, let me trust in Your answers. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Not Enough Hours?
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises
to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love
in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening.
Psalm 92:1-2 NLT
If you ever find that you're simply "too busy" for a daily chat with your Father in heaven, it's time to take a long, hard look at your priorities and your values. Each day has 1,440 minutes—do you value your relationship with God enough to spend a few of those minutes with Him? He deserves that much of your time and more—is He receiving it from you? Hopefully so.
As you consider your plans for the day ahead, here's a tip: organize your life around this simple principle: "God first." When you place your Creator where He belongs—at the very center of your day and your life—the rest of your priorities will fall into place.
A person with no devotional life generally struggles with faith and obedience. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
This day's bustle and hurly-burly would too often and too soon call us away from Jesus' feet. These distractions must be immediately dismissed, or we shall know only the "barrenness of busyness." - A. W. Tozer
The busier we are, the easier it is to worry, the greater the temptation to worry, the greater the need to be alone with God. - Charles Stanley
There is an enormous power in little things to distract our attention from God. - Oswald Chambers
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, every day of my life is a journey with You. I will take time today to think, to pray, and to study Your Word. Guide my steps, Father, and keep me mindful that today offers yet another opportunity to celebrate Your blessings, Your love, and Your Son.
Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Taking Up the Cross
Then He said to them all, "If anyone wants to come with Me,
he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me."
Luke 9:23 HCSB
When Jesus addressed His disciples, He warned them that each one must, "take up his cross daily, and follow me." Christ's message was clear: in order to follow Him, Christ's disciples must deny themselves and, instead, trust Him completely. Nothing has changed since then.
When we have been saved by Christ, we can, if we choose, become passive Christians. We can sit back, secure in our own salvation, and let other believers spread the healing message of Jesus. But to do so is wrong. Instead, we are commanded to become disciples of the One who has saved us.
Do you seek to fulfill God's purpose for your life? Then follow Christ. Follow Him by picking up His cross today and every day that you live. Then, you will quickly discover that Christ's love has the power to change everything, including you.
Discipleship means personal, passionate devotion to a person, our Lord Jesus Christ. - Oswald Chambers, 100 Days of Prayer
It is the secret of true discipleship to bear the cross, to acknowledge the death sentence that has been passed on self, and to deny any right that self has to rule over us. - Andrew Murray
There is not Christianity without a cross, for you cannot be a disciple of Jesus without taking up your cross. - Henry Blackaby
If we would be followers of Christ, indeed we must become personally and vitally involved in His death and resurrection. And this requires repentance, prayer, watchfulness, self-denial, detachment from the world, humility, obedience, and cross carrying. - A. W. Tozer
Today's Prayer
Help me, Lord, to understand what cross I am to bear this day. Give me the strength and the courage to carry that cross along the path of Your choosing so that I may be a worthy disciple of Your Son. Amen
:angel:
September 9 2011
Daily New Life
A Fresh Opportunity
When we were baptized, we were buried with Christ and shared
his death. So, just as Christ was raised from the dead by
the wonderful power of the Father, we also can live a new life.
Romans 6:4 NCV
Each morning offers a fresh opportunity to invite Christ, yet once again, to rule over our hearts and our days. Each morning presents yet another opportunity to take up His cross and follow in His footsteps.
God's Word is clear: When we genuinely invite Him to reign over our hearts, and when we accept His transforming love, we are forever changed. When we welcome Christ into our hearts, an old life ends and a new way of living—along with a completely new way of viewing the world—begins.
Today, let us rejoice in the new life that is ours through Christ, and let us follow Him, step by step, on the path that He first walked.
When I met Christ, I felt that I had swallowed sunshine. - E. Stanley Jones, 100 Days of Prayer
No man is ever the same after God has laid His hand upon him. - A. W. Tozer
The transforming love of God has repositioned me for eternity. I am now a new man, forgiven, basking in the warm love of our living God, trusting His promises and provision, and enjoying life to the fullest. - Bill Bright
Turn your life over to Christ today, and your life will never be the same. - Billy Graham
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, renew in me the passion to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Make the experience of my conversion real and fresh so that I might be an effective witness for You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Courage for the Journey
But Jesus immediately said to them:
"Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Matthew 14:27
A storm rose quickly on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples were afraid. Although they had seen Jesus perform many miracles, the disciples feared for their lives, so they turned to their Savior, and He calmed the waters and the wind.
Sometimes, we, like the disciples, feel threatened by the inevitable storms of life. And when we are fearful, we, too, can turn to Christ for courage and for comfort.
The next time you're afraid, remember that the One who calmed the wind and the waves is also your personal Savior. And remember that the ultimate battle has already been won at Calvary. We, as believers, can live courageously in the promises of our Lord . . . and we should.
The fear of God is the death of every other fear. - C. H. Spurgeon, 100 Days of Prayer
Down through the centuries, in times of trouble and trial, God has brought courage to the hearts of those who love Him. The Bible is filled with assurances of God's help and comfort in every kind of trouble. - Billy Graham
To fear and not be afraid, that is the paradox of faith. - A. W. Tozer
What is courage? It is the ability to be strong in trust, in conviction, in obedience. To be courageous is to step out in faith—to trust and obey, no matter what. - Kay Arthur
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, sometimes I face disappointments and challenges that leave me worried and afraid. When I am fearful, let me seek Your strength. Keep me mindful, Lord, that You are my God. With You by my side, Lord, I have nothing to fear. Help me to be Your grateful and courageous servant this day and every day. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Faith for Life
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.
And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
1 John 5:4 NKJV
Do you desire the abundance and success that God has promised?
The first element of a successful life is faith:
faith in God, faith in His Son, and faith in His promises. If we place our lives in God's hands, our faith is rewarded in ways that we—as human beings with clouded vision and limited understanding—can scarcely comprehend. But, if we seek to rely solely upon our own resources, or if we seek earthly success outside the boundaries of God's commandments, we reap a bitter harvest for ourselves and for our loved ones.
Trust God today and every day that you live. Then, when you have entrusted your future to the Giver of all things good, rest assured that your future is secure, not only for today, but also for all eternity.
Faith is seeing light with the eyes of your heart, when the eyes of your body see only darkness. - Barbara Johnson, 100 Days of Prayer
Just as our faith strengthens our prayer life, so do our prayers deepen our faith. Let us pray often, starting today, for a deeper, more powerful faith. - Shirley Dobson
Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ. - A. W. Tozer
Let your faith in Christ be in the quiet confidence that He will, every day and every moment, keep you as the apple of His eye, keep you in perfect peace and in the sure experience of all the light and the strength you need. - Andrew Murray
Today's Prayer
Father, in the dark moments of my life, help me to remember that You are always near and that You can overcome any challenge. Keep me mindful of Your love and Your power, so that I may live courageously and faithfully today and every day. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Measuring Your Words
From a wise mind comes wise speech;
the words of the wise are persuasive.
Proverbs 16:23 NLT
If you seek to be a source of encouragement to friends, to family members, and to coworkers, then you must measure your words carefully. And that's exactly what God wants you to do. God's Word reminds us that "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18 NIV).
Today, make this promise to yourself: vow to be an honest, effective, encouraging communicator at work, at home, and everyplace in between. Speak wisely, not impulsively. Use words of kindness and praise, not words of anger or derision. Learn how to be truthful without being cruel. Remember that you have the power to heal others or to injure them, to lift others up or to hold them back. And when you learn how to lift them up, you'll soon discover that you've lifted yourself up, too.
Part of good communication is listening with the eyes as well as with the ears. - Josh McDowell, 100 Days of Prayer
Jesus Christ, in His infinite wisdom, used the words and idioms that were in use among those whom He addressed. You should do likewise. - St. Joseph Cafasso
We should ask ourselves three things before we speak: Is it true? Is it kind? Does it glorify God? - Billy Graham
Attitude and the spirit in which we communicate are as important as the words we say. - Charles Stanley
Today's Prayer
Lord, You have warned me that I will be judged by the words I speak. Keep me mindful, Lord, that I have influence on many people; make me an influence for good. And, may the words that I speak today be worthy of the One who has saved me forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Greatest of These
But now abide faith, hope, love, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 NASB
We are commanded (not advised, not encouraged . . . commanded!) to love one another just as Christ loved us (see John 13:34). The beautiful words of 1st Corinthians 13 remind us that love is God's commandment: Faith is important, of course. So, too, is hope. But, love is more important still. That's a tall order, but as Christians, we are obligated to follow it.
Christ showed His love for us on the cross, and we are called upon to return Christ's love by sharing it. Today, let us spread Christ's love to families, friends, and even strangers, so that through us, others might come to know Him.
The cross symbolizes a cosmic as well as a historic truth. Love conquers the world, but its victory is not an easy one. - Reinhold Neibuhr, 100 Days of Prayer
You can be sure you are abiding in Christ if you are able to have a Christlike love toward the people that irritate you the most. - Vonette Bright
Suppose that I understand the Bible. And, suppose that I am the greatest preacher who ever lived! The Apostle Paul wrote that unless I have love, "I am nothing." - Billy Graham
Christian love, either towards God or towards man, is an affair of the will. - C. S. Lewis
Today's Prayer
Lord, love is Your commandment. Help me always to remember that the gift of love is a precious gift indeed. Let me nurture love and treasure it, today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
God's Guidance
The steps of the Godly are directed by God.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
Psalm 37:22 NLT
God is intensely interested in each of us, and He will guide our steps if we serve Him obediently.
When we sincerely offer heartfelt prayers to our Heavenly Father, He will give direction and meaning to our lives—but He won't force us to follow Him. To the contrary, God has given us the free will to follow His commandments . . .
or not.
When we stray from God's commandments, we invite bitter consequences. But, when we follow His commandments, and when we genuinely and humbly seek His will, He touches our hearts and leads us on the path of His choosing.
Will you trust God to guide your steps? You should. When you entrust your life to Him completely and without reservation, God will give you the strength to meet any challenge, the courage to face any trial, and the wisdom to live in His righteousness and in His peace. So trust Him today and seek His guidance. When you do, your next step will be the right one. - 100 Days of Prayer
A spiritual discipline is necessary in order to move slowly from an absurd to an obedient life, from a life filled with noisy worries to a life in which there is some free inner space where we can listen to our God and follow his guidance. - Henri Nouwen
Only He can guide you to invest your life in worthwhile ways. This guidance will come as you "walk" with Him and listen to Him. - Henry Blackaby and Claude King
I don't doubt that the Holy Spirit guides your decisions from within when you make them with the intention of pleasing God. The error would be to think that He speaks only within, whereas in reality He speaks also through Scripture, the Church, Christian friends, and books. - C. S. Lewis
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You always stand ready to guide me. Let me accept Your guidance, today and every day of my life. Lead me, Father, so that my life can be a tribute to Your grace, to Your mercy, to Your love, and to Your Son. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
His Promises
Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going.
He always keeps his word.
Hebrews 10:23 MSG
The Christian faith is founded upon promises that are contained in a unique book. That book is the Holy Bible. The Bible is a roadmap for life here on earth and for life eternal. As Christians, we are called upon to study its meaning, to trust its promises, to follow its commandments, and to share its Good News. God's Holy Word is, indeed, a transforming, life-changing, one-of-a-kind treasure. And, a passing acquaintance with the Good Book is insufficient for Christians who seek to obey God's Word and understand His will.
God has made promises to you, and He intends to keep them. So take God at His word: trust His promises and share them with your family, with your friends, and with the world.
We can have full confidence in God's promises because we can have full faith in His character. - Franklin Graham, 100 Days of Prayer
There are four words I wish we would never forget, and they are, "God keeps his word." - Charles Swindoll
We have ample evidence that the Lord is able to guide. The promises cover every imaginable situation. All we need to do is to take the hand he stretches out. - Elisabeth Elliot
The stars may fall, but God's promises will stand and be fulfilled. - J. I. Packer
Today's Prayer
Lord, Your Holy Word contains promises, and I will trust them. I will use the Bible as my guide, and I will trust You, Lord, to speak to me through Your Holy Spirit and through Your Holy Word, this day and forever. Amen
:angel:
Let the Celebration Begin
I've told you these things for a purpose:
that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.
John 15:11 MSG
Oswald Chambers correctly observed, "Joy is the great note all throughout the Bible." C. S. Lewis echoed that thought when he wrote, "Joy is the serious business of heaven." But, even the most dedicated Christians can, on occasion, forget to celebrate each day for what it is: a priceless gift from God.
Today, let us be joyful Christians with smiles on our faces and kind words on our lips. After all, this is God's day, and He has given us clear instructions for its use. We are commanded to rejoice and be glad. So, with no further ado, let the celebration begin . . .
When we get rid of inner conflicts and wrong attitudes toward life, we will almost automatically burst into joy. - E. Stanley Jones 100 Days of Prayer
Joy is the direct result of having God's perspective on our daily lives and the effect of loving our Lord enough to obey His commands and trust His promises. - Bill Bright
When Jesus Christ is the source of our joy, no words can describe it. - Billy Graham
You have to look for the joy. Look for the light of God that is hitting your life, and you will find sparkles you didn't know were there. - Barbara Johnson
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You have given me so many blessings; let me celebrate Your gifts. Make me thankful, loving, responsible, and wise. Make me be a joyful Christian, a worthy example to others, and a dutiful servant to You this day and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Ultimate Accountability
Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 NASB
For most of us, it is a daunting thought: one day, perhaps soon, we'll come face-to-face with our Heavenly Father, and we'll be called to account for our actions here on earth. Our personal histories will certainly not be surprising to God; He already knows everything about us. But the full scope of our activities may be surprising to us: some of us will be pleasantly surprised; others will not be.
Today, do whatever you can to ensure that your thoughts and your deeds are pleasing to your Creator. Because you will, at some point in future, be called to account for your actions. And the future may be sooner than you think.
The temptation of the age is to look good without being good. - Brennan Manning, 100 Days of Prayer
The Bible teaches that we are accountable to one another for our conduct and character. - Charles Stanley
We can always gauge where we are by the teachings of Jesus Christ. - Oswald Chambers
The best evidence of our having the truth is our walking in the truth. - Matthew Henry
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let my words and actions show the world the changes that You have made in my life. You sent Your Son so that I might have abundant life and eternal life. Thank You, Father, for my Savior, Christ Jesus. I will follow Him, honor Him, and share His Good News, this day and every day. Amen
:angel:
September 18, 2011
Daily New Life
The Self-fulfilling Prophecy
May He grant you according to your heart's desire,
and fulfill all your purpose.
Psalm 20:4 NKJV
The self-fulfilling prophecy is alive, well, and living at your house. If you trust God and have faith for the future, your optimistic beliefs will give you direction and motivation. That's one reason that you should never lose hope, but certainly not the only reason. The primary reason that you, as a believer, should never lose hope, is because of God's unfailing promises.
Make no mistake about it: thoughts are powerful things: your thoughts have the power to lift you up or to hold you down. When you acquire the habit of hopeful thinking, you will have acquired a powerful tool for improving your life. So if you fall into the habit of negative thinking, think again. After all, God's Word teaches us that Christ can overcome every difficulty (John 16:33). And when God makes a promise, He keeps it.
Our hope in Christ for the future is the mainstream of our joy. - C. H. Spurgeon, 100 Days of Prayer
What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life. - Emil Brunner
Oh, remember this: There is never a time when we may not hope in God. Whatever our necessities, however great our difficulties, and though to all appearance help is impossible, yet our business is to hope in God, and it will be found that it is not in vain. - George Mueller
I wish I could make it all new again; I can't. But God can. "He restores my soul," wrote the shepherd. God doesn't reform; he restores. He doesn't camouflage the old; he restores the new. The Master Builder will pull out the original plan and restore it. He will restore the vigor, he will restore the energy. He will restore the hope. He will restore the soul. - Max Lucado
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, make me a hope-filled Christian. If I become discouraged, let me turn to You. If I grow weary, let me seek strength in You. In every aspect of my life, I will trust You, Father, today and forever. Amen
:angel:
September 19, 2011 Daily New Life
Infinite Possibilities
Is anything too hard for the LORD?
Genesis 18:14 KJV
Are you afraid to ask God to do big things in your life? Is your faith threadbare and worn? If so, it's time to abandon your doubts and reclaim your faith in God's promises.
Ours is a God of infinite possibilities. But sometimes, because of limited faith and limited understanding, we wrongly assume that God cannot or will not intervene in the affairs of mankind. Such assumptions are simply wrong.
God's Holy Word makes it clear: absolutely nothing is impossible for the Lord. And since the Bible means what it says, you can be comforted in the knowledge that the Creator of the universe can do miraculous things in your own life and in the lives of your loved ones. Your challenge, as a believer, is to take God at His word, and to expect the miraculous.
If we take God's program, we can have God's power—not otherwise. - E. Stanley Jones, 100 Days of Prayer
You can believe in the Holy Spirit not because you see Him, but because you see what He does in people's lives when they are surrendered to Christ and possess His power. - Billy Graham
The most profane word we use is "hopeless." When you say a situation or person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God. - Kathy Troccoli
There is Someone who makes possible what seems completely impossible. - Catherine Marshall
Today's Prayer
Dear God, nothing is impossible for You—keep me always mindful of Your strength. When I lose hope, give me faith; when others lose hope, let me tell them of Your glory and Your works. Today, Lord, let me expect the miraculous, and let me trust in You. Amen
:angel:
Contagious Faith
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,
as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23 NIV
Are you genuinely excited about your faith? And do you make your enthusiasm known to those around you? Or are you a "silent ambassador" for Christ? God's preference is clear: He intends that you stand before others and proclaim your faith.
Genuine, heartfelt Christianity is contagious. If you enjoy a life-altering relationship with God, that relationship will have an impact on others—perhaps a profound impact.
Does Christ reign over your life? Then share your testimony and your excitement. The world needs both.
Your enthusiasm will be infectious, stimulating, and attractive to others. They will love you for it. They will go for you and with you. - Norman Vincent Peale, 100 Days of Prayer
Prayer must be aflame. Prayer without fervor is as a sun without light or heat, or as a flower without beauty or fragrance. A soul devoted to God is a fervent soul, and prayer is the creature of that flame. He only can truly pray who is all aglow for holiness, for God, and for heaven. - E. M. Bounds
Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn. - John Wesley
Don't take hold of a thing unless you want that thing to take hold of you. - E. Stanley Jones
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I know that others are watching the way that I live my life. Help me to be an enthusiastic Christian with a faith that is contagious. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
An Intensely Bright Future: Yours
With God's power working in us, God can do much,
much more than anything we can ask or imagine.
Ephesians 3:20 NCV
It takes courage to dream big dreams. You will discover that courage when you do three things: accept the past, trust God to handle the future, and make the most of the time He has given you today.
Are you excited about the opportunities of today and thrilled by the possibilities of tomorrow? Do you confidently expect God to lead you to a place of abundance, peace, and joy? And, when your days on earth are over, do you expect to receive the priceless gift of eternal life? If you trust God's promises, and if you have welcomed God's Son into your heart, then you should believe that your future is intensely and eternally bright.
No dreams are too big for God—not even yours. So start living—and dreaming—accordingly.
You cannot out-dream God. - John Eldredge, 100 Days of Prayer
The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little. - Thomas Merton
Set goals so big that unless God helps you, you will be a miserable failure. - Bill Bright
The future lies all before us. Shall it only be a slight advance upon what we usually do? Ought it not to be a bound, a leap forward to altitudes of endeavor and success undreamed of before? - Annie Armstrong
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, my hope is in You. Give me the courage to face the future with certainty, and give me the wisdom to follow in the footsteps of Your Son, today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Christ's Abundance
I have come that they may have life,
and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 NKJV
The 10th chapter of John tells us that Christ came to earth so that our lives might be filled with abundance. But what, exactly, did Jesus mean when He promised "life . . . more abundantly"? Was He referring to material possessions or financial wealth? Hardly. Jesus offers a different kind of abundance: a spiritual richness that extends beyond the temporal boundaries of this world. This everlasting abundance is available to all who seek it and claim it. May we, as believers, claim the riches of Christ Jesus every day that we live, and may we share His blessings with all who cross our path.
The only way you can experience abundant life is to surrender your plans to Him. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
Jesus wants Life for us, Life with a capital L. - John Eldredge
The man who lives without Jesus is the poorest of the poor, whereas no one is so rich as the man who lives in His grace. - Thomas à Kempis
If you want purpose and meaning and satisfaction and fulfillment and peace and hope and joy and abundant life that lasts forever, look to Jesus. - Anne Graham Lotz
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You have offered me the gift of abundance through Your Son. Thank You, Father, for the abundant life that is mine through Christ Jesus. Let me accept His gifts and use them always to glorify You. Amen
:angel:
Christ's Abundance
I have come that they may have life,
and that they may have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 NKJV
The 10th chapter of John tells us that Christ came to earth so that our lives might be filled with abundance.
But what, exactly, did Jesus mean when He promised "life . . . more abundantly"? Was He referring to material possessions or financial wealth? Hardly. Jesus offers a different kind of abundance: a spiritual richness that extends beyond the temporal boundaries of this world. This everlasting abundance is available to all who seek it and claim it. May we, as believers, claim the riches of Christ Jesus every day that we live, and may we share His blessings with all who cross our path.
The only way you can experience abundant life is to surrender your plans to Him. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
Jesus wants Life for us, Life with a capital L. - John Eldredge
The man who lives without Jesus is the poorest of the poor, whereas no one is so rich as the man who lives in His grace. - Thomas à Kempis
If you want purpose and meaning and satisfaction and fulfillment and peace and hope and joy and abundant life that lasts forever, look to Jesus. - Anne Graham Lotz
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You have offered me the gift of abundance through Your Son. Thank You, Father, for the abundant life that is mine through Christ Jesus. Let me accept His gifts and use them always to glorify You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
In Times of Adversity
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world.
And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
1 John 5:4 NKJV
When we face the inevitable difficulties of life-hereon-earth, God stands ready to protect us. All of us face times of adversity. On occasion, we all must endure the disappointments and tragedies that befall believers and nonbelievers alike. The reassuring words of 1 John 5:4 remind us that when we accept God's grace, we overcome the passing hardships of this world by relying upon His strength, His love, and His promise of eternal life.
When we call upon God in heartfelt prayer, He will answer— in His own time and according to His own plan—and He will heal us. And while we are waiting for God's plans to unfold and for His healing touch to restore us, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Creator can overcome any obstacle, even if we cannot. Let us take God at His word, and let us trust Him today . . . and every day.
God will make obstacles serve His purpose. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, 100 Days of Prayer
Adversity is always unexpected and unwelcomed. It is an intruder and a thief, and yet in the hands of God, adversity becomes the means through which His supernatural power is demonstrated. - Charles Stanley
Tribulation is a gift from God—one that He especially gives His special friends. - St. Thomas More
God will not permit any troubles to come upon us unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty. - Peter Marshall
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, when I am troubled, You heal me.When I am afraid, You protect me. When I am discouraged, You lift me up. In times of adversity, let me trust Your plan and Your will for my life. And whatever my circumstances, Lord, let me always give the thanks and the glory to You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Seeking God and Finding Happiness
But happy are those . . .
whose hope is in the LORD their God.
Psalm 146:5 NLT
Do you sincerely want to be a happy Christian? Then set your mind and your heart upon God's love and His grace.
Happiness depends less upon our circumstances than upon our thoughts. When we turn our thoughts to God, to His gifts, and to His glorious creation, we experience the joy that God intends for His children. But, when we focus on the negative aspects of life, we suffer needlessly.
The fullness of life in Christ is available to all who seek it and claim it. Count yourself among that number. Seek first the salvation that is available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and then claim the joy, the peace, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.
Happiness is not to be found in things, only in the secret places of the soul. - St. Thérèse of Lisieux, 100 Days of Prayer
God has charged Himself with full responsibility for our eternal happiness and stands ready to take over the management of our lives the moment we turn in faith to Him. - A. W. Tozer
True happiness consists only in the enjoyment of God. His favor is life, and his loving-kindness is better than life. - Arthur W. Pink
Christ is the secret, the source, the substance, the center, and the circumference of all true and lasting gladness. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I am thankful for all the blessings You have given me. Let me be a happy Christian, Father, as I share Your joy with friends, with family, and with the world. Amen
:angel:
September 26, 2011 Daily New Life
God's Guidebook
You will be a good servant of Christ Jesus,
constantly nourished on the words of the faith
and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.
1 Timothy 4:6
God has given us a guidebook for righteous living called the Holy Bible. It contains thorough instructions which, if followed, lead to fulfillment, righteousness, and salvation. But, if we choose to ignore God's commandments, the results are as predictable as they are tragic.
God has given us the Bible for the purpose of knowing His promises, His power, His commandments, His wisdom, His love, and His Son. As we study God's teachings and apply them to our lives, we live by the Word that shall never pass away. Today, let us follow God's commandments, and let us conduct our lives in such a way that we might be shining examples to our friends, to our families, and, most importantly, to those who have not yet found Christ.
The Bible is the treasure map that leads us to God's highest treasure: eternal life. - Max Lucado, 100 Days of Prayer
The Bible is a Christian's guidebook, and I believe the knowledge it sheds on pain and suffering is the great antidote to fear for suffering people. Knowledge can dissolve fear as light destroys darkness. - Philip Yancey
The Bible is not a guidebook to a theological museum. It is a road map showing us the way into neglected or even forgotten glories of the living God. - Raymond Ortlund
The balance of affirmation and discipline, freedom and restraint, encouragement and warning is different for each child and season and generation, yet the absolutes of God's Word are necessary and trustworthy no matter how mercuric the time. - Gloria Gaither
Today's Prayer
Lord, You've given me instructions for life here on earth and for life eternal. I will use the Bible as my guide. I will study it and meditate upon it as I trust You, Lord, to speak to me through Your Holy Word. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Too Busy?
Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run;
hurry and scurry puts you further behind.
Proverbs 21:5 MSG
Has the hectic pace of life robbed you of the peace that might otherwise be yours through Jesus Christ? Are you one of those people who is simply too busy for your own good? If so, you're doing a disservice to yourself and your family.
Through His Son Jesus, God offers you a peace that passes human understanding, but He won't force His peace upon you; in order to experience it, you must slow down long enough to sense His presence and His love.
Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family, and to the world, be still and claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright— the peace of Jesus Christ. It is offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking. So ask. And then share.
Often our lives are strangled by things that don't ultimately matter. - Grady Nutt, 100 Days of Prayer
In our tense, uptight society where folks are rushing to make appointments they have already missed, a good laugh can be a refreshing as a cup of cold water in the desert. - Barbara Johnson
Being busy, in and of itself, is not a sin. But being busy in an endless pursuit of things that leave us empty and hollow and broken inside—that cannot be pleasing to God. - Max Lucado
We often become mentally and spiritually barren because we're so busy. - Franklin Graham
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when the quickening pace of life leaves me with little time for worship or for praise, help me to reorder my priorities, and let me turn to Jesus for the peace that only He can give. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Always with Us
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
And the government will rest on his shoulders.
These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Are you facing difficult circumstances or unwelcome changes? If so, please remember that God is far bigger than any problem you may face. So, instead of worrying about life's inevitable challenges, put your faith in the Father and His only begotten Son: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV). And remember: it is precisely because your Savior does not change that you can face your challenges with courage for today and hope for tomorrow. Life is often challenging, but as Christians, we should not be afraid. God loves us, and He will protect us. In times of hardship, He will comfort us; in times of change, He will guide our steps. When we are troubled or weak or sorrowful, God is always with us. We must build our lives on the rock that cannot be moved . . . we must trust in God. Always.
In a world kept chaotic by change, you will eventually discover, as I have, that this is one of the most precious qualities of the God we are looking for: He doesn't change. - Bill Hybels
The Holy Spirit can reveal to you why you are stuck, and he can empower you to change (although he won't usually do all the work without your involvement). - Patsy Clairmont
The secret of contentment in the midst of change is found in
having roots in the changeless Christ—the same yesterday, today and forever. - Ed Young
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, our world is constantly changing. When I face the inevitable transitions of life, I will turn to You for strength and assurance. Thank You, Father, for love that is unchanging and everlasting. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Relying upon Him
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you at the proper time,
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB
Do the demands of this day threaten to overwhelm you? If so, you must rely not only upon your own resources but also upon the promises of your Father in heaven. God is a never-ending source of support and courage for those of us who call upon Him. When we are weary, He gives us strength. When we see no hope, God reminds us of His promises. When we grieve, God wipes away our tears. God will hold your hand and walk with you every day of your life if you let Him. So even if your circumstances are difficult, trust the Father. His love is eternal, and His goodness endures forever.
Faith is not merely you holding on to God—it is God holding on to you. - E. Stanley Jones, 100 Days of Prayer
When you have no helpers, see all your helpers in God. When you have many helpers, see God in all your helpers. When you have nothing but God, see all in God; when you have everything, see God in everything. Under all conditions, stay thy heart only on the Lord. - C. H. Spurgeon
The more you give your mental burdens to the Lord, the more exciting it becomes to see how God will handle things that are impossible for you to do anything about. - Charles Swindoll
God uses our most stumbling, faltering faith-steps as the open door to His doing for us "more than we ask or think." - Catherine Marshall
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, You never leave or forsake me. You are always with me, protecting me and encouraging me. Whatever this day may bring, I thank You for Your love and Your strength. Amen
:angel:
September 30, 2011 Daily New Life
Growing in Christ
When I was a child, I spoke as a child,
I understood as a child, I thought as a child;
but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
1 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV
Norman Vincent Peale had the following advice for believers of all ages: "Ask the God who made you to keep remaking you." That advice, of course, is perfectly sound, but often ignored.
The journey toward spiritual maturity lasts a lifetime. As Christians, we can and should continue to grow in the love and the knowledge of our Savior as long as we live. When we cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, we do ourselves a profound disservice. But, if we study God's Word, if we obey His commandments, and if we live in the center of His will, we will not be "stagnant" believers; we will, instead, be growing Christians . . . and that's exactly what God wants for our lives.
With God, it isn't who you were that matters; it's who you are becoming. - Liz Curtis Higgs, 100 Days of Prayer
Every great company, every great brand, and every great career has been built in exactly the same way: bit by bit, step by step, little by little. - John Maxwell
The instrument of our sanctification is the Word of God. The Spirit of God brings to our minds the precepts and doctrines of truth, and applies them with power. The truth is our sanctifier. If we do not hear or read it, we will not grow in sanctification. - C. H. Spurgeon
The process of growing up is to me valued for what we gain, not for what we lose. - C. S. Lewis
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I know that I still have so many things to learn. I won't stop learning, I won't give up, and I won't stop growing. Every day, I will do my best to become a little bit more like the person You intend for me to be. Amen
:angel:
October 01, 2011 Daily New Life
Honoring God
Honor GOD with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.
Proverbs 3:9-10 MSG
At times, your life is probably hectic, demanding, and complicated. When the demands of life leave you rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, you may fail to pause and thank your Creator for the blessings He has bestowed upon you. But that's a big mistake. Whom will you choose to honor today? If you honor God and place Him at the center of your life, every day is a cause for celebration. But if you fail to honor your Heavenly Father, you're asking for trouble, and lots of it. So honor God for who He is and for what He has done for you. And don't just honor Him on Sunday morning. Praise Him all day long, every day, for as long as you live . . . and then for all eternity.
God shows unbridled delight when He sees people acting in ways that honor Him. - Bill Hybels, 100 Days of Prayer
We honor God by asking for great things when they are a part of His promise. We dishonor Him and cheat ourselves when we ask for molehills where He has promised mountains. - Vance Havner
What lessons about honor did you learn from your childhood? Are you living what you learned today? - Dennis Swanberg
Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves, and helps, and cares for the others. - St. Theophane Venard
Today's Prayer
I praise You, Lord, from the depths of my heart, and I give thanks for Your goodness, for Your mercy, and for Your Son. Let me honor You every day of my life through my words and my deeds. Let me honor You, Father, with all that I am. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Beyond Guilt
There is therefore now no condemnation to those
who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh,
but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1 NKJV
All of us have sinned. Sometimes our sins result from our own stubborn rebellion against God's commandments. And sometimes, we are swept up in events that are beyond our abilities to control. Under either set of circumstances, we may experience intense feelings of guilt. But God has an answer for the guilt that we feel. That answer, of course, is His forgiveness. When we confess our wrongdoings and repent from them, we are forgiven by the One who created us.
Are you troubled by feelings of guilt or regret? If so, you must repent from your misdeeds, and you must ask your Heavenly Father for His forgiveness. When you do so, He will forgive you completely and without reservation. Then, you must forgive yourself just as God has forgiven you: thoroughly and unconditionally.
Prayer is essential when a believer is stuck in the pits of unresolved guilt. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
Let's take Jesus at this word. When he says we're forgiven, let's unload the guilt. When he says we're valuable, let's believe him. When he says we're eternal, let's bury our fear. When he says we're provided for, let's stop worrying. - Max Lucado
Spiritual life without guilt would be like physical life without pain. Guilt is a defense mechanism; it's like an alarm that goes off to lead you to confession when you sin. - John MacArthur
Stop blaming yourself and feeling guilty, unworthy, and unloved. Instead begin to say, "If God is for me, who can be against me? God loves me, and I love myself. Praise the Lord, I am free in Jesus' name, amen!" - Joyce Meyer
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the guilt that I feel when I disobey You. Help me confess my wrongdoings, help me accept Your forgiveness, and help me renew my passion to serve You. Amen
:angel:
We Belong to Him
Now return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness.
Joel 2:13 NASB
The line from the children's song is reassuring and familiar: "Little ones to Him belong. We are weak but He is strong." That message applies to kids of all ages: we are all indeed weak, but we worship a mighty God who meets our needs and answers our prayers.
Are you in the midst of adversity or in the grips of temptation? If so, turn to God for strength. The Bible promises that you can do all things through the power of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ. Your challenge, then, is clear: you must place Christ where He belongs: at the very center of your life. When you do, you will discover that, yes, Jesus loves you and that, yes, He will give you direction and strength if you ask it in His name.
Our hearts have been made to cry out for a love that can come only from our Creator. - Angela Thomas, 100 Days of Prayer
As perfectionists we find it difficult, if not impossible, to believe that God could completely accept, love, and long to be with us in this unfinished state. - Susan Lenzkes
God knows all that is true about us and is a friend to the face we show and the face we hide. He does not love us less for our human weaknesses. - Sheila Walsh
God loves me as God loves all people, without qualification. To be in the image of God means that all of us are made for the purpose of knowing and loving God and one another and of being loved in turn, not literally in the same way God knows and loves, but in a way appropriate to human beings. - Roberta Bondi
Today's Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for Your love. Your love is boundless, infinite, and eternal. Today, as I pause and reflect upon Your love for me, and let me share that love with all those who cross my path. And, as an expression of my love for You, Father, let me share the saving message of Your Son with a world in desperate need of His hope, His peace, and His salvation. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
He Is Here
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from
your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on
the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139:7-10 NIV
If God is everywhere, why does He sometimes seem so far away? The answer to that question, of course, has nothing to do with God and everything to do with us.
When we begin each day on our knees, in praise and worship to Him, God often seems very near indeed. But, if we ignore God's presence or—worse yet—rebel against it altogether, the world in which we live becomes a spiritual wasteland.
Today, and every day hereafter, thank God and praise Him. He is the Giver of all things good. Wherever you are, whether you are happy or sad, victorious or vanquished, celebrate God's presence. And be comforted. For He is here.
If your heart has grown cold, it is because you have moved away from the fire of His presence. - Beth Moore, 100 Days of Prayer
God walks with us. He scoops us up in His arms or simply sits with us in silent strength until we cannot avoid the awesome recognition that yes, even now, He is here. - Gloria Gaither
Certainly, God is with us in times of distress, and that is a comforting truth. But listen: Jesus wants to be part of every experience and every moment of our lives. - Billy Graham
We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with Him. He walks everywhere incognito. And the incognito is not always hard to penetrate. The real labour is to remember, to attend. In fact, to come awake. Still more, to remain awake. - C. S. Lewis
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, even when it seems to me that You are far away, You never leave my side. Today and every day, I will strive to feel Your presence, and I will strive to sense Your love for me. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Lessons of Tough Times
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me
and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song
in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God . . . .
Psalm 40:1-3 NIV
Life can be difficult at times. And everybody makes mistakes. Your job is to make them only once.
Have you experienced a recent setback? If so, look for the lesson that God is trying to teach you. Instead of complaining about life's sad state of affairs, learn what needs to be learned, change what needs to be changed, and move on. View failure as an opportunity to reassess God's will for your life. View life's inevitable disappointments as opportunities to learn more about yourself and your world.
No matter what trials we face, Christ never leaves us. - Billy Graham, 100 Days of Prayer
God is able to take mistakes, when they are committed to Him, and make of them something for our good and for His glory. - Ruth Bell Graham
Mature people are not emotionally and spiritually devastated by every mistake they make. They are able to maintain some kind of balance in their lives. - Joyce Meyer
Father, take our mistakes and turn them into opportunities. - Max Lucado
Today's Prayer
Lord, I know that I am imperfect and that I fail You in many ways. Thank You for Your forgiveness and for Your unconditional love. Show me the error of my ways, Lord, that I might confess my wrongdoing and correct my mistakes. And, let me grow each day in wisdom, in faith, and in my love for You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Give Me Patience, Lord, Right Now!
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly,
encourage the fainthearted, help the weak,
be patient with everyone.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 NASB
As busy people living in a fast-paced world, many of us find that waiting quietly for God is difficult. Most of us are impatient for God to grant us the desires of our heart. Usually, we know what we want, and we know precisely when we want it: right now, if not sooner. But God may have other plans. And when God's plans differ from our own, we must trust in His infinite wisdom and in His infinite love.
God instructs us to be patient in all things. We must be patient with our families, our friends, and our associates. We must also be patient with our Creator as He unfolds His plan for our lives. And that's as it should be. After all, think how patient God has been with us.
Our challenge is to wait in faith for the day of God's favor and salvation. - Jim Cymbala, 100 Days of Prayer
How do you wait upon the Lord? First you must learn to sit at His feet and take time to listen to His words. - Kay Arthur
As we wait on God, He helps us use the winds of adversity to soar above our problems. As the Bible says, "Those who wait on the LORD . . . shall mount up with wings like eagles." - Billy Graham
Two signposts of faith: "Slow Down" and "Wait Here." - Charles Stanley
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let me live according to Your plan and according to Your timetable. When I am hurried, Lord, slow me down. When I become impatient with others, give me empathy. Today, Lord, let me be a patient Christian, and let me trust in You and in Your master plan. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The World's Best Friend
Greater love has no one than this,
that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 NIV
Who's the best friend this world has ever had? Jesus, of course! When you invite Him into your heart, Jesus will be your friend, too . . . your friend forever.
Jesus has offered to share the gifts of everlasting life and everlasting love with the world . . . and with you. If you make mistakes, He'll still be your friend. If you behave badly, He'll still love you. If you feel sorry or sad, He can help you feel better. Jesus wants you to have a happy, healthy life. He wants you to be generous and kind. He wants you to follow His example. And the rest is up to you. You can do it! And with a friend like Jesus, you will.
The dearest friend on earth is but a mere shadow compared with Jesus Christ. - Oswald Chambers, 100 Days of Prayer
What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. / Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer. / Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there. - Joseph M. Scriven
When we are in a situation where Jesus is all we have, we soon discover he is all we really need. - Gigi Graham Tchividjian
Today's Prayer
Dear Jesus, You are my Savior and my Protector. Give me the courage to trust You completely. Today, I will praise You, I will honor You, and I will live according to Your commandments. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
A Godly Leader
But a good leader plans to do good,
and those good things make him a good leader.
Isaiah 32:8 NCV
Our world needs Christian leaders who willingly honor God with their words and their deeds, but not necessarily in that order.
If you seek to be a godly leader, then you must begin by being a worthy example to your family, to your friends, to your church, and to your community. After all, your words of instruction will never ring true unless you yourself are willing to follow them. Are you the kind of leader whom you would want to follow? If so, congratulations. But if the answer to that question is no, then it's time to improve your leadership skills, beginning with the words that you speak and the example that you set, but not necessarily in that order.
The goal of leadership is to empower the whole people of God to discern and to discharge the Lord's will. - Stanley Grenz, 100 Days of Prayer
A true and safe leader is likely to be one who has no desire to lead, but is forced into a position of leadership by inward pressure of the Holy Spirit and the press of external situation. - A. W. Tozer
A good leader is not the person who does things right, but the one who finds the right things to do. - Anthony T. Padovano
The man who kneels before God will stand before men. - Leonard Ravenhill
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I find myself in a position of leadership, let me seek Your will and obey Your commandments. Let me be a Christ-centered leader, and let me turn to You, Father, for guidance, for courage, for wisdom, and for love. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Wisdom of Moderation
Moderation is better than muscle,
self-control better than political power.
Proverbs 16:32 MSG
Moderation and wisdom are traveling companions. If we are wise, we must learn to temper our appetites, our desires, and our impulses. When we do, we are blessed, in part, because God has created a world in which temperance is rewarded and intemperance is inevitably punished.
Would you like to improve your life? Then harness your appetites and restrain your impulses. Moderation is difficult, of course; it is especially difficult in a prosperous society such as ours. But the rewards of moderation are numerous and longlasting. Claim those rewards today. No one can force you to moderate your appetites. The decision to live temperately (and wisely) is yours and yours alone. And so are the consequences.
Every moment of resistance to temptation is a victory. - Frederick William Faber, 100 Days of Prayer
We are all created differently. We share a common need to balance the different parts of our lives. - Dr. Walt Larimore
Virtue—even attempted virtue—brings light; indulgence brings fog. - C. S. Lewis
The key to healthy eating is moderation and managing what you eat every day. - John Maxwell
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, give me the wisdom to be moderate and self-disciplined. Let me strive to do Your will here on earth, and as I do, let me find contentment and balance. Let me be a disciplined believer, Father, today and every day. Amen
:angel:
October 10, 2011 Daily New Life
Look Up and Move On
All bitterness, anger and wrath, insult and slander must be
removed from you, along with all wickedness.
And be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:31-32 HCSB
The world holds few if any rewards for those who remain angrily focused upon the past. Still, the act of forgiveness is difficult for all but the most saintly men and women. Are you mired in the quicksand of bitterness or regret? If so, you are not only disobeying God's Word, you are also wasting your time.
Being frail, fallible, imperfect human beings, most of us are quick to anger, quick to blame, slow to forgive, and even slower to forget. Yet as Christians, we are commanded to forgive others, just as we, too, have been forgiven.
If there exists even one person—alive or dead—against whom you hold bitter feelings, it's time to forgive. Or, if you are embittered against yourself for some past mistake or shortcoming, it's finally time to forgive yourself and move on. Hatred, bitterness, and regret are not part of God's plan for your life. Forgiveness is. - 100 Days of Prayer
Be so preoccupied with good will that you haven't room for ill will. - E. Stanley Jones
Acrid bitterness inevitably seeps into the lives of people who harbor grudges and suppress anger, and bitterness is always a poison. - Lee Strobel
Anger breeds remorse in the heart, discord in the home, bitterness in the community, and confusion in the state. - Billy Graham
Grudges are like hand grenades; It is wise to release them before they destroy you. - Barbara Johnson
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, free me from anger and bitterness. When I am angry, I cannot feel the peace that You intend for my life. When I am bitter, I cannot sense Your presence. Keep me mindful that forgiveness is Your commandment. Let me turn away from bitterness and instead claim the spiritual abundance that You offer through the gift of Your Son. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Voice Inside Your Head
So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.
Acts 24:16 NIV
Your conscience is an early-warning system designed to keep you out of trouble. When you're about to do something that you know is wrong, a little voice inside your head has a way of speaking up. If you listen to that voice, you'll be okay; if you ignore it, you're asking for headaches or heartbreaks, or both.
Whenever you're about to make an important decision, you should listen carefully to the quiet voice inside. Sometimes, of course, it's tempting to do otherwise. From time to time you'll be tempted to abandon your better judgement by ignoring your conscience. But remember: a conscience is a terrible thing to waste. So instead of ignoring that quiet little voice, pay careful attention to it. If you do, your conscience will lead you in the right direction—in fact, it's trying to lead you right now. So listen . . . and learn.
Your conscience is your alarm system. It's your protection. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
God desires that we become spiritually healthy enough through faith to have a conscience that rightly interprets the work of the Holy Spirit. - Beth Moore
You should not believe your conscience and your feelings more than the word which the Lord who receives sinners preaches to you. - Martin Luther
The beginning of backsliding means your conscience does not answer to the truth. - Oswald Sanders
Today's Prayer
Dear God, You've given me a conscience that tells me right from wrong. Let me trust my conscience, and let me live according to Your teachings, not just for today, but forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Encouraging Words for Family and Friends
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
but only what is helpful for building others up according to their
needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Life is a team sport, and all of us need occasional pats on the back from our teammates. As Christians, we are called upon to spread the Good News of Christ, and we are also called to spread a message of encouragement and hope to the world.
Whether you realize it or not, many people with whom you come in contact every day are in desperate need of a smile or an encouraging word. The world can be a difficult place, and countless friends and family members may be troubled by the challenges of everyday life. Since you don't always know who needs our help, the best strategy is to try to encourage all the people who cross your path. So today, be a world-class source of encouragement to everyone you meet. Never has the need been greater. - 100 Days of Prayer
We do have the ability to encourage or discourage each other with the words we say. In order to maintain a positive mood, our hearts must be in good condition. - Annie Chapman
To the loved, a word of affection is a morsel, but to the lovestarved, a word of affection can be a feast. - Max Lucado
So often we think that to be encouragers we have to produce great words of wisdom when, in fact, a few simple syllables of sympathy and an arm around the shoulder can often provide much needed comfort. - Florence Littauer
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, because I am Your child, I am blessed. You have loved me eternally, cared for me faithfully, and saved me through the gift of Your Son Jesus. Just as You have lifted me up, Lord, let me lift up others in a spirit of encouragement and optimism and hope. And, if I can help a fellow traveler, even in a small way, Dear Lord, may the glory be Yours. Amen
:angel:
Your Traveling Companion
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through
our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren,
be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work
of the Lord, knowing that your labor
is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:57-58 NKJV
As you continue to seek God's purpose for your life, you will undoubtedly experience your fair share of disappointments, detours, false starts, and failures. When you do, don't become discouraged: God's not finished with you yet.
The old saying is as true today as it was when it was first spoken: "Life is a marathon, not a sprint." That's why wise travelers select a traveling companion who never tires and never falters. That partner, of course, is your Heavenly Father. So pray as if everything depended upon God, and work as if everything depended upon you. And trust God to do the rest.
By perseverance the snail reached the ark. - C. H. Spurgeon, 100 Days of Prayer
As we find that it is not easy to persevere in this being "alone with God," we begin to realize that it is because we are not "wholly for God." God has a right to demand that He should have us completely for Himself. - Andrew Murray
Failure is one of life's most powerful teachers. How we handle our failures determines whether we're going to simply "get by" in life or "press on." - Beth Moore
If things are tough, remember that every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there. - Barbara Johnson
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I want to give up, help me remember how important it is to keep trying. And when I'm worried or upset, help me remember to talk my family and to You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Life Eternal
Because I live, you will live also.
John 14:19 NASB
Ours is not a distant God. Ours is a God who understands—far better than we ever could—the essence of what it means to be human. How marvelous it is that God became a man and walked among us. Had He not chosen to do so, we might feel removed from a distant Creator. God understands our hopes, our fears, and our temptations. He understands what it means to be angry and what it costs to forgive. He knows the heart, the conscience, and the soul of every person who has ever lived, including you. And God has a plan of salvation that is intended for you. Accept it. Accept God's gift through the person of His Son Christ Jesus, and then rest assured: God walked among us so that you might have eternal life; amazing though it may seem, He did it for you.
The gift of God is eternal life, spiritual life, abundant life through faith in Jesus Christ, the Living Word of God. - Anne Graham Lotz, 100 Days of Prayer
God loves you and wants you to experience peace and life—abundant and eternal. - Billy Graham
Teach us to set our hopes on heaven, to hold firmly to the promise of eternal life, so that we can withstand the struggles and storms of this world. - Max Lucado
How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a God who has none. Eternal years lie in his heart. For him time does not pass, it remains; and those who are in Christ share with him all the riches of limitless time and endless years. - A. W. Tozer
Today's Prayer
I know, Lord, that this world is not my home; I am only here for a brief while. And, You have given me the priceless gift of eternal life through Your Son Jesus. Keep the hope of heaven fresh in my heart, and, while I am in this world, help me to pass through it with faith in my heart and praise on my lips . . . for You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Forgive: It's God's Way
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other,
just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 NASB
Forgiveness, no matter how difficult, is God's way, and it must be our way, too. To forgive others is difficult. Being frail, fallible, imperfect human beings, we are quick to anger, quick to blame, slow to forgive, and even slower to forget. No matter.
God's commandments are not intended to be customized for the particular whims of particular believers. God's Word is not a menu from which each of us may select items à la carte, according to our own desires. Far from it. God's Holy Word is a book that must be taken in its entirety; all of God's commandments are to be taken seriously. And, so it is with forgiveness. So, if you hold bitterness against even a single person, forgive. Then, to the best of your abilities, forget. It's God's way for you to live.
God expects us to forgive others as He has forgiven us; we are to follow His example by having a forgiving heart. - Vonette Bright, 100 Days of Prayer
Learning how to forgive and forget is one of the secrets of a happy Christian life. - Warren Wiersbe
What makes a Christian a Christian is not perfection but forgiveness. - Max Lucado
I believe that forgiveness can become a continuing cycle: because God forgives us, we're to forgive others; because we forgive others, God forgives us. Scripture presents both parts of the cycle. - Shirley Dobson
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, genuine forgiveness is difficult. Help me to forgive those who have injured me, and deliver me from the traps of anger and bitterness. Forgiveness is Your way, Lord; let it be mine. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Neighbors in Need
Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people
around us, asking ourselves, "How can I help?"
That's exactly what Jesus did. —
Romans 15:2-3 MSG
Neighbors. We know that we are instructed to love them, and yet there's so little time . . .and we're so busy. No matter. As Christians, we are commanded by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to love our neighbors just as we love ourselves. Period.
This very day, you will encounter someone who needs a word of encouragement or a pat on the back or a helping hand or a heartfelt prayer. And, if you don't reach out to your friend, who will? If you don't take the time to understand the needs of your neighbors, who will? If you don't love your brothers and sisters, who will? So, today, look for a neighbor in need . . . and then do something to help. Father's orders.
Encouraging others means helping people, looking for the best in them, and trying to bring out their positive qualities. - John Maxwell, 100 Days of Prayer
The truest help we can render an afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to call out his best energy, that he may be able to bear the burden himself. - Phillips Brooks
Make it a rule, and pray to God to help you to keep it, never, if possible, to lie down at night without being able to say: "I have made one human being at least a little wiser, or a little happier, or at least a little better this day." - Charles Kingsley
Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can. - John Wesley
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me be a Good Samaritan to the people You place along my path, today and every day. Amen
:angel:
October 17, 2011 Daily New Life
Your Real Riches
He said, "I came naked from my mother's womb,
and I will be stripped of everything when I die.
The LORD gave me everything I had, and the LORD has taken
it away. Praise the name of the LORD!"
Job 1:21 NLT
Earthly riches are transitory; spiritual riches are not. Martin Luther observed, "Many things I have tried to grasp and have lost. That which I have placed in God's hands I still have." How true.
In our demanding world, financial security can be a good thing, but spiritual prosperity is profoundly more important. Certainly we all need the basic necessities of life, but once we've acquired those necessities, enough is enough. Why? Because our real riches are not of this world. We are never really rich until we are rich in spirit.
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose. - Jim Elliot, 100 Days of Prayer
Wealth is something entrusted to us by God, something God doesn't want us to trust. He wants us to trust Him. - Warren Wiersbe
When possessions become our god, we become materialistic and greedy . . . and we forfeit our contentment and our joy. - Charles Swindoll
What we possess often possesses us—we are possessed by possessions. - Oswald Chambers
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, all I have belongs to You. When I leave this world I take nothing with me. Help me to value my relationship with You—and my relationships with others— more than I value my material possessions. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Real Repentance
I preached that they should repent and turn to God
and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Acts 26:20 NIV
Who among us has sinned? All of us. But the good news is this: When we do ask God's forgiveness and turn our hearts to Him, He forgives us absolutely and completely.
Genuine repentance requires more than simply offering God apologies for our misdeeds. Real repentance may start with feelings of sorrow and remorse, but it ends only when we turn away from the sin that has heretofore distanced us from our Creator. In truth, we offer our most meaningful apologies to God, not with our words, but with our actions. As long as we are still engaged in sin, we may be "repenting," but we have not fully "repented." So, if there is an aspect of your life that is distancing you from your God, ask for His forgiveness, and— just as importantly—stop sinning. Now.
Repentance is the first conscious movement of the soul away from sin and toward God. - Sam Jones, 100 Days of Prayer
Repentance involves a radical change of heart and mind in which we agree with God's evaluation of our sin and then take specific action to align ourselves with His will. - Henry Blackaby
True repentance is admitting that what God says is true, and that because it is true, we change our minds about our sins and about the Savior. - Warren Wiersbe
Repentance becomes a way of life, a lifelong process of turning towards the Holy One, that happens one day at a time. - Trevor Hudson
Today's Prayer
When I stray from Your commandments, Lord, I must not only confess my sins, I must also turn from them. When I fall short, help me to change. Forgive my sins, Dear Lord, and help me live according to Your plan for my life. Your plan is perfect, Father; I am not. Let me trust in You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Conquering Everyday Frustrations
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissention,
but a patient man calms a quarrel.
Proverbs 15:18 NIV
Life is full of frustrations: some great and some small. On occasion, you, like Jesus, will confront evil, and when you do, you may respond as He did: vigorously and without reservation. But, more often your frustrations will be of the more mundane variety. As long as you live here on earth, you will face countless opportunities to lose your temper over small, relatively insignificant events: a traffic jam, a spilled cup of coffee, an inconsiderate comment, a broken promise. When you are tempted to lose your temper over the minor inconveniences of life, don't. Turn away from anger, hatred, bitterness, and regret. Turn instead to God. When you do, you'll be following His commandments and giving yourself a priceless gift . . . the gift of peace.
Frustration is not the will of God. There is time to do anything and everything that God wants us to do. - Elisabeth Elliot, 100 Days of Prayer
Anger is the noise of the soul; the unseen irritant of the heart; the relentless invader of silence. - Max Lucado
We must lay our questions, frustrations, anxieties, and impotence at the feet of God and wait for His answer. And then receiving it, we must live by faith. - Kay Arthur
Take no action in a furious passion. It's putting to sea in a storm. - Thomas Fuller
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I am angry, I cannot feel the peace that You intend for my life. When I am bitter, I cannot sense Your love. Heavenly Father, keep me mindful that forgiveness is Your commandment and Your will for my life. Let me turn away from anger and instead claim the spiritual abundance that You offer through the priceless gift of Your Son Jesus. Amen
:angel:
God's Timetable
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand,
that he may lift you up in due time.
1 Peter 5:6 NIV
Sometimes, the hardest thing to do is to wait. This is especially true when we're in a hurry and when we want things to happen now, if not sooner! But God's plan does not always happen in the way that we would like or at the time of our own choosing. Our task—as believing Christians who trust in a benevolent, all knowing Father—is to wait patiently for God to reveal Himself.
We human beings are, by nature, impatient. We know what we want, and we know exactly when we want it: RIGHT NOW! But, God knows better. He has created a world that unfolds according to His own timetable, not ours . . . thank goodness!
Waiting on God brings us to the journey's end quicker than our feet. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, 100 Days of Prayer
Will not the Lord's time be better than your time? - C. H. Spurgeon
God is not hurried along in the Time-stream of this universe any more than an author is hurried along in the imaginary time of his own novel. He has infinite attention to spare for each one of us. He does not have to deal with us in the mass. You are as much alone with Him as if you were the only being He had ever created. When Christ died, He died for you individually just as much as if you have been the only man in the world. - C. S. Lewis
God is in no hurry. Compared to the works of mankind, He is extremely deliberate. God is not a slave to the human clock. - Charles Swindoll
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, Your timing is always right for me. You have a plan for my life that is grander than I can imagine. When I am impatient, remind me that You are never early or late. You are always on time, Father, so let me trust in You . . . always. Amen
:angel:
October 21, 2011 Daily New Life
Roadmap for Life
Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 30:5 NIV
God's Word is a roadmap for life here on earth and for life eternal. As Christians, we are called upon to study God's Holy Word, to trust its promises, to follow its commandments, and to share its Good News with the world. As believers, we must study the Bible and meditate upon its meaning for our lives. Otherwise, we deprive ourselves of a priceless gift from our Creator. God's Holy Word is, indeed, a transforming, life-changing, one-of-a-kind treasure. And, a passing acquaintance with the Good Book is insufficient for Christians who seek to obey God's Word and to understand His will. After all, neither man nor woman should live by bread alone . . .
Walking in faith brings you to the Word of God. There you will be healed, cleansed, fed, nurtured, equipped, and matured. - Kay Arthur, 100 Days of Prayer
God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking His words and causing the power of them to persist across the years. - A. W. Tozer
The only way we can understand the Bible is by personal contact with the Living Word. - Oswald Chambers
There is no way to draw closer to God unless you are in the Word of God every day. It's your compass. Your guide. You can't get where you need to go without it. - Stormie Omartian
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, Your Holy Word is a light unto my path. In all that I do, help me be a worthy witness for You as I share the Good News of Your perfect Son and Your perfect Word. Amen
:angel:
Actions That Reflect Our Beliefs
If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong.
Romans 14:23 MSG
Are you the kind of practical Christian who is willing to dig in and do what needs to be done when it needs to be done? If so, congratulations: God acknowledges your service and blesses it. But if you find yourself more interested in the fine points of theology than in the needs of your neighbors, it's time to rearrange your priorities.
As Christians, we must do our best to ensure that our actions are accurate reflections of our beliefs. Our theology must be demonstrated, not only by our words but, more importantly, by our actions. In short, we should be practical believers, quick to act whenever we see an opportunity to serve God.
God needs believers who are willing to roll up their sleeves and go to work for Him. Count yourself among that number. Theology is a good thing unless it interferes with God's work. And it's up to you to make certain that your theology doesn't.
Do noble things, do not dream them all day long. - Charles Kingsley, 100 Days of Prayer
Although our actions have nothing to do with gaining our own salvation, they might be used by God to save somebody else! What we do really matters, and it can affect the eternities of people we care about. - Bill Hybels
Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen. - Peter Marshall
It is by acts and not by ideas that people live. - Harry Emerson Fosdick
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, I believe in You, and I believe in Your Word. Help me to live in such a way that my actions validate my beliefs—and let the glory be Yours forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Right Kind of Behavior
By this we know that we have come to know Him,
if we keep His commandments.
1 John 2:3 NASB
When we behave ourselves as godly men, we honor God. When we live righteously and according to God's commandments, He blesses us in ways that we cannot fully understand. When we seek righteousness in our own lives—and when we seek the companionship of those who do likewise—we reap the spiritual rewards that God intends for us to enjoy.
Today, as you fulfill your responsibilities, hold fast to that which is good, and associate yourself with believers who behave themselves in like fashion. When you do, your good works will serve as a powerful example for others and as a worthy offering to your Creator.
A pure theology and a loose morality will never mix. - C. H. Spurgeon, 100 Days of Prayer
Christians are the citizens of heaven, and while we are on earth, we ought to behave like heaven's citizens. - Warren Wiersbe
Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every man were such as you, and every life a life like yours, this earth would be God's Paradise. - Phillips Brooks
We should live in light of being called out of this world at any time into the presence of God, where we will receive our eternal reward. - John MacArthur
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, this world has countless temptations, distractions, interruptions, and frustrations. When I allow my focus to drift away from You and Your Word, I suffer. But, when I turn my thoughts and my prayers to You, Heavenly Father, You guide my path. Let me discover the right thing to do— and let me do it—this day and every day that I live. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
His Rule, Your Rule
Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb for behavior:
Ask yourself what you want people to do for you,
then grab the initiative and do it for them.
Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
Matthew 7:12 MSG
Is the Golden Rule your rule? Hopefully so. After all, Jesus instructs you to treat other people in the same way that you want to be treated. But sometimes, especially when you're feeling the pressures of everyday living, obeying the Golden Rule can seem like an impossible task—but it's not.
Would you like to make the world a better place? If so, you can start by practicing the Golden Rule. If you want to know how to treat other people, ask the person you see every time you look into the mirror. The answer you receive will tell you exactly what to do.
To keep the Golden Rule we must put ourselves in other people's places, but to do that consists in and depends upon picturing ourselves in their places. - Harry Emerson Fosdick, 100 Days of Prayer
It is my calling to treat every human being with grace and dignity, to treat every person, whether encountered in a palace or a gas station, as a life made in the image of God. - Sheila Walsh
It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no one can sincerely try to help another without helping herself. - Barbara Johnson
It is wrong for anyone to be anxious to receive more from his neighbor than he himself is willing to give to God. - St. Francis of Assisi
Today's Prayer
Lord, I thank You for friends and family members who practice the Golden Rule. Because I expect to be treated with kindness, let me be kind. Because I wish to be loved, let me be loving. In all things, Lord, let me live by the Golden Rule, and let me express my gratitude to those who offer kindness to me. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Enthusiasm for Christ
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready
to receive the gift that's coming when Jesus arrives.
Don't lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil,
doing just what you feel like doing. You didn't know
any better then; you do now. As obedient children,
let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life,
a life energetic and blazing with holiness.
1 Peter 1:13-15 MSG
When we fan the flames of enthusiasm for Christ, our faith serves as a beacon to others. John Wesley advised, "Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn." His words still ring true.
Our world desperately needs faithful believers who share the Good News of Jesus with joyful exuberance. Be such a believer. The world desperately needs your enthusiasm—now!
Enthusiasm, like the flu, is contagious—we get it from one another. - Barbara Johnson, 100 Days of Prayer
We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about. - Charles Kingsley
One of the great needs in the church today is for every Christian to become enthusiastic about his faith in Jesus Christ. - Billy Graham
Diligence applies to whatever you do in your Christian life. Anything done in the Lord's service is worth doing with enthusiasm and care. - John MacArthur
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let me be an enthusiastic participant in life. And let my enthusiasm bring honor and glory to You. Amen
Daily New Life
Outgrowing Bad Habits
Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits."
1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV
It's an old saying and a true one: First, you make your habits, and then your habits make you. Some habits will inevitably bring you closer to God; other habits will lead you away from the path He has chosen for you. If you sincerely desire to improve your spiritual health, you must honestly examine the habits that make up the fabric of your day. And you must abandon those habits that are displeasing to God.
If you trust God, and if you keep asking for His help, He can transform your life. If you sincerely ask Him to help you, the same God who created the universe will help you defeat the harmful habits that have heretofore defeated you. So, if at first you don't succeed, keep praying. God is listening, and He's ready to help you become a better person if you ask Him . . . so ask today.
You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. - John Maxwell, 100 Days of Prayer
Since behaviors become habits, make them work with you and not against you. - E. Stanley Jones
Just as iron, even without willing it, is drawn by a magnet, so is a slave to bad habits dragged about by them. - John Climacus
Do nothing that you would not like to be doing when Jesus comes. Go no place where you would not like to be found when He returns. - Corrie ten Boom
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, help me break bad habits and form good ones. And let me make a habit of sharing the things that I own and the love that I feel in my heart. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
He Overcomes
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.
In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer,
I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 NKJV
There are few sadder sights on earth than the sight of a person who has lost all hope. In difficult times, hope can be elusive, but Christians need never lose it. After all, God is good; His love endures; He has promised His children the gift of eternal life.
If you find yourself falling into the spiritual traps of worry and discouragement, consider the words of Jesus. It was Christ who promised, "I have overcome the world." This world is indeed a place of trials and tribulations, but as believers, we are secure. God has promised us peace, joy, and eternal life. And, of course, God always keeps His promises.
When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God. - Charles Allen, 100 Days of Prayer
Without the certainty of His resurrection, we would come to the end of this life without hope, with nothing to anticipate except despair and doubt. But because He lives, we rejoice, knowing soon we will meet our Savior face to face, and the troubles and trials of this world will be behind us. - Bill Bright
The Lord Himself has laid the foundation of His people's hopes. We must determine if our hopes are built on this foundation. - C. H. Spurgeon
Hope can give us life. It can provide energy that would otherwise do us in completely if we tried to operate in our own strength. - Barbara Johnson
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let my hopes always reside in You. If I become discouraged, let me turn to You. If I grow tired, let me find strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my faith, my trust, and my hopes in You. Amen
:angel:
The Temptation to Judge
When they continued to ask Jesus their question,
he raised up and said, "Anyone here who has never sinned
can throw the first stone at her."
John 8:7 NCV
The warning of Matthew 7:1 is clear: "Judge not, that ye be not judged" (KJV). Yet even the most devoted Christians may fall prey to a powerful yet subtle temptation: the temptation to judge others. But as obedient followers of Christ, we are commanded to refrain from such behavior.
As Jesus came upon a young woman who had been condemned by the Pharisees, He spoke not only to the crowd that was gathered there, but also to all generations when He warned, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her" ( John 8:7 KJV). Christ's message is clear, and it applies not only to the Pharisees of ancient times, but also to us.
Forget the faults of others by remembering your own. - John Bunyan, 100 Days of Prayer
Only Christ can free us from the prison of legalism, and then only if we are willing to be freed. - Madeleine L'Engle
Judging draws the judgment of others. - Catherine Marshall
Being critical of others, including God, is one way we try to avoid facing and judging our own sins. - Warren Wiersbe
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, sometimes I am quick to judge others. But, You have commanded me not to judge. Keep me mindful, Father, that when I judge others, I am living outside of Your will for my life. You have forgiven me, Lord. Let me forgive others, let me love them, and let me help them . . . without judging them. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The World . . . and You
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world,
but let God transform you into a new person
by changing the way you think.
Romans 12:2 NLT
We live in the world, but we must not worship it. Our duty is to place God first and everything else second. But because we are fallible beings with imperfect faith, placing God in His rightful place is often difficult. In fact, at every turn, or so it seems, we are tempted to do otherwise.
The 21st-century world is a noisy, distracting place filled with countless opportunities to stray from God's will. The world seems to cry, "Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, and your thoughts!" But God commands otherwise: He commands us to worship Him and Him alone; everything else must be secondary.
The only ultimate disaster that can befall us, I have come to realize, is to feel ourselves to be home on earth. - Max Lucado, 100 Days of Prayer
Because the world is deceptive, it is dangerous. The world can even deceive God's own people and lead them into trouble. - Warren Wiersbe
Our fight is not against any physical enemy; it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We must struggle against sin all our lives, but we are assured we will win. - Corrie ten Boom
A fish would never be happy living on land, because it was made for water. An eagle could never feel satisfied if it wasn't allowed to fly. You will never feel completely satisfied on earth, because you were made for more. - Rick Warren
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I am an imperfect human being living in an imperfect world. Direct my path far from the temptations and distractions of this world, and let me follow in the footsteps of Your Son today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Using God's Gifts
God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you.
1 Peter 4:10 NLT
All men possess special gifts—bestowed from the Father above—and you are no exception. But, your gift is no guarantee of success; it must be cultivated and nurtured; otherwise, it will go unused . . . and God's gift to you will be squandered.
Today, make a promise to yourself that you will earnestly seek to discover the talents that God has given you. Then, nourish those talents and make them grow. Finally, vow to share your gifts with the world for as long as God gives you the power to do so. After all, the best way to say "Thank You" for God's gifts is to use them.
When God crowns our merits, he is crowning nothing other than his gifts. - St. Augustine, 100 Days of Prayer
God is still in the process of dispensing gifts, and He uses ordinary individuals like us to develop those gifts in other people. - Howard Hendricks
Almighty God created us, redeemed us, called us, endowed us with gifts and abilities and perceptions. To demean the gift is to insult the Giver. - Penelope Stokes
There's a unique sense of fulfillment that comes when we submit our gifts to God's use and ask him to energize them in a supernatural way—and then step back to watch what he does. It can be the difference between merely existing in black and white and living a life in full, brilliant color. - Lee Strobel
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let me use my gifts, and let me help others discover theirs. Your gifts are priceless and eternal. May we, Your children, use them to the glory of Your kingdom, today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
You Are Blessed
I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill.
I will send down showers in season;
there will be showers of blessings.
Ezekiel 34:26 NIV
If you sat down and began counting your blessings, how long would it take? A very, very long time! Your blessings include life, freedom, family, friends, talents, and possessions, for starters. But, your greatest blessing—a gift that is yours for the asking—is God's gift of salvation through Christ Jesus. Today, begin making a list of your blessings. You most certainly will not be able to make a complete list, but take a few moments and jot down as many blessings as you can. Then give thanks to the giver of all good things: God. His love for you is eternal, as are His gifts. And it's never too soon—or too late—to offer Him thanks.
God wants his people to earnestly seek his will and to pray for it, and thus to become agents of the blessing God brings. - James Montgomery Boice, 100 Days of Prayer
You cannot persevere unless there is a trial in your life. There can be no victories without battles; there can be no peaks without valleys. If you want the blessing, you must be prepared to carry the burden and fight the battle. God has to balance privileges with responsibilities, blessings with burdens, or else you and I will become spoiled, pampered children. - Warren Wiersbe
When God blesses us, He expects us to use those blessings to bless the lives of others. - Jim Gallery
Think of the blessings we so easily take for granted: Life itself; preservation from danger; every bit of health we enjoy; every hour of liberty; the ability to see, to hear, to speak, to think, and to imagine all this comes from the hand of God. - Billy Graham
Today's Prayer
Lord, I have more blessings than I can possibly count; make me mindful of Your precious gifts. You have cared for me, Lord, and You have saved me. I will give thanks and praise You always. Today, let me share Your blessings with others, just as You first shared them with me. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Cheerfulness 101
A miserable heart means a miserable life;
a cheerful heart fills the day with a song.
Proverbs 15:15 MSG
Christ promises us lives of abundance and joy, but He does not force His joy upon us. We must claim His joy for ourselves, and when we do, Jesus, in turn, fills our spirits with His power and His love. Few things in life are more sad, or, for that matter, more absurd, than a grumpy Christian. How can we receive from Christ the joy that is rightfully ours? By giving Him what is rightfully His: our hearts and our souls.
When we earnestly commit ourselves to the Savior of mankind, when we place Jesus at the center of our lives and trust Him as our personal Savior, He will transform us, not just for today, but for all eternity. Then we, as God's children, can share Christ's joy and His message with a world that needs both.
Christ can put a spring in your step and a thrill in your heart. Optimism and cheerfulness are products of knowing Christ. - Billy Graham, 100 Days of Prayer
It is not fitting, when one is in God's service, to have a gloomy face or a chilling look. - St. Francis of Assisi
When I think of God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes leap and dance as they leave my pen; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, I serve him with a cheerful spirit. - Franz Joseph Haydn
We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way. - Gloria Gaither
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You have given me so many reasons to be happy, and I want to be a cheerful Christian. Today and every day, I will do my best to share my happiness with my family and my friends. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Let God Decide
A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NKJV
The world will often lead you astray, but God will not. His counsel leads you to Himself, which, of course, is the path He has always intended for you to take. Are you facing a difficult decision, a troubling circumstance, or a powerful temptation? If so, it's time to step back, to stop focusing on the world, and to focus, instead, on the will of your Father in heaven.
Everyday living is an exercise in decision-making. Today and every day you must make choices: choices about what you will do, what you will worship, and how you will think. When in doubt, make choices that you sincerely believe will bring you to a closer relationship with God. And if you're uncertain of your next step, pray about it. When you do, answers will come—the right answers for you.
God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him. - Jim Elliot, 100 Days of Prayer
There is no need to fear the decisions of life when you know Jesus Christ, for His name is Counselor. - Warren Wiersbe
As we trust God to give us wisdom for today's decisions, He will lead us a step at a time into what He wants us to be doing in the future. - Theodore Epp
I don't doubt that the Holy Spirit guides your decisions from within when you make them with the intention of pleasing God. The error would be to think that He speaks only within, whereas in reality He speaks also through Scripture, the Church, Christian friends, and books. - C. S. Lewis
Today's Prayer
Lord, help me to make decisions that are pleasing to You. Help me to be honest, patient, thoughtful, and obedient. And above all, help me to follow the teachings of Jesus, not just today, but every day. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Remedy for Uncertainty
He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"
Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves,
and it was completely calm.
Matthew 8:26 NIV
Sometimes, like Jesus' disciples, we feel threatened by the storms of life. During these moments, when our hearts are flooded with uncertainty, we must remember that God is not simply near; He is here.
Have you ever felt your faith in God slipping away? If so, you are in good company. Even the most faithful Christians are, at times, beset by occasional bouts of discouragement and doubt. But even when you feel far removed from God, God never leaves your side. He is always with you, always willing to calm the storms of life. When you sincerely seek His presence—and when you genuinely seek to establish a deeper, more meaningful relationship with His Son—God will calm your fears, answer your prayers, and restore your soul.
We basically have two choices to make in dealing with the mysteries of God. We can wrestle with Him or we can rest in Him. - Calvin Miller, 100 Days of Prayer
Fear and doubt are conquered by a faith that rejoices. And faith can rejoice because the promises of God are as certain as God Himself. - Kay Arthur
There is a difference between doubt and unbelief. Doubt is a matter of mind: we cannot understand what God is doing or why He is doing it. Unbelief is a matter of will: we refuse to believe God's Word and obey what He tells us to do. - Warren Wiersbe
Mark it down. God never turns away the honest seeker. Go to God with your questions. You may not find all the answers, but in finding God, you know the One who does. - Max Lucado
Today's Prayer
Dear God, sometimes this world can be a puzzling place, filled with uncertainty and doubt. When I am unsure of my next step, keep me mindful that You are always near and that You can overcome any challenge. With Your love and Your power, Father, I can live courageously and faithfully, today and every day. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Thanksgiving Yes . . . Envy No!
Stop your anger! Turn from your rage!
Do not envy others—it only leads to harm.
Psalm 37:8 NLT
As the recipient of God's grace, you have every reason to celebrate life. After all, God has promised you the opportunity to receive His abundance and His joy—in fact, you have the opportunity to receive those gifts right now. But if you allow envy to gnaw away at the fabric of your soul, you'll find that joy remains elusive. So do yourself an enormous favor: Rather than succumbing to the sin of envy, focus on the marvelous things that God has done for you—starting with Christ's sacrifice. Thank the Giver of all good gifts, and keep thanking Him for the wonders of His love and the miracles of His creation. Count your own blessings and let your neighbors count theirs. It's the godly way to live.
As a moth gnaws a garment, so does envy consume a man. - St. John Chrysostom, 100 Days of Prayer
How can you possess the miseries of envy when you possess in Christ the best of all portions? - C. H. Spurgeon
When you worry about what you don't have, you won't be able to enjoy what you do have. - Charles Swindoll
Too many Christians envy the sinners their pleasure and the saints their joy because they don't have either one. - Martin Luther
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, deliver me from the needless pain of envy. You have given me countless blessings. Let me be thankful for the gifts I have received, and let me never be resentful of the gifts You have given others. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Walking in His Footsteps
I've laid down a pattern for you. What I've done, you do.
John 13:15 MSG
As citizens of a fast-changing world, we face challenges that sometimes leave us feeling overworked, overcommitted, and overwhelmed. But God has different plans for us. He intends that we slow down long enough to praise Him and to glorify His Son.
Each day, we are confronted with countless opportunities to serve God and to follow in the footsteps of His Son. When we do, our Heavenly Father guides our steps and blesses our endeavors. He lifts our spirits and enriches our lives.
Today provides a glorious opportunity to place yourself in the service of the One who is the Giver of all blessings. May you seek His will, may you trust His Word, and may you walk in the footsteps of His Son.
WWJD = Walking With Jesus Daily. - Anonymous, 100 Days of Prayer
Christ is to be sought and bought with any pains, at any price; we cannot buy this gold too dear. He is a jewel worth more than a thousand worlds. Get him, and get all; miss him and miss all. - Thomas Brooks
To walk out of His will is to walk into nowhere. - C. S. Lewis
Imagine the spiritual strength the disciples drew from walking hundreds of miles with Jesus . . . (3 John 4). - Jim Maxwell
Today's Prayer
Dear Jesus, because I am Your disciple, I will trust You, I will obey Your teachings, and I will share Your Good News. You have given me life abundant and life eternal, and I will follow You today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
In His Hands
Don't brashly announce what you're going to do tomorrow;
you don't know the first thing about tomorrow.
Proverbs 27:1 MSG
Our world unfolds according to God's plans, not our wishes. Thus, boasting about future events is to be avoided by those who acknowledge God's sovereignty over all things. The old saying is both familiar and true: "Man proposes and God disposes."
Are you planning for a better tomorrow for yourself and your family? If so, you are to be congratulated: God rewards forethought in the same way that He often punishes impulsiveness. But as you make your plans, do so with humility, with gratitude, and with trust in your Heavenly Father. His hand directs the future; to think otherwise is both arrogant and naïve.
Our future may look fearfully intimidating, yet we can look up to the Engineer of the Universe, confident that nothing escapes His attention or slips out of the control of those strong hands. - Elisabeth Elliot, 100 Days of Prayer
Hoping for a good future without investing in today is like a farmer waiting for a crop without ever planting any seed. - John Maxwell
Tomorrow's history has already been written—at the name of Jesus every knee must bow. - Paul E. Kauffman
That we may not complain of what is, let us see God's hand in all events; and, that we may not be afraid of what shall be, let us see all events in God's hand. - Matthew Henry
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, as I look to the future, I will place my trust in You. If I become discouraged, I will turn to You. If I am weak, I will seek strength in You. You are my Father, and I will place my hope, my trust, and my faith in You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Obey and Be Blessed
By this we know that we have come to know Him,
if we keep His commandments.
1 John 2:3 NASB
Oswald Chambers, the author of the Christian classic devotional text, My Utmost for His Highest, advised, "Never support an experience which does not have God as its source, and faith in God as its result." These words serve as a powerful reminder that, as Christians, we are called to walk with God and obey His commandments. God gave us His commandments for a reason: so that we might obey them and be blessed.
We live in a world that presents us with countless temptations to stray far from God's path. But, when confronted with sin, we Christians have clear instructions: Walk—or better yet run— in the opposite direction.
To yield to God means to belong to God, and to belong to God means to have all His infinite power. To belong to God means to have all. - Hannah Whitall Smith, 100 Days of Prayer
Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ. - A. W. Tozer
Let us remember therefore this lesson: That to worship our God sincerely we must evermore begin by hearkening to His voice, and by giving ear to what He commands us. For if every man goes after his own way, we shall wander. We may well run, but we shall never be a whit nearer to the right way, but rather farther away from it. - John Calvin
God wants man to fulfill His commands as a human being and with the quality peculiar to human beings. - Martin Buber
Today's Prayer
Lord, let me live by Your commandments and let me help others do the same. Give me the wisdom to walk righteously in the footsteps of Your Son, Dear Father. And let me place my trust in You, today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Love of Money
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil,
and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith
and pierced themselves with many griefs.
1 Timothy 6:10 NASB
Our society is in love with money and the things that money can buy. God is not. God cares about people, not possessions, and so must we. We must, to the best of our abilities, love our neighbors as ourselves, and we must, to the best of our abilities, resist the mighty temptation to place possessions ahead of people.
Money, in and of itself, is not evil; worshipping money is. So today, as you prioritize matters of importance for you and yours, remember that God is almighty, but the dollar is not. If we worship God, we are blessed. But if we worship "the almighty dollar," we are inevitably punished because of our misplaced priorities—and our punishment inevitably comes sooner rather than later.
God is looking over the entire earth for men who have the proper attitude toward money and who will use it according to His direction and not according to their own interests. - Larry Burkett, 100 Days of Prayer
If the glories of heaven were more real to us, if we lived less for material things and more for things eternal and spiritual, we would be less easily disturbed in this present life. - Billy Graham
Christians have become victims of one of the most devious plots Satan ever created—the concept that money belongs to us and not to God. - Larry Burkett
Greed is enslaving. The more you have, the more you want— until eventually avarice consumes you. - Kay Arthur
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I will earn money and I will use money, but I will not worship money. Give me the wisdom and the discipline to be a responsible steward of my financial resources, and let me use those resources for the glory of Your kingdom. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
He Offers Peace
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
John 14:27 NASB
The beautiful words of John 14:27 remind us that Jesus offers us peace, not as the world gives, but as He alone gives. Have you found the genuine peace that can be yours through Jesus Christ? Or are you still rushing after the illusion of "peace and happiness" that the world promises but cannot deliver?
Today, as a gift to yourself, to your family, and to your friends, claim the inner peace that is your spiritual birthright: the peace of Jesus Christ. It is offered freely; it has been paid for in full; it is yours for the asking. So ask. And then share.
Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. - Catherine Marshall, 100 Days of Prayer
Christ alone can bring lasting peace—peace with God—peace among men and nations—and peace within our hearts. - Billy Graham
God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. - C. S. Lewis
God's peace is like a river, not a pond. In other words, a sense of health and well-being, both of which are expressions of the Hebrew shalom, can permeate our homes even when we're in white-water rapids. - Beth Moore
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I will open my heart to You. And I thank You, God, for Your love, for Your peace, and for Your Son. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Constant Praise
Through Him then, let us continually offer up
a sacrifice of praise to God, that is,
the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.
Hebrews 13:15 NASB
Sometimes, we allow ourselves to become so preoccupied with the demands of daily life that we forget to say "Thank You" to the Giver of all good gifts. But the Bible makes it clear: it pays to praise God.
Worship and praise should be a part of everything we do. Otherwise, we quickly lose perspective as we fall prey to the demands of the moment.
Do you sincerely desire to be a worthy servant of the One who has given you eternal love and eternal life? Then praise Him for who He is and for what He has done for you. Praise Him all day long, every day, for as long as you live . . . and then for all eternity.
Maintaining a focus on God will take our praise to heights that nothing else can. - Jeff Walling, 100 Days of Prayer
Worship is an act which develops feelings for God, not a feeling for God which is expressed in an act of worship. When we obey the command to praise God in worship, our deep, essential need to be in relationship with God is nurtured. - Eugene Peterson
Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God; all the danger is of saying too little. - Matthew Henry
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. - Thomas Ken
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come to You today with hope in my heart and praise on my lips. I place my trust in You, dear Lord, knowing that with You as my Protector, I have nothing to fear. I thank You, Lord, for Your grace, for Your love, and for Your Son. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Shepherd's Gift
My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:5-6 NKJV
When we entrust our hearts and our days to the One who created us, we experience abundance through the grace and sacrifice of His Son. But, when we turn our thoughts and direct our energies away from God's commandments, we inevitably forfeit the spiritual abundance that might otherwise be ours.
Do you sincerely seek the riches that our Savior offers to those who give themselves to Him? Then follow Him completely and obey Him without reservation. When you do, you will receive the love and the abundance that He has promised. Seek first the salvation that is available through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and then claim the joy, the peace, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.
Jesus wants Life for us, Life with a capital L. - John Eldredge, 100 Days of Prayer
God is the giver, and we are the receivers. And His richest gifts are bestowed not upon those who do the greatest things, but upon those who accept His abundance and His grace. - Hannah Whitall Smith
Instead of living a black-and-white existence, we'll be released into a Technicolor world of vibrancy and emotion when we more accurately reflect His nature to the world around us. - Bill Hybels
People, places, and things were never meant to give us life. God alone is the author of a fulfilling life. - Gary Smalley & John Trent
Today's Prayer
Good Shepherd, thank You for the abundant life that is mine through Christ Jesus. Guide me according to Your will, and help me to be a worthy servant in all that I say and do. Give me courage, Lord, to claim the rewards You have promised, and when I do, let the glory be Yours. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
He Renews Our Strength
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God,
the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become
weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives
strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases
power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young
men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD will gain
new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will
run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:28–31 NASB
When we genuinely lift our hearts and prayers to God, He renews our strength. Are you almost too weary to lift your head? Then bow it. Offer your concerns and your fears to your Father in heaven. He is always at your side, offering His love and His strength.
Are you troubled or anxious? Take your anxieties to God in prayer. Are you weak or worried? Delve deeply into God's Holy Word and sense His presence in the quiet moments of the day. Are you spiritually exhausted? Call upon fellow believers to support you, and call upon Christ to renew your spirit and your life. Your Savior will never let you down. To the contrary, He will always lift you up if you ask Him to. So what, dear friend, are you waiting for? (100 Days of Prayer)
God is not running an antique shop! He is making all things new! - Vance Havner
God specializes in taking bruised, soiled, broken, guilty, and miserable vessels and making them whole, forgiven, and useful again. - Charles Swindoll
The amazing thing about Jesus is that He doesn't just patch up our lives, He gives us a brand new sheet, a clean slate to start over, all new. - Gloria Gaither
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, sometimes I am troubled, and sometimes I grow weary. When I am weak, Lord, give me strength. When I am discouraged, renew me. When I am fearful, let me feel Your healing touch. Let me always trust in Your promises, Lord, and let me draw strength from those promises and from Your unending love. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Sharing the Good News
Christ did not send me to baptize people but to preach
the Good News. And he sent me to preach the Good News
without using words of human wisdom so that
the cross of Christ would not lose its power.
1 Corinthians 1:17 NCV
In his second letter to Timothy, Paul offers a message to believers of every generation when he writes, "God has not given us a spirit of timidity" (1:7 NASB). Paul's meaning is crystal clear: When sharing our testimonies, we, as Christians, must be courageous, forthright, and unashamed.
We live in a world that desperately needs the healing message of Christ Jesus. Every believer, each in his or her own way, bears a personal responsibility for sharing that message. If you are a believer in Christ, you know how He has touched your heart and changed your life. Now it's your turn to share the Good News with others. And remember: today is the perfect time to share your testimony because tomorrow may quite simply be too late.
There is nothing anybody else can do that can stop God from using us. We can turn everything into a testimony. - Corrie ten Boom, 100 Days of Prayer
To stand in an uncaring world and say, "See, here is the Christ" is a daring act of courage. - Calvin Miller
All of God's people are ministers; a few are Ministers with a capital M. We are either good ministers or bad ministers; but ministers we are, and as ministers we shall be judged by the Lord on the Last Day. - Warren Wiersbe
What are God's servants but His minstrels, who must inspire the hearts of men and stir them to spiritual joy! - St. Francis of Assisi
Today's Prayer
Lord, the life that I live and the words that I speak will tell the world how I feel about You. Today and every day, let my testimony be worthy of You. Let my words be sure and true, and let my actions point others to You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Temporary Setbacks
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance . . . .
Ecclesiastes 3:4 KJV
The occasional disappointments and failures of life are inevitable. Such setbacks are simply the price that we must occasionally pay for our willingness to take risks as we follow our dreams. But even when we encounter bitter disappointments, we must never lose faith.
When we encounter the inevitable difficulties of life-here on- earth, God stands ready to protect us. Our responsibility, of course, is to ask Him for protection. When we call upon Him in heartfelt prayer, He will answer—in His own time and according to His own plan—and He will heal us. And, while we are waiting for God's plans to unfold and for His healing touch to restore us, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Creator can overcome any obstacle, even if we cannot.
As long as a man keeps his faith in God and in himself nothing can permanently defeat him. - Wilferd Peterson, 100 Days of Prayer
The enemy of our souls loves to taunt us with past failures, wrongs, disappointments, disasters, and calamities. And if we let him continue doing this, our life becomes a long and dark tunnel, with very little light at the end. - Charles Swindoll
God is a specialist; He is well able to work our failures into His plans. Often the doorway to success is entered through the hallway of failure. - Erwin Lutzer
God sometimes permits us to experience humiliating defeats in order to test our faith and to reveal to us what's really going on in our hearts. - Warren Wiersbe
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, even when I'm afraid of failure, give me the courage to try. Remind me that with You by my side, I really have nothing to fear. So today, Father, I will live courageously as I place my faith in You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
The Morning Watch
Every morning he wakes me. He teaches me to listen
like a student. The Lord God helps me learn . . . .
Isaiah 50:4-5 NCV
Each new day is a gift from God, and if you are wise, you will spend a few quiet moments each morning thanking the Giver.
Warren Wiersbe writes, "Surrender your mind to the Lord at the beginning of each day." And that's sound advice. When you begin each day with your head bowed and your heart lifted, you are reminded of God's love, His protection, and His commandments. Then, you can align your priorities for the coming day with the teachings and commandments that God has placed upon your heart.
So, if you've acquired the unfortunate habit of trying to "squeeze" God into the corners of your life, it's time to reshuffle the items on your to-do list by placing God first. And if you haven't already done so, form the habit of spending quality time with your Father in heaven. He deserves it . . . and so do you.
Every morning I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God; and so there's no room left for worry. - Howard Chandler Christy. 100 Days of Prayer
I suggest you discipline yourself to spend time daily in a systematic reading of God's Word. Make this "quiet time" a priority that nobody can change. - Warren Wiersbe
Knowing God involves an intimate, personal relationship that is developed over time through prayer and getting answers to prayer, through Bible study and applying its teaching to our lives, through obedience and experiencing the power of God, through moment-by-moment submission to Him that results in a moment-by-moment filling of the Holy Spirit. - Anne Graham Lotz
If thou may not continually gather thyself together, do it some time at least, once a day, morning or evening. - Thomas á Kempis
Today's Prayer
Lord, help me to hear Your direction for my life in the quiet moments of each day. Let everything that I say and do be in Your perfect will. Amen
:angel:
Wisdom in a Donut Shop
Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:10-11 NIV
Many years ago, this rhyme was posted on the wall of a small donut shop:
As you travel through life brother,
Whatever be your goal,
Keep your eye upon the donut,
And not upon the hole.
These simple words remind us of a profound truth: we should spend more time looking at the things we have, not worrying about the things we don't have. When you think about it, you've got more blessings than you can count. So make it a habit to thank God for the gifts He's given you, not the gifts you wish He'd given you. (100 Days of Prayer)
We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way. - Gloria Gaither
The people whom I have seen succeed best in life have always been cheerful and hopeful people who went about their business with a smile on their faces. - Charles Kingsley
Go forward confidently, energetically attacking problems, expecting favorable outcomes. - Norman Vincent Peale
No Christian can be a pessimist, for Christianity is a system of radical optimism. - William Ralph Inge
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I will look for the best in other people, I will expect the best from You, and I will try my best to do my best—today and every day. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Pleasing God
But neither exile nor homecoming is the main thing.
Cheerfully pleasing God is the main thing,
and that's what we aim to do, regardless of our conditions.
2 Corinthians 5:9 MSG
When God made you, He equipped you with an array of talents and abilities that are uniquely yours.
It's up to you to discover those talents and to use them, but sometimes the world will encourage you to do otherwise. At times, society will attempt to cubbyhole you, to standardize you, and to make you fit into a particular, preformed mold. Sometimes, because you're an imperfect human being, you may become so wrapped up in meeting society's expectations that you fail to focus on God's expectations. To do so is a mistake of major proportions—don't make it.
Who will you try to please today: God or man? Your primary obligation is not to please imperfect men and women. Your obligation is to strive diligently to meet the expectations of an all-knowing and perfect God. Trust Him always. Love Him always. Praise Him always. And seek to please Him. Always.
It is impossible to please God doing things motivated by and produced by the flesh. - Bill Bright, 100 Days of Prayer
Whether we think of, or speak to, God, whether we act or suffer for him, all is prayer when we have no other object than his love and the desire of pleasing him. - John Wesley
God is not hard to please. He does not expect us to be absolutely perfect. He just expects us to keep moving toward Him and believing in Him, letting Him work with us to bring us into conformity to His will and ways. - Joyce Meyer
All our offerings, whether music or martyrdom, are like the intrinsically worthless present of a child, which a father values indeed, but values only for the intention. - C. S. Lewis
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, today I will honor You with my thoughts, my actions, and my prayers. I will seek to please You, and I will strive to serve You. Your blessings are as limitless as Your love. And because I have been so richly blessed, I will worship You, Father, with thanksgiving in my heart and praise on my lips, this day and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
A God-Made Man
Respecting the Lord and not being proud
will bring you wealth, honor, and life.
Proverbs 22:4 NCV
We have heard the phrase on countless occasions: "He's a self-made man." In truth, none of us are self-made. We all owe countless debts that we can never repay. Our first debt, of course, is to our Father in heaven— Who has given us everything that we are and will ever be—and to His Son Who sacrificed His own life so that we might live eternally. We are also indebted to ancestors, parents, teachers, friends, spouses, family members, coworkers, fellow believers . . . and the list, of course, goes on.
Most of us, it seems, are more than willing to stick out our chests and say, "Look at me; I did that!" But in our better moments, in the quiet moments when we search the depths of our own hearts, we know better. Whatever "it" is, God did that. And He deserves the credit.
Humility expresses a genuine dependency on God and others. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
Jesus had a humble heart. If He abides in us, pride will never dominate our lives. - Billy Graham
Humility is an attitude. The Lord is high and lifted up, and we are supposed to take a position of lowliness. - Franklin Graham
If you know who you are in Christ, your personal ego is not an issue. - Beth Moore
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, Jesus clothed Himself with humility when He chose to leave heaven and come to earth to live and die for all creation. Christ is my Master and my example. Clothe me with humility, Lord, so that I might be more like Your Son. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
When People Behave Badly
Bad temper is contagious—don't get infected.
Proverbs 22:25 MSG
Face it: sometimes people can be rude . . . very rude. When other people are unkind to you, you may be tempted to strike back, either verbally or in some other way. Don't do it! Instead, remember that God corrects other people's behaviors in His own way, and He doesn't need your help (even if you're totally convinced that He does).
So, when other people behave cruelly, foolishly, or impulsively— as they will from time to time—don't be hotheaded. Instead, speak up for yourself as politely as you can, and walk away. Then, forgive everybody as quickly as you can, and leave the rest up to God.
Bear with the faults of others as you would have them bear with yours. - Phillips Brooks, 100 Days of Prayer
We are all fallen creatures and all very hard to live with. - C. S. Lewis
A keen sense of humor helps us to overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable. - Billy Graham
From what does such contrariness arise in habitually angry people, but from a secret cause of too high an opinion of themselves so that it pierces their hearts when they see any man esteem them less than they esteem themselves? An inflated estimation of ourselves is more than half the weight of our wrath. - St. Thomas More
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, sometimes people behave badly. When other people upset me, help me to calm myself down, and help me forgive them as quickly as I can. Amen
:angel:
Acceptance Today
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11 NIV
Are you embittered by a personal tragedy that you did not deserve and cannot understand? If so, it's time to accept the unchangeable past and to have faith in the promise of tomorrow. It's time to trust God completely—and it's time to reclaim the peace—His peace—that can and should be yours.
On occasion, you will be confronted with situations that you simply don't understand. But God does. And He has a reason for everything that He does.
God doesn't explain Himself in ways that we, as mortals with limited insight and clouded vision, can comprehend. So, instead of understanding every aspect of God's unfolding plan for our lives and our universe, we must be satisfied to trust Him completely. We cannot know God's motivations, nor can we understand His actions. We can, however, trust Him, and we must.
Faith is the willingness to receive whatever he wants to give, or the willingness not to have what he does not want to give. - Elisabeth Elliot, 100 Days of Prayer
The key to contentment is to consider. Consider who you are and be satisfied with that. Consider what you have and be satisfied with that. Consider what God's doing and be satisfied with that. - Luci Swindoll
We need to be at peace with our past, content with our present, and sure about our future, knowing they are all in God's hands. - Joyce Meyer
I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess. - Corrie ten Boom
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the abundant life that is mine through Christ. Give me courage, Lord, to claim the spiritual riches that You have promised, and lead me according to Your plan for my life, today and always. Amen
:angel:
Choosing Wisely
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits,
without partiality and without hypocrisy.
James 3:17 NKJV
Because we are creatures of free will, we make choices—lots of them. When we make choices that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father, we are blessed. When we make choices that cause us to walk in the footsteps of God's Son, we enjoy the abundance that Christ has promised to those who follow Him. But when we make choices that are displeasing to God, we sow seeds that have the potential to bring forth a bitter harvest.
Today, as you encounter the challenges of everyday living, you will make hundreds of choices. Choose wisely. Make your thoughts and your actions pleasing to God. And remember: every choice that is displeasing to Him is the wrong choice—no exceptions.
Life is a series of choices between the bad, the good, and the best. Everything depends on how we choose. - Vance Havner, 100 Days of Prayer
We are either the masters or the victims of our attitudes. It is a matter of personal choice. Who we are today is the result of choices we made yesterday. Tomorrow, we will become what we choose today. To change means to choose to change. - John Maxwell
Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. - C. S. Lewis
God expresses His love in giving us the freedom to choose. - Charles Stanley
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, today I will focus my thoughts on Your will for my life. I will strive to make decisions that are pleasing to You, and I will strive to follow in the footsteps of Your Son. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Confident Christianity
You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence.
Psalm 71:5 NASB
Sometimes, even the most devout Christians can become discouraged. Discouragement, however, is not God's way; He is a God of possibility not negativity. We Christians have many reasons to be confident. God is in His heaven; Christ has risen, and we are the sheep of His flock.
Are you a confident Christian? You should be. God's grace is eternal and His promises are unambiguous. So count your blessings, not your hardships. And live courageously. God is the Giver of all things good, and He watches over you today and forever.
God's omniscience can instill you with a supernatural confidence that can transform your life. - Bill Hybels, 100 Days of Prayer
If we indulge in any confidence that is not grounded on the Rock of Ages, our confidence is worse than a dream; it will fall on us and cover us with its ruins, causing sorrow and confusion. - C. H. Spurgeon
Jesus gives us the ultimate rest, the confidence we need, to escape the frustration and chaos of the world around us. - Billy Graham
Bible hope is confidence in the future. - Warren Wiersbe
Today's Prayer
Lord, when I place my confidence in the things of this earth, I will be disappointed. But, when I put my confidence in You, I am secure. In every aspect of my life, Father, let me place my hope and my trust in Your infinite wisdom and Your boundless grace. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Genuine Contentment
The LORD gives strength to his people;
the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11 NIV
Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, the world promises us contentment and happiness. But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. Thankfully, the contentment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting.
Happiness depends less upon our circumstances than upon our thoughts. When we turn our thoughts to God, to His gifts, and to His glorious creation, we experience the joy that God intends for His children. But, when we focus on the negative aspects of life—or when we disobey God's commandments—we cause ourselves needless suffering.
Do you sincerely want to be a contented Christian? Then set your mind and your heart upon God's love and His grace . . . and let Him take care of the rest.
Contentment is not escape from battle, but rather an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of battle. - Warren Wiersbe, 100 Days of Prayer
The secret of contentment in the midst of change is found in having roots in the changeless Christ—the same yesterday, today and forever. - Ed Young
Contentment is something we learn by adhering to the basics— cultivating a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, living daily, and knowing that Christ strengthens us for every challenge. - Charles Stanley
I believe that in every time and place it is within our power to acquiesce in the will of God—and what peace it brings to do so! - Elisabeth Elliot
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, You offer me contentment and peace; let me accept Your peace. Help me to trust Your Word, to follow Your commandments, and to welcome the peace of Jesus into my heart, today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
A Book Unlike Any Other
For I am not ashamed of the gospel,
because it is God's power for salvation to everyone who believes.
Romans 1:16 HCSB
God's Word is unlike any other book. A. W. Tozer wrote,
"The purpose of the Bible is to bring men to Christ, to make them holy and prepare them for heaven. In this it is unique among books, and it always fulfills its purpose."
George Mueller observed, "The vigor of our spiritual lives will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our lives and in our thoughts." As Christians, we are called upon to study God's Holy Word and then to share it with the world. The Bible is a priceless gift, a tool for Christians to use as they share the Good News of their Savior, Christ Jesus. Too many Christians, however, keep their spiritual tool kits tightly closed and out of sight. Jonathan Edwards advised, "Be assiduous in reading the Holy Scriptures. This is the fountain whence all knowledge in divinity must be derived. Therefore let not this treasure lie by you neglected." God's Holy Word is, indeed, a priceless, one-of-a-kind treasure. Handle it with care, but, more importantly, handle it every day. (100 Days of Prayer)
The instrument of our sanctification is the Word of God. The Spirit of God brings to our minds the precepts and doctrines of truth, and applies them with power. The truth is our sanctifier. If we do not hear or read it, we will not grow in sanctification. - C. H. Spurgeon
I am certain that the Bible is the Word of God. Either it is or it isn't, and either all of it is the Word of God, or we never can be sure of any of it. It is either absolute or obsolete. If we have to start changing this verse, toning down that, apologizing for this and making allowances for that, we might as well give up, so we must take it as it is or leave it alone. - Vance Havner
The Bible is a remarkable commentary on perspective. Through its divine message, we are brought face to face with issues and tests in daily living and how, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to respond positively to them. - Luci Swindoll
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, the Bible is Your gift to me. Let me use it, let me trust it, and let me obey it, today and every day that I live. Amen
:angel:
Shouting the Good News
As you go, preach this message: "The kingdom of heaven is near."
Matthew 10:7 NIV
The Good News of Jesus Christ should be shouted from the rooftops by believers the world over. But all too often, it is not. For a variety of reasons, many Christians keep their beliefs to themselves, and when they do, the world suffers because of their failure to speak up.
As believers, we are called to share the transforming message of Jesus with our families, with our neighbors, and with the world. Jesus commands us to become fishers of men. And, the time to go fishing is now. We must share the Good News of Jesus Christ today—tomorrow may indeed be too late.
God is not saving the world; it is done. Our business is to get men and women to realize it. - Oswald Chambers, 100 Days of Prayer
For every believer, the task, or mission, is to lead people to the truth of Jesus Christ. - Charles Stanley
Taking the gospel to people wherever they are—death row, the ghetto, or next door—is frontline evangelism, frontline love. It is our one hope for breaking down barriers and for restoring the sense of community, of caring for one another, that our decadent, impersonalized culture has sucked out of us. - Chuck Colson
Christianity spread rapidly during the first century because all Christians saw themselves as responsible for disseminating the gospel. - Erwin Lutzer
Today's Prayer
Lord, even if I never leave home, make me a missionary for You. Let me share the Good News of Your Son, and let me tell of Your love and of Your grace. Make me a faithful servant for You, Father, now and forever. Amen
:angel:
A Life of Fulfillment
For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us
as silver is refined . . . we went through fire and through water;
but You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
Psalm 66:10–12 NKJV
Everywhere we turn, or so it seems, the world promises fulfillment, contentment, and happiness. But the contentment that the world offers is fleeting and incomplete. Thankfully, the fulfillment that God offers is all encompassing and everlasting.
Sometimes, amid the inevitable hustle and bustle of life here- on-earth, we can forfeit—albeit temporarily—the joy of Christ as we wrestle with the challenges of daily living. Yet God's Word is clear: fulfillment through Christ is available to all who seek it and claim it. Count yourself among that number. Seek first a personal, transforming relationship with Jesus, and then claim the joy, the fulfillment, and the spiritual abundance that the Shepherd offers His sheep.
Find satisfaction in him who made you, and only then find satisfaction in yourself as part of his creation. - St. Augustine, 100 Days of Prayer
We are never more fulfilled than when our longing for God is met by His presence in our lives. - Billy Graham
We are made for God, and nothing less will really satisfy us. - Brennan Manning
Our sense of joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment in life increases, no matter what the circumstances, if we are in the center of God's will. - Billy Graham
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I turn my thoughts and prayers to You, I feel peace and fulfillment. But sometimes, when I am distracted by the busyness of the day, fulfillment seems far away. Today, let me trust Your will, let me follow Your commands, and let me accept Your peace. Amen
:angel:
God Is Love
God is love; and he that dwelleth in love
dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1 John 4:16 KJV
The Bible makes this promise: God is love. It's a sweeping statement, a profoundly important description of what God is and how God works. God's love is perfect.
When we open our hearts to His perfect love, we are touched by the Creator's hand, and we are transformed.
Today, even if you can only carve out a few quiet moments, offer sincere prayers of thanksgiving to your Creator. He loves you now and throughout all eternity. Open your heart to His presence and His love.
If it is maintained that anything so small as the Earth must, in any event, be too unimportant to merit the love of the Creator, we reply that no Christian ever supposed we did merit it. Christ did not die for men because they were intrinsically worth dying for, but because He is intrinsically love, and therefore loves infinitely. - C. S. Lewis, 100 Days of Prayer
The life of faith is a daily exploration of the constant and countless ways in which God's grace and love are experienced. - Eugene Peterson
Love, for instance, is not something God has which may grow or diminish or cease to be. His love is the way God is, and when He loves He is simply being Himself. - A. W. Tozer
The greatest love of all is God's love for us, a love that showed itself in action. - Billy Graham
Today's Prayer
Dear God, You are love. You love me, Father, and I love You. As I love You more, Lord, I am also able to love my family and friends more. I will be Your loving servant, Lord, today and throughout eternity. Amen
:angel:
We Are All Role Models
You are the light that gives light to the world. In the same way,
you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see
the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14, 16 NCV
Whether we like it or not, we are role models. Hopefully, the lives we lead and the choices we make will serve as enduring examples of the spiritual abundance that is available to all who worship God and obey His commandments.
Ask yourself this question: Are you the kind of role model that you would want to emulate? If so, congratulations. But if certain aspects of your behavior could stand improvement, the best day to begin your self-improvement regimen is this one. Because whether you realize it or not, people you love are watching your behavior, and they're learning how to live. You owe it to them—and to yourself—to live righteously and well.
A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian, and most of all, his family ought to know. - D. L. Moody, 100 Days of Prayer
Let us preach you, Dear Jesus, without preaching, not by words but by our example, by the casting force, the sympathetic influence of what we do, the evident fullness of the love our hearts bear to You. Amen. - Mother Teresa
Our walk counts far more than our talk, always! - George Mueller
We are to leave an impression on all those we meet that communicates whose we are and what kingdom we represent. - Lisa Bevere
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, help me be a honorable role model to others. Let the things that I say and the things that I do show everyone what it means to be a follower of Your Son. Amen
:angel:
Heeding God's Call
One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind
and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
I press toward the goal for the prize
of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV
It is vitally important that you heed God's call. In John 15:16, Jesus says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last" (NIV). In other words, you have been called by Christ, and now, it is up to you to decide precisely how you will answer. Have you already found your special calling? If so, you're a very lucky man. If not, keep searching and keep praying until you discover it. And remember this: God has important work for you to do—work that no one else on earth can accomplish but you.
The place where God calls you is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet. - Frederick Buechner, 100 Days of Prayer
Faith does not concern itself with the entire journey. One step is enough. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
When you become consumed by God's call on your life, everything will take on new meaning and significance. You will begin to see every facet of your life, including your pain, as a means through which God can work to bring others to Himself. - Charles Stanley
The Bible teaches that God has considered man a working partner. - Billy Graham
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, You have called me to Your kingdom work, and I acknowledge that calling. In these quiet moments before this busy day unfolds, I come to You. I will study Your Word and seek Your guidance. Give me the wisdom to know Your will for my life and the courage to follow wherever You may lead me, today and forever. Amen
:angel:
Becoming Wise
He who walks with the wise grows wise . . . .
Proverbs 13:20 NIV
Wisdom does not spring up overnight—it takes time. To become wise, we must seek God's wisdom and live according to His Word. And, we must not only learn the lessons of the Christian life, we must also live by them.
Do you seek to live a life of righteousness and wisdom? If so, you must study the ultimate source of wisdom: the Word of God. You must seek out worthy mentors and listen carefully to their advice. You must associate, day in and day out, with godly men and women. And, you must act in accordance with your beliefs. When you do these things, you will become wise . . . and you will be a blessing to your friends, to your family, and to the world.
When you and I are related to Jesus Christ, our strength and wisdom and peace and joy and love and hope may run out, but His life rushes in to keep us filled to the brim. We are showered with blessings, not because of anything we have or have not done, but simply because of Him. - Anne Graham Lotz, 100 Days of Prayer
The theme of Proverbs is wisdom, the right use of knowledge. It enables you to evaluate circumstances and people and make the right decisions in life. - Warren Wiersbe
Indeed, wisdom and discernment are among the natural results of a prayer-filled life. - Richard Foster
The more wisdom enters our hearts, the more we will be able to trust our hearts in difficult situations. - John Eldredge
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I depend upon the world's wisdom, I make many mistakes. But when I trust in Your wisdom, I build my life on a firm foundation. Today and every day I will trust Your Word and follow it, knowing that the ultimate wisdom is Your wisdom and the ultimate truth is Your truth. Amen
:angel:
Beyond Worry
Blessed is he that trusts in the Lord.
Proverbs 16:20 NIV
Because we are imperfect human beings, we worry. Even though we are Christians who have been given the assurance of salvation—even though we are Christians who have received the promise of God's love and protection—we find ourselves fretting over the countless details of everyday life. Jesus understood our concerns when He spoke the reassuring words found in Matthew 6: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life . . ."
As you consider the promises of Jesus, remember that God still sits in His heaven and you are His beloved child. Then, perhaps, you will worry a little less and trust God a little more, and that's as it should be because God is trustworthy . . . and you are protected.
We are not called to be burden-bearers, but cross-bearers and light-bearers. We must cast our burdens on the Lord. - Corrie ten Boom, 100 Days of Prayer
I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right. - Billy Graham
It is not work that's kills, but worry. And, it is amazing how much wear and tear the human mind and spirit can stand if it is free from friction and well-oiled by the Spirit. - Vance Havner
It has been well said that no man ever sank under the burden of the day. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear. Never load yourselves so, my friends. If you find yourselves so loaded, at least remember this: it is your own doing, not God's. He begs you to leave the future to Him and mind the present. - George MacDonald
Today's Prayer
Forgive me, Lord, when I worry. Worry reflects a lack of trust in You. Help me to work, Lord, and not to worry. And, keep me mindful, Father, that nothing, absolutely nothing, will happen this day that You and I cannot handle together. Amen
:angel:
Making Peace with Your Past
The Lord says, "Forget what happened before,
and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing
I am going to do. It is already happening. Don't you see it?
I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land."
Isaiah 43:18-19 NCV
Because you are human, you may be slow to forget yesterday's disappointments. But, if you sincerely seek to focus your hopes and energies on the future, then you must find ways to accept the past, no matter how difficult it may be to do so.
Have you made peace with your past? If so, congratulations. But, if you are mired in the quicksand of regret, it's time to plan your escape. How can you do so? By accepting what has been and by trusting God for what will be.
So, if you have not yet made peace with the past, today is the day to declare an end to all hostilities. When you do, you can then turn your thoughts to the wondrous promises of God and to the glorious future that He has in store for you.
Our yesterdays teach us how to savor our todays and tomorrows. - Patsy Clairmont, 100 Days of Prayer
The wise man gives proper appreciation in his life to his past. He learns to sift the sawdust of heritage in order to find the nuggests that make the current moment have any meaning. - Grady Nutt
Shake the dust from your past, and move forward in His promises. - Kay Arthur
The pages of your past cannot be rewritten, but the pages of your tomorrows are blank. - Zig Ziglar
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, free me from anger, resentment, and envy. When I am bitter, I cannot feel the peace that You intend for my life. Keep me mindful that forgiveness is Your commandment, and help me accept the past, treasure the present, and trust the future . . . to You. Amen
:angel:
His Perspective . . . and Yours
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ,
set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits
at God's right hand in the place of honor and power.
Colossians 3:1 NLT
If a temporary loss of perspective has left you worried, exhausted, or both, it's time to readjust your thought patterns. Negative thoughts are habit-forming; thankfully, so are positive ones. With practice, you can form the habit of focusing on God's priorities and your own possibilities. When you do, you'll soon discover that you will spend less time fretting about your challenges and more time praising God for His gifts.
When you call upon the Lord and prayerfully seek His will, He will give you wisdom and perspective. When you make God's priorities your priorities, He will direct your steps and calm your fears. So today and every day hereafter, pray for a sense of balance and perspective. And remember: no problems are too big for God—and that includes yours.
Attitude is the mind's paintbrush; it can color any situation. - Barbara Johnson, 100 Days of Prayer
Instead of being frustrated and overwhelmed by all that is going on in our world, go to the Lord and ask Him to give you His eternal perspective. - Kay Arthur
When we look at the individual parts of our lives, some things appear unfair and unpleasant. When we take them out of the context of the big picture, we easily drift into the attitude that we deserve better, and the tumble down into the pit of pride begins. - Susan Hunt
Today's Prayer
Lord, sometimes, the world's perspective can lead me astray. Sometimes I become confused; sometimes, in the busyness of my daily life, I lose perspective. Help me, Lord, to see the world through Your eyes. Give me guidance and wisdom and perspective. Lead me according to Your plan for my life and according to Your commandments. And keep me ever mindful, Father, that Your reality is the ultimate reality, and that Your truth is the ultimate truth, now and forever. Amen
:angel:
Solving Problems
People who do what is right may have many problems,
but the Lord will solve them all.
Psalm 34:19 NCV
Life is an exercise in problem-solving. The question is not whether we will encounter problems; the real question is how we will choose to address them. When it comes to solving the problems of everyday living, we often know precisely what needs to be done, but we may be slow in doing it—especially if what needs to be done is difficult or uncomfortable for us. So we put off till tomorrow what should be done today. The words of Psalm 34 remind us that the Lord solves problems for "people who do what is right." And usually, doing "what is right" means doing the uncomfortable work of confronting our problems sooner rather than later. So with no further ado, let the problem-solving begin . . . now.
We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems. Unsolvable without God's wisdom, that is. - Charles Swindoll, 100 Days of Prayer
You've got problems; I've got problems; all God's children have got problems. The question is how are you going to deal with them? - John Maxwell
I choose joy. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical; cynicism is the tool of a lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God. - Max Lucado
Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines. - Robert Schuller
Today's Prayer
Lord, sometimes my problems are simply too big for me, but they are never too big for You. Let me turn my troubles over to You, Lord, and let me trust in You today and for all eternity. Amen
:angel:
Beyond Bitterness
Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do.
"I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."
Romans 12:19 MSG
Bitterness is a spiritual sickness. It will consume your soul; it is dangerous to your emotional health. It can destroy you if you let it . . . so don't let it!
If you are caught up in intense feelings of anger or resentment, you know all too well the destructive power of these emotions. How can you rid yourself of these feelings? First, you must prayerfully ask God to cleanse your heart. Then, you must learn to catch yourself whenever thoughts of bitterness or hatred begin to attack you. Your challenge is this: You must learn to resist negative thoughts before they hijack your emotions. Matthew 5:22 teaches us that if we judge our brothers and sisters, we, too, will be subject to judgement. Let us refrain, then, from judging our neighbors. Instead, let us forgive them and love them, while leaving their judgement to a far more capable authority: the One who sits on His throne in heaven.
Revenge is the raging fire that consumes the arsonist. - Max Lucado, 100 Days of Prayer
Bitterness is a spiritual cancer, a rapidly growing malignancy that can consume your life. Bitterness cannot be ignored but must be healed at the very core, and only Christ can heal bitterness. - Beth Moore
Be patient and understanding. Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious. - Phillips Brooks
Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. - Corrie ten Boom
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, free me from the poison of bitterness and the futility of blame. Let me turn away from destructive emotions so that I may know the perfect peace and the spiritual abundance that can, and should, be mine. Amen
:angel:
Unbending Truth
So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth"
because we belong to each other.
Ephesians 4:25 NLT
Oswald Chambers advised, "Never support an experience which does not have God as its source, and faith in God as its result." These words serve as a powerful reminder that as Christians we are called to walk with God and to obey His commandments. But, we live in a world that presents us with countless temptations to wander far from God's path. These temptations have the potential to destroy us, in part, because they cause us to be dishonest with ourselves and with others.
Dishonesty is a habit. Once we start bending the truth, we're likely to keep bending it. A far better strategy, of course, is to acquire the habit of being completely forthright with God, with other people, and with ourselves. Honesty is also a habit, a habit that pays powerful dividends for those who place character above convenience. So, the next time you're tempted to bend the truth—or to break it—ask yourself this simple question: "What does God want me to do?" Then listen carefully to your conscience. When you do, your actions will be honorable, and your character will take care of itself. (100 Days of Prayer)
A person's character is determined by his motives, and motive is always a matter of the heart. - John Eldredge
Right actions done for the wrong reason do not help to build the internal quality of character called a "virtue," and it is this quality or character that really matters. - C. S. Lewis
God never called us to naïveté. He called us to integrity. The biblical concept of integrity emphasizes mature innocence not childlike ignorance. - Beth Moore
A solid trust is based on a consistent character. - John Maxwell
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me see the truth, help me speak the truth, and help me live the truth— today and every day of my life. Amen
:angel:
A Series of Choices
The thing you should want most is God's kingdom
and doing what God wants.
Then all these other things you need will be given to you.
Matthew 6:33 NCV
Your life is a series of choices. From the instant you wake up in the morning until the moment you nod off to sleep at night, you make countless decisions—decisions about the things you do, decisions about the words you speak, and decisions about the way that you choose to direct your thoughts.
As a believer who has been transformed by the love of Jesus, you have every reason to make wise choices. But sometimes, when the daily grind threatens to grind you up and spit you out, you may make choices that are displeasing to God. When you do, you'll pay a price because you'll forfeit the happiness and the peace that might otherwise have been yours.
So, as you pause to consider the kind of Christian you are— and the kind of Christian you want to become—ask yourself whether you're sitting on the fence or standing in the light. The choice is yours . . . and so are the consequences. (100 Days of Prayer)
There may be no trumpet sound or loud applause when we make a right decision, just a calm sense of resolution and peace. - Gloria Gaither
The greatest choice any man makes is to let God choose for him. - Vance Havner
Life is pretty much like a cafeteria line—it offers us many choices, both good and bad. The Christian must have a spiritual radar that detects the difference not only between bad and good but also among good, better, and best. - Dennis Swanberg
Every day, I find countless opportunities to decide whether I will obey God and demonstrate my love for Him or try to please myself or the world system. God is waiting for my choices. - Bill Bright
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, I have many choices to make. Help me choose wisely as I follow in the footsteps of Your only begotten Son. Amen
:angel:
Focusing on God
Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now,
and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen
tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever
hard things come up when the time comes.
Matthew 6:34 MSG
All of us may find our courage tested by the inevitable disappointments and tragedies of life. After all, ours is a world filled with uncertainty, hardship, sickness, and danger. Trouble, it seems, is never too far from the front door. When we focus upon our fears and our doubts, we may find many reasons to lie awake at night and fret about the uncertainties of the coming day. A better strategy, of course, is to focus not upon our fears, but instead upon our God. God is as near as your next breath, and He is in control. He offers salvation to all His children, including you. God is your shield and your strength; you are His forever. So don't focus your thoughts upon the fears of the day. Instead, trust God's plan and His eternal love for you. And remember: God is good, and He has the last word.
His hand on me is a father's hand, gently guiding and encouraging. His hand lets me know he is with me, so I am not afraid. - Mary Morrison Suggs, 100 Days of Prayer
Ignoring Him by neglecting prayer and Bible reading will cause you to doubt. - Anne Graham Lotz
Whether our fear is absolutely realistic or out of proportion in our minds, our greatest refuge is Jesus Christ. - Luci Swindoll
Fear and doubt are conquered by a faith that rejoices. And faith can rejoice because the promises of God are as certain as God Himself. - Kay Arthur
Today's Prayer
Your Word reminds me, Lord, that even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I need fear no evil, for You are with me, and You comfort me. Thank You, Lord, for a perfect love that casts out fear. Let me live courageously and faithfully this day and every day. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Commissioned to Witness
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
After His resurrection, Jesus addressed His disciples. As recorded in the 28th chapter of Matthew, Christ instructed His followers to share His message with the world. This "Great Commission" applies to Christians of every generation, including our own.
As believers, we are called to share the Good News of Jesus with our families, with our neighbors, and with the world. Christ commanded His disciples to become fishers of men. We must do likewise, and we must do so today. Tomorrow may indeed be too late.
Our commission is quite specific. We are told to be His witness to all nations. For us, as His disciples, to refuse any part of this commission frustrates the love of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. - Catherine Marshall, 100 Days of Prayer
Witnessing is not something that we do for the Lord; it is something that He does through us if we are filled with the Holy Spirit. - Warren Wiersbe
To stand in an uncaring world and say, "See, here is the Christ" is a daring act of courage. - Calvin Miller
In their heart of hearts, I think all true followers of Christ long to become contagious Christians. Though unsure about how to do so or the risks involved, deep down they sense that there isn't anything as rewarding as opening a person up to God's love and truth. - Bill Hybels
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, every man and woman, every boy and girl is Your child. You desire that all Your children know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Father, let me be part of Your Great Commission. Let me give, let me pray, and let me go out into this world so that I might be a fisher of men . . . for You. Amen
:angel:
Daily New Life
Bridging the Gap
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Deuteronomy 4:9
After a rather lifeless Sunday morning service, the pastor noticed a young boy staring intensely at a large plaque mounted in the church's foyer. It was covered with names and flanked by American flags.
Recognizing the opportunity to connect, the pastor approached, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, "Good morning young man." "Good morning," the boy replied, still looking intently at the plaque, he then asked, "Pastor, what's this?"
"Well, son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service," Then, with a note of gravity in his voice, the boy asked, "Which service did they die in - the 9:30 or the 11:00 o'clock?"
Passing on to the next generation what's dear to our hearts, and what they'll need to live well, is a privilege and burden for any caring adult. Yet communication gaps can be daunting. Take time, and choose your words well.
"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter — 'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning."- Mark Twain (1835-1910)
:angel:
Daily New Life
Compassion
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12
Most of us desire to be compassionate people, don't we? But do we know what compassion really is? Henri Nouwen once wrote: "Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to the place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by fleeing from it or finding a quick fix for it. As busy, active, relevant. . . [people] we want to earn our bread by making a real contribution. This means first and foremost doing something to show that our presence makes a difference. And so we ignore our greatest gift, which is our ability to enter into solidarity with those who suffer."
Showing compassion goes against our daily grind and our drive to achieve. It's selfless, time consuming, and often not pleasant. But it's one of those double blessing things - you'll bless another with your act of compassion, and you'll be blessed in the process.
"The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others."
- Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)
:angel:
Daily New Life
Dangers of Isolation
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2
You hear it from almost every corner: American culture is becoming increasingly marked by loneliness and isolation. In one way it's understandable. There is a sense of safety and control in isolation and disconnection; but it's a false sense of safety. In fact, living lonely is anything but safe. It's a dangerous lifestyle because it allows a person to overlook real life, real people, and all the benefits and rewards that go with growing relationships.
And probably more important, our character has little chance to grow when we live life in isolation from others. It allows our thinking to go unchallenged, and allows damaging issues we may struggle with to grow and thrive in the fertile soil isolation provides.
If you're feeling isolated, do what an old commercial on television used to say, "Reach out and touch someone."
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming more interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you."
- Dale Carnegie (1888-1955)
:angel:
Contentment
Don't you find telemarketers annoying? I felt bad telling them that they should stop calling because their calls made me break out in hives (I really did!). So, I changed tactics. I just tell them, "I'm satisfied." That's right. Tell them you're very happy with what you have and aren't interested in whatever they're selling.
It's the one response they're not prepared to hear. Because the basic assumption they work from is that you're unsatisfied and discontent with where you're at in life. That's a fundamental assumption that's easily made in our materialistic, consumer-driven society. And it's a pretty safe assumption, since restless discontentment seems to be the standard.
Benjamin Franklin once said discontentment makes rich men poor, while contentment makes poor men rich. The apostle Paul said this disposition of heart doesn't come naturally. It's something we must learn, and it's never too late to start.
:angel:
The Adventures of Parenting
I recently heard a story about a couple that brought their two kids with them on a Saturday run to a hardware store. Mom went in one direction and Dad took the kids in another. For just a minute Dad wasn't paying attention to the kids—he was preoccupied looking at some of the plumbing hardware he came to buy. When he turned around, he was stunned. His daughter was climbing off a display toilet and his son was pulling his pants down to take his turn.
What in the world was Dad suppose to do now? Well, he did what most of us would've done—he grabbed the kids, found mom as quick as he could, and laughed the whole way home. And wouldn't you know, the next time they visited that store, the toilet seats were all taped down.
If you have kids, you know they can be hilarious, embarrassing, tender, and incredibly challenging. And as God's children, I sometime wonder if he doesn't feel the same way about us.
:angel:
Cultivating A Divine Appetite
Unlike physical hunger, our appetite for God is endless. Once you've satisfied your physical hunger you no longer want to eat. In fact, the sight, smell, or even the thought of food can almost make you sick after you've eaten your fill.
But the opposite is true of our appetite for God. The very act of satisfying it intensifies it. That's precisely why Scripture tells us to: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." To come to His banquet table.
Experience for yourself that He satisfies completely. And when you do, something wonderful and life changing will happen: you'll find yourself wanting more of Him, and less of what you've been using as a cheap substitute for Him.
It all starts with surrender . . . surrender to the fact that you're not God—He is. And His ways aren't our ways. And trust Him every day—that He knows what He's doing.
:angel:
Forgiveness: The Great Mandate
The Bible's central theme is God seeking and saving those in dire need of forgiveness. Jesus willingly died on the cross for you and me, even though we often don't feel a need to be forgiven. And even though you and I all too often continue to exhibit a rebellious nature. Through faith in Jesus, God forgives us in spite of ourselves.
But there's more. God's forgiveness is a creative force. It spills out to you when you receive it and affects every one of your human relationships. You see, forgiveness is both a gift and a command of God. It's God's gift to us that allows us to have everlasting life; at the same time, God tells us He won't extend that forgiveness to us if we're not willing to forgive others.
Remember. . . we don't deserve God's forgiveness, and neither should we expect others to deserve ours.
:angel:
Daily New Life
Happily Incompatible
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
When asked to reveal his secret for staying married for well over half a century, Billy Graham gave a simple, yet somewhat paradoxical answer: "Ruth and I are happily incompatible."
That's a great answer to questions everyone inevitably asks themselves at some point during marriage: "How can I stay married to this person?" And, "Did I marry the wrong person?"
But that "Did I marry the wrong person" question is a dangerous one. Why? Because it's framed completely wrong. And wrongly framed questions twist the issue and therefore elicit wrong answers. Furthermore, the question is based upon a serious misunderstanding of marriage itself. And misunderstandings create a fertile field for myths—myths that have the potential to damage your marriage.
When you married (or when you do marry) you made a commitment to do certain things, like love, honor & cherish. There weren't any "out" clauses in case the person wasn't the right person for you.
Learn to be happily incompatible.
:angel: :)
Daily New Life
Navigating The World
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
Jesus Christ calls his followers to be in the world but not of the world. What does this mean? One famous preacher explained it using an analogy of a ship in the ocean.
What's a ship designed to do? Sail upon the ocean. That's its element. That's precisely where it thrives. The same should be true for Christians in the world. God equips and empowers us to love our neighbors, care for our home and our possessions, and develop culture. We're to be the world's salt and light!
Now let's return to the ship analogy for a moment. What happens if the ocean gets into the ship? Disaster. Destruction. The ship sinks. The same is true for Christians with regard to the world. If the world's values and allegiances penetrate you, you'll become hopelessly confused, contradicted, and compromised.
Set sail, but keep your ship in shape by staying close to God. Read His word. Become a disciple. Spend time with others who believe. You need to be in the world . . . not of it.
:angel:
Out Of Eden
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
Can we return to the Garden of Eden? One German theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, made this observation after studying the Bible's account of Adam and Eve's first sin.
"So Adam must leave paradise. For every one of us it's in the past. And only fools think that it can be re-established on this earth. As a rule, those who have promised men a heaven on earth have made it a life of hell. No, there is no road back."
This same German theologian suffered greatly under the Third Reich...all due to one man's attempt to return to Eden...to find utopia.
Utopian dreams aren't usually as brutal as the Third Reich's. But they're all around us, and ultimately, no less delusional. That's because they point us back to Eden rather than forward to heaven, and they ignore the fact that mankind fell with Adam, and desperately needs Jesus.
:angel:
Parenting With Grace
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
When my daughter, Madeline, was born, we bonded like superglue. I'd have walked on hot coals for that baby girl! She could do no wrong. I could hardly believe God had given me such a perfect child.
Then, something strange happened. The older she grew, the less perfect she became. What I used to think was cute began to look more like meanness and even downright rebellion.
Consequently, I no longer wanted to be Mr. Wonderful Father. I wanted to send her to reform school! Then a wise man came alongside me. "Don't give her only what she deserves," he said, "Give her what she needs—just like Jesus does for us.
" Wow! What a life-changing moment! If Jesus gave me only what I deserved, I'd be condemned to hell. My need was forgiveness, mercy, and grace. How are you at dispensing those?
:angel:
Passing It On
Hey dads, have you ever considered the connection between the fact that Jesus of Nazareth appears to have been the most confident, assured man to ever walk the face of the earth and what His Father said to Him when He began His public life: "This is my Son, whom I love; with whom I am well pleased (Matthew 3:17)." That simple statement contains two powerful and invaluable messages every child needs to hear and own from his father: he's loved, and he's well pleasing. To pronounce such a blessing upon a young man—or a man of any age for that matter—releases that pent-up anxiety that constantly wants to know, "How am I doing, Dad?" It's a simple, but profound, spoken expression of love and affirmation.
If you're a dad, please give your child this invaluable gift.
Passing It On
Adapted from the book The Secrets Men Keep by Stephen Arterburn
Did you know there are more than a hundred elements in the earth's ground that all animal life must consume in order to survive? That's right, we can't live without dirt! But there's a problem: the human body can't absorb these elements in their mineral state; we simply can't digest dirt.
That's what plants are for. Their roots absorb the earth's elements and deliver them to us in a digestible form. The plant kingdom is God's vehicle for delivering life-sustaining chemicals and minerals to the animal kingdom.
Fathers function something like plants. They're a transmission device—a channel to deliver life giving and life sustaining truth from God's heart to the hearts of their children.
Fathers are called to mentor and tutor adults in training for eighteen or so years. During that time a continual process of transmission is occurring through many means: teaching, correcting, modeling, challenging, and disciplining—all in the context of love.
A father's objective is to prepare his children for adulthood. By the time a child is a mature teenager he or she ought to be making what I call "the turn"—turning their eyes from their earthly father to their heavenly Father.
That's the whole point: to show children what God is like so they'll let loose of their parents' hands, reach out and grasp God's hand, and walk with Him for the rest of their adult lives. What a high and holy calling stands before you, dads!
Here are five essential ingredients of a father's blessing to his child:
1) The first is identity, the most basic sense of which is genetic. Everyone longs to know who they are and whose they are. A child looks to his father to tell him who his people are and what they believe.
2) The second ingredient is acceptance—the conveyance of belonging, value, and competence. The child who gets this from his father knows he or she is wanted, valued, and has a positive contribution to offer the world.
3) Next comes modeling. A child should be able to watch his father to learn how to manage feelings, control emotions, and respond to the challenges of life.
4) The fourth essential ingredient of a father's blessing is introduction. A child needs his father to introduce him or her to others who will model maturity and reinforce the father's instruction. The inclusion of a child in the life of his father and his father's friends conveys acceptance by the very group to which the child stands in awe.
5) Fifth and finally is release. There needs to be transitional markers in a child's life where the father recognizes and affirms the child's maturation, and incrementally confers higher levels of trust and affirmation.
:angel:
The Reasons And Rewards Of Risk-Taking
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
I'm convinced that life without risk isn't much of a life. There's a certain comfort in predictability. But it's the kind of comfort that prevents movement and growth—a comfort you find in hibernation.
An athlete regularly stretches his muscles to the point where they burn or else they become inflexible, unresponsive, and easily fatigued. The same is true with your soul. It must be regularly stretched. Failure to do so provides a degree of superficial comfort in the short term, but ultimately leaves you emotionally and spiritually unfit.
Connecting, loving, pursuing dreams, and succeeding all require risk and energy!. Yes, you'll be stretched to the point of discomfort. Yes, you'll be open to injury and disappointment. But these are far better alternatives than the loneliness, boredom, and quiet desperation that accompany a life without risk.
:angel:
Unwrapped Gifts
1 Corinthians 12:1
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
If you're a Christian, you have spiritual talents you're probably not aware of—unwrapped gifts just waiting to be opened.
The Bible says God's given some a gift for declaring His truth with power and clarity. Some possess the gift of encouragement—the ability to provide comfort and cheer, even in the worst situations. Some have the gift of giving; what fulfills them is sharing their resources to bless others in need. Still others have the gift of mercy; they're really good at helping people in trouble without blaming or judging.
When these gifts are used and developed, the church becomes a dynamic place where lives are transformed and God's Kingdom is built. When you find and use your gifts, you'll see God's love and generosity more clearly, and you'll feel fulfilled like never before.
:angel:
Children Of Alcoholics
Alcohol abuse is a huge problem in contemporary American culture. But do you really know how big? Over 18 million Americans have alcohol problems. More than 9 million children currently live in homes with an alcohol-dependant parent. And more than half of all American adults have a family history impacted along the way by alcoholism.
The last statistic is what I'm concerned with today. Half of all American adults have alcohol abuse in their family history. That's important because alcohol abuse isn't an individual problem. It doesn't end when the abuser passes away, leaves, or even sobers up. Alcoholism affects both the alcoholic and everyone who loves them.
If you've been impacted by alcoholism in your family of origin, remember, within each of us lies the capacity to grow and alter the way we act and feel. And that doesn't mean that God will give us peace from the storms of life. He will instead give us peace in the midst of the storms of life.
If you've been impacted by alcoholism in your family of origin, know two things. First, you're far from alone. Second, I want to help.
10 Myths about Children of Alcoholics
Excerpted from the book "The Healing Journey"
1. You should forget the past and only focus on today. One of the survival tools learned by children of alcoholics is denial. You need to honestly examine the past to gain insight into the present. Recovery involves looking at today and yesterday.
2. Change must be immediate. For most, the process of healing is gradual. Believing that change should be immediate is born out of perfectionistic childhood thinking. Adult children of alcoholics (ACA's) tend to think in a mythical nothing-or-all format. This sets us up for defeat. Since most change is not immediate, we fail. After failure we conclude that we will never change.
3. Only the past determines the future. Many adult children were taught that you can¹t teach an old dog new tricks. We have been taught to believe the myth that what we are and who we are will never change. But, within each of us lies the capacity to grow and alter the way we act and feel.
4. God's forgiveness is fine for everyone but me. A key roadblock for most adult children of alcoholics is the sense of being unforgiven. While growing up, forgiveness was rarely modeled. Children learn to perform in order to be approved. ACA's approach God under the influence of this myth "If I make a mistake, there exists no forgiveness, just punishment."
5. Others must approve of my actions or I'm no good. Needing approval is a basic childhood need that one never outgrows. The problem comes when we do not get approval from others and draw the conclusion that we must be bad. This is a result of being raised in a family that promoted shame.
6. I must be able to do what I should do to be healed. If I cannot, there is something wrong with me. While growing up, ACA's were often made to feel, stupid, inadequate, bad and guilty for their actions and feelings. One of the legacies of the dysfunctional home is negative self-worth or shame. In recovery we must suspend our constant self-criticism and invalidation and learn the new skills that we need to heal and make positive choices.
7. External events and other people must change or I'll never be able to be healed. ACA's do not learn to trust themselves, take appropriate risks, and establish independence and autonomy. ACA's want other people to confirm things in them that should have been validated by their parents. Yet, if we are to respond to the healing work of God within us, we need to be responsive to our inner self. The old adage is still true today, "A better world begins with me."
8. God will be just like my human father. While there will be exceptions, children develop a view of God based on the relationship they have with their parents. In particular, fathers have a tremendous impact on the experience ACA's expect when approaching God. ACA's often view God as being absent, cold and indifferent, distant and unloving. They think "If I measure up, God will love me; if I don't, I deserve punishment." In contrast, the Bible describes a God who wants to comfort, nurture, heal and support.
9. If I turned everything over to God, I would not have the problems I have now. Most if us have tried to let God take over everything and still found ourselves hurting, confused and making destructive choices. God is not a magician who removes all of our pain, sorrow and difficulties. God doesn¹t promise peace from the storms of life, but rather peace amidst the storms. Learning to turn ourselves over to God is a reflection of our needs, our imperfections and the flawed world we live in. Fellowship God will allow us to develop a broader vision about our life.
10. It is selfish and bad to focus on myself. Others count more than I do. Parents who teach this concept restrict their children to a life that is confused and solely other-directed. Recovery does not mean we replace other-centered living with only self-centered living. Recovery means seeking a balance between what I want, feel and need and what others want, feel and need.
:angel:
Conformity
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life Moment.
I think you would agree with me that our society is somewhat troubled, wouldn't you? And if that's the case, then adopting the values and priorities of such a society would make us—by virtue of definition—troubled as well, right? Then why do we give in to the pressure to conform?
Few things in life come easier than giving in to the pressure of conformity. And even fewer things are more dangerous. Resistance requires vigilance and vigor. But more important still, the knowledge that God blesses those who do.
Just think of some of the great stories of men and women in the Bible—they were non-conformists. People like Noah, Job, David, Esther, Ruth, John the Baptist, and the 12 Disciples, just to name a few. They fixed their eyes upon the Lord, and what went on around them was secondary. Shouldn't we do the same.
Søren Kierkegaard—a Christian who knew well what it meant to swim against the stream:
"I shall never know the security which consists in being like others. No, I remain in unlikeness. There I remain with Thee—and I recognize the blessedness of it."
:angel:
Forty-Day Challenge
Have you ever noticed the significance of the number forty in Scripture? Moses worked as a shepherd forty years before God called him to lead the Israelites from captivity. Moses was atop Mount Sinai forty days receiving the covenant God made with the Israelites after redeeming them from bondage. God led His people in the wilderness for forty years of testing before entering the Promised Land. And Jesus was tested in the wilderness forty days before beginning His public ministry.
As you can see, it's not only the number forty that's significant, but the events that this number helped to define. Each event is a period of passage and transition—in the unfolding of God's gracious and redemptive activity.
Are you in a period of passage? We're all living through seasons of life if not specific, shorter transitional phrases in life. It's the way God designed it. Every end is a new beginning. Make the most of it.
My 40-Day Challenge To You
Excerpted from "Healing Is A Choice" by Steve Arterburn
If you accept this challenge, I believe it could change your life forever. I believe it will implant in your heart and soul the words you need to persevere on the path to healing. I believe it can change the way you think about yourself and the way you think about life. It will take less than five minutes a day, but it could change the rest of your day. Throughout Scripture forty days pops up over and over again. It is significant to me that Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days and forty nights. So I am going to ask you to start your day, each day, for forty days by reading the following words out loud in some quiet corner of your world:
Opening Prayer:
Lord, I am broken and hurting due to the brokenness of others and mistakes of my own. Please use Your powers to heal me and give me courage to make the choices I need to make to allow Your healing in my life. Forgive me for standing in Your way of healing for me. Thank You for putting to an end my past's hold upon my life, and for allowing my future to begin right now in this moment with You.
Affirmation:
Today I choose to heal.
My healing begins right now, in this moment.
I am no longer bound by my sick past.
There is healing in my future.
For the next twenty-four hours, I choose to live free and heal.
I choose to let go of past hurts that I cannot undo.
I choose to forgive myself for wrong choices in the past.
Today I will dwell on what is good and right, not on the darkness I have experienced or the darkness others invite me to live.
Today I will live beyond myself and live for God.
On this day I will choose to feel my life rather than live in denial.
I will not medicate away my pain, sorrow, or anxiety.
I will allow each negative feeling to lead me to greater depths of healing.
I will not drown out or ignore my negative emotions.
I will work through these feelings and move out of them.
I will not project them onto those around me.
When I am unaware of what choice to make next, I will choose to do the next right thing.
Today I will not hide or run away.
I will connect with those who love me and with those who need my love.
Throughout this day I will stay connected to God and ask Him to guide me and lead me.
Today will be an adventure for me that I will approach in faith.
I will take a risk and enjoy the unpredictable.
I will feel and acknowledge my fears; but I refuse to be governed by them.
I will choose to do something uncomfortable that might lead me to know the truth about myself or live life to the fullest.
I will not lie to myself today.
I will seek the truth and will ask for help when I need it.
Today I will reestablish some boundaries that will protect me from unhealthy people and unhealthy situations.
I will tear down some walls that are keeping some wonderful people from knowing me and loving me.
If there is some ungrieved loss, I will grieve it as much as I can today, and then put it away.
Today I will choose reality and embrace it.
I will accept my life as it is, and life truthfully and dependently upon God right where I am.
I refuse to wallow in self-pity.
I will not focus on what I do not have or what might have been.
On this day I will not give up.
No matter how difficult the struggle, I choose to persevere.
I will not let any excuse be strong enough to derail my path to healing.
I will never give up or give in to an old life that neither benefited me nor glorified God.
I will allow no one to discourage me.
Today I will heal and rely on God to deliver me through the choices I make.
Today I will allow God to govern my life, and each choice I make, I will make with God in mind and love in my heart.
On this day, I choose healing.
I will do what I can to heal and to accept the limitations God has placed before me.
I will see every limitation I encounter as an invitation by God to do for me what I cannot do for myself.
I will accept that healing is sometimes slow and delayed, and accept this as God's invitation to grow in character as a result.
Today I will step outside of myself and serve others.
I will find a need and fill it.
I will find the hurt of another and help heal it.
I will not become self-absorbed or filled with self-obsession.
I will reach out to someone in need and do what I can to meet that need.
Today I will ask for God's help to live out His purpose.
Today I will live for God and not myself.
Today I choose to live.
Today I choose to love.
Today I choose to heal.
:angel:
Habits That Strangle
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
A strange species of vine known as the matador grows in South America. Roughly translated, the Spanish word matador means "killer." This plant has certainly earned its name. The matador begins its life growing at the foot of a tree. At first, it looks like a harmless little plant. But as it grows, the matador relentlessly winds its way around the tree, makes its way to the top, and slowly strangles the tree. When the matador reaches the tree's top, it bursts forth in flower—as if celebrating its kill and crowning itself victor.
Many habits in our lives are like the matador. They seem harmless at first and grow slowly. But left unchecked, they're dangerous.
Is there a matador-like habit winding its way around your life right now?
:angel:
Work Ethic
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
Are you feeling worn out? An editor of the Atlantic Monthly once told the story of a Harvard University freshman who was late handing in an assignment. He came to his professor's office to explain.
"I'm sorry, sir," he said, "but I wasn't feeling well."
The Dean replied, "Young man, please bear in mind that by far the greater part of the world's work is carried on by people who are not feeling very well."
Isn't that the truth? Children are raised because parents are willing to exert enormous amounts of energy. Companies are built because people are willing to work hard. And communities are forged through long hours and persistent dedication.
:angel:
Lessons In Humility
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
I recently heard a story about a woman who invited guests to her home for dinner. As they sat to eat, the woman turned to her six-year-old daughter and said, "Sweetheart, would you like to ask the blessing?" The little girl replied sheepishly, "Yes, but I wouldn't know what to say."
Mom spotted a teaching moment, and perhaps an opportunity to draw attention to her own piety. "Just say what you hear Mommy saying, dear," she said. The counsel seemed to work. The little girl clasped her hands, bowed her head, and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"
Life is a school for humility. And we dare not ignore the lessons—especially if you're a Christian. St. Augustine once said the three essential components of the Christian life are as follows: humility, humility, and humility.
:angel:
Out Of Control In America
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
Do you think life in America is out of control?
Economists have repeatedly warned that Americans have become addicted to spending and crushed by debt trying to attain lifestyles beyond their means. Doctors and nutritionists speak regularly of the rising obesity rate and the danger it represents. Educators, pastors, and child professional have long testified that generations of over-indulged American kids are growing up seriously lacking in discipline, direction, and conviction.
The common denominator here is excess. It's become an American way of life, and to be brutally honest, it's destroying us.
I don't think the question can any longer be: do we know? We must ask ourselves an even tougher question: do we care?
If you're struggling with excess, or trying to help a loved one who is, you're certainly not alone. I care and I'd like to help you
:angel:
Overcoming Criticism
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life Moment.
Who amongst us enjoys criticism? I know I don't! In fact, even when criticism is constructive, it's usually about as welcomed as an IRS audit.
But there's something even worse than criticism: and that's critical people. We all know someone like this. You know who I'm talking about—that person who meets every plan with some version of "That's impossible!" It's that person who challenges your enthusiasm or conviction to tackle a big project with a smirk or a head-wag.
But remember: nearly every advance, discovery, or act of courage is precipitated by criticism. There's really only one sure way to avoid it: by doing nothing. And what kind of choice is that—especially for people of faith. If you expect to be praised you must be willing to be criticized.
:angel:
Praying For Kids
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life Moment.
Being a responsible, faithful, and spiritually wise adult isn't easy.. But here's something we often overlook: it's not easy being a kid either. Sure, the issues kids face are proportionate to their age. But let's not fail to give them their proper due. Children's issues appear every bit as daunting to them as ours do to us.
The kids that God has put in our lives—whether they're children, grandchildren, extended family, neighbors, or students—need every bit of wisdom and guidance we can offer. But wisdom and guidance never stand alone. Our efforts to bring these to the children in our lives must be soaked in prayer. That's when our wisdom and guidance will become more than practical, but powerful; because it is from the Holy Spirit.
:angel:
Raising Kids
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life Moment.
Looking for an alternative approach to adult education? Try raising kids! You'll learn important like this:
· A king size waterbed contains enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house about 4 inches deep.
· When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh," it's already too late.
· A ceiling fan isn't strong enough to rotate a 42-pound-boy clad in Batman underwear and Superman cape hanging by a dog leash. It is able, however, to spin a paint can quickly enough to splash paint on all four walls of a room.
· Super glue is forever.
· VCR's don't eject "Peanut butter and jelly" sandwiches, and.
· Garbage bags don't make good parachutes.
If you're a parent, or have kids in your life, enjoy the daily adventures, even if it means time and energy you didn't budget for the moment.
:angel:
Who Is Jesus Christ?
Talking about Jesus elicits many responses from people. Some are outraged by Him. Others adore Him as the Son of God and Forgiver of sins. Some think he's a prophet or humanitarian—a great moral teacher. Others remain disinterested and indifferent. What others think isn't important. What do you think? Who do you think Jesus is?
Quite often people choose to not answer this question. But, no answer is an answer. It's the most serious question in life, and it deserves the most serious consideration.
As C. S. Lewis wisely observed, if Jesus Christ wasn't a self-deluded lunatic, and he wasn't a blatant liar, there's only one other possible alternative: Jesus Christ was God himself.
Who is Jesus Christ to you—lunatic, liar, or Lord?
:angel:
A Matter Of Style
Men, when I talk about becoming a servant to your wife, I'm not advocating a surrender of your God-ordained calling to provide leadership in your marriage. That would merely be trading one expression of unfaithfulness and one set of problems for another. Instead, I'm talking about giving up misguided and flawed styles of leadership for a more biblical pattern; a pattern that won't trample your wife's spirit, but will provide the context for your marriage to blossom.
Guys, the posture of your servant-leadership in marriage is two-fold. You're both servant and leader. The balance is delicate. Overemphasis or misunderstanding of either aspect creates imbalance and distortion. For instance, if you lead by being a king of the realm, and lording that role over your wife, resentment is sure to be a result. At the same time, if in serving you abdicate your role of male leadership you may force your wife to assume that role and that creates problems in the marriage dynamics.
Both extremes are damaging because they distort God's design for marriage—that is, marriage no longer parallels Christ's relationship to His bride, the Church.
Men, true, biblical, servant-leadership doesn't promote either of these extremes. True servant-leaders lead, but do so in a manner that creates oneness and radiance in their wives.
:angel:
Becoming Verbally Competent
It's been a popular but misguided trend in our society to view the differences between males and females as nothing more than anatomy. Advocates of this view argue that beyond physical differences, men and women are essentially the same.
But this simply isn't the case. Males and females are very different indeed. For instance, a Stanford University researcher gave young children twelve tasks and recorded their words and vocal sounds. What did the research show? The boys had the same amount of vocalization as the girls, but it was vastly different.
The girls spoke with each other, and 100% of the vocalization was in language and sentences. The boys, on the other hand, weren't verbally oriented at all. Only 60% of their vocalization was language, and the remaining 40% was nonverbal, one-syllable exclamations like, "Wow!" or "Boy!" or various noises such as that of a racing motor.
So research once again confirmed the obvious – women naturally talk more then men do. And it means, guys, that this doesn't help you relate with the women in your lives
It won't be easy, but guys, try to speak what's in your heart and on your minds to the women you love and who love us—your wives, daughters, mothers, and friends.
:angel:
From Slavery To Servanthood
Imagine the scene: A broken man awakens one morning with no options. Hopeless, owning nothing but an empty stomach, he stands starkly upon the auctioneer's block as a slave. Shoulders slumped, pride stripped away, gaunt eyes staring aimlessly into the distance, his ashen face conveys only shame.
Suddenly, a man with gentle eyes appears, and this man sees value and potential in this broken man. "Did I see a spark of something in that man's eyes?" the slave wonders. It couldn't be, but his hope rises as the gentle man pays the price, brings him home, clothes him, and feeds him richly. His master does love him!
Do you recognize this picture? I hope so. It's a picture of your life in Christ. You and I were once slaves on the auction block of sin. We stood broken by sin. Yet our loving and gentle Master—for reasons we may never know, and for reasons not found in us—saw value in us. And He paid for our freedom with His own blood, on a cross.
Through Jesus Christ, we've been freed from bondage. But that's not the end, only the beginning. We must move on and ask the question, "What have we been freed for?" The answer: for Jesus Christ!
We've been freed by Christ, for Christ. That is, so we might serve Him, praise Him, and give Him glory.
:angel:
The Meaning of Sacrifice
To make headway in your relationships, incorporate sacrificial acts of love; letting Jesus be your ultimate role model. Consider Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet. This act of submission wasn't about showing off His superior humility or sensitivity. Setting an example wasn't even Jesus' primary motive. Listen to what the Bible says in the 13th chapter in the book of John:
"It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love...So he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet."
Why don't we do the same for those we love? The sacrifice of submission and service will speak to others, and it will do something inside you that you can't explain . . . you have to experience.
:angel:
Work In Progress
I don't know whether this is true in your part of the country, but here in Southern California almost any business will hire guys to stand on the sidewalk and hold a sign advertising their store. Most signs are painted brightly and are shaped like an arrow, pointing the way toward the supposedly "best deal" in town.
Now when it comes to the sidewalks of life, we should probably each be wearing a sandwich board that reads in bold letters, "Work in Progress Here." I know that's been the case for me. What season of life you find yourself in, being in Christ means you are a constant work in progress.
And, just like someone wearing a sandwich board would attest, being in Christ and therefore a work in progress can be tiring, frustrating, and even embarrassing. In short: it requires both endurance and humility. But as a follower of Christ, this is the job you signed on for.
Though the work may not be easy, the benefits are outstanding. For there are very few things in this world comparable to the daily thrill of learning to love and serve Christ by loving and serving others.
:angel:
A Perplexing Life
In his book, The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn tells the story of his family's trip to Egypt. While driving through the hot and dusty streets of Cairo, they passed a graveyard for American missionaries and decided to enter. One sun-scorched tombstone in particular caught their attention. At the top it read: William Borden, 1887-1913.
What makes Borden so interesting is that he was a Yale graduate, and the heir to great wealth. Yet he rejected a life of ease in order to help bring the gospel to Egypt. He gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars to missions, and after only four months of ministry in Egypt, he contracted spinal meningitis and died at age twenty-five.
At the bottom of William Borden's tombstone is the powerful little statement: "Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life."
The gospel doesn't merely take the world's wisdom and "clean it up." It doesn't teach us to simply sing the world's song dressed up in a religious vocabulary. No, the gospel sets the wisdom of the world upon its head, and counts it as foolishness. The gospel introduces an entirely new set of values and concerns, and an entirely new way of looking at life.
:angel:
Leaving A Positive Legacy
Did you know the Nobel Peace Prize is named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite? It's an interesting story. When Alfred's brother Ludvig died, a newspaper mistook Ludvig for Alfred. As a result, the newspaper printed Alfred's obituary, with a headline that read, "The Merchant of Death Is Dead." The obituary then proceeded to describe Alfred as a man who made his fortune helping people kill one another.
Alfred Nobel was cut to the heart. His legacy, as the obituary described it, was simply tragic. So he set himself to the task of changing it while he was still able. When Alfred really died eight years later, he left $9 million to fund awards for people whose work benefited humanity—thus, the birth of what we know as Nobel Peace Prizes.
Alfred Nobel was given a rare gift: the opportunity to read his own obituary, and make changes before it was too late. Image yourself in his shoes. If your life ended today, how would those around you assess your contribution to your fellow man?
Unlike Alfred Nobel, none of us will probably ever read our own obituaries. However, all of us have the opportunity to live examined lives, and to make changes where changes are due.
:angel:
Mobilize
Rudy Giuliani was named Time magazine's Man of the Year in 2001, and the reason seemed quite clear. In the aftermath of the horrific attack on our country, he gave directions to save the city where the twin towers of the World Trade Center once stood. It seemed right to give him an award for clarity and compassion under pressure. He mobilized millions when the impact of his own personal losses would have immobilized many.
What do you do when you lose a job? a dream? hope? Do you freeze? Are you unable to move, think, or function? Maybe you spiral downward into destructive self-pity.
I recommend you take steps to make your disappointment and pain work for you. These emotions have energy behind them; so directl them into something positive in your life.
Over fifty times in the Bible people are told to "get up!" So do something, anything—clean the house, mow the lawn, gather friends together to pray, go help someone else, the possibilities are endless. Start with the easy tasks and work your way to those that are harder.
Get up! If you spiral down, you only compound your loss. If you move amidst and through your situation, you can turn your disappointment and pain inside out. It's the first step in the right direction.
:angel:
Refusing Responsibility
At no point in our country's history has there been such an epidemic of victimitis as there is today—that is, people who declare themselves powerless against their circumstances, metabolisms, or upbringings.
This victim mentality prompts many alcoholics to say, "Drinking problems run in my family—it's genetic. There's really nothing I can do about it." Criminals say, "Look at my upbringing. I never had a chance. It's not my fault." I once spoke with the warden of a federal prison who told me that if he believed the inmates, there wasn't a guilty man there.
Don't create or allow circumstances to develop that can destroy you. Have you accumulated crushing debt? Given in to addiction? Refused to resolve broken relationships? Take responsibility for your life. Don't fall back on excuses like bad luck, bad genes, or bad parents.
Christians aren't exempt from the victim mentality either; we often put another spin on our situation—we blame God for things. The seductive power of the victim mentality is that you never accept responsibility. It's always someone or something else's fault.
I'm not saying your circumstances, genes, and upbringing don't affect who you are. They clearly do. What I'm saying is, regardless of all these things, we remain responsible for our own behavior. And more importantly, God is capable of bringing about change in any life, even yours—no matter how messed up it is.
:angel:
When Forgiving Seems Impossible
Corrie ten Boom, one of the twentieth century's great Christian spokespersons, lost her sister and father in the Nazi death camps of World War II, and she barely escaped with her own life too.
Years after the war, she began speaking on the subject of forgiveness. After one address in Munich, a former S.S. man who brutalized and humiliated Corrie while she was in prison approached her as the church was emptying. Beaming with joy, he said, "How grateful I am for your message Fraulein. To think that, as you say, He has washed my sins away!"
He extended his hand to her. She was frozen, trying to smile as angry, vengeful thoughts boiled inside her. Breathing a silent prayer and acting in sheer obedience, she finally managed to take the man's hand. She recalls what happened next like this:
"As I took his hand in mine the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me. And so I discovered that it is not on our forgiveness any more than on our goodness that the world's healing hinges, but on Christ's. When He tells us to love our enemies, He gives, along with the command, the love itself."
Whenever forgiveness seems impossible, remember this: Jesus Christ lives in you, and He can do what you cannot.
Men, whenever forgiveness seems impossible, remember this: Jesus Christ lives in you, and He can do what you cannot.
:angel:
Characteristics Of Biblical Servanthood
Biblical servant-leadership is something we need to strive for in all areas of our lives. So today, I want to provide some guidelines for understanding a biblical picture of faithful servanthood within the community of Israel.
The faithful servants of Israel cared about those they served, and constantly sought new and better ways to serve them.
Faithful servants developed new skills to better serve.
Faithful servants did all they could to build the esteem and prestige of those they served; and this prestige, in turn, brought the servant prestige as well. He took great pride and honor in his role as a bondservant. And he, though perhaps wise in his own right, treated the thoughts and opinions of those he served as being as valuable as his own.
Faithful servants performed menial, thankless jobs in order to make room for those they served to exercise their gifts. The servant made allowances for the weaknesses of those he served as if they were his own. And in that way, he actively protected them from shame.
A faithful servant didn't dawdle in seeking forgiveness and reconciliation when his own sin caused any damage or shame to those he served.
Not a bad life, actually. Of course, to us Americans, this senario may seem a bit strange. You might ask, "Who'd ever surrender his freedoms to enter such a relationship?" But, in fact, you did—when you accepted the Lordship of Christ in your life. You serve him by serving others.
:angel:
Male Rebellion
Sure, Eve was the first to be deceived in the Garden of Eden. We're told that in the Bible. But Adam, on the other hand, knew that eating the forbidden fruit was in direct contradiction to what and Adam did so anyway!
Through the millennia, Adam's sons—that's us, guys—have been just as rebellious. We've chosen our own way with a high-handedness and intensity far beyond that shown by most women. Do you doubt this? I invite you to consider just one illustration that demonstrates my point: crime. Who commits crimes at a far greater rate, men or women? Men do. And of the crimes committed by men and women, which group commits crimes of a much more violent nature? Again, men have a clear and decided edge.
I'm not saying men are greater sinners than women. I'm saying that sin affects men differently than it does women, and consequently, that sin expresses itself in ways that demonstrate that difference. My point is this: men tend to be more rebellious than women.
Now, lets translate this point into the dynamic of marriage. Men are more likely to get bored with the straight and narrow; to grow tired of submitting to the needs of their spouses; to demand having things their own way.
Men, know yourselves! Not in order to "fix" yourselves. That's impossible. But in order to identify areas in need of transformation by the grace of Jesus Christ.
:angel:
Physical Intimacy
For woman, physical intimacy flows naturally from relational intimacy within marriage. So, guys, if you've been remiss on learning the style of servant-leadership that creates and fosters relational intimacy with your wife, you're probably experiencing an unsatisfying sex life with your wife. That's perfectly natural. In fact, it'd be strange if it were otherwise, since relational and physical intimacy are bound together.
A pastor once said, "See that chair over there? That's my counseling chair. Do you know what complaint I hear most often from married men? I'm just not having enough physical intimacy with my wife."
My own experience in ministry confirms this. Readers of my book Every Man's Battle send e-mails asking a variation of one basic question: "How can I get my wife to desire physical intimacy with me?"
Well, men, let me turn that question toward you: why don't more wives desire more physical intimacy with their husbands? The answer isn't mysterious. In the vast majority of cases, wives feel they have no real relational intimacy with their husbands. These women don't feel loved and honored in a way that creates a desire within them for physical intimacy.
But here's some news that should inspire you: every man I know who practices servant-leadership in his marriage also experiences a corresponding spike in physical intimacy with his wife. Men, you can't put the cart before the horse. Cultivate relational intimacy with your wife, and physical intimacy will naturally follow.
:angel:
Quality And Quantity?
You've heard parents say this about their kids: "I don't have much time to give, but what I do give is quality time!" I don't know what that means, and I bet your wife and children don't either. Even if they did, I don't think you really build relationships on so-called quality time.
How can you predict the quality of "quality time?" And what constitutes the distinction, anyway?
My point is that life just doesn't work that way. For instance, suppose you bought tickets to a local minor league ballgame for you and your son. You planned some real quality time to teach your son about the game you loved, and hopefully instill the same passion in him. But in the first inning he spots a friend, and they disappear together for the rest of the game. So much for quality time!
Then suppose in the same week, while heading to the grocery store, you bring your daughter along. No chance of quality time here, right? But among mundane chores and small talk, your daughter asks, "Daddy, what does salvation mean?" Your last minute errand just turned into quality time.
Quality time can't be manipulated. It doesn't happen at our beck and call. Instead, quality time sneaks up on us amidst quantity time. Consequently, the only way we can ensure quality time is to make sure there's quantity time—and plenty of it.
:angel:
Spelling Love T-I-M-E
If you're to use your time wisely, you must be considerate of your wife. Not in the sense that she has the final say, but rather, in the sense that you as a husband lead by serving. Return her love, and express yours, by surrendering personal autonomy for marital oneness. That's your first commitment in marriage. As the old saying goes, wives spell love T-I-M-E.
As husbands, we usually don't spell love this way, so impasses will likely occur. They can be overcome, but as a husband, you can't make unilateral decisions regarding your time, or you'll pay a dear price. And although men don't naturally spell love T-I-M-E, you need to learn to do so if you expect to love your wife and kids properly. It requires a servant's heart because it requires sacrifice.
My friend Fred is a morning person, so by 10:00 p.m. he's practically ready for life support. Yet with four kids, this is precisely the time he and his wife Brenda are finally alone to talk. Fred knows that Brenda draws interpersonal intimacy from sharing conversation, so he's made a rule that when he goes into the bedroom at night, he sits in a chair rather than lying on the bed. That way, he can stay awake and talk with Brenda if that's what she desires.
In this small but important way, Fred's learned to spell love T-I-M-E. It's an act that honors Brenda's vital need with the same care as he'd honor his own.
:angel:
Loving Through Impasses
Men, just like with you, your wife's weaknesses will create impasses and threaten marital oneness. What will you do to bring oneness from such impasses? Demand that she straighten up and fly right? Surely there's a more effective way to help her when she needs guidance. Why not lay down your "rights" as the leader and graciously love her through these impasses?
Men, I want to present you with a challenge today: Stop evaluating your wife and resenting her because she doesn't perfectly measure up to your standards. Instead, start accepting and appreciating her—and show her that in practical ways. When you demand that she change, or manipulate her into changing, you actually cause her to dig in her heels in order to defend her ground and the person she is. But when you accept her and love her no matter what, she drops her guard. She stops digging in her heels because she feels free to be the best she can be. Free to change. Free to be the wife you need.
So if your approach has been to crow like a rooster over every one of your wife's imperfections, I suggest you eat some crow. Confess your unloving attitude to God and to her, and watch what happens. If she's like 98 percent of all women, she will draw closer to you. And your relationship will continue to grow for as long as you appreciate and accept her—imperfections and all.
:angel:
Male Visual Stimulation
Men tend to be highly visual. Consequently, they also tend to be very susceptible to sexual temptation when it's presented visually. Put bluntly: most men have eyes that follow every short skirt that walks by. This presents a huge obstacle to marital intimacy. One disgruntled wife put it simply: "Men are pigs." And to the extent we choose our own way rather than purifying our eyes and submitting out behaviors to God, it's an apt indictment.
Consider this letter I received from a reader of my book, Every Man's Battle:
"My husband has bought into the lie that 'all men look' because they're so visual. He read your book Every Man's Battle, but he still says it's impossible for any real man to avoid looking at a babe in a string bikini. This bothers me, but he's threatened me with divorce if I don't stop 'nagging' him about this...I'm sick to my stomach to think that for the rest of my life, I'll be robbed of fullness in my marriage. Because this bothers me so much, and because my husband is so sick of being reminded of it, he does it even more now! Can you imagine? Everywhere I go with my husband I know I can't keep his attention. NOWHERE!"
Note her pain, men. The lust of your eyes hardens your heart and blinds you to your own wife. This dishonors both your wife and the God who so graciously gave her to you.
:angel:
Purifying Your Branch
Let's be honest: most of our family trees aren't very pretty. In fact, for most of us, those branches are filled with adultery, pornography, divorce, substance abuse, addiction, physical violence, and more. And even if your family hasn't been affected by one of these, your family history hasn't failed to affect you in one way or another.
At some point, then, every man must decide: will I purify my branch of the family tree, or will I allow this poison to seep through another generations?
Purifying your branch of the family tree begins with driving a stake into the ground with the decision that you and your family will follow Him.
When you do this, you transition your family from a pattern of sickness to the possibility of living for God. For generations to come, people will look at your family tree and see that under your leadership, life was influenced for good rather than for evil.
Going against the trends of past generations isn't easy to do. But it's worth the effort to blaze a new path—a path that's honorable; a path that's worth following; and a path that will show God's grace and goodness to future generations
:angel:
Shouldering Her Weaknesses
What baggage does your wife carry? She's surely no more immune than you. Therefore, she may be burdened from any number of traumatic events in her past.
Are you allowing for your wife's weakness, loving her for who she is today, and not for who she might be at some point down the line? Sure, you may be shocked and dismayed at the weaknesses in your wife that were hidden until marriage exposed them. Maybe she comes from an abusive and dysfunctional background. Maybe she isn't a very strong Christian. Maybe she was even promiscuous before she met you.
Any of these things may be true. But some other important things are true as well. Your wife did forsake her individual freedom in taking you as her husband, believing you would provide love and strength for her. Your wife is still God's little lamb, regardless of the pain she's been through and the wounds she carries. Don't forget: God has entrusted her to you. Will you resent her? Or does your heart warm at the task of restoration? Is there any nobler act than pouring out your mercy on your precious bride?
Men, relate with your spouse based upon who she is today. Not upon what you want her to be. So what if she isn't who she should be today? Are you? Besides, it's not important that she becomes everything you expect. It's important that she becomes like Christ. Impart to her the same grace, mercy and strength that Christ imparts to you.
:angel:
A Sober Request!
I'll never forget the night I was listening to Chuck Swindoll address about ten thousand Christians. Right in the middle of his message, I heard a statement that virtually sucked the air right out of the room.
He proclaimed, "I know some of you are having sex with your children. And I'm telling you to stop it. I'm asking you to stop it. You must consider the impact on your child. You must stop having sex with your children."
Why on earth would he say that? Because he was the pastor of a church and heard the confessions of people who'd been involved in incestuous relationships.
It is reported that the trauma of child abuse actually rewires parts of the brain in both function and structure. The effects are quite serious. The abnormalities can last right through adulthood, leaving the victim with such problems as aggression, poor emotional control, memory and attention disorders, and serious mood and personality disorders.
The nature of this sin is such that all of us would rather leave it in silence. But we simply cannot. Therefore, I repeat what Chuck Swindoll said that night: "You must stop having sex with your children." And I would add, I beg you to get the help you need.
:angel:
USS Matrimony
Marital adjustment is a simple matter. Before marriage, you command your ship of life based upon the personal convictions of one person—you.After marriage you board the USS Matrimony. You are now dealing with the personal convictions of two people. It's something you must quickly learn to deal with.
Humility is essential to create and maintain unity on board. It requires a mind-set that honors your partner.
So, what's riding on this? Quite a lot—namely, oneness and intimacy. If you learn the art of servant-leadership, the sailing on the USS Matrimony will be much smoother.
Yes, you may have a compliant spouse who'll tolerate your less than humble ways. But in such cases, outer calmness is usually the result of an inner deadness in the marital relationship, not oneness and intimacy.
Without a humble spirit and a willingness to serve one another, you may have peace, you may have marital longevity, and you may even appear to have a marriage made in heaven. But you won't have a relationship based on intimacy, there will be road-side wounded, if not casualties, along the way.
I can't urge you strongly enough in your marriage to commit yourselves to a life of humbly serving your spouse.
:angel:
Finding Their Voices
As its founder, I've participated in several focus groups, surveys, and brainstorming sessions associated with the Women of Faith Conferences. Their objective? To identify and address areas where women felt they needed help becoming all God desires of them.
Perhaps the most common theme is that women need to "find their voices." In other words, Christian women today must discover who they are in Jesus Christ, and express that in their lives in such a way that glorifies God.
One of the reasons so many women need this kind of help is that so many men pressure and push women to be silent—to neglect their voice. Sadly, many men secure their own position by stifling or ignoring the identity, and unique gifting of women. Consequently, many women sense that their role is perceived as insignificant; they feel that their voice isn't recognized, valued, or welcomed.
It's the challenge of every man to help the woman in his life find her voice, and then, be respectful and receptive when that voice speaks. Men, I challenge each of you: guard the voice God's given to the woman in your life, whether it's your wife, your daughter, your sister or your mother. Stop and listen to her.
:angel:
Proverbs 31 Husband
Pastors often preach about the woman depicted in Proverbs 31 as what a wife should be. Godly, faithful, diligent, virtuous—she's the entire package. Now, I don't know about you, but I've never heard a sermon on what the husband of that woman must've been like. And I could stand to learn a few things from him—and probably some of you could too.
Look closely at Proverbs 31. The character and accomplishments of the wife imply many things about the husband standing silently in the background. He must've granted her a great deal of latitude to make important decisions about the home and the family budget. Furthermore, he must've encouraged and respected her—two ingredients crucial to her operation of the thriving business discussed in the Proverb.
If a wife is to be free to succeed in her multifaceted role, the husband must hear, respect, and support her. Otherwise, her gifts will be blocked, and she won't be the woman God called her to be.
Husbands and wives complement one another's weaknesses. It's ultimately, God's way of blessing each of you! The only things Proverbs 31 does say about the husband is that he's respected at the city gate, and that he rises to call his wife blessed.
:angel:
Romance
Men tend to be less romantically inclined than women. In itself, that's fine. However, we shouldn't let that tendency cause us to fall short when it comes to stoking the fires of our marriage.
It's easy to think, "Okay, now I've got a wife. What's next on the agenda?" But men, that's a big mistake. Romance lies at the heart of the female essence. Most wives are incurable romantics, and it's highly unlikely that your wife's an exception.
Bring her flowers on your anniversary, or sometimes for no particular reason at all. Take her to eat at your old haunts; drive by your old homes and apartments; skip a Monday night football game to take her to dinner; walk together at dusk holding hands; and give the gift of your time generously.
Romance tends to become less a priority after marriage. To make matters worse, many of us tend to confuse sex for romantic intimacy. One married woman put it like this:
"I love the romantic intimacy of a hug and extra attention, but any little hug and kiss I give...seems to suggest that I want to make love. How exasperating! I just want him to know that I love him, and I just want the same response back without feeling that I have to jump into bed. I just want him to hold me and talk to me; I just want to be near him."
Men, being mindful and responsive to your wives' need for romance is one of the most practical and powerful ways to love and honor her.
:angel:
Snuffing Her Out?
When you were courting your wife, she was worthy of speaking to yous on any topic at every level, wasn't she? Think back to those heady days of dating. You couldn't drink in enough conversation from the young woman you knew you were going to marry. You loved hearing every thought, every hope, and all her deepest dreams. You were learning her, and it was a thrilling, rewarding experience. Every opinion was a lovely thread in the tapestry she wove around your heart. But that was then; this is now. Somehow, somewhere, and at some nebulous point in time, things changed...
No guy would ever envision tuning out his lover before the wedding day. But in marriages all across the fruited plain, countless men snuff out the voices of their wives seeking to express themselves.
What this does to marital oneness isn't pretty. Snuffing out your wife's voice is a sin against her. It's also a sin against God, because it discards and hinders His purposes for her voice in His kingdom.
Relationships, like people, go through stages of development. Therefore, I'd no sooner suggest that you recreate the first months of dating than I would for you to try becoming a teenager again. I'm simply suggesting that, somewhere along the way, most of us have lost sight of something wonderful—something worthy of being reclaimed: an eager excitement to learn our wives. Men, our wives are precious jewels – don't overlook and fail to appreciate them!
:angel:
Building Her Prestige
In Proverbs 31:29-31, the husband grants his wife her proper prestige with these words:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Men, we'll not only draw prestige from the success of our marriage relationship, but we must also be sure to build up the prestige of our wife. Of course, this begins in the home.
"Building up" begins with words, but must be verified and reinforced with actions. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3, "Husbands...be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as...heirs with you." Acknowledging that your wife is your fellow heir establishes that she's entitled to the same honor and respect as you. By contrast, you have no right to rob her of what you ought to give, and what God promised she'd have. Oneness isn't merely a feeling; it's built on actions.
Moreover, building up the prestige of our wives doesn't end in the home. What begins there must be carried out into the community. Here again, actions speak louder than words.
Gentlemen, can we justify placing our wives anywhere but in the highest place of prestige in our lives? We must set ourselves to the task of building up our wives—both inside and outside our homes.
:angel:
Sacrificial Love
If we're to love and serve our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers in the manner God desires, we must understand the following three things:
First, sacrifice doesn't mean giving that other person everything he or she wants. But it does mean you consider the other person's thoughts and concerns are honored equally alongside yours; in the same way the white stripe is expressed equally with the red on a candy cane. You can't tell if it's red with a white stripe or white with a red stripe.
Second, sacrifice is more than taking another's thoughts into consideration. It's taking those thoughts and putting them into play with as much emphasis and care as you give your own thoughts—even if the thought processes of that other person may not make sense to you.
Third, you must develop your own style of carrying out this sacrificial love—a style that's customized to the character and needs of your relationship. You may not always agree with the other person. That's fine. Agreement is nearly as important as the way of coming to an agreement. You are different people, and even siblings brought up in the same hone with the same parents and surroundings come up with different opinions and answers to life. But, the use of the servant mind-set must always be consistent among all of us if we wish to love others as ourselves.
:angel:
The Fragile Male Ego
Our fragile male egos can easily present a barrier to oneness and intimacy with our wives. One woman made this candid comment that makes my point: "Most things in our marriage are his plans and desires.[He never shows me any of his deep feelings, and I can't say that I've ever felt one with him. He once said, 'If I let you in and show you my feelings, I'd be vulnerable to becoming hurt.'"
A husband's refusal to be emotionally vulnerable is a sure sign that his fragile male ego is presenting an obstacle to marital health.
Another sure sign that the fragile male ego is at work is when a woman's gifts and talents are perceived by her husband as a threat to his competency. This is an issue I've seen come up time and again in marital counseling.
My point, men, is that an overly sensitive male ego undercuts our ability to be vulnerable and humble—two necessary characteristics for strong and growing marriages.
One of the church's great theologians was fond of referring to marriage as "the school of character." That's because marriage, by its very design, will teach us things like vulnerability and humility—that is, if we'll only commit ourselves to becoming attentive and teachable students.
The lessons we need to learn aren't always easy. Yet they're profoundly rewarding.
:angel:
The "Why" Of Romance
Guys, if there's any area in which we need to study our wives in order to serve them better, it's in the department of romance. Romance inspires her and brings feelings of marital intimacy to the surface.
Yet ask most guys what romance is and he'll begrudgingly mumble something about candlelight dinners and roses. But it's more than that. In fact, for some men, it might not be candlelight dinners and roses at all. That's because the chief ingredient of romance is knowing what special thing sparks her romantic motor.
But why is romance so important to our wives? Perhaps the best way to answer this is by considering a different question: why is respect so important to us? The answer to both questions: it's how we're made. It's what makes us tick.
Therefore, for the vast majority of women, going through marriage without romance is the equivalent to how a man would feel having to go through life without respect. In other words, much of the color of life disappears, and everything turns to gray.
Guys, that's why it's so important for us to study how to cultivate romance with our wives; and in particular, how to do this in a way that is according to each of our wives' own personality and liking. This is an important aspect of giving our wives the sacrificial love we're called to offer, and that they deserve to receive.
:angel:
Working Toward A Career
More and more women are now working outside the home. Therefore, a growing number of men are being called upon to help their wives prepare for and manage this aspect of her role. This, of course, constitutes an important area where husbands must learn to think and act sacrificially for the good of their marriages and families.
Listen to this testimony by Joanne, a wife and mother in her third year of graduate school: "I couldn't succeed in this challenge if it weren't for my husband's constant support when I'm in class and when I have to barricade myself in my room to do homework. He feeds the kids, helps with their homework, and runs them where they need to go. I can't explain the relief I feel when I know he's stepping in...He never ever pouts or acts put out that he has to do more. I feel so responsible for my family that if he did these things for me grudgingly, I would feel defeated very quickly. Because he helps me with a cheerful attitude, I feel a lightness inside that help me get through the day."
Joanne's husband is a wise leader. They've made a decision that, in their particular situation, her return to school is in the best interest of their family. And this decision requires him to think and act sacrificially. He knows his family's needs, and his wife's insecurities, and tends to them accordingly. That's a real man.
:angel:
Bucking The Trend
The current trend in our society is that more and more wives and mothers are reentering the workplace. Different families have different needs. And many have decided this is what best serves them.
Yet at the same time, some families are bucking this societal trend. They've decided it's not in their family's best interest to have mom working outside the home. And while this is a great decision for many families, it's not a decision that comes free from difficulties.
Anytime you buck a societal trend, there's a price to pay. For mothers who stay home to raise their children, one price they pay is a drop in social status. This is sad because stay-at-home moms work so hard and sacrifice so much. Current characterizations of stay-at-home moms tend to be patronizing at best, and at worst, downright derogatory.
As a result, guys, the choice to stay home with the kids can be hard on your wife's self-esteem—even if it's a decision she believes in and is thrilled about.
So if you and your wife have chosen to buck the trend, I encourage you to ask yourself the following three questions:
What can I do to lighten her load?
How can I encourage her and affirm the great value of what she's doing?
What practical steps can I take to make staying home with our children less physically and emotionally draining on my wife?
:angel:
Students Of God's Word
When looking for ways to serve our wives, many of us would rather lay tile, or fertilize the lawn, than lead her spiritually. Why is that? Simple. We like to function within areas where we're competent and comfortable. Unfortunately, providing spiritual leadership often isn't one of those areas. Yet the fact remains: providing spiritual leadership is a vital aspect of our calling as husbands.
So where do you begin? How about developing a deeper understanding of God's word. Men, as you become committed and competent students of Scripture, it'll help establish two important things in your wife's heart—both of which are crucial for your effective leadership.
First, your knowledge of Scripture will create a sense of security in your wife's heart. She'll be able to live in peace knowing you have the ability to bring the light of Scripture to bear upon those areas of life that are confusing, difficult, and scary.
Second, your understanding God's word will raise your wife's level of respect for you. As you wrestle with scripture, and demonstrate your commitment to bring God's truth to bear upon the life of your family, your wife will have reason to respect and rest in your leadership. She'll know she can trust you to do the best possible thing for her and your children.
Men, resources abound to help in this endeavor. Your pastor and local Christian bookstore will get you started, and Bible study groups can help you persevere.
:angel:
Students Of God's Word
When looking for ways to serve our wives, many of us would rather lay tile, or fertilize the lawn, than lead her spiritually. Why is that? Simple. We like to function within areas where we're competent and comfortable. Unfortunately, providing spiritual leadership often isn't one of those areas. Yet the fact remains: providing spiritual leadership is a vital aspect of our calling as husbands.
So where do you begin? How about developing a deeper understanding of God's word. Men, as you become committed and competent students of Scripture, it'll help establish two important things in your wife's heart—both of which are crucial for your effective leadership.
First, your knowledge of Scripture will create a sense of security in your wife's heart. She'll be able to live in peace knowing you have the ability to bring the light of Scripture to bear upon those areas of life that are confusing, difficult, and scary.
Second, your understanding God's word will raise your wife's level of respect for you. As you wrestle with scripture, and demonstrate your commitment to bring God's truth to bear upon the life of your family, your wife will have reason to respect and rest in your leadership. She'll know she can trust you to do the best possible thing for her and your children.
Men, resources abound to help in this endeavor. Your pastor and local Christian bookstore will get you started, and Bible study groups can help you persevere.
:angel:
The "How" Of Romance
Guys, when you're romancing your wife, it must be on her terms in order to be effective. You have to do what she considers fun, what she considers romantic. That's what shows your wife that you've listened to her, learned her, and you're attentive to her desires and needs. This demonstrates love.
But there's another—often overlooked—side of romantic expression: doing things for her that she hates doing herself. For instance, I know a woman who absolutely hates washing silverware after meals. Her husband knows this about her, and often steps in to wash silverware for her—even if he doesn't have time to wash the sink full of dishes.
So why is doing for your wife what she hates doing romantic to her? Once again, it shows that you've taken the time to know her, and that you have the desire to serve her. In other words, it shows her your relationship's an intimate one.
One woman named Cheryl shared this story: "Sometimes I don't want to do the mundane things like grocery shopping alone. It's not one of Rod's favorite things either. But he goes with me if I ask, and he makes it fun just because we're together. And there's been more than one classical concert he's suffered through with me."
Do you sense that Cheryl feels romance in her marriage? I certainly do.
:angel:
Weighing Your Options
Okay, men, imagine that God offered you these two following options:
Option 1: Working twelve hours a day for two years in the business of your dreams, a commitment that would quadruple your income.
Or...
Option 2: Working twelve hours a day for two years to passionately live out the heart of a servant-leader when you're at home, an effort that would quadruple your wife's joy.
Be honest—or at least willing to consider each option. If you're chasing after the next rung up the corporate ladder, then you've misappropriated your passion. If you're willing to become a bondservant to your wife, then you're worthy of your Lord's daughter.
Let's face it. If the passion's not there in your marriage, you won't find much oneness. Sure, you may be comfortable with your wife. As a mother, you may think she's matchless. She may still knock your socks off when she slips into a sundress. Perhaps you can't even imagine living without her.
But what do these feelings show? Many men feel them, but be very careful in your assessment of them: such sentiments don't necessarily reveal that you've actually done anything more than love yourself in the marriage.
Men, it's your passion for oneness and your passion for service that demonstrate that you love her. That's what brings her joy on your journey together. If that passion's not there, you must find it. But if it is, your motives for serving your wife will be true.
:angel:
Consistency In Spiritual Leadership
Men, not only should you be comfortable in leading your family in worship, you should be the most consistent among them when it comes to cultivating your own personal life of worship. Remember, the character and quality of our public leadership is a direct by-product of the character and quality of our private discipleship. You simply can't give your family what you don't possess yourself.
Men, consistency in private discipleship brings intimacy with the Lord; and intimacy with the Lord puts you in the position to bring life and truth to your family. Without it, you'll have little fresh understanding with which to guide them.
How consistent are you when it comes to praying? How consistently do you lead your family in Bible study and prayer? Sure, no one's busier than you. I know that, and I share your predicament. But the simple reality remains: each of us must make it a top priority to carve out time in our day-to-day lives to lead our families in this area.
Remember guys, many of the most important issues in our children's lives will be caught rather than taught. They're watching your example. If you're not praying together as a family, then all your talk about God's being the center of your marriage and family is just that—talk.
Make family worship or devotional time a priority. Be disciplined about following through. Model your faith with action. It'll give your family someone to respect and someone to emulate.
:angel:
Leading Worship At Home
Men, we were created for worship. It enhances and expresses intimacy with the Lord, and brings both Him and us great pleasure. Yet many men tighten up just saying grace before dinner. Public worship—even if it's only in front of your family may cause you to feel as nervous as a third baseman charging a short-hopper with the game on the line in the bottom of the ninth.
Most of us have been there. And most of us have also blamed it on our lack of experience praying in public. Yet for the vast majority of men, that's not really the issue. The real issue is that you don't have enough experience praying in private! Deepening your private life of worship will naturally embolden your public life of worship. And the first place it'll bring benefit is in your ability to provide better spiritual leadership in your home.
Guys, no one in your home should be more comfortable with worship and prayer than you. Your family absolutely needs you to lead them. Feeling funny about it is no excuse.
Start small, but be courageous and committed to growth. You simply cannot and must not "chicken out" when your family looks to you for spiritual leadership. The Holy Spirit is waiting for you to step up to the plate, and He'll meet you there. That's a promise from God.
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Parental Teamwork
Ephesians 6:4
Men, as the father in the home, you shoulder a great responsibility in raising your children. How will you and your wife go about it? What standards will you choose? How will you discipline? What values will you teach and demonstrate?
These questions are crucial; and whether it's intentional or merely by default, they're all communicated to your children. Intentionality is the key; and it's a huge help when you and your wife are on the same page.
You and your wife can provide two basic elements in your home that are invaluable to helping your children become the individuals God wants them to be. One is consistency. There are few things worse than one parent operating off one set of values while the other confuses, and ultimately, sabotages those principles with a competing set of values. Parents must strive to agree on core values—living them and passing them on in a unified front to their kids.
The second important concept in raising kids is teamwork. Guys, surrender your individual rights and the blatant exertion of authority and be your wife's teammate. Help her. Share duties. Pitch in. And never undermine your wife's position by making yourself appear more important in the eyes of your children.
Instead, help your children learn to honor their mother and to appreciate the value of a woman. This bedrock principle will have a tremendous impact on your kids' future.
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Rebooting Your Marriage
I host a weekday call-in radio show with five other counselors called New Life Live! Since we handle many calls each day, it's easy to spot common themes that arise.
One common theme is the one about blaming and judging a wife who "just isn't enough" for a man. It's amazing the mental gyrations some men will go through not to take responsibility. One day we commented that the worst-selling T-shirt we could market would say, "It was my fault." No guys would buy it!
Here's an idea for another T-shirt message: "You're not to blame for my problems." But let's not wait for that T-shirt to land in stores to own that truth. Because when we own this, we're humbled and ready to do what needs doing: asking for forgiveness.
Every computer has a reboot key that allows for fresh starts. Everything cranks up as if it were doing it for the first time. For individuals, the reboot key is called confession. Confession realigns the person with God and removes the stain of denial. The reboot key for a relationship is asking for forgiveness. It places the relationship back at ground zero. It doesn't ensure that forgiveness will be granted, but at least from the point of forgiveness the relationship has an opportunity to flourish. Men, if you and your marriage are stuck, consider the most humbling thing you can do: Ask your wife to forgive you.
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Submitting To Scripture
Men, no one in your home should be better and quicker at submitting to what Scripture teaches than you. In a recent marriage class several women were asked, "What's the one thing that impresses you most about your husband?" One woman responded, "[My husband] is much quicker to submit to the teaching of Scripture than I am. He's quick to fix anything in his life that he feels doesn't line up with Scripture. He has always been submissive to God's ways, and this makes me trust him and feel one with him."
This woman's husband leads by example. What could possibly be more fitting or effective? And did you pick up on the security this woman feels because her husband is receptive and responsive to God's word? Guys, this woman's not the exception; she's the norm. When you submit to Scripture, it fortifies your wife's trust and respect for you. And note the irony here: even though Scripture exposes your flaws, your wife's trust and respect grows—as does her willingness to give you the benefit of the doubt when needed. So long, that is, as you're submitting to God.
On the other hand, your failure to submit to Scripture invites disorder, confusion, and fear into your home. It puts a formidable stumbling block in your pathway to oneness—not only with your wife, but with all members of your family. To put is plainly, men, God is not pleased with spiritual leaders who harbor sin.
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A Peculiarly Male Problem
Although pornographic consumption is on the rise among females, it's still considered—and has historically been—a male problem. But because consumption of pornography is recognized as largely a male issue, and because it usually begins in adolescence, many adults have become increasingly inclined to tell boys that what they're doing is normal. That satisfying their curiosity with pornography, and gratifying their hormonal urges, is a natural right of passage to manhood. This is exceedingly dangerous counsel.
Based upon my counseling experience, I believe the pornography has trapped more young men, and haunted them throughout their adult lives, than any other problem.
Don't misunderstand me. Not all men who struggle with pornography are sexual addicts. However, that's no cause whatsoever to minimize the issue. If you become accustomed to the world of pornographic fantasy you're at great risk to do great damage.
Eventually it will ruin your relationship with God, your feeling of self-worth, your ability to relate to women, and it can potentially destroy your marriage. But even if your marriage does stay intact, pornography steadily and surely steals the potential for true intimacy with your wife. True, you're present in body, but your mind is somewhere else—entertaining thoughts and fantasies of other women who, in their own tragic way, have also been victimized by the pornographic industry. Wake up, men: fantasizing over pornographic images is neither natural nor trivial.
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Giving Thanks Through Everything
Thanksgiving goes deep into our national heritage. In fact, the newly formed United States first recognized Thanksgiving as a national holiday during the administration of our country's first president: George Washington. These are words in which President Washington introduced it:
"Whereas, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor;
[Therefore], both the houses of Congress have...requested me 'to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God...Now, therefore, I do recommend next, to be devoted by the people of the states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be, that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country."
But men, the call to give thanks goes even deeper into our identity and responsibility as disciples of Jesus Christ. Giving thanks is an essential aspect of worship; and worship is the very reason for our existence. Therefore, men, take the time to reflect on and respond to this question: what has God done in your life that calls for thanksgiving today?
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It's Big Business
Guys, when you think of big business in America, what comes to mind? Computers, oil, professional sports, the automotive industry? How about pornography? If it doesn't, it should.
That's because pornography is now considered to be more than a $10 billion-a-year business in America. Yes, you heard me correctly; I said billion! This isn't exactly a new development either. As far back as 1985, the Ladies Home Journal gave an excellent exposé regarding the extent of that industry's sprawling empire. Listen to these findings:
· Americans spent far more on pornographic material than the $6.2 billion grossed by all three major television networks—ABC, NBC, and CBS—combined.
· More than 20 million Americans buy sexually oriented magazines every month.
· Fifteen percent of all videos sold in the United States are sexually explicit in nature.
The problem's not getting better either. In fact, between 1985 and now, pornography's become more accepted by mainstream culture, and more easily accessible to a wider audience—largely through growing mediums like cable and satellite television, and the internet. In other words, pornography possesses a large and ever-growing claim upon the inner lives, the leisure time, and the discretionary income of multiplied millions of Americans.
If you're one of these people, you need to find a way to stop. This isn't a harmless pastime. You're destroying yourself, your loved ones, and contributing to our society's undoing. Seek and secure whatever help you need, like our Every Man's Battle workshop, but please stop!
:angel:
Portrait Of A Son
There once lived a wealthy widower who shared a passion for collecting art with his son. Priceless works adorned the family estate.
Then the war came. The son enlisted, and after only a few weeks, the father's worst fears were realized: his son was killed in action.
Months later the old man, still grieving, answered a knock on the door. "I was a friend of your son," said the stranger at the door, "He was rescuing me when he died. I have something I want to give you." And he gave the father a portrait he had painted of the man's son! It wasn't a masterpiece, but precious nonetheless. The old man was overcome with emotion and gratitude.
When the old man died, his paintings were slated for auction. The event began with a painting that wasn't on the docket—the painting of the man's son.
Bidding opened at $100. Silence. "Who cares about that painting?" someone cried, "Let's get to the good stuff." Voices clamored in agreement.
Finally, an elderly gentleman asked, "Will you take $10? That's all I have, but I knew the lad and would love to have the portrait." After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone."
Then to everyone's surprise, the auctioneer closed the auction! Stunned disbelief filled the room. "What do you mean?" voices demanded, "There's still millions of dollars of art here!"
The auctioneer replied, "It's really quite simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes his son gets it all."
It's the same with us . . . whoever takes the Son in faith receives all the Father's benefits!
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Who Buys Pornography?
The United States Advisory Board for Social Concerns reports that minors read over 70 percent of all pornographic magazines. Further estimates indicate that most hard-core porn viewers are under twenty years of age. To a large extent, then, our nation's young people are financing the pornographic industry.
Further still, adults who seek treatment for pornography addiction almost always attest to exposure during childhood. Whether these adults are involved in multiple affairs, self-gratification, or prostitution, they usually share the experience of getting started years earlier with what seemed to be harmless magazines containing nude photographs.
My point is this: if you have a teenager, he or she is a target for the pornography industry. Therefore, be observant of their behavior, and prepared to take immediate and decisive action if pornography is discovered.
If you discover evidence of porn usage—a phone bill, a book, a magazine, a video—don't simply take the child's word that it was a one-time experience. In most cases, it's the tip of the iceberg.
Adolescents caught up in this problem are usually much too ashamed to ask for help, and too emotionally immature to realize there may be a problem. So even if your child has a history of honesty, it's much wiser to at least consider that your child may be trying to hide a bigger problem.
If you ignore the evidence, you may be ignoring you child's subconscious attempt to get help.
:angel:
No Other Gods
Exodus 20:1-17
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Even if we don't practice a particular religion, we do worship something. Our hearts, souls, and minds can't exist in a vacuum. We're all under allegiance to some set of beliefs. Our love and need to be loved drive us to the feet of some god. Part of our inventory needs to include looking to see who or what brings us to our knees.
The first commandment God gave says, "You must not have any other god but me" (Exodus 20:3). He repeated the same command after the children of Israel had wandered forty years in the wilderness, adding some explanations: "I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me" (Deuteronomy 5:6-7). Once when Jesus was talking with some people, "An expert in religious law tried to trap him with this question: 'Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?' Jesus replied, '"You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment'_" (Matthew 22:35-38).
If we want to reorder our lives according to God's design, it is helpful to start with the standard he set up-the Ten Commandments. He begins by simply asking that we recognize him as God. Are we willing to admit that our Creator and Rescuer is fully deserving of our wholehearted love and commitment? Are we willing to turn away from our other gods to worship him alone?
If we give God the proper place in our lives, all of his commandments should follow naturally.
:angel:
False Images
1 Corinthians 10:12-14
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
We may find that our imaginations are held captive by an image or ideal that makes demands of us. We may be focused on the image of "the perfect body" and find ourselves swept into compulsive eating disorders, depression, or sexual addictions. We may be focused on the image of "the good life" and find ourselves swept into workaholism, stealing, or lying to try to appease the image we worship. We may have an image of ourselves as "the black sheep of the family" and slavishly live our lives playing out that role.
We don't talk much about idol worship in our culture, except perhaps when we talk of celebrities. Idolatry can be defined as image worship; it may involve becoming a slave to the ideas an image represents. This is the second commandment: "You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods" (Exodus 20:4-5). The apostle Paul warned, "So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols" (1 Corinthians 10:14).
In his protective love, God warns us not to let devotion to an image enslave our lives. The images we worship are more likely to come through television or other media than from an idol carved from stone. But we need to ask ourselves, What are the images and ideas that drive our compulsive behaviors?
Taking inventory of the things we consider important may alert us to the false gods in our lives.
:angel:
The Strangeness of God
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9
Disruptive peace; majestic meekness; unsettling comfort - these phrases don't seem to make sense. But anyone who's had a personal encounter with God understands that these apparent paradoxes come together in Him.
The Dean of the Chapel of Calvin College, wrote, "The faithful evangelical preacher of God ought to say not only that God is great and God is good, but also that God is elusive and God is strange...because spiritual health depends upon it."
It's dangerous to think we know God's mind, God's will, or God's intentions. In fact, to fear God is, in part, to recognize that His ways are not our ways. For certain, He's revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and He revealed Himself in how He moved and worked through the lives and stories recorded in the Bible. But He hasn't revealed Himself exhaustively. He hasn't ceased to work in mysterious ways. And that's why we surrender to Him. He's greater than we can think or imagine and will work in strange ways—ways we can't even think of or imagine.
"I have felt His hand upon me in great trials and submitted to His guidance, and I trust that as He shall further open the way, I will be ready to walk therein, relying on His help and trusting in His goodness and wisdom. " Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
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Being, Not Doing
Exodus 20:8-11
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Some of us become addicted to our work and our accomplishments. It's not that we're just hardworking people; we use our activities to help us feel worthwhile. It's as though we believe deep inside that we are worthless, so we work and take care of others to earn the right to be loved. When our work is at the heart of our self-esteem, we have a hard time stopping whatever it is that gives us a feeling of value. We become slaves to what we do and can never do enough.
The fourth commandment says, "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy" (Exodus 20:8-11).
God gave the Hebrews this command when he brought them out of Egypt after four hundred years of slavery. The only value they had known had been measured by constant work. God reminds us with this command that he cares about who we are as well as about what we do.
God's command that we spend a day resting is clear evidence that he loves us.
:angel:
Clarity Versus Trust
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
Isaiah 50:10
When the philosopher and professor of ethics, John Kavanaugh, went to work for three months at the "house of the dying" in Calcutta, he was seeking an answer about how to spend the rest of his life. His first morning there he met Mother Teresa. She asked, "And what can I do for you?" Kavanaugh asked her to pray for him. "What do you want me to pray for?" she inquired.
He voiced his pressing burden: "Pray that I have clarity." Mother Teresa firmly refused! When the bewildered Kavanaugh asked why, she said, "Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of."
When Kavanaugh commented that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for, she laughed and said, "I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God."
Are things in your life so clear that there's no room to trust God?
"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. " - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Confession
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6:12
In the Bible, the word "confess" means "to speak the same thing." So when it tells us to confess, it means we're to say the same thing God says—to agree with Him—about the attitudes and actions of our lives.
As you can see, then, confession has two aspects: speaking the truth about ourselves and the truth about God.
For example, if we're confessing greed, we can also confess God's promise to supply our needs. The Bible says the same God who takes care of you will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to you in Christ Jesus.
"We own up to minor failings, but only so as to convince others that we have no major ones." - La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)
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Learning Through Suffering
Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:17
Like many other Christians, my parents thought that if they honored God and dedicated their children to the Lord, they'd somehow be shielded from pain, suffering, and life's difficult realities. Learning that their son—my brother Jerry—was dying of AIDS helped them to see that this belief was false.
My parents wrestled not only with losing Jerry but also with their own feelings of guilt. They wondered what they could've done differently to keep their son from a homosexual lifestyle. Sorrow and regret consumed them.
Yet God used that terrible incident to mold and deepen my parents' faith. Suffering brought them face-to-face with change they'd never anticipated. It was in that dark and painful crucible that my parents learned about compassion, courage, forgiveness, and repentance. Their hearts were truly broken, but they were also truly changed.
You, too, can and should learn from suffering. Don't be angered by it. Don't come out the other side a bitter person. Look at your suffering as an intimacy with Christ—a time to sense his love and compassion, and to grow to trust Him and grow closer to Him.
"Complete success alienates a man from his fellows, but suffering makes kinsmen of us all. " - Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
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Living a Positive Legacy
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2
Did you know the Nobel Peace Prize is named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite? How did this come to be?
When Alfred's brother died, a newspaper mistook him for Alfred. It printed his obituary with the headline, "The Merchant of Death Is Dead," describing Alfred as a man who made his fortune helping people kill one another.
He was cut to the heart and vowed to change his legacy. When Alfred really died eight years later, he left $9 million to fund awards for people whose work benefited humanity—thus, the birth of Nobel Peace Prizes.
Alfred Nobel was given a rare gift: the opportunity to read his own obituary, and make changes before it was too late. What might you do if given the same opportunity?
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. -Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
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Handling Anger
Matthew 5:20-22
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Some of us realize that all that's kept us from committing murder was the lack of opportunity at the moment we were in touch with the depth of our rage. Maybe we can stuff our ugly emotions down deep most of the time, only venting them when we're caught off guard or under the influence.
The law of Moses clearly says, "You must not murder" (Exodus 20:13). Moses went on to explain, "If someone hates another person and pushes him or throws a dangerous object at him and he dies, it is murder. Or if someone hates another person and hits him with a fist and he dies, it is murder. . . . But suppose someone pushes another person without having shown previous hostility, or throws something that unintentionally hits another person, or accidentally drops a huge stone on someone, though they were not enemies, and the person dies. If this should happen, the community must follow these regulations in making a judgment" (Numbers 35:20-24). Jesus taught, "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:21-22).
If we took the time to think about it, we may realize that we're still in danger because of the rage burning beneath the surface. In order for our recovery to be complete, we must dig up the anger, vent it appropriately, and let it go. This is a vital part of our recovery process, which we dare not neglect.
Unresolved anger becomes a violation of God's command to love.
:angel:
A Debt of Love
Romans 13:8-10
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
While under the influence of an addiction, we end up hurting ourselves, others we don't know, and those we love the most. We may be horrified at how we could have done such things to the people we love. Does that mean we don't love them? Or how could the people we love have done such things to us? Does that mean that they don't love us? What conclusions are we to draw from the sin that stabs at our lives?
"Owe nothing to anyone-except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law. For the commandments say, 'You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.' These-and other such commandments-are summed up in this one commandment: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law" (Romans 13:8-10).
At first glance we may conclude from this passage that anyone who practices the evils warned against in the Ten Commandments couldn't have love for others. But it may actually show us that when we hurt the ones we love, maybe we are loving them the way we love ourselves-very poorly. May God help us to love ourselves, so that we may learn to love others also.
It is our calling in life to love others and ourselves as God has loved us.
:angel:
Overcoming Envy
Hebrews 13:5-6
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
A major part of recovery deals with our tendency to create and live in a fantasy world. We escape the painful realities of our lives momentarily and trade them in for experiences that feel good. The pathway that leads to our addiction is paved with desires for the things, relationships, and experiences that we see in the lives of others and don't have ourselves.
One of the lesser known of the Ten Commandments says, "You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17; see also Deuteronomy 5:21). Jesus also warned, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own" (Luke 12:15). The writer of Hebrews said, "Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you'" (Hebrews 13:5).
Modern society and commercial advertising are designed to breed discontent. This is a threat to our recovery because it leads us into an emotional fantasy world. We need to make an inventory of the greed and covetousness lodged in our hearts and minds. Then we must treat these problems like a poison that will hurt us if allowed to remain in our lives.
Since only God can meet all our needs, true contentment can only be found in him.
:angel:
Freedom through Confession
Romans 2:14-15
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
All of us struggle with our conscience, trying to make peace within ourselves. We may try to deny what we've done, find excuses, try to squirm out from beneath the full weight of our conduct. We may work hard to be "good," trying to counteract our wrongs. We do everything we can to even out the internal score. In order to put the past to rest, we must stop rationalizing and admit the truth.
We are all born with a built-in buzzer that alerts us to what is wrong. God holds everyone accountable. "They know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right" (Romans 2:14-15).
Part of Step Five is to stop this internal struggle and admit that wrong is wrong. It's a time to agree with God and our own conscience about our cover-up and the exact nature of our wrongs. We're like people who have been accused of crimes which they actually committed. We may have spent years constructing alibis, coming up with excuses, and trying to plea-bargain. It's time to come clean. It's time to admit what we know deep down inside to be true: "Yes, I'm guilty as charged."
There is no real freedom without confession. What a relief it is to finally give up the weight of our lies and excuses. When we do confess, we will find the internal peace that we lost so long ago. We will also be one step closer to full recovery.
Admitting our failures is an essential step to forgiveness and healing.
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God, Our Friend
Hebrews 4:14-16
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Going to God can be scary. We may associate God with a condemning judge, a brutal father, or some other frightful image. Before we will be able to admit our wrongs to God, we'll need to feel confident that he is on our side.
In ancient times, people could not approach God on their own. The high priest would offer a sacrifice to cover their sin and then bring them before God. The high priest was on their side, even though he had to acknowledge and deal with their sins. We have someone on our side, too. "Since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most" (Hebrews 4:14-16). "Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested" (Hebrews 2:18).
We don't have to fear admitting our wrongs to God. In him we have a friend who understands our struggles and our suffering. When we go to him we won't have to flee from his condemnation. We will be welcome to stay at the throne of God to receive mercy. He will give us the grace we need in our struggle to recover.
When we face our wrongs, God understands and is able to help us.
:angel:
Overcoming Denial
Genesis 38:1-30
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Admitting our wrongs to ourselves can be the most difficult part of Step Five. Denial can be blinding! How can we be expected to admit to ourselves those things we are blind to? Here's a clue that can help us. We will often condemn in others the wrongs most deeply hidden within ourselves.
According to ancient Jewish law, a widow was entitled to marry the surviving brother of her husband in order to produce children. Tamar had been married successively to two brothers who died without giving her children. Her father-in-law, Judah, promised to give her his younger son also, but he never did. This left her alone and destitute. In an effort to protect herself, she disguised herself as a prostitute and became pregnant by Judah himself. And she kept his identification seal (Genesis 38:1-23).
When Judah heard that Tamar was pregnant and unmarried, he demanded her execution. "But as they were taking her out to kill her, she sent this message to her father-in-law: 'The man who owns these things made me pregnant. . . . Whose seal and cord and walking stick are these?' Judah recognized them immediately and said, 'She is more righteous than I am'" (Genesis 38:25-26).
It won't be easy to be honest with ourselves. "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9). However, we can look at those things we condemn in others as a clue to what may be lurking within ourselves.
It takes great courage to be honest with ourselves about ourselves.
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Healing through Confession
James 5:16-18
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Most of us resist the thought of admitting our wrongs to another person. We may think, Isn't it enough to admit my faults to myself and to God? Why should I humiliate myself before another person who is no better than I am?
It seems that there is healing power in the act of telling another person. James wrote, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results" (James 5:16). The apostle Paul also commented on this: "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself " (Galatians 6:2-3).
We may laugh at the thought of finding a "righteous person" to confide in. We needn't worry; the word James uses doesn't mean self-righteous. He is referring to someone who is right in fulfilling duties both with God and man. This kind of person will be just and without prejudice, already made right with God through personal confession. Someone with this kind of righteousness won't be prejudiced against us.
When we find someone who has already dealt honestly with his struggle, our burden can be made lighter by sharing our own. Our confessor will also be able to pray for us in an understanding way. Such prayer can really make a positive impact on our recovery.
Confessing our faults opens up our lives to God's healing power.
:angel:
Escaping Self-Deception
Galatians 6:7-10
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
We may fool ourselves into believing that we can simply bury our wrongs and go on, without ever having to admit them. In time, we all discover that those deeds we thought were buried once and for all were actually seeds. They grow and bear fruit. Eventually we have to deal with a crop of consequences and face the fact that self-deception doesn't work to our advantage.
"You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit" (Galatians 6:7-8). "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him [God], he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness" (1 John 1:8-9).
STEP Five says good-bye to self-deception and hello to forgiveness and cleansing. We should note that there is cleansing from every wrong, not from "wrongdoing" in a general sense. Admitting the exact nature of our wrongs includes giving an account in exact and specific terms. It is only when we get specific that we will no longer be able to fool ourselves about the nature of our wrongs. Since we can't ignore God and get away with it anyway, we might as well come clean and be forgiven.
In recovery, planting our confessions will yield a harvest of forgiveness.
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Cultivating a Thankful Heart
Be joyful always. Pray continually; give thanks in all
circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The great English writer G. K. Chesterton once wrote, "You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swim¬ming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing, and grace before I dip the pen in the ink."
Wow! What a reminder! There's no doubt in my mind that I could give thanks more often. We set aside meal time, Sunday mornings, and my favorite holiday; Thanksgiving. But, don't let an hour go by without giving thanks . . . for your work, school, kids, health, your spouse, your blessings and your challenges.
When you have a God-awareness about life and when you see and sense Him in your day (in the big things and the little things), it's hard not to be thankful.
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -William Arthur Ward (1921-1994)
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Humility at Its Best
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. - James 3:13
Though often overlooked, the Old Testament character Jonathan is one of the most remarkable men in the Bible. Being the oldest son of King Saul, he was the heir to the throne of Israel. He was an experienced soldier, distinguished for his courage in battle.
The Old Testament character, David, was a shepherd boy . . . probably 15 years younger than Jonathan. Despite their differences, however, Jonathan and David formed a remarkable friendship, in part due to Jonathan's humility.
When David was anointed to succeed King Saul, Jonathan didn't claim his right to the throne. David wasn't in line for this honor. He wasn't the king's son. Jonathan was. But Jonathan defended and protected David, the one taking his place. He even defended him against his own father. Saul repeatedly tried to kill David, but Jona¬than risked his life to protect and encourage his friend.
Are you willing to give up your rights or position? Or do you dig in your heels and arrogantly proclaim your entitlement? Surrender what's due you and see God's grace unfold in ways you couldn't imagine.
"To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness." -Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
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Smart Holiday Eating
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. - Hebrews 4:13
Did you know that everything you have is a gift from God? Your money, kids, home . . . even your body. I used to weigh sixty pounds more than I do today. I know the heartache of losing weight, feeling better, and then losing control and gaining it all back. For years I felt like a second-class citizen because I was fatter than any of my friends. But I was more than that. I was unhealthy. I wasn't taking care of God's gift of life. I was out of breath and out of energy most of the time. I was facing an early death.
It's hard sometimes, because we center so much of life around food. We meet friends for Bible study at the coffee shop for breakfast. We catch up with friends over lunch. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and such with dinners or feasts at home.
Being a follower of Christ, means rearranging things in your life. Your priorities will change; and while it's not easy, that will include taking care of your body which includes the emphasis you put on eating.
"Don't fight a battle if you don't gain anything by winning." -General George S. Patton (1885-1945)
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Thankfulness In Spite Of . . .
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. - Psalm 42:11
Consider this short summary of the life of one man who knew the importance of a thankful heart:
When he was nine, his mother died. Though he loved books, he received little formal education. His sister died in childbirth. At age twenty-four he found himself deep in debt when a store he invested in failed. When he was twenty-five the woman he loved caught fever and died causing him to sink into deep depression.
Three years later he proposed to another woman and she turned him down. At thirty-four he lost the nomination for U.S. Congress. Only one of his four sons lived to adulthood: one died just short of age 4, one at age 11, one at 18. Who was this man? Abraham Lincoln. And in 1863 he asked Congress to establish the annual celebration of Thanksgiving.
In spite of his failings, his sorrow, his depression, his disappointments, he chose to express gratitude to God and lead a nation to do the same.
What's your "In spite of . . .?" It doesn't matter what it is: hurt, pain, sorrow, depression, loss, disappointments, or anything else.You can choose to have a thankful spirit.
"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." -Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
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A Glimpse of Glory
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1
Praise is the outward expression of your deep joy! We praise God in worship on Sunday morning. We praise our team when they do well at sporting events. We praise our kids when they achieve a goal or do something special.
Isn't cheering someone's success and accomplishments an invigorating experience? You'll find the same energy within your spiritual life when you consider the mighty acts of God in history, as well as His acts in your own life. It will allow you to celebrate the joy and wonder of your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Praise not only is an expression of your joy in the Lord, but it also gives you a taste of what heaven will be like. If you read the last book of the Bible, Revelation, you'll see what I mean. There's a lot of praise and worship going on. I think God wants us to learn that praiseful attitude in this life, in preparation for the next.
Few things will strengthen your faith more than when you cultivate a rich understanding of God through worship. Praise him by remembering his faithfulness to you throughout your years and by looking forward to his promises. When you worship him, your faith will be strengthened, your heart encouraged, and your vision of who God is and how he works will grow.
"Praise now is one of the great duties of the redeemed. It will be their employment forever." -Albert Barnes (1798-1870)
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Confronting Wrong
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. - Galatians 6:1
God has given us the responsibility to honestly confront those who do wrong. For most of us, confrontation is a difficult task. For a few, it's much too easy. I hope you don't delight in finding fault in others. If you do, stop and consider if you do this as a way of over¬looking your own faults.
God does call you, however, to help others see the truth. In es¬sence, you can hold up a mirror to your good friends, and they hopefully will do the same for you.
Jude, the brother of Jesus, reminds us that we are to deal honestly and directly with those who do wrong, while showing them mercy (Jude 22-23). Help others see their faults but with great humility. You're not responsible for the behavior of others, but you are re¬sponsible to gently and tactfully point out areas of misbehavior that may cause them to stumble, fall, or lose their way.
Are you avoiding some tough conversations? If you have kids, are you confronting them? And when you do are you doing it with gentleness and humility? Check yourself. Is your tone respectful? Is your word choice uplifting or condescending? God calls you to show courage by addressing wrong. But remember the goal is al¬ways to see the other person restored, not belittled. Help that per¬son turn back to God.
"I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better." - Plutarch (46-120)
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Restoring Broken Relationships
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. - Matthew 6:14
We all suffer from broken relationships, with God and with others. This brokenness will weigh you down spiritually and slow your progress in growing in Christ unless you take steps to mend it. And God wants to heal the brokenness and he wants you to participate by forgiving and seeking forgiveness for yourself.
God's ultimate plan for you and our world involves healing. In Revelation, the apostle John saw a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, in which this healing would be complete. He wrote: "And the angel showed me a pure river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb . . . On each side of the river grew a tree of life . . . The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations." (Revelation 22:1-2)
Although we know that God will heal all things when he returns to rule, until then we need to take steps toward mending the broken¬ness. Giving and receiving forgiveness is a must when it comes to spiritual healing. In doing so you will make peace with God, with yourself, and with those you've alienated.
Who do you owe an apology to? Who do you need to forgive? Just remember, God has placed one condition on our receiving His forgiveness . . . that we forgive others. It's a serious thing. Just remember, we don't earn forgiveness, and we shouldn't expect others to earn ours.
"When you forgive, you in no way change the past- but you sure do change the future." - Bernard Meltzer (1914- )
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Relinquishing Debts Owed Us
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. - Luke 6:37
Do you tend to keep a mental list of the wrongs that have been done against you . . . an accounting of what you think others owe you? You may feel they owe you an apology, a favor, a sum of money, or something else. If every time you're hurt, you're mentally adding to the ledger of debt that others owe you, I want to help you see how and why to let go and erase that ledger of debt.
Jesus told this story to address what I'm talking about: "A king decided to bring his accounts up to date . . . In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars." The man begged for forgiveness. "Then the king was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thou¬sand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment." This was reported to the king. "Then the king called in the man he'd forgiven and said, 'You evil servant. I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?'" (Matthew 18:23-35)
When you look at the enormous moral debt God has forgiven you and the price Jesus paid for us to be forgiven, you should be com¬pelled to forgive others. Forgiveness will free you from the torture of festering resentment. You can't change what others have done to you, but you can write off their debts by handing the accounting process over to God.
"Forgiveness is the economy of the heart . . . forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits." -Hannah More (1745-1833)
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Two Changed Men
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. - 1 Peter 1:22
What words would your friends or family use to describe you? Jesus referred to two brothers, James and John, as Sons of Thunder. Why? We're given a glimpse of their fiery personalities in the book of Luke. After the Samaritan people rejected them, James and John asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to consume the village. Jesus rebuked them for their impulse to retaliate.
Yet that's not the end of their story. Jesus worked in these brothers' lives so that they became known not for anger and revenge, but for love and forgiveness. James was the first of the twelve disciples to give his life for his faith. He was killed in Jerusalem by the order of Herod Agrippa. John is referred to as the "disciple Jesus loved." He went on to write powerful words on the importance of love and became an important leader of the church.
Though the two brothers had once been ambitious for their own personal gain, they ended up ambitiously sharing God's love with others for their spiritual gain. The brothers discovered that when you understand and experience God's love, you are free to live and grow. And as you grow and share with others, you will be used by God to touch the lives of many in need of God's healing help.
Can you relate to the anger and selfish ambition of these men? If so, be encouraged by God's work in their lives. He wants to do the same in you!
"For every minute you are angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind." -Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Encouragement
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. - Hebrews 3:13
Discouragement will drain your energy, especially when you face trials. That's why, it's very helpful to spend time with people who know how to encourage. Some people know just what to do or say to remind you that life is worthwhile, even in the midst of pain and failure. They know how to inspire when there seems to be nothing to hope for. Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," was just that kind of guy.
Barnabas' gift of encouragement was demonstrated through his financial generosity, leadership, and teaching of new believers. He accepted the apostle Paul when others were afraid of him and doubted his conversion. It's probably accurate to say that Barnabas changed the course of church history and the shape of the New Testament by persevering in his encouragement to John Mark.
On his first missionary journey John Mark abandoned his friends. Barnabas was willing to give him a second chance. Paul wouldn't hear of it. But with Barnabas' encouragement, Mark became faith¬ful in his missionary ministry and Paul's respect and friendship was restored. Later he would write the Gospel of Mark.
Are you feeling discouraged? Just as was true for John Mark, fail¬ure need not be the end for you. The forgiveness offered by Jesus Christ gives you the chance for a new start. Persevere. God is a God of second chances. And in time you, like Barnabas, will have the privilege of encouraging others along the way.
"Remember, man does not live on bread alone: Sometimes he needs a little buttering up."
-John Maxwell (1947- )
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Joy in God's Presence
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid: you are worth more than many sparrows. - Matthew 10:29-31
Do you spend time in God's presence praying, singing praises to him, and bowing before him? These are things that each of us benefit from.
Do you feel too macho or too proud to bow or sing to God? If that's the case then look with me at a real man in the Old Testament. The psalms of King David are songs that still give us direction and hope. David was a man who knew his own sinfulness yet was able to sing, "What joy for those you choose to bring near, those who live in your holy courts. What joys await us inside your holy Tem¬ple." (Psalm 65:4)
God wants you to know you are welcome and valued before him. The joy you find in his presence each day will help you stay tuned in to his desire for you. Worship and prayer will remind you of how great and holy God is. You'll gain a new appreciation for how gracious God is to forgive you and allow you into his presence.
When was the last time you prayed and sang to Jesus? If it's been a while, try it. You'll experience something very special. You'll continue the process of being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
"Joy is the holy fire that keeps our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow." - Helen Keller (1880-1968)
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Relinquishing Prejudice
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. - 1 Peter 3:8
Have you allowed your upbringing or experiences to prejudice you against a particular group of people? Women? Men? The poor? The rich? Asians? Jews? Black or White?
Prejudice leads to hatred and a lack of compassion toward others. To the contrary, God's people are to be known for their love and compassion. Surrendering your life to God means recognizing and relinquishing your prejudices.
Take a look at the Old Testament figure, Jonah. He hated the peo¬ple of Nineveh for their cruelty toward his people, the Israelites. He would've loved to have gone to Nineveh and declare God's judg¬ment against them. But God told Jonah to go and warn them of de¬struction so they might avert God's wrath. Jonah wanted no part in this mission of mercy. He tried to run away, but God placed him in difficult circumstances. When he reluctantly obeyed and preached to the Ninevites, they changed their ways. And not surprisingly, Jonah was upset at God's mercy on the Ninevites.
God practically had to force Jonah to let go of his prejudice and hatred. This was necessary so he could share God's mercy with the people he hated. Your spiritual transformation will be stunted until you let go of your prejudices toward any people group. Seeing your own prejudices doesn't come easy. You need to ask God and those close to you to help you see areas of prejudice in your life. Once you see them, confess them and ask God to change your heart.
"I'm free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally." - W. C. Fields (1880-1946)
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Freedom Through Confession
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" and you forgave the guilt of my sin. - Psalm 32:5
Most of us have the bad habit of rationalizing our sin and our er¬rors. We all struggle with our consciences, with our goal to make peace within our own hearts. In order to gain peace, you may deny what you've done, find excuses, or try to squirm out from under the responsibility and consequences of your wrongdoing. You may work hard to be "good" in order to compensate for your mistakes. Are you doing everything you can to even the score? Until you confess your faults, you'll get nowhere.
God holds everyone accountable. We're like people who've com¬mitted crimes but who refuse to accept the charges brought against them. You may have spent years constructing alibis, coming up with excuses, and trying to plea-bargain. But if you're sincerely seeking spiritual renewal, now is the time to come clean. It's time to admit what you know deep down inside to be true: "I'm guilty as charged."
By speaking this truth, you stop fighting and admit that you're wrong. Without confession, there's no real freedom. And what a relief it is to finally release the burden of your lies and excuses by admitting them to God. This is the very reason Jesus came. Remem¬ber he died not because we were good people, but because we'd gone our own way. Come back to him. When you do confess, you'll regain internal peace, and your broken spirit will be renewed.
"Hearing nun's confessions is like being stoned to death with popcorn." - Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979)
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Forgiving Ourselves
The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste . . . - Nahum 2:2
For most of the wrongs you've done, you're probably grateful and eager to accept God's forgiveness. But sometimes we're so shocked or ashamed or heartbroken over our sin that we find it hard to believe that God could really forgive us. Yet God does forgive and he desires to restore you. He wants to redirect your course, and to redeem your life for his service. But this restoration can't begin until you receive God's forgiveness and forgive yourself.
Peter had once sworn his love for Jesus. He pledged even to die with Jesus if necessary. Yet that same night after Jesus was arrested, Peter sheepishly denied that he even knew Jesus. Jesus wasn't sur¬prised; he had already told Peter that Peter would deny knowing him three times. Jesus was ready to forgive Peter before he even betrayed Jesus. But Peter had a hard time forgiving himself.
After Jesus rose from the dead he asked Peter three times if Peter loved him. Peter had denied him three times, and so Jesus gave him the chance to reaffirm his love three times. Jesus reached out to Peter.
When you're disheartened by the things you've done, it can be difficult to receive God's forgiveness. But God reaches out to us through his Son. Once you confess your sins, you need to let go of them. Find encouragement through your brother Peter. Once he accepted forgiveness, God was able to build him up and use him for His great purposes.
"People can be more forgiving than you can imagine. But you have to forgive yourself. Let go of what's bitter and move on." - Bill Cosby (1937- )
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A Disconnected Life
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. - Hebrews 13:16
I don't have any problems relating to people. Really. It's true. I don't ever get irritated or upset with anyone: as long as I'm alone. It's amazing just how easy life is when I'm alone and isolated. The worst in me can lie dormant for years as long as there's no one around to awaken the sleeping giants inside of me.
It may be true that a life of isolation is easier, but it's also emptier. When you don't have to face who you really are, you grow comfort¬able and stop developing into what God wants for you.
Are you going to take your place alongside the millions of others who've decided to abandon life by disconnecting? You may think this is the way life's meant to be. But it's not. Life is about relation¬ship, relationship with God and with one another.
"Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing." - Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
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Aging and Living
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? - Job 12:12
I have some friends who are adrenaline junkies. It's a drug they need to survive. They mountain bike, bunji jump, heli-ski, hang glide, surf giant waves, and parachute out of airplanes. I often won¬der why they feel the need to risk their lives in the ways they do. Maybe they do these things as medication against depression and anxiety or maybe it's a way of proving that the inevitable isn't going to over take them.
We can jump out of airplanes to prove that we're not dead yet, but there's no avoiding the fact that you are getting older and with that comes limitations. Aging does that to everyone. You can see that as a death sentence, but a better way to look at it is as the beginning of a new phase or season of life.
Every end is a new beginning, and that's true for the seasons of our life. Just as Fall gives way to Winter, and Winter to Spring, there's something to look forward to with each season of your life.
"Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen." - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
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Child Readiness
The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. - Proverbs 23:24
Do you think you're ready to have kids? Or maybe you wonder if your kids are ready for kids. Here are a few tests to see just how ready you are:
The first one is The Grocery Store Test:
Borrow two small animals (goats are probably the best) and take them with you to the store. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.
The next is The Dressing Test:
Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff it into a small bag making sure that all the arms stay inside.
Then there's The Toy Test:
Obtain a 55-gallon box of LEGOs. Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom at night without stepping on any. And don't scream because this would wake the children.
Not only is parenting challenging, but with the right attitude it's also fun, funny, and exciting. And, with the right attitude, it will keep a youthful spirit about you.
"No matter how calmly you try to referee, parenting will eventu¬ally produce bizarre beharior, and I'm not talking about the kids." -Bill Cosby (1937- )
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Responsible Brad
This is my command: Love each other. - John 15:17
Brad, a policeman and a terrific guy, is honest, full of integrity, and everything you'd want in a cop. He's a loving husband and a father who's made great decisions for his family. If you knew him, you'd respect him as much as I do. And you'd be happy that he was pro¬tecting your neighborhood.
But what if my friend was irresponsible and just wanted to have an easy shift or a desk job? All he'd have to do is drink coffee, stay in one place, and not police the neighborhood. Then he wouldn't get involved with conflict or have to go to the trouble of filling out a lot of paperwork because he gave a ticket or arrested someone.
Many of us go through our lives just like that. We look the other way. We don't get involved. We don't trouble ourselves to do the difficult things we maybe ought to be doing.
Don't isolate. Connect. Get involved. Don't think of yourself. In¬stead, live your life and make your priorities thinking of others first. Jesus commanded us to love one another, and one of the bet¬ter definitions of love I heard is: Love is making your problem my problem.
Make someone else's problem your problem.
"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -Bernard Melzer
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Stubborn Resistance
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. - Proverbs 19:20
Some of my best childhood memories were generated in the lake house built by my grandfather and his five sons. When we outgrew the cabin, a new addition was built. It, however, had one major flaw. My grandfather hadn't calculated into the ceiling height the fact that the new addition had a foundation that was about twelve inches higher than the original cabin. So the ceiling in the new area was a foot shorter than it was supposed to be.
You felt like you needed to hunch over. And if you weren't looking, you'd walk right into the ceiling fan and injure yourself for life. All this because my stubborn grandfather wouldn't listen to his boys who told him from the beginning that something was very wrong with the plans.
Is stubbornness affecting your relationships? Do you get angry when someone challenges you, shares a thought contrary to your belief, or when you're required to do something you weren't plan¬ning to do? If so, stubborn resistance might be the diagnosis.
The prescription? Surrender. Surrender your will and your ways to God, and often that means to that of others.
"If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments." -Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001)
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Who's the Boss
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. - Romans 13:1
Jane's five-year-old neighbor must've seen Jane giving her kids treats because he was over in a flash. "My mom said I can have a Popsicle," he bellowed. And that reminds me of the story of an¬other little boy who would show up on his neighbor's doorstep at 9 o'clock in the morning and say, "My mom said I can stay until dinner."
As we grow up we hopefully grow in our understanding of au¬thority. For instance. you wouldn't walk into your boss's office and declare, "My wife said I can have a raise." But sometimes we try to usurp God's authority. There are many people out there who know the truth, but in order to achieve their own selfish desires, they will use the truth or present the truth in an untruthful way.
It's not all that difficult to understand that God has and God is the ultimate authority in life. How that plays out in life can be confusing, unless you're willing to surrender your will to His.
"The man or woman who is wholly or joyously surrendered to Christ can't make a wrong choice. Any choice will be the right one." - A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)
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A Promise in the Pain
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stout hearted. - Psalm 138:3
About five seconds outside the womb I think we all discover that this life isn't easy. And it seems that the older we get the tougher it becomes. Some people have problems or are attracted to difficul¬ties like fleas to a dog. Others make it through life with relatively little difficulty.
But most likely, you'll face some tough times in life, and it's not im¬portant how your challenges stack up to the challenges of others. Sometimes you might wonder if you are going to be able to make it through, and you will if you hold onto God. He's promised to see you through.
Are you weighed down? Do you feel overcome with grief or alone in your struggle?
You can choose to take steps to walk through your challenges and come through them a stronger person.
Remember, believing in God and in Jesus Christ doesn't mean you won't have problems. But it does mean you have resources, people, and God's Spirit who will see you through your problems. What could be better?
"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records." - William A. Ward (1921-1994)
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Begger or Prince
Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God. - John 1:12
Are you a beggar or a prince? Some religious people will tell you that you're despicable and worthless. Others will say that you're the pinnacle of creation or the center of the universe.
I think the words of C. S. Lewis from his great work The Chronicles of Narnia communicates the division between beggar and prince well. The voice of the lion, Aslan, is a respresentation of Jesus Christ says in the book Prince Caspian, "You come from the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve. And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content."
Friend, you were made in the image of God. That image, however, has been tragically marred and gracefully corrected. It was marred when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. It was grace¬fully corrected when Christ bore our sins on the cross . . . when he gave His life to pay the price for our sin.
Erect your head in honor of being a child of God. At the same time, bow in fear and respect to the King of Kings.
"You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure about you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us." - Nelson Rockefeller (1908-1979)
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God Is In Control
And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." - Isaiah 6:3
Did you know there is now a modern day version of the Golden Rule? It says that "He who has the gold sets the rules".
Who sets the rules for you? Your supervisor? The company president? The government? Whoever sets the rules has great power. Sometimes we feel like that particular person has too much power and control over our lives. We long to be that person who has the gold and sets the rules.
On the highest level, God is the one who sets the rules and has the greatest power over us. We make choices in life, but He is the ul¬timate boss. Through the prophet Isaiah, God told us to "maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the man who keeps his hand from doing any evil."
It's good to know that God is kind and just. In our daily decisions, we need to follow God's rules that are found in the Bible. Hopefully, you follow those rules in grateful response to Christ and what He's done for you, not in an effort to earn your way into heaven.
Sometimes when people around us are flaunting their power, it's easy to forget who is ultimately in control. I challenge you today to obey God's rules for your life. Turn your situation over to God. He is in control.
"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'" -C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
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Help Your Neighbor
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:4
When you see someone who needs help, do you stop?
On a road in England, a van spun out of control and plunged into a lake. In a black limousine, Princess Diana rode past the site. "Pull off here", she told her driver. The Princess ran toward the van, jumped into the water, and pulled a man out of his vehicle. They waited until the police arrived. The Princess of Wales had saved a homeless vagrant.
Once a Jewish law expert asked Jesus about how to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked the man, "What does the law say?" The man told Jesus, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and Love your neighbor as yourself". Then Jesus told a story about the Good Samaritan. When some robbers beat up a man, a priest and a religious leader had walked passed this half-dead man . . . yet ignored him. Then a Samaritan man lovingly loaded the man on his donkey and took him to an inn.
It's easy to walk past people who need our help. But it takes love and concern to look at the people around us as our neighbor. Who is my neighbor? Jesus gave us an example in the Bible, and Princess Diana gave us a modern day example.
I challenge you today to look for an unexpected opportunity to help someone in need.
"If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble." -Bob Hope (1903-2003)
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The Grandness of God
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." - Revelation 1:8
Recently a team of astronomers announced they have conclusive proof that a powerful black hole is 50 million light years away. Since the early 1900's Albert Einstein predicted there were black holes as a part of his theory of relativity. At first black holes were only a theory and based on math formulas. For many years as¬tronomers have been trying to prove the existence of these black holes in space. Now with the help of the Hubble Space Telescope, scientists can prove the existence of these black holes.
Fifty million light years. As I thought about that distance, it was more than my mind could imagine. We usually talk about size with words like big, large, extra large, and huge. A black hole is bigger than big . . . it defies our comprehension.
This science news also gave me a new appreciation for how big and how grand God is. The opening line of the Bible says "God created the heavens and the earth". Yet despite the grandness of the heavens, God cares about the intimate details of my life. In the New Testament book of Matthew, Jesus says that God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground and that even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
I challenge you today to consider how big the world is, but also realize that we can have an intimate relationship with the God who created it.
"People see God every day, they just don't recognize him." -Pearl Baily (1918-1988)
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Nothing Is Impossible
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:27
Are you facing a situation that looks impossible to fix?
In 1969, the pollution was terrible along the Cuyahoga River near Cleveland, Ohio. It was unimaginable that it could ever be cleaned up. The river was so polluted that it actually caught fire and burned. Now, years later, this river is one of the outstanding examples of environmental cleanup.
But the river wasn't changed in a few days or a few months. It took years of work to build new sewage plants and reduce the industrial pollution. Eventually that hard work paid off and now the water in the river is cleaner than ever.
Maybe you are facing an impossible situation. Maybe you have a habit that is driving your family crazy. Possibly you drink too much or don't know how to control your credit card use. When you face such an impossible situation, don't you want a quick fix and some¬thing to change immediately?
While God can perform miracles and instantly remove your desire for drugs or alcohol, for most of us the changes are gradual and in¬volve a lot of effort and work . . . like cleaning up a polluted river.
I challenge you today as you are facing your difficulties to put them in God's hands and trust in his timing.
"As the poet said, 'Only God can make a tree' probably because it's so hard to figure out how to get the bark on." -Woody Allen (1935- )
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Finding the Balance
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." But wisdom is proved right by her actions. - Matthew 11:19
Have you ever flirted with danger? Recently six officials in the White House were told by their doctors that their "stress levels were so high, they were flirting with danger unless they slowed down." While actual people were not named, it reminded me that each of us flirts with danger at times.
Like when driving your car, you step on the gas and fly down the highway towards your next meeting risking your safety and risking that you won't have a tire blow out, let alone see a policeman with a radar gun. Or maybe you put your money in some volatile invest¬ment, or you keep piling on the work and don't know how to say "no", and risk burnout.
One of the key ingredients to lowering our stress level is finding the proper balance in our life. It keeps us from flirting with danger. In the Bible, wisdom and folly are described as two different women. Folly calls out, "Let all who are simple come in here! Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But little do they know that her guests are in the depths of the grave." On the other hand, Wisdom says, "Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still."
Each day, we choose whether to flirt with danger by living in an imbalanced state or to walk in wisdom. I challenge you today to think about what you are doing and to walk in wisdom.
"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony." - Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
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Riches of Grace
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? - James 2:5
Have you ever wanted to instantly be a millionaire?
It happened one day to Howard Jenkins. One day Jenkins checked his account through an automated teller and discovered that his account had over $88 million dollars in it. To double check the amazing number, Jenkins went into the bank and asked the teller for his balance. When she wrote eight zeros on the piece of paper, he almost fainted.
Although he knew that it was an error, Jenkins asked to withdraw $4 million and they handed it to him without batting an eye. He showed the money to his girlfriend, and her first reaction was, "Where are we going?" But then she said, "We can't keep this money." Jenkins already knew it. He just wanted to be a millionaire for the afternoon. He returned the cash.
You may strike it rich or work your way to be a millionaire. But if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you have available incredible riches . . . riches of grace.
I challenge you today, to celebrate the riches of God's grace in your life.
"The riches of His free grace cause me to daily triumph over all the temptations of the wicked one, who is very vigilant, and seeks all occasions to disturb me." - George Whitefield (1714-1770)
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Trust God Each Day
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." - Psalm 31:14
Do you recall an ad that captured your attention?
No matter which medium . . . television, radio, print, or the web, ads are made to catch attention. Recently I was caught off guard with a newspaper ad. It pictured a gray-haired senior citizen in a wet suit. The woman was holding up her surf board along the edge of the beach. The ad began, "No matter where life takes you, your health care coverage goes along."
The ad was designed to have you think about your future. No one knows what crisis tomorrow may bring. The life of faith involves living each day trusting God to guide and direct your future. That doesn't mean that you are naïve and ignore things like health care coverage. But for the bigger picture of life, you can trust God. In the unexpected events of life, you can trust God. The Bible de¬scribes faith as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
You may not know where your life is taking you. But you can be sure that tomorrow, God has something prepared for you that you can't see or imagine. That's why we need to learn to trust God each day, no matter what the day holds.
"God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night the brighter they shine." - David Nicholas (1705-1769)
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Peace or Worry?
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15
Doesn't the world look pretty safe sometimes?
Peace accords are signed. Cold wars end. The wall comes down. Just when my fears began to calm, I ran across an article about nuclear weapons in Russia. Organized crime is trying to steal nuclear material in Russia and sell it on the black market. And while the FBI can't confirm that material has been stolen, Interpol reported that highly enriched uranium disappeared near St. Petersburg.
When I learn about the threat of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands, it's easy for me to feel anxious. But this is when I can turn to the truth from the Bible and learn from the words of Jesus.
In the Bible, the disciples of Jesus were anxious about their future. Jesus was telling them that he would soon die on a cross and be raised from the dead on the third day. They began to worry about their future. Then Jesus told them, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26).
It's easy to worry about the future but it's not what God wants for us. I challenge you today to rest in God's peace.
"Peace is more the product of our day-to-day living than of a spectacular program, intermittently executed."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969)
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Gadgets, Necessary or Evil?
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 5:20
Do you sometimes wonder how you ever got along without some new invention or service that comes along?
Until recently, Floraine Alba, a grandmother in New Jersey, used to write 50 checks a month to pay her household bills. It would take hours. Now she has cut three or four hours off that time by paying her bills on-line, electronically. "Spending all day writing checks and stuffing envelopes was bad enough," Alba said, "then I had to go stand in line at the post office."
Each day more devices fill our lives . . . cellular phones, fax ma¬chines, personal computers, lap tops, PDA's, Ipods, and answering machines. Sometimes, we wonder how we ever got along without a particular thing or item. Then it breaks, and we remember what it was like to lift our garage door each day or to wait until we found a phone booth to make a call.
The subtle danger of a new device is it can make us desire things over our relationships with people. Don't get caught up in wanting the next device or service but think about what these desires are doing to us and our relationships with others.
I challenge you today, to pause for a moment before buying that next contraption. Think about why you need it and if you've wan¬dered from the love of others into the love of things.
"Television is like the invention of indoor plumbing. It didn't change people's habits. It just kept them inside the house." - Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980)
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Will You Have a Ride?
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:36
Have you ever desired something so much that you didn't realize what you would be giving up in order to gain this prize?
In Des Moines, Iowa, a group of young men were arrested for trespassing and attempted burglary. The foursome had driven to a car lot late at night and removed a set of tires from a vehicle there. Unbeknownst to them, the owner of the lot had seen them on a closed circuit camera. So, while they were busy trying to steal his tires . . . he picked up their vehicle with his forklift and hid it inside a building. When they had finished their dirty work and were ready to leave; they had no transportation.
In much the same way, many people spend their lives striving to get all of the things that should make them happy, but they never develop a personal relationship with God. And it's that relationship which will provide the transportation when the time comes to leave this life.
I challenge you to evaluate your personal relationship with God. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? Someday, you will have to leave this earth. When that day comes, will you have a ride?
"I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive."
- Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)
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Corruptible Pride
His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.
2 Chronicles 26:15b-16
Have you personally witnessed the destruction that pride can cause?
The Nagasaki, Japan Police Department launched an investigation to get to the bottom of how one of their prisoners got a gun while in police custody. What the investigators found was a group of officers, who in the hopes of obtaining a coveted "Weapons Charge" commendation on their employment record, arranged the whole thing.
The corruption caused by pride is nothing new. In the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles, the Bible tells us of 16-year-old Uzziah, King of Judah, who had every blessing from God; and his pride led to losing his reign to his son, Jotham.
We must always be on guard to keep pride from creeping into our lives.
I challenge you today, to take an honest look at yourself. Have you become proud or haughty? If so, ask the Lord's forgiveness and His help in keeping pride out of your life.
"A proud man is always looking down on things and people;
and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you."
-C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
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Do Your Homework
Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.
Proverbs 20:11
When is the last time you made a bad decision because you didn't do your homework?
Over a three year period, thousands of criminals escaped from a Los Angeles County Sheriffs Work-Release program. A large number of these men were hardened criminals, incarcerated for violent crimes. It was reported that most of the men in the program had been asked if they would prefer work-release to doing prison time, and that their criminal record had no bearing on the offer.
God expects us to be wise in our association with others. He doesn't want us to fall prey to smooth talkers. If a person says one thing but his life speaks differently, beware! You can be sure that what you see is what you will get.
I challenge you today to seek wisdom from God in all that you do. Before putting your trust in another, look at his actions. Ask the Lord to give you the discernment necessary to avoid making the wrong decisions when it comes to relationships with others, both in your business life and your personal life.
"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence."
- St. Augustine ( 354-430)
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Will You Have a Ride?
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? - Mark 8:36
Have you ever desired something so much that you didn't realize what you would be giving up in order to gain this prize?
In Des Moines, Iowa, a group of young men were arrested for trespassing and attempted burglary. The foursome had driven to a car lot late at night and removed a set of tires from a vehicle there. Unbeknownst to them, the owner of the lot had seen them on a closed circuit camera. So, while they were busy trying to steal his tires . . . he picked up their vehicle with his forklift and hid it inside a building. When they had finished their dirty work and were ready to leave; they had no transportation.
In much the same way, many people spend their lives striving to get all of the things that should make them happy, but they never develop a personal relationship with God. And it's that relationship which will provide the transportation when the time comes to leave this life.
I challenge you to evaluate your personal relationship with God. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? Someday, you will have to leave this earth. When that day comes, will you have a ride?
"I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive." - Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)
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Corruptible Pride
His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. - 2 Chronicles 26:15-16
Have you personally witnessed the destruction that pride can cause?
The Nagasaki, Japan Police Department launched an investigation to get to the bottom of how one of their prisoners got a gun while in police custody. What the investigators found was a group of of¬ficers, who in the hopes of obtaining a coveted "Weapons Charge" commendation on their employment record, arranged the whole thing.
The corruption caused by pride is nothing new. In the Old Testa¬ment book of 2 Chronicles, the Bible tells us of 16-year-old Uzziah, King of Judah, who had every blessing from God; and his pride led to losing his reign to his son, Jotham.
We must always be on guard to keep pride from creeping into our lives.
I challenge you today, to take an honest look at yourself. Have you become proud or haughty? If so, ask the Lord's forgiveness and His help in keeping pride out of your life.
"A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you." -C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
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Don't Get Stuck
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. - Psalm 25:8-9
Have you ever strayed from the Lord and wandered down the wrong path? John O'Neil of Huntington, New York has.
The 73 year-old man left a bar late one night in February and walked down a very narrow opening between two buildings. Un¬fortunately for Mr. O'Neil, there wasn't enough space to accom¬modate him and he got stuck. He was wedged so tightly between the buildings that he could not move and spent the night waiting for help. In the morning, the Fire Department was summoned and had to pluck Mr. O'Neil from above.
When we take our eyes off the Lord, we can very easily get our¬selves stuck in a place where we don't want to be. That is why it is so important that God is the focus of all we do.
I challenge you today to assess your direction. Is God at the center of your life and are you allowing Him to direct your path? If you are not, I urge you to do so before you get yourself stuck in a very undesirable place.
"Every day, I find countless opportunities to decide whether I will obey God and demonstrate my love for Him or try to please myself or the world system. God is waiting for my choices." -Bill Bright (1921-2003)
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Expect the Unexpected
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9
Have you ever calculated and carefully planned something . . . only to find that the results were not what you expected?
In January of 1996, a Los Angeles based radio station awarded a pair of Superbowl tickets to the winner of their "Crazy Stunt" contest. For his stunt, finalist Mike Garcia intended to remove his glass eye, swallow it, bring it back up, and replace it in the socket . . . all before a live audience. In preparation, Garcia consumed a massive quantity of food, followed by a 6-pack of beer. Once onstage, the first half of his stunt went according to plan; Garcia effortlessly removed his glass eye and swallowed it. The second half, however, took an unexpected turn.
The gluttonous portions of food and ale had their anticipated effect. But despite his best efforts, Garcia could not retrieve the eye that he had swallowed. He heaved upon stage for more than fif-teen minutes and then left the stage tired, disappointed, and missing one eye. Had he known the outcome in advance, he probably would have opted to buy tickets, which probably would have been cheaper than what he spent to replace his prosthesis.
Be careful when you find yourself thinking that you have it all figured out. You could be headed for trouble. We need God's input and direction every moment of the day. Remember that even though we are reading the map, He is at the wheel. Look to the Lord when making the smallest, and seemingly most insignificant decisions.
"Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash." -George S. Patton (1885-1945)
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It's Nice to be Anywhere
No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. - Ecclesiastes 8:8
When it comes to the length of your life, what do you consider long enough?
On March 9, 1996 comedian and actor George Burns passed away at the age of 100. He was still performing live comedy, until just a few years before his death. At his 98th birthday celebration, he addressed his guest in true "George Burns style", saying "It's nice to be here . . . at 98, it's nice to be anywhere."
At 98 years-old, George Burns considered every day a gift and he was right! Whether you're twenty-two years old or ninety-two, life is precious and should never be taken for granted. None of us are born with a guaranteed number of days on this earth. We have no promise that we will be here tomorrow and should realize that each moment is priceless. In acknowledging each day as an irreplaceable gift, we will be more likely to make the most of the time that we are given.
Start each morning by thanking the Lord for the day He has given you. Then spend that day, as if you meant what you said.
"When I was a boy the Dead Sea was only sick." - George Burns (1896-1996)
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Earning Your Way
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23
How many things can you think of in this world, that are "Free of Charge" . . . no strings attached? Not many! Perhaps that's why there are so many people trying to work their way into the King¬dom of God.
At a "Celebrity Roast" in Beverly Hills, California, long time come¬dian and actor Bob Hope was put on the "Hot Seat". Among the nearly 1,000 people in attendance, were many of Hope's long time friends and fellow entertainers from Hollywood's early days.
Bob Hope's wife, Delores, while reflecting upon the recent passing of two Hollywood legends, Gene Kelly and George Burns, said, "God must want us around for something. So many other wonder¬ful people have gone and we are here. I guess maybe we haven't earned heaven yet." How many mistakenly believe that they can earn their way into heaven?
Accept the "Free Gift" of Salvation by asking Jesus to come into your heart and forgive you and your sins. If you've already taken that step, I challenge you to serve the Lord out of love and appre¬ciation for the gift that he has given you.
"There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer." - John Wooden (1910- )
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You're a Child of God
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:8
Have you ever been in the uncomfortable position of having to defend your rights or your personal property?
A 47 year-old woman conceived by artificial insemination after the death of her father was awarded Social Security "survivor's" benefits. This ended a seven year battle between the woman's mother and the Social Security Administration over the woman's rights as a child of the deceased. The Social Security Administration never conceded that she was legally entitled to the benefits, but rather stated that they did not want to spend the time and money necessary to fight the issue in a court of law.
When you ask Jesus into your heart, you are re-born into the family of God. From that point forward, there is no question that you are His child. You don't have to prove that He is your Father or that you are entitled to receive support from him.
As a child of God, you are given a promise, that all of your needs will be met. No one can deny you that benefit.
Live life with the assurance that you are a child of the King. God is your Father and you will never have to fight for your inheritance.
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
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The Danger of Rationalizing
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. - Proverbs 10:7
Beware when you find yourself rationalizing your actions. Ultimately, you will be trapped by your own deceit and unable to receive any direction from the Lord.
Most of us, at one time or another, have found ourselves rationalizing something we're not quite comfortable with. It's not so much the act of rationalizing, as it is the refusal to receive correction in this area that will get you in trouble.
In Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, a man by the name of Mark Spotz was put on trial for the murder of his brother. Spotz adamantly denied killing his brother, saying, 'He didn't die until he got to the hospital. In my mind, killing someone is taking a life willfully. I didn't do that. I shot my brother and he died. I didn't kill him."
Do you see how clouded your mind can become when you give in to what you know is wrong, and then allow yourself to justify it?
Rationalization is a ticking "time bomb". If you rationalize inappropriate actions, at some point you may find yourself as deluded as this poor fellow in Texas.
"O what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive!" - Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)
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Excusing Sin
For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. - Proverbs 5:21-22
Have you ever been foolish enough to attempt to blame your wrong doing on the Lord?
Earlier this year, Honduran Congressman, Julio Villatoro was charged with bigamy. When asked about the charges filed against him by his wife, the congressman replied, "I have problems with my wife, even though she knows a handsome man is not for one woman but for several. God gave me a physique attractive to women, and I take advantage of it."
Do you ever find yourself making excuses for your sin? Excuses rarely fool anyone except the person making them. They never fool the Lord. When you pardon your own wrong doing, you have set yourself on the path to self destruction.
Don't make excuses for the sin in your life. Instead make a habit of catching yourself in the act, and go to the Lord immediately for His forgiveness and His loving correction.
"If you don't do your part, don't blame God." - Billy Sunday (1862-1935)
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The "R" Word . . . Repentence
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. - Proverbs 28:13
What does the word "repentance" mean to you? Some mistakenly believe that "repentance" is just another word for "Really SORRY!" That definition is incomplete at best, and there are some people who just have to find out the hard way.
Consider the case of a Texas man, convicted of armed bank robbery. Incredible as it may seem, this man was able to cut a deal with the state prosecutor. Instead of doing any prison time, he was allowed to pay a hefty fine as complete recompense for the wrong he had done. Grateful and relieved, the convicted felon made his way down the hall of the Court Clerk's office where he paid his $10,000 fine. He presented the clerk with a check for the full amount, and regained his freedom.
This story could have had a wonderful ending except for one thing; the man had not repented! Shortly after his release, this man found himself standing before the same court, charged with yet another felony. The check he had presented to pay his fine had been forged. This time he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Search your heart and see if there are sins in your life, for which you have not truly repented. Repenting means to do a 180 and walk in the opposite direction. If you find that there are sins in your life, ask the Lord for forgiveness and then turn away from that sin and RUN in the opposite direction.
"Some often repent, yet never reform; they resemble a man traveling in a dangerous path, who frequently starts and stops, but never turns back." - Bonnell Thornton (1725-1768)
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Transparency
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. - Lamentations 3:40
I took a course in seminary and the professor told us that we could ask him anything we wanted, that his life was an open book. He would answer any question about anything. I didn't believe him, but as the semester went on, I witnessed transparency in this man unlike anything I'd ever witnessed before.
My upbringing was such that "transparency" wasn't even in our dictionary. My parents never came out and said it, but what was modeled was that it was o.k. to fudge on the truth if it meant letting others know that everything was o.k. in the Arterburn household.
It can be difficult to be real and open and honest, but if I want to continue growing and learning and being open to the awesome things God is doing, I have to at all costs keep myself accountable and let others know exactly where I am, what I'm feeling, what I'm concerned about; in short, just where I am emotionally. When I don't do that, that's where the journey into isolation begins for me, and I head off into an unhealthy emotional state.
I want to be honest and exhibit integrity at all times. I want to be someone that others can trust and turn to knowing there will be no judgment. And I want others to come to me in the same way.
What keeps us from this transparency in life? I know one thing that hinders transparency is pride. Satan has used this since Adam and Eve to put a wedge between man and God. That's why we have to put on the whole armor of God. Our battles are spiritual. Don't let pride get in the way of God's call for you to live a transparent life.
"Eyes so transparent that through them the soul is seen." - Theophile Gautier (1811-1872)
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Troubled Comparisons
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. - 1 Timothy 4:4
Why is it that we don't accept who we are? I don't know about you, but I look at others around me (friends, people in the news, in movies, athletes, co-workers) and compare how I look . . . my clothes, my physical features, my sense of humor, my speaking ability, my communication skills, my car, my cell phone, my glasses, the color, length and fullness of my hair, and my experiences.
If you're like me, you always come up short and feel intimidated. You never measure up so you clam up. You don't offer to use your gifts and talents because you're feeling inferior. So your gifts and talents die inside you. You stop living, stop loving, and stop feeling. Some of you may have turned to things to numb the pain and shut down the lying, hounding voices of your past hurts, mistakes, disappointments, and your failure to measure up to others.
But it's all a lie. God created you just as you are. Satan wants to shut you down. He doesn't want the uniqueness of you to shine forth. When you stifle who you are, you're giving Satan a victory. When you allow your personality, your experience, your gifts and skills to shine forth, you're giving God a chance to use you just as he made you. It's only then that you'll grow more and more into who he created you to be.
Accept who you are in Christ. He accepts you. Why don't you accept you? There's no reason good enough. Work through your insecurities and let God use you, starting today, just as you are.
"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Blind Spots
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. - Proverbs 27:9
Samuel was one of the great men of faith and one of the great lead¬ers in Israel's history. He served as priest, prophet, and Israel's last judge. Look at what the Bible says about him. "As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said was wise and helpful. All the people of Israel from one end of the land to the other knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord." (1 Samuel 3:19-20)
But Samuel was human, and he had blind spots. Samuel appointed his sons as judges in his place. The problem was that his sons were not the men of character that he was. Scripture tells us they "were greedy for money, accepted bribes and perverted justice." The peo¬ple tried to tell Samuel, but for whatever reason he had a blind spot when it came to his family.
We often develop blind spots with regard to someone we love and want to protect. If Samuel had heard the people's complaints with openness, he may have seen the truth before it was too late. Then he could have corrected the problem and held his sons accountable for their actions. If others around you are telling you things you don't want to hear, maybe you should stop and evaluate carefully what's being said.
Do you need to be honest about someone in your life: a friend, child, a family member? Take your blinders off.
"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly. - Jim Rohn
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Samson
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - Proverbs 18:24
As a child, Samson was dedicated to God, and God gifted him with supernatural strength. But Samson had a lifetime weakness . . . his desire for women. If you know the story, then you know that Samson was blinded to the dangers he faced in his relationship with Delilah. His enemies paid Delilah to discover the secret of his strength. Three times she begged him to let her in on his secret, and each time she tried to use this information to hand him over to his enemies. All three times, Samson lied to her and was able to escape, but each time he got closer to telling her the truth. In the end, Samson revealed his secret, was taken captive, and died a slave in the hands of his enemies.
Samson's real problem can be found in his wayward passions, which his enemies took advantage of. His disobedience to God caused him to gradually inch his way toward destruction and a violent death.
What do we learn from the story of Samson? Though our choices may not lead to a violent death, they can lead to the destruction of our families, jobs, or reputation. You can protect yourself by developing relationships with those who love you and are devoted to God's truth. It will help you choose obedience when you might have been tempted to choose otherwise. Unlike Delilah, safe, trust¬worthy friends will prove to be a source of strength, encourage¬ment and wisdom.
"Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001)
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Nehemiah
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. - Romans 14:12
Nehemiah, the great rebuilder of Jerusalem, is a great example in the Bible of leadership, faith, and unshakable commitment. He didn't let the huge task of the long-delayed restoration of Jerusalem discourage him. He realized that it was never too late for God's people to begin the process. He took direct and forceful action. His faith, wisdom, and courage kept him focused on his goal. He was determined to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. He faced foreign opposition and discord amongst his own people, but the wall was completed in just fifty-two days. An incredible feat!
Soon after this victory, Nehemiah directed the people toward a sec¬ond phase of restoration. He called upon the great teacher Ezra to lead the people in a study of the Scriptures. Confronted by God's word, they were soon in tears because they could see the truth of how far they'd strayed from God's law. They confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They accepted responsibility for generations of unfaithfulness on the part of their people and grieved openly before God.
When Nehemiah returned to Babylon, however, the people re¬turned to their sinful ways. Nehemiah found himself once again putting the Jews back on a right path. This example of short-term restoration shows how prone we are to drifting away from what's right if we're not held accountable. The encouragement: it wasn't too late to rebuild the wall, and it's not too late to rebuild your life. Begin by doing the next right thing!
"Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They're just braver five minutes longer." - Ronald Reagan (1911-2004)
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Love Your Neighbor
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." - 1 John 3:18
If you're like me, you live a life in community, but your community isn't likely one to include your neighbors. I know people who have lived in their neighborhoods for years and still don't know their neighbors' names. Busyness blocks out the world immediately around them.
A friend of mine recently shared a story with me. She said that she's lived in the same neighborhood for twelve years and never really reached out to any of her neighbors. Having learned that one of her neighbors was battling cancer and leukemia, she thought that the time had come to express care, concern, and love to her.
So, she wrote a note, wrapped up a little stuffed bunny, and approached her neighbor's house. Her heart was pounding. Was she opening herself to ridicule? She knocked on the door, wondering how this little gift and expression of care would be received. When her neighbor came to the door, she could tell that this hand delivered expression of love really moved her. The whole 10-minute process, doing exactly what God wanted her to do, was a blessing to both and an expression of the love of God to her neighbor.
Do you need to step out of your comfort zone and express love and concern to someone? Just look around you; the opportunities are there. We just close them off in our hurry to have a day without interruptions. Express some care and concern for someone today. Lend someone a helping hand. Spend time (and money if necessary) to be an agent of God's love. You know you need to do it!
Friendship? Yes Please." - Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
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It's Not About You!
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. - Hebrews 10:24
The first sentence of Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life is this: "It's not about you!" Do you believe that? Does your life reflect that? It's a struggle for me, and I bet it's a struggle for you. Consider these situations:
You're in the checkout line and the older gentleman in front of you wants to write a check, but can't find his checkbook. He locates his checkbook, but now he has no pen. Finally pen in hand, he inquires about the date. The clerk noticing his out-of-state check calls for approval. This short "in-and-out" errand adds 6 or 7 additional minutes to your packed schedule. It was probably the most inconvenient experience you've gone through. There ought to be a law! Or in the words of my mother, "It's always something!"
Or what about your restaurant experience with the hamburger and no ketchup because the waitress forgot. She is off talking, ignoring your request, and crying about something. The serving station has ketchup but it is her job. So you sit, tap your fingers on the table, and shoot darts at the lady crying at the back of the restaurant.
Did you think to say a kind word to the gentleman to help settle his nerves, or tell the waitress that you hope things get better. You might even leave a bigger tip or offer to pray for her. It's not about you! Look outside yourself. It's what we're called to do. Try it. See if God doesn't affirm you for it.
"Anyone bored these days is not paying attention. May you enjoy the horn of plenty without blowing it." - Bill Copeland (1929- )
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Walk With a Limp
When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. - Genesis 32:25
There's a story in the Bible about Jacob wrestling with God, and as a result, God touched Jacob's hip resulting in Jacob walking the rest of his days with a limp.
Have you wrestled with God? What's your limp? Do you have a scar or a wound that you have hidden from the world? Note that God gave Jacob a limp. Unlike a scar or a wound, you can't hide a limp. It shows whenever you get up and move around. I think God wanted Jacob to limp with pride. It was his battle scar.
What's your battle scar? Have you accepted them for what they are and for the person they have made you? Have you allowed the pain of your wrestling match to grow you into a better, more compas¬sionate person? Let God unfold more of His beauty and grace and love in your life. Would you have it any other way?
God will take the lowest of all and raise him up. He'll take the weakest one and strengthen him. He'll take the most insecure and fill him with courage. He'll take the least and make him the most. All you have to do is let him.
So, whatever your limp is, walk with it and don't deny it. It is who you are, and He is molding you into a masterpiece. You are who you are because of your painful past. God accepts you right where you are, limp and all. I hope you do, too.
"Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has." - Billy Graham (1918- )
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A Daddy Vacuum
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God . . . - Psalm 68:5
I grew up in a family where my father was always there for me. He was a good man. A funny man. A bedrock of faith with a compassionate heart. I was truly blessed to be born into his family. Some of you weren't so fortunate. Your father wasn't a positive role model for you. Or, your father deserted your family or died young. You grew up without a father, and just hearing someone refer to "dad" or "daddy" is painful for you. The void of that all important person in your life left an insatiable void within you.
The role of your father is so important that it can effect how you perceive God as your heavenly father. I hope that no matter how bad your experience was with your father, that you won't be afraid to see God as your father. Consider and take solace in the words of Psalm 68 promising that God will be a father to the fatherless.
A friend of mine who grew up without a dad says that she has a daddy vacuum. Is that where you are today? Do you have a vacuum of your dad, or your mom, or maybe your entire family? If so, cling to God's promise that he'll be a father to the fatherless. How that looks will be different in each situation. Some of you will take solace directly in and with your heavenly father. To others, God will bring a father-figure into your life to begin to fill that void.
If you have a daddy vacuum, pray for God to fill that void within you, however He chooses. If you don't have that vacuum, and you're a man who was blessed like I was to have a dad that loved me and was there for me, look to see if God might be calling you to be a father to the fatherless on His behalf.
"It is much easier to become a father than to be one." - Kent Nerburn (1946- )
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A Lesson From Jonah
But Jonah ran away from the Lord . . . - Jonah 1:3
I'm sure you're familiar with the story of Jonah and the whale (big fish!). The book of Jonah in the Old Testament is a short book with just four chapters. If you have ten or fifteen minutes, stop and read it through. It's a great story with a lot of lessons for us.
The thing that stood out to me about this story was that Jonah was bold enough, after hearing exactly from God what he was supposed to do, to intentionally do just the opposite. He got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord.
That stood out at first because I thought to myself, "What a fool! Who would do such a thing?" Then I realized that is what I've done time and time again in my own life. Haven't you?
Look back at the choices you've made to try to do things your way. Think about the nights you've laid awake with a knot in your stomach, full of fear and anxiety about things that most likely weren't going to happen anyway. Think about the times you've chosen to numb yourself with food, alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, or something else that wasn't really the answer you were looking for or needed. When you "sobered up" you felt a little more empty than the day before.
What Jonah needed to do; what you and I need to do, is to humble yourself and surrender our wills to God. It's a daily task that will grow a little easier the more you do it. Start today. Don't go through what Jonah went through. Learn from him.
"Humility is a strange thing. The minute you think you've got it, you've lost it." - E. D. Hulse
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A Small, Brown Spot
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Luke 12:34
I was sitting in a meeting one morning last week when I glanced down and something captured my eye. It was a small brown coffee spot on my clean, white shirt. I couldn't believe it. I was bothered by it but really couldn't do anything about it. But my ADD mind was racing. "What if someone sees this?" "Will the stain come out?" "Do I have another shirt somewhere around here I could change into?" "Why didn't I wear a brown shirt?"
It was ridiculous to be consumed with such thoughts. Looking back I laugh at it, but at the time, I wasn't. It's kind of sad the way my mind can obsess over things like this, and a rather sad example of what can be so important to us at times. Why do we focus on the negative aspects of life? How many of us compare ourselves to others and worry we don't measure up? How many times do we walk into a group setting and worry about what we are wearing and how we look, so concerned that it's the way others think it should be?
What is more important? That my desk is organized and neat, or that I set aside time to be with the Lord? To make a purchase to fill a void inside, or to support the kingdom of God with that money? Would God rather I memorize Scripture, or apply it to my life?
What is your focus on today? Are you working to do a better job than the person in the next cubicle because you want to look better to the boss, or are you working to show them God's love in some way for their benefit? Is it on kingdom living, or on a small, brown spot?
"Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow." - Aesop
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David
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth - Psalm 145:18
We know more about the spiritual life of David than probably any other person in the Bible. The extensive record of his life and the Psalms he wrote show us that he studied and meditated on God's word, he fasted, and that his entire life was yielded to God's service. Two things he did stand out to me: he worshiped and he prayed. These spiritual exercises renewed his spirit over and over again.
For example, David's first role in the king's court was as a musi¬cian. His ministry of worship touched Saul's heart, as it has untold millions of others since David lived. His worship is so powerful because it's a natural, unforced mixture of David's heart (when he is up and when he's down) with an unwavering faith in a gracious, almighty God.
His prayers often begin with an honest confession of anger, despair, or frustration. He didn't hide his feelings from God and he didn't pretend that he was "super-spiritual." Spiritual renewal flows from the freedom to be totally honest with God. Read Psalm 145 and you will see David's progression from anxiety and distress to faith filled assurance and confidence.
When you consider the worship and prayer in David's life, you soon recognize that being someone after God's own heart doesn't mean you never fall . . . it means when you fall, you look to God to restore your spirit, and you fall to your knees in worship and prayer.
"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." - C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
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Wise Counsel
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the Lord" - 1 Kings 22:5
If you desire spiritual growth, then you'll need wise counselors in your life. Even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, recognized the need for wise and godly counsel. Turning to trustworthy counselors in times of confusion or uncertainty can help you preserve your spiritual strength.
In the book of Proverbs, Solomon gave this advice, "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors, bring success." (15:22) He also said, ". . . with many counselors there is safety."(Proverbs 11:14)
Where else can you look for wise counsel? Solomon's father David looked to God's Word, saying, "Your decrees please me; they give me wise advice." (Psalm 119:24) And the prophet Isaiah made it clear that the Messiah himself would be our great counselor when he came. He said, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
Jesus is the one who grants wisdom, hope, and purpose to life, even and especially in times of confusion or trouble. Good counsel comes from God's word and from godly people. It can come from professionally trained pastors, counselors, or from people who understand your specific issues and care for you. Whatever the case, don't isolate. You'll do yourself a great service if you seek wise counsel.
"Counsel woven into the fabric of real life is wisdom." – Walter Benjamin (1892-1940)
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Be a Joshua
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9
All through the Old Testament book of Joshua, the Lord says, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid." What a message for us!
As I read through the book I was amazed at how when the Lord spoke to Joshua, Joshua never stood before the Lord with excuses. He didn't attempt to refute why he couldn't capture the territory the Lord had already given him. He never grumbled and complained about his childhood or his feelings of inadequacy or his anxiety or anything else you can think of. He simply moved forward in faith. As a consequence he led the entire nation of Israel to conquer and settle in the Promised Land.
If you would arise each day with the same simple faith of Joshua, a faith that simply trusted the Lord as shown by your actions and behavior, just think about what area of your life you could capture. You could turn the tables on the enemies of your past . . . on the abuse and neglect and fear and hurt. You can capture that enemy territory.
The Lord has already captured that area of your life for you. He wants to hand it over to you so you can obtain victory!
In what area of your life do you need to see the walls come tum¬bling down?
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway." - John Wayne (1907-1979)
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Choices
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. - Deuteronomy 30:19
A friend of mine recently shared that something triggered a very painful memory from her childhood. She tried to pretend it didn't hurt anymore, but the tears welled up within her. The more she attempted to suppress the reality of what she was feeling, the more it began to devour her from her previous state of serenity.
She began to journal about her feelings and realized that it was time to grieve that part of her life and the loss of what never was and never will be. She realized it was time to grieve it, accept it and move on.
She was left with two choices: Remain stuck in the pain and allow it to begin to suck her back down into a pit of darkness, or allow God to heal and comfort her; to draw close to him for what she needed. She experienced a wonderful realization . . . the choice was hers! Not her husband's, not her kid's, not her parents', not her neighbor's, not her friend's, not her pastor's . . . it was her choice.
She put it this way, "I don't know about any one else, but I am tired of hurting and allowing my past hurts and disappointments to be my focus and to consume me. I desire to walk in wholeness, to get well and to be free from the chains that have held me captive and prisoner all my life."
Make your choice. Chose life today!
"Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head." - Ann Landers (1918-2002)
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Accepting Yourself
Oh Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. - Psalm 130:8
Many people seem to go about life with a kind of bravado . . . bold confidence and self-assurance. The truth, however, is that most of us wish we were different somehow. If only you were as outgoing as Jack . . . if you were as physically fit as Mary . . . if you had the financial sense of Tom . . . a full head of hair like John . . . or the quick wit of Connie. While it's okay to admire good traits in others, often this desire to be like someone else is actually a form of covetousness, or envy. So, how about learning to accept yourself as God has made you.
Before you can truly accept yourself, however, you need to see the truth about yourself, recognizing both the gifts and the limitations that God's given you. If you don't, you will constantly struggle to be someone you're not.
One way to appreciate how God has made you is to read Psalm 139. The psalmist rejoices, "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it." (139:14)
Each of us is unique and special . . . embraced and accepted by God himself . . . even though not one of us is perfect. Spiritual renewal cannot begin until you're willing to accept yourself as God made you. Once you accept the truth about yourself your focus can change . . . and you can bring great glory to God himself. He, after all, is the one who made you, and He is the reason we live.
"I am somebody. I am me. I like being me. And I need nobody to make me somebody." - Louis L'Amour (1908-1988)
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When Tragedy Strikes
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. - Psalm 46:1, 11
Knowing how to respond to tragedy is never easy. Maybe it's the terrible sense of loss you feel. Perhaps it's the desire to know why the tragic event happened that leaves you feeling alienated and alone. Was it something you did? Was it someone else's fault? Why did God allow it to happen? These questions usually go unanswered because "Why?" is almost always the wrong question.
Remember Job? The Bible tells us Job was a godly man. Yet, he lost everything . . . his wealth, family, and his health. Why did all of this happen, especially to such a good man? When you read the story of Job, you'll discover his suffering was the result of spiritual warfare. Yet, Job didn't know this. His friends accused him of secret sin. And as time passed Job grew increasingly upset and confused. He even began to question God's sense of justice.
In the end, however, Job's arguments were silenced before God. While God never explained fully to Job why the disasters had befallen him, he did bring Job to a place of humble surrender. This increased Job's understanding of God and gave him the proper perspective to continue life. Neither Job nor any other man who has suffered a serious loss can ever fully understand why a catastrophe has happened. But if you're willing to seek God and surrender your life and your situation into his powerful hands, he'll do a work in you and through you that will restore your spirit and bring Him honor and glory.
"Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven." - Henry Ward Beecher (1830-1887)
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Equipping the Called
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. - Ephesians 3:20
When God called Moses to go before Pharaoh, Moses basically told God that He was making a mistake choosing him. God became angry, but Moses made an impact. God understood the fear Moses was experiencing and provided him with an assistant.
You often think that God can't or wouldn't use you because of your past mistakes, or because you're not worthy. Do you think you're going to limit God and His power to use the most unlikely people in the most unlikely situations? I don't think so. I heard a pastor say, "God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called!" I love that, because it means that God works through people like me who are the underdogs . . . the outcasts . . . the defeated.
Remember the story of Balaam . . . how God spoke through his donkey? If he can use a donkey, he can use you, or even me! The Bible shows example after example of God using the least likely people to accomplish His will. David to slay Goliath. Moses to speak to Pharaoh. Gideon and a band of three hundred men to defeat the Midianites. A ragtag team of fishermen to turn the world on its heels with the good news of Jesus.
They all had in common a willingness to be used by God. He just wants you to make yourself available to Him. You don't have to have it all together. If you wait for that, you'll never be ready. And don't get caught in the paralysis of analysis. Just express your will¬ingness to be used by God for His purpose, and take the first step to do something today. Don't limit yourself. God doesn't!
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney (1901-1966)
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Jesus Didn't Hurry
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1
One of my staff members has a habit of reminding me that Jesus was never in a hurry. I'm always in a hurry, hoping for quick answers and looking for motion in the direction I want to go. But then I hear him say it again . . . "Jesus was never in a hurry."
I've thought about that and it makes me think of using a crock pot. The most tender, juicy meat you can fix is in a slow cooker. And, that's how it is with healing. Healing is a process that won't be hurried. It's a slow cooker experience. And if you accept that, it will take the pressure off you to finish it up.
God desires for you to pay attention to Him and his creation in your life each day. When you race through life doing everything as fast as you can, you miss some pretty awesome things along the way. Every challenge, every growth opportunity, every surprise that comes your way is an opportunity for your to look for God.
Healing can be slow, but it doesn't mean you're not growing. Allow it to slow cook and you'll have a tastier recovery filled with some mouth watering nuggets of wisdom. Let the Master Chef do His job with you.
Jesus was never in a hurry. Why are you?
"Don't count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count." - unknown
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Letting Go and Moving On
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. - 1 Corinthians 13:11
When was the last time you tried to break a habit, an old idea, a negative behavior pattern, or an unhealthy emotional recording from the past? It's not easy! Even though you know you need to, even though you know it would be a good thing to do and will result in a healthier or happier state, it's just a pain. And you'd rather live in the comfort of your misery, or so you think.
We often react like two year-olds whose parents are taking the bottle away. Tantrums, meltdowns, and tears always seem to be a part of the process.
What are you holding on to? What from the past are you hanging on to that you need to let go of? You know the things that tear you down and keep you from emotional health, but you just hang on to.
How many times has God given you the opportunity to give those things up because they keep you isolated and stuck, even poisoning your spirits? But it means letting go. That "S" word again . . . surrender.
It takes a willing spirit. But you can walk in the victory that the Lord has already given you, if you choose it. Choose it today!
"Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ." -A.W. Tozer (1897-1963)
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Not Too Broken to Fix
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. - Jeremiah 29:12
I've had times in my life where I felt I was too broken to fix. Have you had those times? Are you in one of those times now? Do you know someone in one of those times?
I say, "one of those times," because that's what it is.
None of us are ever too broken to fix. But we've all been in a spot where we felt so stuck that we thought we'd be there forever. Haven't you felt that you were going to die in that spot because you were stuck there so long, and you couldn't see a way out, and you were getting comfortable being stuck?
Healing and recovery can be a long road. But if you take the first step, the road is one step shorter. And if you take the second step, it's two steps shorter. And you keep taking steps and the hope in¬creases and you don't worry any more that you'll be swallowed up with fear and you won't be paralyzed by the long road ahead.
You'll get to a point that you'll look back and see how far you've come. You'll recognize that God honored your decision to take a step toward healing. He honored your decision to connect with others.
"Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find the right road." - Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961)
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The Wait
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. - Lamentations 3:25-26
Do you find waiting tough? Most twenty-first century people do. We don't want to wait in traffic, wait in line, wait for the economy, or wait for a table. So the thought of waiting on God sets us back on our heels. We think our timing is what matters and then God says, "Wait!" And it can be especially difficult to wait on God.
Look at this great promise from the prophet, Isaiah. "Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. they will walk and not grow faint." (40:31). And the prophet, Jeremiah, said, "The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him.
The Lord will reward you for waiting upon Him. You can remain calm when it appears that nothing is happening when you think it should. Waiting is a response contrary to the ways of the world. But when you learn to wait, you'll find the winds of adversity will lift you up, like wind beneath the wings of an eagle, instead of knocking you down. As you develop a patient faith in God, you will be able to endure to the end of the race . . . and win. As you seek God and wait on Him to complete His work in your life, you will be find strength. Try it and see!
"I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it." - Jonathan Winters (1925- )
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Honestly Admitting Our Needs
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him. - Matthew 7:9-11
Are you reluctant to ask for help? You're definitely not alone. Too many of us are unwilling to admit we need help. We think it's a sign of weakness. But it's really a sign of pride and self-sufficiency, both which go against the grain of a healthy dependence upon God and the power of His Holy Spirit in our lives.
God wants to give you good things. He's hoping you'll humbly admit that you have needs. Don't be afraid to ask others for help. Remember, God made us to relate to one another, to love one an¬other. We weren't made to live life alone. If you're "the strong" one that is always lending a hand and seeing to it that others are taken care of, it's hard for you to let someone know you need help, but it's important that you do.
We need more two way streets in our Christian community.
"Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful." - Ric Ocasek (1949- )
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Recovery is Like an Onion
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:25
Someone smarter than me said it: "Recovery is like an onion. All the layers that exist have to be peeled away." Well, if you're a connoisseur of onions, you know that there are different varieties. Some are really powerful and when you barely touch them they produce tears. Others are pretty sweet and they barely affect you when you chop them up.
And so it is with your peeling the layers in your healing process. Some layers will affect you more than others. But, if you realize that it's a process, and that God is with you every step of the way, you can face the pain of your past so that you can move beyond it and heal. Also, consider this: You are in the present. You lived through the reality, whatever and whenever it was, so you can certainly live through the feelings and memories of the reality today.
Make your one desire to be made whole and to be as much like Christ as you can be. When you do, you'll find God putting on your heart the desire and the courage to carry the message of hope and healing to those who are stuck in their pain.
Embrace the pain of the recovery and healing process. It will remind you that God is in control and you're being held in his arms, tight and secure as He walks you through it. It's means you'll take some steps of faith, and that will be pleasing to God and healing to you.
"We are all broken and wounded in this world. Some choose to grow strong at the broken places." - Harold J. Duarte-Bernhardt (1950- )
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Reframing
The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. - Psalm 98:2
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing was going your way, and you just felt like God was against you? I know it's an over-inflated ego thing to think that way. But that's partly why I wrote my book, Reframe you Life. In that book I try to outline how you can change the way you view your life.
Have you ever sat in the doctor's office waiting for the doctor, and he's running late. You become irritated at the doctor and his lack of consideration for other people's schedules. But instead of getting irritated, have you ever thought to use that time to think through more carefully what issues you want to discuss with the doctor, or to stop and think about your day, your week, or the things you want to do and people you want to call, or stop and use the quiet moment to spend some time praying for your friends and family.
That's just a small example of reframing your thinking. Reframing will keep you from asking the "why" questions in life and just accept those things that don't have answer and move on. Yes, there's still pain to work through, but it helps to realize that everything in life hasn't been targeted to you. God is not your abuse. He is not your past. He is not all the bad and hurtful things that happened to you. He is a loving God who wants the very best for you and who went to great lengths to let you know how valuable you are. So valuable that he allowed his Son to go to the cross for you.
Learn to reframe your thinking and you'll see life differently than you ever have.
"I'm not funny. What I am is brave." - Lucille Ball (1911-1989)
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Overconfidence/Self-Assurance
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. - Habakkuk 3:19
Overconfidence is usually viewed as a negative personality trait. The story of Joseph in the Old Testament is a good example.His youthful boasting to his brothers got him in trouble. Based on a dream, he claimed that the others would someday bow down to him. This, coupled with his father's favoritism, led to jealousy and broken family relationships. In the end, his brothers sold him into slavery, cutting him off from his family altogether.
Through years of difficulties and suffering, however, Joseph's over¬confidence was developed by God into a mature self-assurance. This self-assurance made Joseph capable of tackling and succeed¬ing when most other men would have run away. His integrity, took him from being a prisoner to being second only to Pharaoh. And, as only God could orchestrate, Joseph was in a position to save the young nation Israel during a time of terrible famine.
Overconfidence without God's perspective will invariably lead you down the pathway to other personal problems and mistakes. On the other hand, self-assurance based on a strong faith will enable you to overcome incredible obstacles and see God's hand in your life.
Are you overconfident and relying on your strength or intelligence to succeed? Or are you self-assured, knowing that God is the source of any strength, favor, or success? One way leads to trouble while the other God will use for his plans and his glory.
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss (1904-1991)
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Reading God's Mind
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." - 1 Corinthians 3:19-20
Have you ever said to yourself, "if only I knew God's thoughts?" Some people seem presumptuous to think that they do know God's thoughts. They're full of advice and act as if they understand exactly what God thinks and what he would do in every situation. Too often such people fail to recognize that God's thoughts and ways are far beyond our ability to understand. His ways are typically not our ways.
On the other hand, God's Word does give a glimpse into his thoughts and desires. He calls you to forsake your worldly thought patterns and learn his principles for life because conventional, worldly wisdom is often the exact opposite of God's ways. By saturating your mind with God's Word you begin to see both God's message and His method. You'll see how He worked in history. If you pause and reflect on your own life you'll see how he has worked in your life. And you'll see that it wasn't how you would have designed it in either case.
God's words to the prophet Isaiah give great hope. "The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." (55:10-11)
Get to know God, but don't try to be His mind-reader.
"A glimpse of God will save you. To gaze at Him will sanctify you." - Manley Beasley
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Hope in God
And for this we labor and strive, that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. - 1 Timothy 4:10
The one thing I need more than anything is hope; we all want something to hope for and someone we can trust. God alone is able to perfectly fulfill both needs. You'll never regret placing your hope and confidence in Him.
Jeremiah 17:5-8 tells us how enemies threatened the nation of Judah, and many turned to Egypt and other human powers for deliverance. But the Lord said, "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they go right on producing delicious fruit."
Placing your hope in programs, the government, your job, or the economy (anything but God) is like expecting a tree to flourish in the barren desert. Your thirst continues because these things or people are unable to satisfy your deepest needs. But placing your hope in the Lord changes everything. Jesus said, "The water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:14) Where is your hope? Is it in things, which will come and go, or is your hope in the living God?
"I still believe in Hope - mostly because there's no such place as Fingers Crossed, Arkansas." - Molly Ivins (1944-2007)
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A Psalm
"But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill." - Psalm 3:3-4
It's impossible to adequately summarize the richness and breadth contained in the book of Psalms. It was Israel's hymnbook, containing songs of praise to God. It also contains the cries of God's people in difficult situations. And it was a prayer book for Israel. The psalmists looked to God in moments of private despair, in times of national suffering, and in joyous mountain-top moments.
The Psalms are for us right now, today. They are brimming with honest emotion. Through them you can learn to pour out your anguish and your adoration, your suffering and confession, your hopes and your fears. Through them you feel safe asking God why he has or hasn't acted in a certain way. Through others you might express your pain, heartache, and discouragement. Through still others you may praise God as he frees you from oppression and sin. Each psalm is an expression of the heart. None of them are neat little packages of answers tied up with pretty bows. They are living words, a collection of spiritual diaries from people who honestly sought God's help and His heart.
Do you need spiritual direction or encouragement? The Psalms can function as deterrents to keep you out of trouble, guides to help you through problems, reminders of the one who actually delivers you, or as beacons of hope to encourage you in perplexing or painful situations. Read the Psalms and be ushered into the very presence of your loving and merciful God. You'll be glad you did!
"The hot water is to remain upon the tea no longer than whiles you can say The Miisere Psalm very leisurely." - Kenelm Digby (1603-1665)
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The Beauty of Pain
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and paralyzed, and he healed them. - Matthew 4:24
Pain is something most of us try to avoid, at all costs. It's the reason some of us are trapped in addictions and hate the thought of each new day. But pain is also one of the best things that God allows in our lives. Pain is a great motivator. It lets you know that there is something that you need to pay attention to. It lets you know when doing things your way no longer works. It's a tool that when used to your benefit will redirect your life.
But in that redirection, you have a choice. You can chose to cover the pain to treat the symptom and never treat the cause. Or you can do a little work, find the cause, and deal with it once and for all.
You might continue in life with the pain, like a pointed stick poking at your spirit, but never doing anything about it. But that pain is telling you to back up, take an inventory of your actions and attitudes, to make amends with someone, to seek help from someone who's been there before or has experience you don't have. It's also telling you that God is in charge, and you're not.
So, accept pain as your friend. Make the choice to deal with the root issue, and not just the resulting pain. When the issue is dealt with, the pain will subside. Pain is part of your healing, but if you deal with it wisely, it will lead to a road of freedom and a pathway of lasting joy.
"Pain is short and joy is eternal." -J. C. F. Von Schiller (1759-1805)
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The Deserts of Life
Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. - Hosea 2:14
The Old Testament book of Hosea is a beautiful story of the depths of God's love for His people. The short version is this: Hosea was directed by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer. Even though Hosea knew before hand that she would be unfaithful, he won her back with unconditional love.
It was a picture of the nation Israel, who time and time again prostituted itself in disobedience to God. But each time, God would love her and bring her back into the fold. But more importantly to us today, it's a picture of each of us. We run from God. We sell ourselves for the pleasures of the flesh. We prostitute ourselves spiritually. Yet God still loves us and takes us back each and every time. It's amazing, but it's true . . . God is a God of second chances.
The above passage in Hosea refers to leading her into the desert to speak tenderly to her there. Boy did that jump out at me! When I have an experience that leads me into the desert, it's a feeling of desolation and desertion. I start to believe that Jesus isn't there, that he just left the building. But the reality of it is that God put me there at that exact place and time so I can hear from him. Sometimes God wants us all to Himself, with no distractions, so he can talk to us . . . speak tenderly to us.
In order to listen to someone speaking tenderly to you, you have to be quiet . . . you have to be still. If it takes leading you to the desert, God will do that. When he does, listen!
"Gentlemen, listen to me slowly." - Samuel Goldwyn (1882-1974)
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The Eyes of Your Heart
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. - Ephesians 1:18
Going through difficult times, if it does nothing else for you and to you, will open the eyes of your heart. Walking through troubled waters is one way that God has of shifting your vision. When your heart breaks, there's an avenue for God's compassion to trickle in and envelop your heart with His. You'll begin to look at others through the eyes of your heart and not through the eyes of quick judgment, harsh conclusions, or self-interest.
Your trip to the grocery store, to church, to Wal-Mart or Starbucks will take on a new hue. You'll look at people and wonder what their story is; what their childhood was like; what caused them to be so happy or unhappy, why they seem this way or that.
Their job titles will be less important, their type of car won't impress you, what kind of clothes they wear, or whether they're wrinkled or stylish won't matter any more. You're more likely to understand that they are in some pain and trying to run from it or trying to hide. Or, you'll see their smile and demeanor and wonder if they're truly happy or masking some inner, silent suffering or anger.
Now, you won't get answers to all that you wonder about people and their stories, but your heart will be softened. You'll find that you have a level of compassion that most people don't have. If your heart is broken, let his compassion trickle in to your heart through the brokenness. Let him open the eyes of your heart today.
"What value has compassion that does not take its object in its arms." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944)
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The Solitary Role
But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. - Psalm 55:13-14
Evan owns a small business with one employee. He prides himself on his precision craftsmanship that keeps a steady stream of customers lined up and waiting. He's been urged to expand his shop and hire more employees, but Evan likes things small and controllable. He doesn't want to grow, because he doesn't want to get in a position where he needs his customers more than they need him.
Evan has the same attitude about his relationship with his wife. He keeps his thoughts and feelings well hidden because he feels he must act as if he doesn't need anything from her. His wife and children don't feel they know Evan, because he never shares anything from his heart. In addition, he has no close friends.
Evan learned in his upbringing that it's not manly to need anyone. He picked up early in life that his father didn't need him. And by spending more time on his career than with his family, Evan's father conveyed the idea that Evan shouldn't need him either. So Evan grew up feeling that he must face life without any help.
Are you living a solitary life like Evan? Is it okay to be needed by others, but you can't commit to need anyone else? Your choice for solitude and distance are depriving you of your basic needs for love, relationship, and intimacy. The longer you play the solitary role, the greater your loss. You were made to need and be needed. Don't be afraid to connect.
"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself."- Henry Ford (1863-1947)
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The Detached Role
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. - Romans 12:9
Tom's a clerk in a hectic government office. In the midst of all the daily pressures, he's regarded as one of the most even-tempered workers in the department. He's quiet, efficient, and never seems to get riled at his impatient coworkers or those visiting his office.
Tom spends his energy herding his emotions because he feels they're his enemy. Deep inside he believes that his father didn't like him as a boy because he was too much of a crybaby and a "fraidy-cat." Since he perceives that he lost his father by being too much of a sissy, Tom isn't about to expose his emotions as an adult. His controlled emotional detachment also keeps him aloof from his wife. In the past, whenever Tom showed any signs of being troubled, angry, or fearful, she'd ask him what was wrong. But his usual response was a curt, "Nothing!" So, she learned not to ask.
Detached people like Tom find it difficult to live out the values they profess because they ignore their heart, which is the center from which values come. Often a detached person will become addicted to work, money, football, alcohol, or drugs.
Are you like Tom? Do you stuff your sense of defeat inside, thinking you should be able to "take it?" Are you emotionally frozen? Perhaps you're so dead inside you have little to give a relation-ship. Is your spouse enduring a frustrating relationship because you insist on suffering your losses alone? You can change. Start by connecting with others. Find a safe person that you can talk to. We were meant for connection, not detachment!
"Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." -Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
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Meaning Beyond Accomplishments
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. - 2 Corinthians 5:5
Rod felt that his life had real meaning when he was an assembly line foreman for an automobile manufacturing plant. Sixteen people on his shift depended on him, and he felt that his work was significant. Without the hoods and trunk lids his team installed, the cars would be incomplete. He was confident that there were few men in the plant who could do his job as skillfully as he did. He knew that if he died suddenly his superiors, coworkers, and family would sorely miss him.
But Rod is now sixty-six. He's retired from the plant and someone just as competent as he was is running the crew. Rod realizes that he's no longer needed on the assembly line. What's more, Rod realizes that his family doesn't need him either. His children are grown and gone. He hears from them briefly on holidays. His wife is in poor health, but a home-care nurse tends to her needs three times a week. And he wonders if anybody will show up at his funeral or miss him when he's gone.
Someone older without a mission in life feels empty, and can eventually feel despondent. If this sounds like you, then you need to find another outlet for your gifts, your skills, your abilities . . . that will give you a sense of purpose. The stability and maturity of a senior adult is often preferred and needed. How can you be of help in your city, neighborhood, church or even abroad? Check your passions and see how and where you can continue to serve God.
"It is always in season for old men to learn." - Aeschylus ( 525-456 BC)
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Prayer
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. - Luke 22:42-3
Have you ever heard someone say, "If you had your act together, you wouldn't be struggling with knowing or following God's will." Don't believe it! It's a common, mistaken belief, and Jesus' own actions teach that this isn't so.
Jesus' final moments before his crucifixion were spent in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. There he prayed three times. Each prayer was a step in letting go of things that would hold him back so that he could take hold of God's will. The first prayer was an outburst of grief. Jesus shuddered at the chill of death's dark shadow. Prayer seemed his only refuge.
The second prayer was one of release. Jesus was faced with two choices: If he saved his life, he would lose us. But if he lost his life, he would save us. Christ desired to do the will of his Father, and so he accepted his calling to die for us.
The third prayer strengthened his resolve. It was like the tempering of steel, in which the refined metal is reheated a second time to increase its strength. As a soldier readies himself for battle or a patient prepares himself for a difficult surgery, so Jesus gathered strength from his Father for the task and left all his anxiety with him.
If Jesus can struggle, then I guess it's o.k. if I do, too.
"Pray often; for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan." - John Bunyan (1628-1688)
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Doubt
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief. - Mark 9:24
Distrust or wavering faith is a reality for most of us. But how would you like to be labeled a "doubting Thomas?" Do you ever wonder what it was like for Thomas, Jesus' disciple who became known for his lack of faith? Thomas simply didn't believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. But that's not the end of his story.
Thomas didn't doubt Jesus' resurrection out of fear. He continued to meet with the followers of Jesus in the upper room. He just happened to be absent when the risen Jesus first appeared to them. He wanted some kind of proof that his companions had not just been seeing things. Thomas was given the undeniable evidence he asked for when Jesus appeared a second time, dispelling all his doubts.
Undeniable evidence, however, isn't necessary to begin a life of faith. As a matter of fact, it makes faith unnecessary. Jesus said to Thomas, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway." You too have evidence of the Resurrection. You can experience God's transforming power in your own life. You can overcome your troubling doubts as you continue to trust God to show you his power in your life.
When Thomas overcame his doubts, he set out on a ministry that exhibited extraordinary faith. As you experience God's deliverance, it will motivate you to minister to others as well. Do you have doubts? If faced honestly, doubt can lead to deeper faith.
"Doubt can only be removed by action." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)
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Priorities
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. - Psalm 1:1
"I really don't know what's wrong with me," said forty-two-year-old Tyrone to his counselor. "I've attained many of my personal and business goals. But I'm still breeding ulcers, trying to climb up the ladder. With all my success, I'm still bummed out when someone else beats me to a big sale or a new account. I have a wonderful wife and two great kids, but I kind of feel like an outsider when I'm with them. I'm often around people and have lots of friends. But I don't enjoy it, and I don't think they're really enjoying me. I'm afraid my dark moods are distancing me from the ones I love. But I don't know what to do about it."
Tyrone looks and acts like the American Dream personified. By all outward appearances he's succeeded in the areas of life that really matter in our society: family, friends, career, finance. But like so many men, Tyrone's warm smile and confident exterior mask a deep sadness and uncertainty. He often wonders what's really worthwhile in life. Despite all the trophies he's accumulated indicating he's a winner, he always feels defeated.
Can you relate to Tyrone? The pursuit of the American Dream has left many feeling alone and angry. Why? Because prosperity cannot be measured by money or even family. Who does the Bible teach is prosperous or blessed? Only when you seek to find joy in your Creator and not in His creation, will your soul begin to find significance and true happiness. Stop and assess where you seek your joy.
"God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there." - Billy Graham (1918- )
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Surrender or Fight
But if serving the Lord seems undesireable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. - Joshua 24:15
Saul was the first king of the Israelites. He was a man with great potential for leadership. Unfortunately he failed miserably. He allowed his fearfulness, disobedience, and self-sufficiency to come between him and God's plan for his life. I think we can all resonate with Saul's struggles, so why not learn from him.
At the beginning of his career, Saul was a shy and reluctant leader. He was found hiding in the baggage when Samuel called the people together to publicly anoint him as king. Saul's humble, restrained style worked well in the early days of his rule, but he came to a point that many of us come to: he had to decide to either follow or fight against God's authority in his life. Unfortunately, Saul made the wrong choice.
During his reign, Saul had great successes when he obeyed God. His greatest failures resulted when he acted on his own. Even his weaknesses, though, could have been used by God if Saul would've confessed them and left them in God's hands.
Just like Saul, you're faced with the choice of surrendering your life and will to God or continuing to fight God's plan for your life. Saul was a people-pleaser. He surrendered to outside pressure rather than surrendering to God and it cost him his kingdom.Today, you are faced with the same choice. Will you surrender to God or go your own way? Just like Saul, your answer to that question will set the course of your life.
"In any project the important factor is your belief. Without belief there can be no successful outcome." - William James (1842-1910)
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Build a New Life
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Your past sometimes gets in the way of your vision for the future, doesn't it? If you allow yourself to dwell on the areas where you've failed or on losses and disappointments that hurt you, you might find it difficult to look forward to the future God has for you.
King David is a man who dreamed of building a magnificent temple. When he commissioned his son Solomon to do the work he said, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God is with you." (1 Chronicles 28:20) Many years later the apostle Paul said, "We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord." (Ephesians 2:21)
Just as David dreamed of building a magnificent temple, you can dare to dream of building a new life. God has the blueprint already drawn up: just follow it by faith. You may be afraid that you will start and fail, but in the words of David, "be strong and courageous, and do the work." As someone once said: Beginning is half done. In other words, take the first step, it's the toughest.
What dreams have you been quietly suppressing? Dreams of becoming a missionary? Maybe you have dreams of adopting. Or dreams of starting a new career. Maybe you've been dreaming about building deep friendships or making an impact on your community. Don't be frightened. When God begins a good work, He is faithful to complete it.
"It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars." -Garrison Keillor (1942- )
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Restoring Relationships
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. - 2 Corinthians 5:18
Are you living with a strained relationship? Restoration of human relationships doesn't happen instantaneously. If you've broken someone's heart or trust, you have a responsibility to face your failures. And you also have the tough responsibility of avoiding the urge to blame others for the problems you've caused. It may take some time before you're able to face up to your failures. Expect the process of restoration and regaining trust to take time.
The prophet Hosea was a remarkable man. He was told by God to marry a prostitute. His marriage was to be a living example to the nation of Israel of her infidelity toward God. It must have hurt Hosea deeply when his wife returned to her life of prostitution. Hosea said, "Then the Lord said to me, 'Go and get your wife again. Bring her back to you and love her, even though she loves adultery. For the Lord still loves Israel even though the people have turned to other gods, offering them choice gifts.'" (Hosea 3:1) Hosea needed some time before he could be close to his wife again, for such deep restoration takes time.
It's your responsibility to wait patiently while God helps you restore your broken relationships and the hearts you may have broken. God can give those you've hurt love when love has been lost; he can help you trust and become trustworthy again, but these things take time.
"When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves." - William Ward (1921-1994)
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Overcoming Expectations
He went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. - Matthew 14:23
One of the subtlest enemies of spiritual life and growth is the influence of other's expectations of you. The world expects you to continually seek possessions and prestige. It expects you to fill your time with busy activity, whether meaningful or not.
Are you allowing the world's expectations to dictate your life? How often do you act in order to please others rather than because you want to please God? Sometimes pleasing God may actually require that you disappoint others because you can't fulfill their demands on you.
What do people expect of you? What do you do when the world's demands are pressing in on you? Solitude can help you break free from other's expectations. When you spend some time quietly alone you can see more clearly what the world is asking of you. In solitude you're more able to evaluate these expectations in relation to God's desires for you and then decide which demands should or should not be fulfilled.
Following one of the busiest days - and nights - of his ministry, the book of Mark tells us that Jesus "awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray." Is your life busy? Are you feeling pressure from your work, your spouse, your friends, or your kids? Follow the example of Jesus. Make solitude a priority in your life today. You'll be better for it.
"In solitude, where we are least alone." -Lord Byron (1788-1824)
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Hope for Change
And we . . . are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 3:18
Simon the fisherman was reckless, impulsive, and often thoughtless. His friends could probably think of some apt nicknames for him, but I doubt any of them came close to what Jesus called him: Peter, which means "Rock." What greater evidence could there be that Jesus accepted Simon as he was, but also had a vision for the man he'd become? And what an amazing transformation took place in that burly fisherman!
Most of us can readily identify with Simon Peter. His intentions were usually good, but he was impetuous in speech and impulsive in action. When Jesus revealed that his mission would involve a painful death, Peter rashly told Jesus to stop talking that way. At the last supper he brazenly objected to Jesus washing his feet. When Jesus was arrested he cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. And we all know how he denied three times knowing Jesus.
Later in Simon Peter's life, however, we see what Jesus saw when he called him "Rock." He was used by God to perform miracles, he preached publicly about Jesus despite opposition, and exhibited strong leadership in the early church. In Simon Peter's life we see hope for our spiritual renewal and transformation. He wasn't perfect, but he grew in His life in Christ and God used him to have a profound effect on the world.
Jesus has the power to transform even the most unlikely people. Keep this in mind for yourself and for others.
"God defend me from the Welsh fairy, lest he transform me to a piece of cheese." - William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
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Rest for the Weary Soul
My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. - Psalm 38:4
There are plenty of roads in life that promise joy, health, peace, or transformation. Most of them, however, don't lead in that direction. You can literally exhaust yourself seeking spiritual refresh-ment. And that doesn't make any sense.
We work hard at building a good life, but instead of joy on the journey, we often feel weighed down by life. Have you grown weary going down one wrong road after another?
Proverbs tells us, "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." (Proverbs 14:12) The fact that a way looks right at first glance doesn't mean it's leading toward spiritual renewal . . . it could be leading to a dead end. If you're someone who has taken many paths but still finds yourself weary, turn to Jesus. He said these words for you: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Any spiritual path that doesn't lead to Jesus Christ won't lead to true spiritual renewal . . . no matter how right it seems at first. In fact, Jesus Christ himself is our way. Remember, the burden he calls you to bear on your journey is light, and the yoke of his expectation fits you perfectly. When you do this, he promises rest for your soul.
"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it." - Sidney J. Harris (1917-1986))
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Regret and Restoration
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. - 3 John 4
"If only . . ." is a haunting phrase. It implies that you failed and that you wish you could go back and do things differently.
When you dare to see the truth and accept responsibility for your life, you may feel sad and ashamed. You may regret your irresponsibility and destructive behavior, and wish to erase the past. The Bible is full of stories of regret. Take for example the Old Testament book of Zephaniah. The prophet Zephaniah condemned the idol worship and self-center living of the nation Judah. If only they had obeyed and trusted God instead of going their own way!
This book shows us how many of our troubles are a direct consequence of our irresponsibility. The nation Judah was irresponsible in her relationship with God. She worshipped false gods and ignored God's laws, which were intended for her own good. But Zephaniah made it clear that their irresponsibility would carry heavy consequences.
With the help of Zephaniah and King Josiah the people confessed their sins, took responsibility for their lives, and turned back to God. As a result, they received substantial healing and restoration. When you are irresponsible in your relationship with God and others, your situation will grow progressively worse. The process of your spiritual renewal may start out painfully. When you confess the truth about yourself, it hurts. But as you begin to see the truth, speak the truth, and accept responsibility for your life, you'll discover the great relief and hope that God offers.
"My one regret in life is that I'm not someone else." -Woody Allen (1935- )
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True Forgiveness
God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. - Acts 5:31
Without true forgiveness, bitterness will inevitably tear our relationships apart. No relationship or family will hold together for long if the people involved are unable to grant forgiveness. I don't just mean saying the words "I forgive you" but actually relating to your spouse, child, parent, or friend with your actions that display forgiveness. Giving voice to forgiveness might create peace temporarily, but when that forgiveness isn't evidenced by the way you live, true reconciliation will never result.
Let's learn from a man who went before us. Absalom, the third son of King David, suffered much and also caused much suffering because forgiveness wasn't a part of his life. When Absalom discovered that his sister had been raped by his half brother, anger and hatred built up in him for two years until he finally killed him. Then to avoid the wrath of his father, he was on the run for a period of three years. And even after he returned he and his father, David, didn't speak to one another for two more years. And you thought your family had issues!
Well, Absalom never regained the love he had for his father. In fact, Absalom spent the rest of his life scheming against his father, King David. His life ended while he led a rebellion against his father. Absalom is an example of the wasted years and broken hearts that can result when we harbor bitterness and are unwilling to forgive.
"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." - Robert Muller (1923- )
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Solomon
And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. - 2 Kings 18:7
Americans have traditionally valued a strong work ethic. We believe the harder we work, the greater our chances for success. But if unchecked, you can get carried away and you'll end up devoting all your time to work and lose the balance that allows you to grow spiritually. Are you sacrificing healthy, family relationships, connections, friendships, and your walk with God so you can achieve more and advance in your profession? Perhaps you can relate to Solomon. When he became king of Israel, he asked God to grant him wisdom. Pleased at this request, God gave this young king honor, wealth, and a long life, in addition to wisdom.
Then Solomon started building the Temple. He built his palace and fortified his country against intruders. All of these projects were done on an enormous scale, even by today's standards. In order to accomplish these tasks, Solomon sacrificed important relationships with his people, with his family, and with his God. He taxed his people heavily and required them to work hard on his building projects. He failed to teach his son how to use wisdom to rule the people. He also stopped listening to God and disobeyed him by marrying numerous pagan women and by worshipping their so-called gods.
It's easy to lose yourself in work and achievements and to forget the source of your strength and success. Whenever anything in your priorities of life is placed above God, it's time to stop and rethink just what your priorities need to be.
"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. "- Donal Kendall
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Solitude, Silence, and Fasting
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. - Zephaniah 3:17
At times in our lives we all have wilderness experiences . . . times when we face despair and feel alone in the world. Elijah was a prophet in the Bible who had a literal wilderness experience. His time in the wilderness forced him to practice three spiritual disciplines that freed him from his dependence on the world and encouraged him instead to depend on God. We would do well to follow his example.
The first discipline Elijah practiced was solitude: and it served at least two purposes. One, it protected him from King Ahab who wanted to kill him. And two, it provided an opportunity for him to deepen his faith, to draw closer to God. Next, Elijah's wilderness experience gave him a time to practice silence, which allowed him to listen for God's voice. And finally, Elijah practiced a form of fasting. Strictly speaking he didn't abstain from food, but his food was controlled by God's special provision. Periodically, God would send ravens carrying food for Elijah to eat. In this way, Elijah learned to trust God to provide for his daily needs.
A wilderness experience can play an important role in your spiritual growth. Are you going through one now? Don't miss what it might be offering you. Like Elijah, withdrawing from your normal routine will remove you from distraction and lead to an intimacy with God. Silence allows you to listen to God. And fasting teaches you to depend on God to provide for you.
"I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind." - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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Expressing Grief
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27
Grief is the process that helps you release your pain and losses to God. In your grief, you come to terms with your past and you find freedom to live in the reality of the present. On the other side of grief, you'll find hope for the future. So if you harden your heart and refuse to grieve, you're likely to get stuck both emotionally and spiritually.
The prophet Jeremiah shared his grief and tears with God. Jeremiah lived with God's people and pleaded with them to return to God. But his pleas fell on deaf ears, and his heart was broken. So in his grief, the prophet penned the words of the Old Testament book, Lamentations. When you read it, you'll find that Jeremiah didn't mince his words or hide his pain. He weeps openly and fully, releasing his emotions to God. It's a great example for us when we grieve our own losses.
Lamentations doesn't provide pat answers for the suffering you'll experience. If you'll read it, you'll discover that it's all right to be real, to be angry, to be disappointed with life, and to be concerned about what tomorrow holds for you. God accepted Jeremiah being angry, tired, and discouraged, and he will accept you as well. Just as God honored the tears of Jeremiah, he'll honor yours if you share your pain and sorrow with him. It's likely to be the first step to bring healing for the present and hope for the future.
"Grief is itself a medicine." - William Cowper (1731-1800)
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Honesty and Forgiveness
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1
Emotions are a funny thing. We all know what they are, but where do they come from? They seem to flow from the core of your being, from deep down inside. And if you've developed the pattern of denying or hiding your feelings, you'll lose the very sense of who you really are . . . who God created you to be. Don't believe me? Consider the prophet Jeremiah.
When you read the Old Testament book of Lamentations, written by Jeremiah, you'll see that you have nothing to fear about bringing even your most raw or maybe what you think are embarrassing emotions to God.
Jeremiah was intensely honest in sharing his broken heart with God. But what follows his grief? When Jeremiah finished his grieving, he turned to God to seek forgiveness. The book ends with a question of remorse: "Are you angry with us still?" the prophet asks. Have you ever asked that question? Behind this question is Jeremiah's humility, coupled with his hope that God will start the process toward reconciliation and forgiveness. Jeremiah knew God's heart, so he knew that God would forgive. If you truly repent of your sin, you can be sure that God will forgive you too... no matter how great your sins and failures. You need to come humbly before him and place your life in his strong, gentle hands.
"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future." - Paul Boese (1957- )
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Unfailing Love
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:21-23
No one is exempt from suffering. The people you think deserve it the least are often the ones faced with it. And you may suffer because those you love make some poor choices. Your wife may leave you, your child may struggle with addiction, or your brother may choose a homosexual lifestyle. Whatever the situation or whenever your heart is breaking, God wants you to give your grief and sorrow to Him. He's the one who mends broken hearts.
The prophet Jeremiah is a man who watched, as his nation was taken captive, ravished, and almost completely destroyed because of its refusal to surrender to God. It's no wonder Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. In the book of Lamentations he cried, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord. I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me." (Lamentations 3:18-20)
But look at the Scripture that follows his weepy, whiny, poor-little-ol' me tirade. It is printed at the top of this page. What a great example for us.
We all get in to feeling sorry for ourselves. But before you stay there, remember your hope: God's love is unfailing! And it never ends.
"I think I've discovered the secret of life - you just hang around long enough to get used to it." - Charles M. Schultz (1922-2000)
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Welcome Back
As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their wicked ways and live. - Ezekiel 33:11
The Bible tells us that all have sinned and gone their own way. No matter how far you've gone in the wrong direction, when you turn around God always welcomes you back. Are you living beyond your means? Have you given in to the world of Internet pornography? Maybe you're failing your spouse and kids, crushing them with your anger or solitude. Is your free time filled with television or email?
God is ready to welcome you back. His arms are open, and his promises are sure. He will transform your worst failures into a blessed future, if you'll ask him to.
There is hope for you. God is gracious and will forgive you no matter what you've done or failed to do. He will even turn your past around and create a new life . . . a life of hope, peace, and an ongoing relationship with him. But you have to take the first step. It's a paradox of our faith: seek God and He will find you! Whether it's the first time you've sought Him or you have strayed over and over . . . He's there with His arms wide open!
"We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are.'' - Oprah Winfrey (1954- )
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No Excuses
Praise be to the name of God . . . wisdom and power are His. - Daniel 2:20
Innocent bystanders often get hurt by the mistakes and poor decisions of others. Disasters happen that haunt us for life even though we have no direct responsibility. Often the best way to handle these things is to accept them and to make the best of the situation.
Daniel and his friends were innocent bystanders who suffered a lifelong exile to Babylon because of their country's prolonged disobedience to God. But they didn't let their misfortune destroy their relationship with God. With courage and faith, they faced the realities of exile and lived successful lives. Their lives gives us insight into how to deal with tragedy.
After being taken from Jerusalem to Babylon, Daniel and his three friends were trained for service in the Babylonian government. Their captors often demanded that they do things that stood in opposition to God. To protect their relationship with God, Daniel and his friends set clear boundaries for their behavior. They followed God's plan for their lives, despite its conflict with the command of their captors. And God protected these faithful men from the foreign laws and unstable tyrants they lived under.
Although Daniel and his friends were exiled to Babylon for the sins of their ancestors, they didn't use that as an excuse for continued failure. Instead, they trusted God to redeem their lives, and they were determined to live according to God's precepts and teachings. You can do the same.
"We get so focused on micromanaging God and His Kingdom that we forget to realize that He is more than capable of handling things on His own." - Bridget Willard (1973- )
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Life Isn't Fair
They trusted in Him and defied the King's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. - Daniel 3:28
When you experience unfairness in life, the examples of the prophet Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will give you encouragement and direction. Despite their lives of obedience, Daniel and his friends weren't protected from God's judgment on their nation, Judah. Innocence doesn't automatically protect you from tragedy. But you do have the assurance that God is concerned about what you're doing, and He will honor your faithfulness and obedience.
Daniel and his friends sought to live according to God's plan, but they found that others opposed their efforts. This led initially to great danger, but ultimately a great victory. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to walk through a fiery furnace because they obeyed God. Only the ropes that bound them were burned.
Then when he was 80 years old, Daniel was thrown into a den of lions because he was faithful to God, and he walked out unscathed. God used these trials to bring blessings to his servants and glory to himself. As you seek to be obedient to God, he may lead you into some difficult situations. But more often than not God uses such trials to strengthen your character and bless you.
If Daniel and his friends hadn't believed that God was sovereign, they might have decided compromise was better than risking their lives. But then they wouldn't have experienced the glorious victories God gave them. What an affirmation of God's faithfulness!
"An act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
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When Times Are Tough, Get Busy
And whatever you do, do it heartily,
as to the Lord and not to men.
Colossians 3:23 NKJV
It isn't easy to overcome tough times—it takes hard work and lots of it. So if you're facing adversity of any kind, you can be sure that God has important work for you to do . . . but He won't make you do it. Since the days of Adam and Eve, God has allowed His children to make choices for themselves, and so it is with you. You can either dig in and work hard, or you can retreat to the couch, click on the TV, and hope things get better on their own.
The Bible instructs us that we can learn an important lesson of a surprising source: ants. Ants are among nature's most industrious creatures. They do their work without supervision, rumination, or hesitation. We should do likewise. When times are tough, we must summon the courage and determination to work ourselves out of trouble.
God has created a world in which diligence is rewarded and sloth is not. So whatever you choose to do, do it with commitment, excitement, and vigor. God didn't create you for a life of mediocrity or pain; He created you for far greater things. Reaching for greater things—and defeating tough times—usually requires work and lots of it, which is perfectly fine with God. After all, He knows that you're up to the task, and He still has big plans for you.
Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen. - Peter Marshall
All work, if offered to Him, is transformed. It is not secular but sacred, sanctified in the glad offering. - Elisabeth Elliot
God has lots of folks who intend to go to work for Him "some day." What He needs is more people who are willing to work for Him this day. - Marie T. Freeman
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, when I am fearful, keep me mindful that You are my protector and my salvation. Give me strength, Lord, to face the challenges of this day as I gain my courage from You. Amen
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Time for Renewal
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.
Ezekiel 36:26
Even the most inspired Christians can, from time to time, find themselves running on empty. The demands of daily life can drain us of our strength and rob us of the joy that is rightfully ours in Christ. When we find ourselves tired, discouraged, or worse, there is a source from which we can draw the power needed to recharge our spiritual batteries. That source is God.
God intends that His children lead joyous lives filled with abundance and peace. But sometimes, abundance and peace seem very far away. It is then that we must turn to God for renewal, and when we do, He will restore us.
Are you tired or troubled? Turn your heart toward God in prayer. Are you weak or worried? Take the time—or, more accurately, make the time—to delve deeply into God's Holy Word. Are you spiritually depleted? Call upon fellow believers to support you, and call upon Christ to renew your spirit and your life. When you do, you'll discover that the Creator of the universe stands always ready and always able to create a new sense of wonderment and joy in you.
God specializes in things fresh and firsthand. His plans for you this year may outshine those of the past. He's prepared to fill your days with reasons to give Him praise. - Joni Eareckson Tada
He is the God of wholeness and restoration. - Stormie Omartian
In those desperate times when we feel like we don't have an ounce of strength, He will gently pick up our heads so that our eyes can behold something—something that will keep His hope alive in us. - Kathy Troccoli
Repentance removes old sins and wrong attitudes, and it opens the way for the Holy Spirit to restore our spiritual health. - Shirley Dobson
Today's Prayer
Lord, You are my rock and my strength. When I grow weary, let me turn my thoughts and my prayers to You. When I am discouraged, restore my faith in You. Let me always trust in Your promises, Lord, and let me draw strength from those promises and from Your unending love. Amen
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A Renewed Sense of Purpose
You will show me the path of life;
in Your presence is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 NKJV
If you're experiencing tough times, you may be asking yourself "What does God want me to do next?" Perhaps you're pondering your future, uncertain of your plans, unsure of your next step. But even if you don't have a clear plan for the next step of your life's journey, you may rest assured that God does.
God has a plan for the universe, and He has a plan for you. He understands that plan as thoroughly and completely as He knows you. If you seek God's will earnestly and prayerfully, He will make His plans known to you in His own time and in His own way.
Perhaps your vision of God's purpose for your life has been clouded by a wish list that you have expected God to dutifully fulfill. Perhaps, you have fervently hoped that God would create a world that unfolds according to your wishes, not His. If so, you have probably experienced more disappointment than satisfaction and more frustration than peace. A better strategy is to conform your will to God's (and not to struggle vainly in an attempt to conform His will to yours).
Sometimes, God's plans and purposes may seem unmistakably clear to you. If so, push ahead. But other times, He may lead you through the wilderness before He directs you to the Promised Land. So be patient and keep seeking His will for your life. When you do, you'll be amazed at the marvelous things that an all-powerful, all-knowing God can do.
God will make obstacles serve His purpose. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Underneath each trouble there is a faithful purpose. - C. H. Spurgeon
God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness. - Billy Graham
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let Your purposes be my purposes. Let Your priorities be my priorities. Let Your will be my will. Let Your Word be my guide. And, let me grow in faith and in wisdom today and every day. Amen
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The Struggle Against Worldliness
And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
We live in the world, but we should not worship it—yet at every turn, or so it seems, we are tempted to do otherwise. As Warren Wiersbe correctly observed, "Because the world is deceptive, it is dangerous."
The 21st-century world we live in is a noisy, stress-filled, distracting place, a place that offers countless temptations and dangers. The world seems to cry, "Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, your thoughts, and your life!" But if we are wise, we won't fall prey to that temptation.
C. S. Lewis said, "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither." That's good advice. You're likely to hit what you aim at, so aim high . . . aim at heaven.
The Lord Jesus Christ is still praying for us. He wants us to be in the world but not of it. - Charles Stanley
Our fight is not against any physical enemy; it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We must struggle against sin all our lives, but we are assured we will win. - Corrie ten Boom
The more we stuff ourselves with material pleasures, the less we seem to appreciate life. - Barbara Johnson
All those who look to draw their satisfaction from the wells of the world—pleasure, popularity, position, possessions, politics, power, prestige, finances, family, friends, fame, fortune, career, children, church, clubs, sports, sex, success, recognition, reputation, religion, education, entertainment, exercise, honors, health, hobbies—will soon be thirsty again! - Anne Graham Lotz
Today's Prayer
Lord, this world is a crazy place, and I have many opportunities to stray from Your commandments. Help me turn to obey You! Let me keep Christ in my heart, and let me put the devil in his place: far away from me! Amen.
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Beating Stress One Day at a Time
This is the day the LORD has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NKJV
Face facts: just getting by in these turbulent times can be stressful . . . very stressful. You live in a world that is brimming with demands, distractions, and deadlines (not to mention temptations, timetables, requirements, and responsibilities). Whew! No wonder you may be stressed.
What can you do in response to the stressors of everyday life? A wonderful place to start is by turning things over to God.
Psalm 118:24 reminds us that this day, like every other, is a glorious gift from the Father. How will you use that gift? Will you celebrate it and use it for His purposes? If so, you'll discover that when you turn things over to Him—when you allow God to rule over every corner of your life—He will calm your fears and guide your steps.
So today, make sure that you focus on God and upon His will for your life. Then, ask for His help. And remember: No challenge is too great for Him. Not even yours.
Life is strenuous. See that your clock does not run down. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
There are very few certainties that touch us all in this mortal experience, but one of the absolutes is that we will experience hardship and stress at some point. - James Dobson
If you're willing to repair your life, God is willing to help. If you're not willing to repair your life, God is willing to wait. - Marie T. Freeman
Prescription for a happier and healthier life: resolve to slow down your pace; learn to say no gracefully; resist the temptation to chase after more pleasure, more hobbies, and more social entanglements. - James Dobson
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, You never leave or forsake me. Even when I am troubled by the demands of the day, You are always with me, protecting me and encouraging me. Whatever today may bring, I thank You for Your love and Your strength. Let me lean upon You, Father, this day and forever. Amen
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The Morning Watch
Every morning he wakes me. He teaches me to listen
like a student. The Lord God helps me learn . . . .
Isaiah 50:4-5 NCV
Each new day is a gift from God, and if you are wise, you will spend a few quiet moments each morning thanking the Giver. When you do, you'll discover that time spent with God can lift your spirits and relieve your stress.
Warren Wiersbe writes, "Surrender your mind to the Lord at the beginning of each day." And that's sound advice. When you begin each day with your head bowed and your heart lifted, you are reminded of God's love, His protection, and His commandments. Then, you can align your priorities for the coming day with the teachings and commandments that God has placed upon your heart.
So, if you've acquired the unfortunate habit of trying to "squeeze" God into the corners of your life, it's time to reshuffle the items on your to-do list by placing God first. And if you haven't already done so, form the habit of spending quality time with your Father in heaven. He deserves it . . . and so do you.
How paltry must be the devotions of those who are always in a hurry. - William Law
How motivating it has been for me to view my early morning devotions as time of retreat alone with Jesus, who desires that I "come with Him by myself to a quiet place" in order to pray, read His Word, listen for His voice, and be renewed in my spirit. - Anne Graham Lotz
I suggest you discipline yourself to spend time daily in a systematic reading of God's Word. Make this "quiet time" a priority that nobody can change. - Warren Wiersbe
Every day has its own particular brand of holiness to discover and worship appropriately. - Annie Dillard
Today's Prayer
Lord, help me to hear Your direction for my life in the quiet moments when I study Your Holy Word. And as I go about my daily activities, let everything that I say and do be pleasing to You. Amen
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The Right Priorities
We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!
Romans 13:13-14 MSG
Have you fervently asked God to help prioritize Your life? Have you asked Him for guidance and for the courage to do the things that you know need to be done? If so, then you're continually inviting your Creator to reveal Himself in a variety of ways. As a follower of Christ, you must do no less.
When you make God's priorities your priorities, you will receive God's abundance and His peace. When you make God a full partner in every aspect of your life, He will lead you along the proper path: His path. When you allow God to reign over your heart, He will honor you with spiritual blessings that are simply too numerous to count. So, as you plan for the day ahead, make God's will your ultimate priority. When you do, every other priority will have a tendency to fall neatly into place.
There were endless demands on Jesus' time. Still He was able to make that amazing claim of "completing the work you gave me to do." (John 17:4 NIV) - Elisabeth Elliot
Getting things accomplished isn't nearly as important as taking time for love. - Janette Oke
Have you prayed about your resources lately? Find out how God wants you to use your time and your money. No matter what it costs, forsake all that is not of God. - Kay Arthur
Forgetting your mission leads, inevitably, to getting tangled up in details—details that can take you completely off your path. - Laurie Beth Jones
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, make me a person of unwavering commitment to You. Guide me away from the temptations and distractions of this world, so that I might honor You with my thoughts, my actions, and my prayers. Amen
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Real
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body. - Philippians 3: 20-21
What does it mean to be real?
Being "real" is the result of being transformed by the love of God. It's not about wealth, or beauty, or power. Heck, most of the time it's suffering, failing, and waiting. Maybe that's why we sometimes miss it. I think the wise old horse in the classic children's story The Velveteen Rabbit says it well. As he explained to the stuffed bunny:
'It doesn't happen all at once...You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.'
Be real. Open yourself up to God and His transforming power.
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." -Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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Anger
Better a patient man than a warrior. A man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. - Proverbs 16:32
Let's look at a few popular, but sad, bumper stickers:
My kid beat up your honor student.
Welcome to America, now learn English!
Keep honking, I'm reloading.
All men are idiots, and I married their King.
What do these bumper stickers have in common? The messages are dressed in humor but they're actually about anger. While some people struggle with anger, these people are flaunting it, celebrating it, and inviting you to join in.
This type of anger--aimed at hurting or ridiculing--is obviously wrong. Yet not all anger is wrong. Anger can also be an appropriate and good response.
If You're Not Outraged, You're Not Paying Attention is another bumper sticker I've seen. Injustice, cruelty, and greed should evoke anger because they contradict what the Bible teaches. William Wilberforce, sickened with anger over the slave trade in England, devoted himself to ending slavery there. If you don't ever feel anger, you need to worry about your heart.
"Anger is never without a Reason, but seldom with a good One." – Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
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A Child's Heart
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14
Do you desire to have a growing relationship with God? Then you must approach Him like a child. Children have an unencumbered view of God. Even the most Biblically astute scholar can learn from a little one.
Consider spending some time with a child, and ask him or her to explain the meaning of a particular verse or story to you. You'll be amazed at a child's insight and perception...and you'll sometimes get a great laugh.
I love the story of a mother who was teaching her three-year-old daughter the Lord's Prayer. For several evenings at bedtime the little girl repeated it after her mother. Then one night the little girl informed her mother that she was ready to go solo. She listened with pride as her daughter carefully enunciated each word right up to the end. "And lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "but deliver us some e-mail. Amen."
"Concentration is the key that opens up to the child the latent treasures within him." - E.M. Standing (1887-1967)
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Effective Communication
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The Wisconsin State Journal once asked some of the nation's largest corporations to share their most unusual experiences interviewing prospective employees. Here are just a few examples:
• One job applicant challenged his interviewer to arm wrestle
• A balding candidate for a position excused himself, then returned wearing a full hairpiece
• Another applicant interrupted the questioning to phone her therapist
• There was the guy who muttered, "Would it be a problem if I'm angry most of the time?"
Yes, these people have issues with communication. But it's not a stretch to say that many of us have the same kinds of shortcomings when it comes to communicating with our families, friends, coworkers, and even God.
We need to ask God to help us communicate—effectively and clearly. We need to work on expressing what's in our hearts in a way that blesses the people around us.
"Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you." - William A. Ward (1921-1994)
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Embracing Life
So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. - Zechariah 4:6
Embracing life means embracing all of it, including the people who make it difficult. I call these people "character builders." You may hate the fact they're in your life, but without them you'd never come close to what God wants for you. These people that are so tough are actually a gift from God. Like me, you can probably look at the character you've developed and see it didn't get there from people being nice to you. It's there because of some very tough treatment by people who didn't have your best interest in mind.
Remember the story of David and Goliath? If David had taken on a third grader I don't think we'd have heard much about it. Or what about Daniel and the pit of lions? If it were a pit of hamsters no one would be talking about that today! The bigger the challenge the more God can do with it. Its difficult things and people that make up the stories of our lives in a way that brings honor to God.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
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Excuses
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
There are so many excuses I could've used to hold back and not serve God, but none of them were good enough to miss God's best. Just the fact that I paid for an abortion could've kept me on the sidelines rather than preaching God's truth. Despite that horrific ordeal, God has allowed me to speak at Crisis Pregnancy centers and help them raise millions of dollars during the past ten years. What a blessing it's been for me to be used in that way.
Because I have failed in so many ways, God gets all the glory for anything that comes out of my life that's worth mentioning. So no matter what comes my way, if God can still use me, as embarrassing and humbling as it might be, I want to be used for Him. I want the same for you. God can use you...imperfections and all.
"Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle." - James Russell Lowell (1819-1891)
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God Plus One
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
Andy was struggling to scan the purchases—but was also determined to get it done. His customer recognized he'd been through a serious trauma.
She said, "...that must be hard to do with one arm."
"Yes, but you do what you have to, and I guess that's what I get for riding motorcycles."
"God must really have a plan for you since you're still alive" she responded.
"You have no idea. I died four times at the hospital, and they had to revive me. The doctors told my mom the first night, 'Sorry, there's not much hope for him.' Yes, God has a plan for me. The doctors didn't know who they were dealing with. It wasn't just me, but my mom and her prayers—my mom plus God—you don't mess with that!"
Wow! Mom plus God. Plus means addition. Think about adding God to the equation of
your life. "You plus God" has a pretty good ring to it.
"Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things." - Samuel M. Shoemaker (1893-1963)
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God Redeeming Us
God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. - Matthew 6:34
The day Martha Stewart went to jail, I mentioned to a group that we should pray for her as she entered her new "gated community", and the group laughed at that. But seriously, jail can indeed be a gift. We prayed for her because good things can happen when people go to jail.
In the Bible there's a story about a man named Joseph who refused to sleep with the queen and was imprisoned for more than 13 years. That was a huge chunk of his life, but it must have been the chunk that prepared him to later be in charge of the entire nation.
Then there was Chuck Colson. While imprisoned for crimes committed during the Watergate scandal he came to trust in God, and when released from prison, Chuck founded what has grown into an international prison ministry that has touched the lives of thousands upon thousands of prisoners.
Your situation might be just as humiliating as Martha Stewart going to jail, but God can redeem it. He makes the best come out of the worst, if you'll trust him to do so.
"You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that? Come up with a smiling face. It's nothing against you to fall down flat but to lie there—that's disgrace." - Edmund Vance Cook (1867-1933)
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Lights Flashing
The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. - Hosea 14:9
John Smith was pulled over for driving erratically, but just as officers began administering a breath test, there was an accident on the other side of the freeway. The policeman ordered John to wait and ran across the street, but John immediately drove home.
A few hours later, Mrs. Smith found two officers at her door. John came out of the bedroom faking a cough. When asked if he'd been pulled over for a highway citation, he replied, "Oh, no I've been home sick all day."
When they asked to see his car, John confidently walked out to the garage thinking, "It's been hours, the engine is cool, and I'm totally going to get away with this!"
He threw open the garage door, and there in the garage was the patrol car with the lights still flashing!
Tell me, friend, what lights are flashing in your garage?
"We are not creatures of circumstance; we are creators of circumstance." - Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)
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Persevere
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. - (James 1:2-3)
It doesn't take a genius to know that life is difficult. And it's difficult in different ways for different people. Sometimes we bring difficulty upon ourselves and sometimes it's brought upon us from other sources. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, old or young, man or woman. Every which way you look at it, we know that life is difficult.
But how we handle those difficulties is what matters.
The Bible tells us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance and that we should rejoice when we face trials of all kinds. If Godly character is something to be desired, then we should welcome difficulty.
Sounds crazy, I know.
Try this: wake up each day asking God to carry you through that day's rough moments. He promised to wipe our tears away, not prevent them.
So, weep when the tears come but don't give up.
"Lord, I shall be very busy this day. I may forget thee, but do not thou forget me." - Sir Jacob Astley (1579-1651)
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The Problem with Focus
Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. - Psalm 39:4
In the winter of his ninth year, Frank Lloyd Wright was walking across a snow-covered field with his reserved, no-nonsense uncle. As they reached the far end of the field, his uncle stopped him. He pointed to his own tracks in the snow, straight and true as an arrow, and then to young Frank's tracks, which meandered all over the field.
"Notice how your tracks wander aimlessly from the cattle to the woods and back again," his uncle said. "And see how my tracks aim directly to my goal. There is an important lesson in that."
Years later, the famous architect relayed how that experience affected his outlook on life. "I determined right then," he said, "not to miss most things in life, as my uncle had." Where's your focus? Is your narrow vision of life keeping you from experiencing the world around you?
"The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving." - Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
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Promises
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7
A poor man vowed to give God a certain percentage of his income. From his first week's pay he gave one dollar. But before long, prosperity raised the sum of the gift to one hundred dollars a week, and in time, to five hundred dollars.
Initially his offerings brought intense joy. But over time, he began feeling entitled to his prosperity. He explained to a close friend that when he made the promise he only had to give a dollar, but now that it was five hundred he didn't feel he could afford such extravagant giving.
His wise friend said, "I'm afraid you cannot get a release from the promise, but there is something we can do. We can kneel down and ask God to shrink your income so that you can afford to give a dollar again."
God deserves our best. Has he blessed you? Ask Him how he might use you to bless others.
"The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it." -William James (1842-1910)
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Treasures
If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, "You are my security" if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high. - Job 31:24, 25, 28
A rich man prayed, "I've worked so hard and I want to take my fortune to heaven."
"We don't do that," God said.
"Please," he begged, "let me bring it so my children will be spared from an indulgent life."
"Okay," God amended "you may bring one suitcase."
Weeks later, the man found himself at heaven's gates with a suitcase full of gold bricks.
"A suitcase?" the angel guarding the gates questioned. "You can't bring anything with you!"
"Oh, I have a special arrangement with God."
The angel looked into the suitcase and lifted his head, "Lord, I've got a man here who says he's made a
special arrangement with you."
The heavens rumbled, "What sort of arrangement?"
"For some reason he wants to bring in a suitcase full of paving material."
In God's economy, your gold will be worth less than the pavement under your feet! But the things often overlooked—our children, the poor, the underprivileged, our relationships with others—are priceless.
"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile." - Sir Wilfred Grenfell (1865-1940)
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Renoir and Matisse
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13
Renoir and Matisse were friends with a common bond; they loved color, beauty, and painting. Renoir, however, developed a very serious case of arthritis ...so debilitating that he was almost completely paralyzed by it. He winced and jerked in pain as he applied each stroke of color to the canvas. But no matter how severe the pain, no matter how difficult the brushstroke, he continued to paint.
Matisse watched his friend with great concern and passion, mystified at the dedication that led to creating his artwork at such a painful level of personal sacrifice. When he asked Renoir why he continued to paint, Renoir replied, "Because the beauty remains: the pain passes."
Are you struggling through painful times? If so, please don't give up. Don't believe the lie that there's no hope for you. Surrender and persevere. Hang on to Christ. Make the healing choice to persevere and do whatever necessary to hang on one more day. The pain passes; the beauty God brings through perseverance remains.
"Austere perseverance, harsh and continuous, may be employed by the least of us and rarely fails of its purpose, for its silent power grows irresistibly greater with time." - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749-1832)
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Defective Mind
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. - (1 Timothy 6: 20 – 21)
The other day I spoke with a very bright thirty-five-year-old man. . . a microbiologist, nuclear physicist. . . well, he has the degree to be a microbiologist, nuclear physicist. Instead, he's a postal worker who comes home to an empty house everyday. This man suffers from social anxiety. He's uncomfortable every moment he's around others. And he's miserable.
Now, I'm all for us feeling good about ourselves and being grateful for the gifts that God's given us. But in the midst of our happy talk, we need to accept that to some degree or another, we each have a sick mind. So sick that microbiologists end up delivering mail. Wealthy people shoplift. Healthy people gain 180 pounds. And counselors end up in inappropriate relationships with those they wanted to help.
Our sick minds won't lead us to a place of health and wholeness. You have to reach beyond what's in your head and reach out for the help you need. Reach out to God. Reach out to others. Be attentive to what the Holy Spirit is saying—in your thought life and in the circumstances of your life. Be responsible and do something!
"Of all the needs (there are none imaginary) a lonely child has, the one that must be satisfied, if there is going to be a hope of wholeness, is the unshaken need for an unshakable God." - Maya Angelou (1928- )
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His Hands
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. - Matthew 14:19b-21
Have you ever noticed how ordinary items become extraordinary in the right hands?
• A basketball in my hands is worth about $19. In Kobe Bryant's hands its worth over $136 million.
• A paintbrush in my hands is useless. In Monet's hands, a paintbrush produces masterpieces.
• Two fish and five loaves in my hands make a couple of fish sandwiches. In Jesus' hands, they feed thousands.
• A nail stuck in my hand would produce needless pain and a resolve never to get in over my head with home maintenance again. But the nails piercing Christ's hands are an expression of the wisdom of God and His infinite ability to use suffering to redeem the world's pain.
As with everything else, whose hand the object is in makes all the difference.
What are you holding on to and afraid to give up? Give what you're holding onto to the One who transforms the ordinary—there's no telling what He'll do with it.
"A miracle is an event which creates faith. That is the purpose and nature of miracles. Frauds deceive. An event which creates faith does not deceive; therefore it is not a fraud, but a miracle." - George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
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Pursuing Your Dreams
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. - Hebrews 10:36
Have you ever seen Michelangelo's David or experienced a live stage performance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet? These are amazing works of art and literature. They will most certainly be admired through all time.
But what if either of these men had allowed life's difficulties to get in the way of their passion – their life's work? We all face difficulties and we all have dreams. What's the difference between average men and those who rise to greatness? Perseverance.
If a project is worth pursuing, it will require initiative, energy, and endurance. One stroke of the hammer didn't chisel Michelangelo's David. And Shakespeare didn't pen Romeo and Juliet over a spot of afternoon tea. Any accomplishment worth attaining requires sustained effort. You must persevere to see your dream through.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison (1847-1931)
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Truth and Sincerity
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. - John 8:32
In the classroom setting of one Peanuts comic strip, on the first day of the new school year, the students were told to write an essay about returning to class. In her essay, Lucy wrote, "Vacations are nice, but it's good to get back to school. There is nothing more satisfying or challenging than education, and I look forward to a year of expanding my knowledge."
Of course, Lucy's teacher complimented her fine essay. In the final frame, Lucy leans over to Charlie Brown and says, "After a while, you learn what sells."
Sincerity and truth should always be vitally connected. Yet the history of humankind is littered with messages designed not to be truthful but to sound good. Everyday we encounter individuals who observe our lives to see if we live what we believe, so we must commit ourselves to follow after Christ with truth and sincerity.
"Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth." - Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
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Balanced View of Jesus
Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." - Revelation 5:5
The following observation by author Philip Yancey is well-worth meditating upon. "As I studied the life of Christ," he said, "one impression about Jesus struck me more forcefully than any other. We have tamed him. The Jesus I learned about as a child was sweet and inoffensive, the kind of person whose lap you'd want to climb on. Mister Rogers with a beard. Indeed, Jesus did have qualities of gentleness and compassion that attracted little children. Mister Rogers, however, he assuredly was not. Not even the Romans would have crucified Mister Rogers."
How balanced is your view of Jesus? Have you come to the crucial conclusion that His grace is bigger than anything we can possibly comprehend? And, I hope that conclusion doesn't come at the expense of His strength. The biblical picture of Jesus is that of a tenderhearted Lion. And conceptions that fall on either side of this picture are caricatures and incomplete.
"Jesus is the God whom we can approach without pride and before whom we can humble ourselves without despair." - Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
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Giving the Best Answer
We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.- 1 John 5:20
A college philosophy professor asked just one question on his final exam. He picked up a chair, put it on his desk, and wrote on the blackboard, "Using everything we have learned this semester, prove that this chair does not exist."
Most students wrote feverishly for the entire hour, some of them churning out twenty pages of heady philosophical logic. But one student turned in her paper after less than a minute—and she was the only one to get an A. What did she write? Two simple words: "What chair?"
Engaging people in a gentle, respectful, yet influential manner is an art. There are numerous ideological and emotional pitfalls to avoid with balanced decision-making skills and alert reasoning. But this young philosophy student has learned something that we too must learn: sometimes the wisest argument is no argument at all.
"Faith is not being sure where you're going but going anyway." - Frederick Buechner (1926- )
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Gloom
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. - Psalm 68:3
A recent edition of the New York Times featured news of a new toy—a plush "Ask Me More Eeyore," modeled after the gloomy donkey from Winnie the Pooh. The toy is designed for children aged three to seven. The paper remarked that these are just the right ages, apparently, to learn about undaunted pessimism.
Eeyore responds to children's questions with comments like, "Don't' count on it," "Doesn't look good," "Outcome looks sort of gloomy," "You can't win them all," and "Looks good for you, must be nice."
Sometimes Eeyore will even ask the child, "You wouldn't want me for a friend, would you?"
As if life isn't tough enough for some kids.
Do you have a gloomy Eeyore in your life? Perhaps you've taken on that role for yourself!
If you're busy looking for all the things that can go wrong, you're sure to miss the blessings God has prepared for you.
"It is not fitting when one is in God's service, to have a gloomy face or a chilling look." - St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
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Persevering Amidst Hardship
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. - Romans 5:3-5
In 1741 George Frideric Handel wrote Messiah, one of the finest and most inspiring musical scores ever composed. In the time leading up to his greatest accomplishment, Handel's health and fortunes had reached a low ebb. A stroke had left the right side of his body paralyzed; and he worked under the threat of imprisonment on account of crushing financial debt.
I can't help but wonder whether Handel would've chosen the tenuous life of a composer had he known ahead of time the suffering he'd endure. If not, the world would've missed the blessing of this timeless and beautiful composition of praise.
Like Handel, we don't know what our future holds. But we can be confident that God does, and that He uses every hardship to mold our character and accomplish a plan that remains perfect despite our inability to comprehend it. I pray that today you persevere in that certain hope.
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." - John Quincy Adams (1767-1848)
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Folly of Bitterness
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger ,brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. - Ephesians 4:31
Two shopkeepers owned stores directly across the street from each other. Each spent his days tracking the other's business, and gloating triumphantly each time a customer chose his own store. Over time, they became bitter rivals.
One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers and said, "I'll give you anything you request, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive double. Would you be rich? You can be very rich indeed, but he'll be twice as wealthy. Do you desire a long and healthy life? Request it, but his life will be longer and healthier. What's your desire?"
The man thought for a moment, and with a sly grin, stated, "Strike me blind in one eye!"
Bitterness is relentless and dangerous when allowed to take root in our hearts. It destroys decision-making abilities and compromises otherwise focused and productive lives. Its only remedy is forgiveness—given freely by Jesus Christ. And if you believe the Bible, we are to dispense it generously to others.
Take a step out of bitterness into forgiveness today. Forgive the unforgivable. You can do it!
"We forgive to the extent that we love." - La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)
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Importance of Promises
For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless. - Romans 4:14
I've worked extensively with married couples, and that's allowed me to hear the best and the worst of what goes on in relationships. I've seen couples overcome affairs, financial catastrophes, and debilitating diseases. At the same time, I've watched people walk away from their spouses and families for some pretty lame reasons like:
- "I am no longer happy."
- "He works too hard and is never home."
- "She's too busy in the neighborhood to care about my needs" ...and
- "There's not much of an attraction"
These are yellow flags that you need help. . . not reasons for calling it quits. The commitment to keep promises creates a safe environment where families and friendships flourish. Taking promises too casually creates disillusionment and fear. The people in your life want to know and need to know that you'll keep your promises. More than money, more than advice, more than gifts, they simply want you to be faithful.
"Promises are like crying babies in a theater; they should be carried out at once." - Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993)
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Demonstrations of Love
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. - Psalm 119:76
Right before Thanksgiving, an elderly man in Phoenix called his son in New York and said, "Your mother and I are divorcing—45 years of misery is enough. But I'm sick of talking about this, so please call your sister and tell her the news."
The son called his sister in Chicago and she immediately called her father. "You're not getting divorced!" she said, "We'll be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing."
The old man hung up the phone and turned with a wry smile to his wife. "They're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own fares!"
If you're a parent, you can appreciate the humor of this story. Yet I must say I'm glad we never have to worry about God using deception to get us to spend time with him. Instead, he demonstrates his great love through his Son, Jesus.
"It is in spending oneself that one becomes rich." - Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923)
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Overcoming Criticism
Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you" and their sight was restored. - Matthew 9:29
When Samuel Morse was requesting Congressional support for a telegraph line from Baltimore to Washington, he endured the press' sustained criticism for more than eleven years.
In 1842, when Adam Thompson set up the first bathtub in America, the newspapers said his vision—now a staple of convenient cleanliness in every home—was "going to spoil the democratic simplicity of the republic."
And when Cyrus Field was attempting to lay the first cable across the Atlantic, he was denounced as "a mad freak of stubborn ignorance."
Sometimes a wise and well-placed word of caution is just what we need, but not always. Often the criticism people heap upon the new or the uncommon is motivated by fear. Having the discernment to know the difference is crucial to knowing when to rethink and when to press on. And as Samuel Morse, Adam Thompson, and Cyrus Field demonstrate; God honors people of vision who take steps of faith.
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." - Henry Ford (1863-1947)
Passion
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. - Galatians 4:18
Someone once asked Jean Cocteau, the French writer, artist, and film director, what he'd take if his house were on fire and he could remove only one thing. He replied, "I would take the fire."
Cocteau's answer seems an obvious—almost practical—solution. Remove the fire from a burning building, and you save the building, right? Yet his answer wasn't motivated by solutions. Instead, it spoke to the fact that life has a certain intangible that's far more valuable than any material possession: passion.
Passion—that fire in the belly—is the catalyst of every vibrant and purposeful life, whether it's lived in Paris, France, or Smalltown, USA. It's as vital to the young mother at home as it is to the corporate executive, and Cocteau knew it. The fire of passion can change a life, and one passionate life can change the world.
What are you passionate about? Is it a godly passion? Are you acting on your passion?
"Through our great, good fortune, in our youth our hearts were touched with fire. It was given to us to learn at the outset that life is a profound and passionate thing." - Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
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Subtle Progress
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31
Chinese bamboo is one of the most remarkable plants on earth. Once a bamboo seed is planted it requires daily watering and care. But for five full years, the exterior shoot will grow less than an inch.
At the end of five years, however, the bamboo will perform an incredible feat. It will grow ninety feet in only ninety days! Now ask yourself this: When did the tree actually grow? Throughout the first five years, or during those last ninety days?
You may be like Chinese bamboo. You may be working, dreaming, planning, and persevering, yet feeling as if God's taking forever to flower your dream into any visible result.
Be patient. The most important growth is underground—hidden deep in your character. Those who wait upon the Lord won't be put to shame; and in due time, God will reveal everything He's grown in you.
"If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother and hope your guardian genius." -Joseph Addison (1672-1719)
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The Void
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. - Proverbs 2:1-5
For several summers in the 1950s, Howard Mumma was a guest minister in Paris. There he met the existentialist philosopher, Albert Camus, who was coming to church to hear the great organist, Marcel Dupré.
Eventually Mumma's sermons stirred Camus, so the two men met several times to discuss Camus' questions about the Christian faith. In one conversation, Camus said: "The reason I have been coming to church is because I am seeking. I'm almost on a pilgrimage—seeking something to fill the void that I am experiencing—and no one else knows. Certainly the public and the readers of my novels, while they see that void, are not finding the answers in what they are reading . . . I am searching for something that the world is not giving me."
Are you where Camus was? Searching for that something? The best gift we can receive is precisely what the world can't offer—true, eternal life through Jesus Christ. All you gotta do is ask.
"There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus." - Blaise Pascal (1632-1662)
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Obstacles
To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. - Jonah 2:6
Don't curse or grumble about the obstacles in your path—look at them as character builders. Find a way to move them, or pray your way through them. Call to mind the words of the great American educator Booker T. Washington, who said: "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."
Don't be afraid to ask for help. People are surprisingly generous with advice, especially if you take the time to befriend them first. And remember to be thankful. You may meet a mentor who'll encourage and support you for years to come.
The main thing, however, is not to throw in the towel when you encounter bumps in the road. Remember, when you're traveling up a mountain, it's the bumps you climb on.
"Only by contending with challenges that seem to be beyond your strength to handle at the moment, you can grow more surely toward the stars." - Brian Tracy (1944- )
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Belonging
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:20-21
In his classic novel The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis writes of the subtle way that prosperity knits a person's heart to the world. Growing reputations, widening circles of acquaintances, a perceived sense of importance, and the increasing pressure of absorbing and agreeable work, argues Lewis, builds up in a person a sense of really being at home on earth. But while people are finding their place in the world, Lewis concludes that the world is finding its place in them.
The truth is each of us longs for a sense of belonging. It's the way we're designed, and it's a good thing. But what the world has to offer is incapable of producing what we too often seek to find in it, so it can't help but leave us disappointed.
Don't become a collector of empty treasures in your search to find belonging. Possessing things that belong to you is no substitute for choosing to belong to God, and possessing eternal security in Christ.
"No man can swim ashore and take his baggage with him." - Seneca the Younger (5 B.C-A.D. 65)
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Bridging the Gap
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. - Deuteronomy 4:9
After a rather lifeless Sunday morning service, the pastor noticed a young boy staring intensely at a large plaque mounted in the church's foyer. It was covered with names and flanked by American flags.
Recognizing the opportunity to connect, the pastor approached, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, "Good morning young man." "Good morning," the boy replied, still looking intently at the plaque, he then asked, "Pastor, what's this?"
"Well, son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service," Then, with a note of gravity in his voice, the boy asked, "Which service did they die in – the 9:30 or the 11:00 o'clock?"
Passing on to the next generation what's dear to our hearts, and what they'll need to live well, is a privilege and burden for any caring adult. Yet communication gaps can be daunting. Take time, and choose your words well.
"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter — 'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning." - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
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Compassion
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Colossians 3:12
Most of us desire to be compassionate people, don't we? But do we know what compassion really is? Henri Nouwen once wrote: "Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to the place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by fleeing from it or finding a quick fix for it. As busy, active, relevant. . . [people] we want to earn our bread by making a real contribution. This means first and foremost doing something to show that our presence makes a difference. And so we ignore our greatest gift, which is our ability to enter into solidarity with those who suffer."
Showing compassion goes against our daily grind and our drive to achieve. It's selfless, time consuming, and often not pleasant. But it's one of those double blessing things – you'll bless another with your act of compassion, and you'll be blessed in the process.
"The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others." - Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)
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Dangers of Isolation
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
You hear it from almost every corner: American culture is becoming increasingly marked by loneliness and isolation. In one way it's understandable. There is a sense of safety and control in isolation and disconnection; but it's a false sense of safety. In fact, living lonely is anything but safe. It's a dangerous lifestyle because it allows a person to overlook real life, real people, and all the benefits and rewards that go with growing relationships.
And probably more important, our character has little chance to grow when we live life in isolation from others. It allows our thinking to go unchallenged, and allows damaging issues we may struggle with to grow and thrive in the fertile soil isolation provides.
If you're feeling isolated, do what an old commercial on television used to say, "Reach out and touch someone."
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming more interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you." - Dale Carnegie (1888-1955)
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Faith and Understanding
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6
Upon returning from space, the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titoy said, "Some people say there is a God out there...but in my travels around the earth all day long, I looked around and didn't see Him...I saw no God nor angels. The rocket was made by our own people. I don't believe in God. I believe in man, his strength, his possibilities, and his reason."
Isn't it amazing that at moments when we're most vulnerable, and most clearly confronted with God's majesty, we can be so unaware of His presence?
God is wiser than we can comprehend, more immense than we're comfortable with, and merciful beyond the reaches of our imaginations.
Yet, He's also the One through whom everything makes sense. So don't mistakenly think that faith is the result of understanding. It's the opposite. Faith is the basis for understanding.
"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light." - Helen Keller (1880-1968)
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Growing in Wisdom
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14
If life were like the movies, you'd expect the following:
• The ventilation system of any building would be the perfect hiding place.
• The Eiffel Tower could be seen from any window in Paris.
• A man would show no pain while taking the most ferocious beating, but wince in pain when a woman tries to clean his wounds.
• It wouldn't be necessary to say hello or good-bye when beginning or ending phone conversations.
• It wouldn't matter if you're heavily outnumbered in a fight; your enemies would patiently wait to attack you one by one by dancing around in a threatening manner until you've knocked out their predecessors.
Life, however, isn't like the movies. There are all sorts of unexpected, non-cliché turns in real life. Therefore, we must continually seek after and grow in wisdom—the kind God happily gives when we ask.
"If ye keep watch over your hearts, and listen for the voice of God and learn of him, in one short hour ye can learn more from him than ye could learn from man in a thousand years." - Johannes Tauler (1300-1361)
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Healing Your Past and Future
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. - Jeremiah 17:14
Senator Max Cleland lost his legs and right hand in Vietnam. When he shared at his Bible study he'd been having the same dream for thirty years—accidentally dropping a grenade, leaping on it, and then it exploding—the group prayed the Lord would heal that memory.
Two days later the History Channel broadcast his story. A man saw it and phoned Max. "Senator," he said, "you have the story all wrong. That wasn't your grenade. It was a young recruit behind you who had opened the pins on his grenades before jumping out of the helicopter. One of them popped out of the belt and rolled on the ground. You leaped on it to save us all. I wrapped you up myself and got you to the hospital. I was on the helicopter; I know how it happened."
When your past heals, your future finds healing too. Don't put off beginning the healing process—do something about it today.
"Nothing in life is more exciting and rewarding than the sudden flash of insight that leaves you a changed person—not only changed, but for the better." - Arthur Gordon (1829-1912)
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Soul Hunger
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." - John 6:35
Soul hunger is the same whether we live in the White House or a homeless shelter; whether we're the latest star, sex symbol or a devoted stay-at-home wife and mother; whether we're Bill Gates or Fred Sanford. Whoever we are, wherever life has taken us, however much we have or lack, we hunger for more; something richer, deeper, prettier, tastier, faster—something that satisfies.
Some people acknowledge their hunger and seek to satisfy it in socially acceptable ways: education, career, family, friends, or public service. Others grow desperate and angry, and attempt to satisfy their hunger in socially unacceptable ways: promiscuity, the misuse of drugs and alcohol, or even violence.
Whichever category we best fit, our need is the same: God. And the only way to find God is by surrendering to Him. It might not be easy for you to do, but it's very simple to surrender. Try it.
"If we do not abide in prayer, we will abide in temptation. Let this be one aspect of our daily intercession: "God, preserve my soul, and keep my heart and all its ways so that I will not be entangled." When this is true in our lives, a passing temptation will not overcome us. We will remain free while others lie in bondage." - John Owen (1616-1683)
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The Bible
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. - Deuteronomy 6:6-7
God's Word is a love letter wrapped in history, poetry, and wisdom. Consider what some influential historical figures have said about God's timeless Word:
• Abraham Lincoln said, "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."
• Horace Greeley resounded, "It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible-reading people. The people of the Bible are the groundwork for human freedom."
• Charles Dickens believed, "The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world."
• And...Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed, "To read the Bible is to take a trip to a fair land where the spirit is strengthened and faith renewed."
What does the Bible mean to you? Have you picked yours up and read it lately. It's probably your most treasured possession; but it's worthless just sitting on the shelf. Read it. Study it. Share it. You can start today.
"Read the Bible as if you were seeking for something of great value. It is a good deal better to take a single chapter and spend a month on it than to read the Bible at random for a month." - D. L. Moody (1837-1899)
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The Power of Words
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. - Psalm 19:14
My friend was watching the NBA's slam-dunk contest with his 10-year-old son Zachary, and his 12-year-old son Brock. After a spectacular dunk by a player about four inches shorter than his dad, Zachary asked, "Why can't you slam-dunk like that, dad? Are you too fat?"
As my friend was about to respond, his eldest son Brock chimed in: "Zachary, Dad isn't too fat; he weighs the same as Michael Jordan." My friend's chest swelled. Not only was he raising a real genius, he'd discovered that, in his son's eyes, he was actually "like Mike." But all that abruptly ended with Brock's closing comment: "Dad's not too fat. He's just too old."
Words are powerful, and rarely neutral. If you want yours to be agents of blessing, they must always be spoken in truth and love. Think about your words before you speak, and look for ways in which your words will bring God glory.
"Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts." - Robert Fulghum (1937- )
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Wolves in the Dark
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
When Lord Mountbatten, a British naval commander, was five years old, he disliked sleeping in the dark. He confided in his father that his concern wasn't the dark itself, but rather the wolves inhabiting the darkness. His father tried to assure him that there weren't wolves in their house, but his boy responded, "I daresay there aren't. But I think there are."
Aren't we good at conjuring up beasts? Even though our brains know there aren't wolves in the attic or monsters under the bed, we still lie awake with our fingers and toes tucked beneath the blankets.
Friend, God doesn't intend for you to live a life of fear. Like a protective father, He is there to comfort and assure us that we are not alone. Chase the wolves from your darkness. God will help you. It might be as simple as a prayer, or it might entail the help of a pastor or a professional counselor. Take a step toward chasing your wolves today.
"Every morning I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God; and so there's no room left for worry thoughts." - Howard Chandler Christy (1873-1952)
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Quenched Thirst
But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. - John 4:14
In this touching excerpt from C.S. Lewis' series of children's books, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion represents Jesus:
"Are you not thirsty?" said the Lion.
"I'm dying of thirst," said Jill.
"Then drink," said the Lion...
"Will you promise not to do anything to me...?" said Jill.
"I make no promise," said the Lion.
Jill was so thirsty now that ... she had gone a step nearer.
"Do you eat girls?" she asked.
"I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms," said the Lion. . .
"I daren't come and drink," said Jill.
"Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion.
"Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer. "I suppose I must go and look for another stream then."
"There is no other stream," said the Lion.
If you're thirsty, there is no other stream than the living water offered to us in Jesus. Drink of the living water He offers to you.
"When by the Spirit of God, I understood these words, 'The just shall live by faith,' I felt born again like a new man. I entered through the open doors into the very paradise of God!" - Martin Luther (1483-1546)
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Close the Gate
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32
My friend grew up on a farm, and she once told me that her sole responsibility was to close the gate behind her. That way the livestock couldn't backtrack into a field of alfalfa. All she had to do was close the gate behind her.
Back then she thought gate closing was boring work—just a whole lot of waiting, then something happened. She discovered that while gate closing isn't prestigious or exciting, it's vitally important.
On the path to wellness and wholeness, there are many gates to close. Closing the gate means not leaving loose ends hanging.
Are there people with whom you have loose ends? Do you need to return something you "borrowed?" Is there restitution or an overdue apology that might renew a relationship?
My friend's mom used to tell her, "Close the gates behind you." Most often she was talking about more than the field gate—she was talking about all the gates of life. What gates do you need to close?
The closing of a door can bring blessed privacy and comfort—the opening terror. Conversely, the closing of a door can be a sad and final thing—the opening a wonderfully joyous moment." - Andy Rononey (1919 -
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God's Changing Power
God is a changer.
He changes darkness into Light...
Bondage into Liberty...
Ashes into Beauty...
Conflict into Peace...
He has changed death to Life!
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me... to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness... Isaiah 61:1,3 KJV
May you know His changing power and His love this Independence Day.
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Fools and Liars
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." - Psalm 14:1
Desperate for gambling money, mom took a crowbar to her husband's locked desk drawer. Her search for the family's emergency funds also led her to the children's savings bonds, which she promptly cashed in for less than their value and gambled away.
Dad explained to Brian and Kelly that Mom had spent all the money—again. Kelly was in tears. Brian simply said, "How could you, Mom? How can we eat? How can I play football? How can we pay the bills if you keep doing this? Don't you love us enough to stop? You promised! You promised, you liar!"
Tired of living like a fool, mom finally got help.
It's hard to admit when I've been a fool . . . to be honest about how my foolishness has hurt others. But Jesus came for fools and liars. I'm thankful for that, aren't you?
"The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right." - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
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Bigger Hands
Your right hand, O Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O Lord, shattered the enemy. - Exodus 15:6
I once heard a story of a young boy who went with his mother to the local store. The owner, a kindly man, passed him a large jar of suckers and invited him to help himself to a handful.
Uncharacteristically, the boy held back. So the storeowner pulled out a big handful of suckers and handed them to him. When they were outside his mother asked him why he'd suddenly been so shy and wouldn't pull out the suckers himself. The boy looked at his mother and replied, "Because his hand is so much bigger than mine!"
Indeed, there's much to be said for allowing someone with bigger hands to provide for us. Jesus' hands are bigger than ours and able to give much more than we could ever provide for ourselves. Like the song says – "He's got the whole world in His hands."
"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven." - Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)†
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Parenthood
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
When parents don't spend meaningful time with their kids, a credibility gap develops. In fact, one of the most common errors parents make is expecting respect without relationship. Children might live with this contradiction for years; but if you're cultivating hurried, superficial relationships with your kids now, the odds are extremely high that, in time, they won't respect your opinions, invite your wisdom, or respond to your warnings when they need to most. Inevitably, as author Josh McDowell poignantly observed, "Rules without relationship leads to rebellion."
The rich experience of parenthood resists short, tidy definitions. But never forget —despite whatever else parenthood may be—it's a battleground for the well-being of your kids. Therefore, it's imperative that you learn to fight effectively for your children, and it all starts with relationship—just like it does for us with God.
"Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing."
- Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)
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Fear or Fear Not
Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
Isaiah 35:4
Most of us tend to think too highly of ourselves. Our love for having the right answers, solving our own problems, and feeling in control of every aspect of our lives demonstrates our inclination to think we possess personal sovereignty. Consequently, we spend a lot of time worrying.
A businessman once constructed a "Worry Chart" to keep a record of his fears. He discovered that 40 percent of his worries involved things that probably wouldn't happen, 30 percent involved past decisions that he couldn't unmake, 12 percent regarded other people's criticisms, and 10 percent involved his health. He concluded that only 8 percent of his worries were really legitimate (if there is such a thing)—that is, things he could actually do something about.
So how do we overcome our fears? How do we rid ourselves of worry and anxiety, most of which is unfounded anyway. The Bible says that perfect love cast out all fear. So maybe we should focus on God's love, not on our fear.
"Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength."
- Charles Spurgeon (1834 -1892)
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Humor
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."
Psalm 126:2
I'm grateful for people who bring laughter to our lives. Former New York Yankee baseball great Yogi Berra's wry humor has left us laughing for decades. Consider these "Yogi-isms:"
· "Never answer an anonymous letter."
· "I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four."
· "When you come to a fork in the road...take it." ...and
· "I really didn't say everything I said."
Laughter's a great gift. And doctors are finding the Bible is right: laughter truly is good medicine. Not only are there emotional benefits to laughing, but there are physical benefits as well. Bill Cosby said, "If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it." He's right. Humor can actually be an agent of healing. So look for opportunities to laugh, and don't take things to seriously. God has a sense of humor, and so should we.
"From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down, I convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend on reading it."
- Groucho Marx (1890-1977)
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Necessity of Boundaries
And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. - Deuteronomy 10:12
Skiing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is risky business. It's not for the weak hearted. The runs are dangerous and steep. They are tested by the ski patrol, dozens of warning signs are posted, and yellow tape block paths that lead to avalanche danger, loose rocks, or cliffs.
The Christian life is much like the terrain at Jackson Hole. There are plenty of marked runs and rugged terrain to keep the most adventuresome entertained and challenged, but there are also hazardous areas to avoid if we don't want to get hurt.
That's why the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit provide us with boundaries. They protect us by identifying life's harmful out-of-bounds areas; and provide freedom by keeping us unencumbered from sin and its consequences. That's truly what God was providing when he gave us the 10 Commandments. Open your Bible to Exodus 20 and re-read those with the concept of 'boundaries" in mind.
"I now realize that the small hills you see on ski slopes are formed around the bodies of forty-seven year olds who tried to learn snowboarding." - Dave Barry (1947- )
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Pursuing Your Dreams
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. - 1 Timothy 6:10-11
Are you postponing your dreams in hopes that Aunt Gertie will remember you in her will? Are you waiting to win the lottery? Or are you waiting until you lose thirty pounds, or your spouse gets his/her act together?
If the Lord has placed a dream in your heart, don't wait for external events to grant you "permission." Don't allow yourself to be hampered by fear, but do take a look at your motives.
The most important thing you can do with your dreams is to examine them in light of who gets the glory in the process... you or God? Cultivate the dreams born of the Spirit. You're happiest and most fulfilled when you're doing what God has designed you to do. He knows your frame, talents, skills, and desires. If you pursue the dreams He plants in your heart, I can promise you'll find more abundant life than you ever thought possible.
"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." – William Carey (1761-1834)
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Reframing Our Work
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31
Too often we view our work as a curse rather than a divine calling. Renowned author Dorothy Sayers is precisely right in observing that we need "a thoroughgoing revolution in our whole attitude to work." Namely, that our work should be viewed not as a necessary drudgery to be undergone for the purpose of making money, but as a way of life in which we find personal delight and magnify God's glory. Sayer's believes work, "should be thought of as a creative activity undertaken for the love of the work itself; and that. . . [men and women], made in God's image, should make things, as God makes them, for the sake of doing well a thing that is well worth doing."
With the right attitude your work can be a source of personal blessing and a vehicle for glorifying God.
"Train yourself to recognize the hand of God in everything that happens to you." - Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
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Stop the Insanity
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. - Colossians 1:10
In the movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray plays a character who finds himself living the same day over and over again. At first he thinks he's going crazy! But in time he decides to identify his shortcomings, address his faults, and make better choices.
The movie's moral is basically this: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, all-the-while expecting different results. And if you'll accept that working definition of insanity, then you'd probably admit that, from time to time, we're all a bit off kilter.
Everyone has areas of their life in need of change. When you recognize a problem and sincerely desire better for your life, that's a good start—yet genuine change requires more—and that can be intimidating.
You can stop the insanity of your own Groundhog Day, and live differently and better. Ask God to help you stop the insanity, then take the first step to do so.
"It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever—the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it." - Vince Lombardi (1913-1970)
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Time in the Cocoon
I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. - Psalm 27:13-14
If you tear open a cocoon to set a butterfly free, the creature's wings will be severely underdeveloped. This is because the very act of struggling to leave the cocoon strengthens the butterfly's wings, preparing it for flight.
We too have times of transition and metamorphosis, yet our remedy is not unlike the butterfly's. If we try escaping God's cocoon before He's done transforming us, we risk undermining and delaying what He's trying to do. So when you're experiencing time in the cocoon, relax! In the stillness, you hear God. In the waiting, your character is formed. If you wait upon God and allow Him to release you from the cocoon, you'll be strong and prepared to fly in ways you never could have if you'd left the cocoon too soon.
"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly." - Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983
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He Is Risen
When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. - John 2:22
I recently stumbled upon a great Easter story told by Dr. George Sweeting regarding an incident in the early 1920s. Communist leader Nikolai Bukharin was sent from Moscow to Kiev to address an anti-God rally. For an hour he abused and ridiculed the Christian faith until it seemed as if the whole structure of belief was in ruins.
Then questions were invited. An Eastern Orthodox priest rose and asked to speak. He turned, faced the people, and gave the Easter greeting, "He is risen!" Instantly the assembly rose to its feet and the reply came back loud and clear, "He is risen indeed!"
Aren't those just the best words you could ever hear? News, movies, books, and people of influence may attempt to discredit Christianity, but they'll never thwart the truth, He is risen indeed!
What does Christ's resurrection mean for you?
"I believe in the sun even when it is not shining.
I believe in love even when not feeling it.
I believe in God even when He is silent."
- Anonymous
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Easter in Narnia
He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. - Isaiah 25:8
In C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the lion, Aslan, offers himself as a sacrifice for a little boy—a traitor named Edmund. When the lion rises from the dead he says:
". . . [the Witch's] knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time. But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness before Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward."
Does that story sound familiar? It should; it's the story of Easter. Jesus Christ gave his life for traitors whom he loved, was raised from the dead, and therefore broke the curse of death.
"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection,
not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." - Martin Luther (1483-1546)
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The Big One
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. - Deuteronomy 4:29
When I was three years old, I went on an Easter egg hunt. Being so young, my mom let me watch the organizers hide the eggs. Before long, I'd spotted the man with the Big One—a jumbo sized, cream-filled chocolate egg wrapped in golden foil.
The moment I heard ,"Go!" I raced to the shallow hole where I'd seen him hide the egg. But my hand found nothing. I tried my other hand. Still nothing. I started digging and pulling grass. Then a loud scream broke my concentration. My prized egg had been moved to the oak tree and discovered by Lesely Waters. What had begun as a calculated victory ended in bitter defeat. Yet, I did learn a valuable lesson: What promises to bring happiness and fulfillment often leaves us empty.
Do you find yourself searching for the Big One? If the Big One is Christ, you're on the right path and need to look no further. If it's anything other than Jesus, you'll not be satisfied until you find Him.
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning." - Louis L'Amour (1908-1988)
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Act Your Size!
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Colossians 3:12
Years ago, I read about some kids who built a clubhouse in the branches of a tree. Wise far beyond their years, these boys and girls came up with a few simple rules for how to behave in this lofty little shelter. These three rules were scrawled out in childish handwriting and posted outside the door:
1) NOBODY ACT BIG.
2) NOBODY ACT SMALL.
3) EVERYBODY ACT MEDIUM.
That's pretty solid counsel for us adults. We're neither angels nor worms. We're all made in the image of God yet we're all deeply flawed. We're all entitled to dignity and respect, yet we're all in need of mercy, patience, and understanding.
So start your day (or continue it) remembering not to act big, or small, but act medium.
"Humility is like underwear, essential, but indecent if it shows." - Helen Nielsen (1918-2002)
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Finishing Well
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1
Our culture has become enamored with instant results and quick fixes. E-mail, on-line banking, fast food, instant mashed potatoes, hair implants, liposuction, and countless options like them have eroded our capacity for patience and perseverance. So when it comes to spiritual growth, we tend to expect instant transformation rather than viewing our growth in Christ as a long-term—and potentially costly—endeavor.
Yet I've learned an important truth that's been verified time and again by the testimony of Scripture: It's not how you start that's important; it's how you finish.
Finishing well in the Christian life requires purposeful planning and a clear view of reality on your part. It won't happen by accident. On the other hand, expecting instant results and quick fixes will result in disappointment, and ultimately, discouragement.
"The world is moving so fast these days that a man who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it." - Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969)
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Satisfied Singleness
Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. - 1 Corinthians 7:1-2
According to the latest U.S. Census, there are 95.7 million single adults in America. This constitutes a large—and growing—portion of our society, yet a portion that's often overlooked in the area of spiritual care. So if you're a single adult or know one, I'd like to speak to you.
You may be single by choice or as a result of unfortunate circumstances. You may have future plans to marry, or you may sense God calling you to a life of singleness. No matter what your situation, God's will for you right now is to be satisfied in Him, and to trust His plan for you at this time in your life.
You get to choose how you respond to your singleness. Learn from it. Grow in it. Singleness does not have to equal loneliness. You can survive the temptations unique to your situation in our world today. Start by going to God and connecting with others.
"I think I've discovered the secret of life—you just hang around long enough to get used to it." - Charles M. Schultz (1922-2000)
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Satisfied Singleness
Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. - 1 Corinthians 7:1-2
According to the latest U.S. Census, there are 95.7 million single adults in America. This constitutes a large—and growing—portion of our society, yet a portion that's often overlooked in the area of spiritual care. So if you're a single adult or know one, I'd like to speak to you.
You may be single by choice or as a result of unfortunate circumstances. You may have future plans to marry, or you may sense God calling you to a life of singleness. No matter what your situation, God's will for you right now is to be satisfied in Him, and to trust His plan for you at this time in your life.
You get to choose how you respond to your singleness. Learn from it. Grow in it. Singleness does not have to equal loneliness. You can survive the temptations unique to your situation in our world today. Start by going to God and connecting with others.
"I think I've discovered the secret of life—you just hang around long enough to get used to it." - Charles M. Schultz (1922-2000)
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Strangers In A Strange Land
Set your minds on things above not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2
An American traveler went to Poland to visit a famous rabbi. Upon arrival, the traveler was taken aback by the rabbi's room, which contained only a table, a chair, and some books. Perplexed, the traveler asked, "Rabbi, where is your furniture?"
The rabbi replied, "My furniture? Where is your furniture, my friend?" The tourist explained he was only a tourist passing through. The rabbi's response? "So am I."
Life in our affluent, materially-oriented society draws us away from what God wants our focus to be. We are regularly tempted to invest our time and energy in ways that focus on making ourselves comfortable residents here. Be careful. Succumbing to this temptation will blunt your ability to hear and hope in God. Set your mind on things above, and your heart will surely follow. Live intentionally and effectively for the glory of God.
"The love of heaven makes one heavenly." - William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
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Serving
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. - Colossians 3:23-24
At the heart of the Civil War was a large portion of free people who concluded that slavery shouldn't be. Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain was one of those men. In the movie Gettysburg he says, "This is a different kind of army. If you look back through history, you'll see men fighting for pay, for women, for some other kind of loot. They fight for land, power, because a king leads them, or just because they like killing. But we are here for something new. This has not happened much in the history of the world. We are an army out to set other men free."
Throughout history, God has been calling men and women to give of themselves so others can be free. Are you willing to make sacrifices for others?
"For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice — no paper currency, no promises to pay, but the gold of real service." - John Burroughs (1837-1921)
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The Hunt for Pleasure
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. - Philippians 4:12
Society says, "Just do it!" Friends say, "If it feels good, do it." And our flesh says, "More, more, more!" Our appetite for pleasure fuels our lives.
Is this a bad thing? Actually, you were designed for pleasure—but the pleasure that you were designed to seek—the pleasure that will truly satisfy—is finding pleasure in God.
Far too often, however, we set our sights too low, seeking satisfaction from power, food, status, money, or things. C.S. Lewis wisely reflected that we're like ignorant children who want to go on making mud pies in a slum because we cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. "We are far too easily pleased," he concluded.
Maybe you're dissatisfied in your hunt for pleasure, or maybe you're satisfied right where you are and you shouldn't be. Pause and reflect on the source of your pleasure. Only one source is lasting—seek God.
"Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth." - Sébastien-Roch Nicolas De Chamfort (1741-1794)
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Transformed Grief
Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. - Isaiah 60:20
In 1835 Abe Lincoln was a member of the Illinois legislature and a man with a bright future. In love with the red-haired beauty Ann Rutledge, they joyfully anticipated their future together. . . then malaria struck. Upon hearing that Ann was sick, Abe came to her only to watch helplessly as her life - and his dreams - slipped away. A week after the funeral, a friend saw Lincoln rambling through the woods almost incoherent, mumbling sentences no one could understand. Weeks passed and Lincoln was lost in pain.
Lincoln eventually recovered. And though grief haunted him, faith sustained him. Pain had made him strong. The hard lessons he learned in the Illinois woods prepared him to navigate America through the travails of Civil War. Abraham Lincoln was transformed in the crucible of grief, and in turn, was used to transform an entire nation.
You can have hope in the midst of your hurting. It won't remove the hurt, but it will help you work through it.
"Many of us spend our whole lives running from feeling with the mistaken belief that you cannot bear the pain. But you have already borne the pain. What you have not done is feel all you are beyond the pain." - Saint Bartholomew (1st century AD)
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Faith
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. - Matthew 17:20
Desperate to find a home, an orphan girl in India asked a missionary teacher from a nearby village for help. The missionary had no money or room for the girl but promised she'd pray and ask God for his help. She told the girl to do the same.
That evening, the teacher received a letter from an American friend, containing enough money to provide for the orphan girl. She summoned a messenger the following morning and asked him to go to the neighboring village—a day's walk from her home—to find the girl.
To the teacher's surprise, the messenger returned with the girl in half the expected time. When asked how she traveled so quickly, the girl reminded the teacher, "We both prayed to God for help...I thought I might as well start walking."
Faith is active. Thinking and praying are necessary elements, but the true test of our faith is when like the little girl, we start walking.
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
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Loneliness
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. - Proverbs 15:22
A recent study reported that the loneliest people in America are college students. Surprising? Other groups showing high levels of loneliness were the divorced, welfare recipients, single moms, housewives, and the elderly. This covers the majority of our culture, indicating that loneliness is an American epidemic.
To illustrate just how lonely many people are, Chuck Swindoll tells the story of a Kansas newspaper ad, which read, "I'll listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5." Swindoll said, "Sounds like a hoax, doesn't it? But the person was serious. Did anybody call? You bet. It wasn't long before this individual was receiving 10 to 20 calls a day. The pain of loneliness was so sharp that people were willing to pay to talk to a complete stranger for a half hour of companionship."
We were created for relationships. Don't go through life solo. Connect with someone today.
"Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for." - Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961)
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Longing for Glory
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
In 1997, Sports Illustrated published a survey of 198 Olympic athletes.
They were asked if they would take a banned performance-enhancing substance if they were guaranteed they wouldn't be caught and they would win their competition. One hundred and ninety-five athletes said yes; three said no.
They were then asked if they'd take the substance if they were guaranteed they wouldn't be caught, would win every competition for the next five years, but would then die from the side effects of the substance. More than half the athletes said yes. This is both shocking and very sad.
O.K., sports fans, the Olympics take place every two years. Can you name five gold medalists at the most recent Olympics? (Can you even remember where they were held?)
We all have a longing for recognition and honor. But immortality and glory belong to God.
"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend." - J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
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Marriage
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24
How can a stranger tell if two people are married? When eight-year old Derrick was asked this question he stopped to think for a minute. Then he replied most seriously, "You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids."
Kids really have a way of making us laugh, reflect, and, yes. . . sometimes yell, don't they? But young Derrick hit upon a very important fact: marriage can be tough—and that's true regardless of whether or not you have kids.
Finances, communication, intimacy, and sometimes-even kids can become sources of tension in your relationship with your spouse. Nevertheless, God's intention for marriage is that it be a source of joy, encouragement, comfort, and grace that gives richness to life.
"Marriage is the state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a mistress and two slaves, making in all, two." - Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)
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The Marshmallow Test
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
They call it the marshmallow test. Researchers at Stanford University ran a test in the 1960s. A researcher would say to four-year-olds: "I am leaving for a few minutes to run an errand, and you can have this marshmallow while I am gone, but if you wait until I return, you can have two marshmallows."
A dozen years later, the researchers restudied the same children and found that those who'd grabbed the single marshmallow tended to be more troubled as adolescents, and they scored an average of 210 points less on SAT tests.
We teach our children to say their ABCs, to say please and thank you, their Bible verses, hymns, and how to tie their shoes...and all these are great things. But never underestimate the value of instilling self-control and delayed gratification.
Self control and delayed gratification are often missing in our training. Usually we fail because we lean on our own power. Remember, self-control is a fruit of the spirit—so if you truly seek to operate under the power of the Holy Spirit, self control will be evident in your life.
"What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)
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Materialism
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2
Even when I've sincerely turned to God in faith, the pursuit of things has tripped me up.
My first house was a great investment: Only $10,000 with a monthly mortgage payment of $100. I congratulated myself on being so financially astute.
But a door-to-door carpet salesman changed all that. Carpet was my house's only real deficiency. And upon showing me a sample of sea-foam green, stain resistant carpet, I was hooked. I simply had to have it. I didn't have the money to pay for it, so the salesman arranged for me to have credit.
But after I had the new carpet installed, I noticed how ratty my furniture looked. Before I knew it, I was lost in the tide of materialism.
What I thought would bring me respect and comfort made me a slave. Be careful about what becomes important in your life.
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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Perfectionism
If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come — one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?
Hebrews 7:11
Are you a person who's never quite satisfied because you can't attain perfection? I have good news for you! Perfection is unattainable, so you can rest from your efforts. Yes, excellence is a worthy goal, but perfection is nothing but pure fiction! You're not perfect, and neither is your spouse, your children, your boss, or your co-workers. Not even your dog is perfect.
Nevertheless, if you're a perfectionist, you'll be quicker to judge rather than show mercy. Most perfectionists end up correcting other people rather than connecting with other people.
If you struggle with this, remember—relationships are always more important than regulation, so be careful not to push yourself and the people in your life toward perfection. Lay down your spears, tear down those walls, and step forward to discover that it's perfectly fine to be human in every area of life.
"Perfection consists in one thing only: doing the will of God."
- St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)
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Suffering and Character
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
Romans 6:22
My life has been littered with mistakes—my own mistakes and the mistakes of others. And in every one of those incidents, God came along, picked up the litter, and put it back together in a way that transformed it into a monument for faith. I can look back and say, "It was at that very point, in the midst of that adversity, that this part of my character began to grow and my relationship with God really deepened.
It's our nature to seek quick relief from pain. But Helen Keller—a woman well acquainted with adversity—said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
Let God transform and redeem the suffering in your life?
"Deep unspeakable suffering may well be called a baptism, a regeneration, the initiation into a new state."
- George Eliot (1819-1880)
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Teen Anger
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3: 17-18
When Benjamin Carson was a teenager he had a terrible temper. One day he got into a scuffle with another youth, drew a knife, and stabbed at the other boy. The blade, however, caught on the boy's belt buckle.
That moment was a flashpoint experience for Carson. He went home and fell to his knees, praying for three hours for the Lord to take his temper away.
So, what happened to that boy? Today Benjamin Carson is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, known all over the world for his surgical skills and care for his young patients.
But if God hadn't prevented his blade from striking or Carson hadn't conquered his temper that day, hundreds of patients would've been deprived of his compassionate care.
Aren't you glad God is in control and watches over every detail of your life?
"Don't lose your temper, use it."
- Dolly Parton (1946- )
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The Blame Game
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Proverbs 12:19
When Mary and Emma's mom saw the chewed up book, she confronted her girls. Mary quickly pointed the finger to her little sister Emma. Emma immediately replied that her cousin Jacob did it. Now to appreciate Emma's response you must understand that cousin Jacob lived over 2,200 miles away and was still a baby without teeth! As you can imagine, mom had a hard time concealing a smile.
The blame game has a long history. Adam blamed Eve—she was the one who gave him the fruit. And he even blamed God. He basically said, "If you wouldn't have put this woman here, this wouldn't have happened!" Eve, of course, blamed the snake.
Do you find yourself often trying to shift blame? Blaming is easy, but there's honor and redemption when you take responsibility for your faults.
"I praise loudly, I blame softly."
- Catherine the Great (1729-1796)
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The Saddest Word
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62: 5-6
Several famous people were asked what they felt was the saddest word in the English language. Listen to what some of them said:
· "But," said Lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II.
· Writer John Dos Passos quoted John Keats: "Forlorn! The very word is like a bell."
· Statesman Bernard M. Baruch said: "Hopeless."
· President Harry Truman quoted John Greenleaf Whittier: "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'"
"But", "forlorn", "hopeless", "it might have been"...together these words describe the heart of a person without Christ. What a contrast these sad words make to the promises of God.
In Jesus Christ, a forlorn, hopeless heart haunted by 'buts' and 'it might have beens' is transformed into a heart of hope and purpose. Be encouraged by God's specific promises of joy and hope of transformation for your life.
"When hope is taken away from the people, moral degeneration follows swiftly after."
- Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973)
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A Good Name
A good name is more desirable than great riches;
To be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
- Proverbs 22:1
How important is your name? Sports columnist Skip Bayless reported this interesting story:
Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, offered sports-talk host David Kaplan $50,000 to have his name legally changed to "Dallas Maverick." When Kaplan declined, Cuban responded by offering to pay Kaplan $100,000 and donate $100,000 to Kaplan's favorite charity if he took the name for one year.
Kaplan did some soul searching, but held firm. "I'd be saying I'd do anything for money," he explained, "and that bothers me. My name is my birthright. I'd like to preserve my integrity and credibility."
Building a reputation of integrity and reliability happens by establishing a consistent track record of sound decisions and hard work. And no amount of money or fleeting temptation is worth its undoing.
"There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity." - Tom Peters (1942 - )
To purchase this devotional please visit New Life Ministries
Taken from The Life Recovery Devotional: Thirty Meditations from Scripture for Each Step in Recovery by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. Copyright © 1991 by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Broken Dreams
"We both had dreams," they answered, "but there is no one to interpret them." Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams." - Genesis 40:8
Do you have dreams that never came true?
• Maybe you were you told you had great talent—that you should go for it and make it to the top.
• Was your dream to be a star of stage or screen?
• Maybe your dream was to live a peaceful life teaching at a university with the security of tenure, writing a few bestsellers.
• Maybe you believed that you'd grow up, easily discover the person God chose for you, marry that person, make a lot of money, have great kids who were never a problem, and continue to live happily ever after?
Think about your great dreams that haven't come true—we all have some. Yet our broken dreams are by no means the end of the story, because they hold important lessons within them.
If you have faith in Christ, your final destination is secure. Our life here on earth is a character-building journey full of opportunities—to dream, to connect, and to love one another, and when there is brokenness, to adjust your dream, to re-connect, and to continue loving one another.
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved." - Helen Keller (1880-1968)
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Building A Team
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
Way up on the top of the Spanish Pyrenees Mountains lives the beautiful but elusive mountain goat. Mature mountain goats are often hunted for their coats, but it's extremely difficult to get within shooting range. Why? Because the mature goat has a companion: a young goat with good eyesight, good hearing and a good sense of smell follows it wherever it goes and sounds the warning if enemies emerge.
The rhinoceros is another magnificent animal. It can run at remarkable speeds and despite its poor eyesight, is fearless in charging its enemies. But the rhino gets help. The rhino's skin is infested with ticks, which are a delicacy to a little bird that rides on its back. The birds have keen eyesight, and when they sense danger they sound the alarm, alerting the rhino.
If you'd like to live your life in Christ to the fullest, you need to team up with others too! We weren't meant to go it alone! Choose to connect and to relate to others.
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." - Michael Jordan (1963- )
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Calling
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. - 2 Thessalonians 1:11
My friend was an English teacher at a Christian high school. One day while talking to her students about what they want to do in life, she asked what considerations might motivate their career selection. Money was the top answer, followed by talent, ability, and a general liking for the type of work. "Are you saying," she asked her class, "that none of you have considered your future occupation in light of what God would have you do?"
Sadly, many people think that unless they've received "a calling" to become a minister or missionary, God can pretty much stay out of the career picture. But God calls dentists, salesclerks, insurance salesmen, truck drivers, moms, and corporate executives. Whatever your occupation might be, see it as a calling from God. And recognize that our main calling in life is to be Christ-like, no matter what we do, who we're with, or where we are.
"God does not call those that are equipped. He equips those whom He has called." - Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947)
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Our Only Real Hope
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
He remembers his covenant forever.
Psalm 111:4-5
Donna and her husband had two babies and barely got by on the tiny pension he received from the Navy. It took more than half their income just to pay the rent. Needless to say, the money often ran out before the month did.
One month, their financial situation was so bad Donna had no money left to buy laundry soap. She got on her knees and prayed, "God, I've never needed you like I need you now. I have nothing, and I need you to provide soap to wash these diapers."
Hearing a noise at the front door, Donna got up to see who it was. Someone had left a promotional sample of soap on her doorstep. Some would call the provision a coincidence, but Donna knew it was an act of God – a "divine" coincidence.
Are you dealing with difficult circumstances? Have you talked to God about your challenges, and your needs? God wants you to come to Him and to rely upon Him.
"Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there." - Old saying
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Perseverance
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12
Soon after making a decision to follow Christ, a young Nigerian named Daniel returned to his Muslim village. He was excited about his new faith. . . the people of his village were not. Furious at him, the women of the village beat him and left him for dead.
When he regained consciousness the following day, he decided he must not have been clear in explaining his new faith. So he went back to the village and witnessed again. The women beat him and left him for dead again. This time he remained unconscious for two days.
When he awoke, he again assumed he hadn't expressed himself well. So he returned a third time. This time the village women broke into tears at his perseverance, and eventually the good news of Christ gained a foothold in that place.
If you're weary in sharing the good news of Jesus with friends, family, or your kids—take heart. And remember, we share Christ by our actions and how we conduct our lives—as much as we do with our words.
"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
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Struggle
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17
Either outright or subtly many people who follow Jesus and walk with God think they shouldn't struggle. We think God will give us lives of ease and comfort once we decide to follow Christ. The idea is: If we're good Christians, we'll have it all together. If we have enough faith, our conflicts and problems would resolve themselves. When you come to Christ, your problems disappear. In fact, many churches will communicate that very message week in and week out. As a result, those who attend those churches hide their struggles, because they mistakenly equate struggles with a lack of faith.
But the Christian walk wasn't meant to be a stroll through the park. Following Jesus won't remove struggles from your life; in fact it often adds to the struggle. Some of the most committed Christians have lived some of the most difficult lives. The Bible goes so far as to tell us to expect trials and difficulties, and to be joyful when we face them.
With Christ, you can do that. On your own, you're destined to fail.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
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The Fall
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:26
Adam and Eve's fall – when they took the bite of that apple—wasn't like falling off a stepladder; it was like falling off Mount Everest. It was mankind's fall, and we weren't just dented; we were demolished.
Once we realize that all of our thoughts and desires are twisted, and all of our strength is diverted away from God; then we'll begin realizing how dangerous it is to rely solely on our own strength, desire, and wisdom.
Human strength fails when you don't see any results. Human motivation ends when applause and affirmation fade. And human wisdom tells us to get ahead and then quit.
But God's strength becomes perfect when we're weak. His approval comes when we stop trying to please the crowd. And His wisdom tells us to stop trying to lead the way and to follow Him instead.
Remember, God's grace is greater than our ability to mess up.
"Above all, believe confidently that Jesus delights in maintaining that new nature within you, and imparting to it His strength and wisdom for its work." - Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
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Thin Ice
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:7-8
When I was a boy, I fell into freezing water while trying to cross some thin ice. A while later, my brothers took me to a frozen pond—where I wasn't in jeopardy of falling through. It was frozen thick and solid.
Yet even when my brothers ran out onto the ice to demonstrate its sturdiness, they had a difficult time convincing me it would support my weight. I'd been fooled by solid-looking ice before. Finally, they dragged me onto the ice. At first, I tested it nervously. Then slowly and hesitantly I began to trust the ice.
My experiences with ice remind me of the philosophies and teachings in which we put our faith. We have to test them to make sure they're trustworthy.
Are you trusting in thin ice? Or in something thick and solid? Put your faith in Christ!
"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine (354-430)
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What's Wrong With Grownups
Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged. - Colossians 3:21
"What's wrong with grownups?" This was a question posed by a Sunday school teacher to a class of ten-year-olds. See if you recognize yourself in any of these complaints.
1. Grownups make promises, then forget them, or say it wasn't a promise, just a "maybe."
2. Grownups don't do the things they tell their children to do—like pick up their things or always tell the truth.
3. Grownups don't listen. They decide ahead of time what they're going to answer.
4. Grownups make mistakes, but won't admit them. They pretend they weren't mistakes at all—or that somebody else made them.
5. Grownups always talk about what they did and what they knew when they were ten-years-old, but they don't try to think what it's like to be ten-years-old right now.
If you're like me, right now you're thinking, "Ouch!" Children are perceptive, and they are much more pure in heart than we give them credit for. Take time for them, be honest with them, don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry".
"Nothing you ever do for a child is wasted." - Garrison Keillor (1942- )
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Bad Coffee
Bear with each other and forgive grievances. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13-14
Karin ruled her family with her explosive, irrational anger. Her children and grandchildren never knew what would set her off. Being around her was like being in a minefield. You knew you had to get out, but you were too afraid to take a step.
Yet every time Karin had one of these outbursts, she'd blame it on bad coffee. "I just got a hold of some bad coffee and just wasn't myself," she'd say.
Do you have some "bad coffee?"—some excuse you're using for out-of-line behaviors? Are you rationalizing behaviors because you say you're "tired," "under stress," or some other unique yet unacceptable excuse?
The best thing to do is confess. Confess to God, and confess to others.
"It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution." - Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
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Growing in Christ
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. - Isaiah 55:8
People today are striving for personal improvement, self-empowerment, and inner strength. Yet, Christianity has a completely opposite way of thinking; it's full of paradoxes. We die to live; we lose to find; and we surrender to gain strength.
When Jesus overcame death, he defeated the worst enemy of all. Today we're left to battle with far lesser foes, knowing that He's already won the war.
When we stop trying to control the outcome of every situation and stop demanding that God resolve our problems according to our dictates, we unlock the door for God to show us his redemptive purpose.
Praying, "Your will be done" gets us out of God's way and removes our ideas as to how things are supposed to work out in our lives, and allows God's ideas to take control
Are you struggling to be a better follower of Jesus? Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus. A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly without knowing what's around the corner.
"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith." - Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)
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Perfect-Mate Myth
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Do you believe the Perfect-Mate Myth? It goes something like this: "If I just had the right mate, then my life would be all right." This belief is profoundly off base. First, it assumes that we are good and our spouse is the real problem. Second, it implies that there is such a thing as a "perfect" spouse, one who is beyond the reach of sin.
This delusion keeps couples from growing the way God wants them to grow. If you're in a difficult marriage, believing this myth will prevent you from the hard work and commitment necessary to repair the relationship. To keep your relationship stable and growing you must concentrate on building your relationship with God—as a couple and as individuals. If you do that, your marriage will be strengthened and your soul will be fed.
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
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False gods
O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, "Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. - Jeremiah 16:19
We like to call ourselves sophisticated. We trust in scientific theory and read the Wall Street Journal. We subscribe to the theory, secretly or not, that mankind has evolved intellectually and that we are far superior to our simple-minded, superstitious ancestors. We smirk when we read how they worshipped man-made gods—those deaf, dumb, and blind pieces of wood and gold.
Yet at the same time, we're on our knees worshipping more subtle, but just as tangible, false gods—the "isms" of our day: workaholism, as if the fruit of endless labors will finally bring satisfaction; legalism, as if being good and performing flawlessly will secure peace; intellectualism, as if we could get so smart that we would finally feel fulfilled; and materialism, as if some possession could bring us joy.
The first step in the worship of false gods is exchanging truth for lies. "You will not surely die," was the serpent's lie to Eve in the garden. Cling to the truth. Once it's discarded, you'll believe anything.
The truth of the Bible doesn't change with our circumstances of life; rather, it defines and weeds out all falsehood. Remember Jesus' words, "...the truth will set you free."
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
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Guilty or Not Guilty
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." - Hebrews 10:22
When I was twenty years old I fell into a deep depression. I began taking antidepressants and felt as old as a grandfather. My doctor diagnosed me with eighty-three ulcers and said I would have to make some serious life-style changes or have part of my intestines or colon removed. At the time I had no idea what was causing me such misery. Then I learned that guilt was literally eating away at me.
My guilt was a merciful wake-up call from God, showing me that I'd strayed into dangerous territory—my decisions we're not only hurting me but they were hurting others.
Guilt can be a merciless taskmaster, that drives us far from God, or it can gently lead us back to a right relationship with Him.
Do you struggle with guilt? Don't ignore it, but respond to the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
"Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the fiend, Th' avenging fiend, that follows us behind, with whips and stings" - Nicholas Rowe (1966 - )
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Humor
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. - Job 8:21
I'm always looking for humor in every situation. No matter where I'm ministering, I like to find something funny in a given set of circumstances and talk about that.
When I first came to faith in Christ, however, I was under the impression that I had to give up humor and become very solemn and serious. Soon the part of me that loved to smile and laugh began to wither.
But I didn't want that aspect of my personality to die. It was a unique part of me that God had created. In reality, it was one of my best strengths. So, over time, I began to let my humor come out again, and I discovered its strength in communicating truth and grace to others.
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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Service
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
Finding a way to help others is an expression of faith. It shows that we believe in the sovereignty of God. We don't' have to wait until the pain in our life is gone, because we know God can use it for good.
Finding a way to help others requires that you ask two questions: What is God doing? and How can I get into the flow of his activity? When we ask these questions, ideas will come. And once we begin doing this, the 'why is this happening' question, which once seemed so important, becomes irrelevant.
The best answer to why is always what. When we stop asking, "Why has God allowed this?" And begin asking, "What does he want me to do with it?", we're ready for God to start his work in us, and that prepares us for service, and that prepares us for service.
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
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Always with Us
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
And the government will rest on his shoulders.
These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Are you facing difficult circumstances or unwelcome changes? If so, please remember that God is far bigger than any problem you may face. So, instead of worrying about life's inevitable challenges, put your faith in the Father and His only begotten Son: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV). And remember: it is precisely because your Savior does not change that you can face your challenges with courage for today and hope for tomorrow. Life is often challenging, but as Christians, we should not be afraid. God loves us, and He will protect us. In times of hardship, He will comfort us; in times of change, He will guide our steps. When we are troubled or weak or sorrowful, God is always with us. We must build our lives on the rock that cannot be moved . . . we must trust in God. Always.
In a world kept chaotic by change, you will eventually discover, as I have, that this is one of the most precious qualities of the God we are looking for: He doesn't change. - Bill Hybels
The Holy Spirit can reveal to you why you are stuck, and he can empower you to change (although he won't usually do all the work without your involvement). - Patsy Clairmont
The secret of contentment in the midst of change is found in
having roots in the changeless Christ—the same yesterday, today and forever. - Ed Young
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, our world is constantly changing. When I face the inevitable transitions of life, I will turn to You for strength and assurance. Thank You, Father, for love that is unchanging and everlasting. Amen
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Relying upon Him
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you at the proper time,
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB
Do the demands of this day threaten to overwhelm you? If so, you must rely not only upon your own resources but also upon the promises of your Father in heaven. God is a never-ending source of support and courage for those of us who call upon Him. When we are weary, He gives us strength. When we see no hope, God reminds us of His promises. When we grieve, God wipes away our tears. God will hold your hand and walk with you every day of your life if you let Him. So even if your circumstances are difficult, trust the Father. His love is eternal, and His goodness endures forever.
Faith is not merely you holding on to God—it is God holding on to you. - E. Stanley Jones, 100 Days of Prayer
When you have no helpers, see all your helpers in God. When you have many helpers, see God in all your helpers. When you have nothing but God, see all in God; when you have everything, see God in everything. Under all conditions, stay thy heart only on the Lord. - C. H. Spurgeon
The more you give your mental burdens to the Lord, the more exciting it becomes to see how God will handle things that are impossible for you to do anything about. - Charles Swindoll
God uses our most stumbling, faltering faith-steps as the open door to His doing for us "more than we ask or think." - Catherine Marshall
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, You never leave or forsake me. You are always with me, protecting me and encouraging me. Whatever this day may bring, I thank You for Your love and Your strength. Amen
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Growing in Christ
When I was a child, I spoke as a child,
I understood as a child, I thought as a child;
but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
1 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV
Norman Vincent Peale had the following advice for believers of all ages: "Ask the God who made you to keep remaking you." That advice, of course, is perfectly sound, but often ignored.
The journey toward spiritual maturity lasts a lifetime. As Christians, we can and should continue to grow in the love and the knowledge of our Savior as long as we live. When we cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, we do ourselves a profound disservice. But, if we study God's Word, if we obey His commandments, and if we live in the center of His will, we will not be "stagnant" believers; we will, instead, be growing Christians . . . and that's exactly what God wants for our lives.
With God, it isn't who you were that matters; it's who you are becoming. - Liz Curtis Higgs, 100 Days of Prayer
Every great company, every great brand, and every great career has been built in exactly the same way: bit by bit, step by step, little by little. - John Maxwell
The instrument of our sanctification is the Word of God. The Spirit of God brings to our minds the precepts and doctrines of truth, and applies them with power. The truth is our sanctifier. If we do not hear or read it, we will not grow in sanctification. - C. H. Spurgeon
The process of growing up is to me valued for what we gain, not for what we lose. - C. S. Lewis
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I know that I still have so many things to learn. I won't stop learning, I won't give up, and I won't stop growing. Every day, I will do my best to become a little bit more like the person You intend for me to be. Amen
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Honoring God
Honor GOD with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.
Proverbs 3:9-10 MSG
At times, your life is probably hectic, demanding, and complicated. When the demands of life leave you rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, you may fail to pause and thank your Creator for the blessings He has bestowed upon you. But that's a big mistake. Whom will you choose to honor today? If you honor God and place Him at the center of your life, every day is a cause for celebration. But if you fail to honor your Heavenly Father, you're asking for trouble, and lots of it. So honor God for who He is and for what He has done for you. And don't just honor Him on Sunday morning. Praise Him all day long, every day, for as long as you live . . . and then for all eternity.
God shows unbridled delight when He sees people acting in ways that honor Him. - Bill Hybels, 100 Days of Prayer
We honor God by asking for great things when they are a part of His promise. We dishonor Him and cheat ourselves when we ask for molehills where He has promised mountains. - Vance Havner
What lessons about honor did you learn from your childhood? Are you living what you learned today? - Dennis Swanberg
Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves, and helps, and cares for the others. - St. Theophane Venard
Today's Prayer
I praise You, Lord, from the depths of my heart, and I give thanks for Your goodness, for Your mercy, and for Your Son. Let me honor You every day of my life through my words and my deeds. Let me honor You, Father, with all that I am. Amen
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Beyond Guilt
There is therefore now no condemnation to those
who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh,
but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1 NKJV
All of us have sinned. Sometimes our sins result from our own stubborn rebellion against God's commandments. And sometimes, we are swept up in events that are beyond our abilities to control. Under either set of circumstances, we may experience intense feelings of guilt. But God has an answer for the guilt that we feel. That answer, of course, is His forgiveness. When we confess our wrongdoings and repent from them, we are forgiven by the One who created us.
Are you troubled by feelings of guilt or regret? If so, you must repent from your misdeeds, and you must ask your Heavenly Father for His forgiveness. When you do so, He will forgive you completely and without reservation. Then, you must forgive yourself just as God has forgiven you: thoroughly and unconditionally.
Prayer is essential when a believer is stuck in the pits of unresolved guilt. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
Let's take Jesus at this word. When he says we're forgiven, let's unload the guilt. When he says we're valuable, let's believe him. When he says we're eternal, let's bury our fear. When he says we're provided for, let's stop worrying. - Max Lucado
Spiritual life without guilt would be like physical life without pain. Guilt is a defense mechanism; it's like an alarm that goes off to lead you to confession when you sin. - John MacArthur
Stop blaming yourself and feeling guilty, unworthy, and unloved. Instead begin to say, "If God is for me, who can be against me? God loves me, and I love myself. Praise the Lord, I am free in Jesus' name, amen!" - Joyce Meyer
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the guilt that I feel when I disobey You. Help me confess my wrongdoings, help me accept Your forgiveness, and help me renew my passion to serve You. Amen
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An Examined Life
He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'" - Luke 8:10
One day a nearsighted elderly man who considered himself an art expert visited a museum. He'd forgotten his glasses and couldn't see clearly, but that didn't stop him from airing his opinions.
What he thought was a full-length portrait soon caught his attention. He gazed at it a moment, then began his criticism. "The frame is altogether out of keeping with the picture," he complained, "The man is too homely and shabbily dressed. In fact, it was a great mistake for the artist to select such a shoddy subject for his portrait."
He continued until his wife managed to discretely pull him aside. "My dear," she whispered, "you're looking in a mirror."
It's important to examine your life, but be sure you're using the only mirror able to both diagnose and heal–the life and Word of Jesus.
The best mirror is an old friend. -George Herbert (1593-1633)
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Consumed by Lust
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. - Titus 3:4-5
Radio personality Paul Harvey once told of how an Eskimo kills a wolf. The Eskimo coats his knife with animal blood and lets it freeze. Another layer of blood is added, then another, until the blade is completely concealed. The hunter then fixes his knife in the ground with the blade up. A wolf follows the scent, finds the source, and begins licking. Aroused by the taste, it licks the blood-covered blade progressively faster and harder.
Amidst the wolf's frenzy, it doesn't notice the eventual sting of the exposed blade on its own tongue, nor that it's now consuming its own warm blood. The wolf simply craves more–until it falls dead in the snow.
It's a grisly story, but a poignant illustration of how we too stand in danger of being consumed by our own lusts.
"My will was perverse and lust had grown from it; and when I gave in to lust, habit was born; and when I did not resist the habit it became a necessity. These were the links which together formed what I have called my chain, and it held me fast in the duress of servitude." -St. Augustine (354-430)
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Finding a Confidant
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - John 1:9
God is always our first and primary audience for confession. But He isn't our only audience. Scripture tells us also to confess our sins to fellow believers. This is an extremely important and beneficial aspect of spiritual growth and health, if conducted wisely.
First, let me say that this type of confession isn't an all-encompassing command. That is, it isn't "spilling your guts" to anyone and everyone nosey enough to listen. Never confess to anyone who isn't spiritually mature.
Second, confession to fellow believers is an act of trust, and this makes you highly vulnerable. The person to whom you confess must be able to keep your confession confidential. If you can't trust your confidant, he shouldn't be your confidant. To be of value, confession must be honest and complete – you must feel safe in your selection of confidant.
So, stay true to God's instruction to confess our sins to one another, but be wise and be cautious.
The worst of my actions and feelings do not seem to me so offensive as the cowardice of not daring to admit them. -Montaigne (1533-1592)3
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God's Grace
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' - Matthew 15:18
A retired pastor, was returning home around midnight when he came upon a motorist covered in oil and red-faced with anger. Upon stopping his car, the pastor asked how he could help. The man asked for a ride and immediately let loose with a barrage of profanity. When he finished he asked the pastor what he was doing out so late. When he told him he was a pastor returning home from some evangelistic meetings, the embarrassed man asked the pastor why he didn't stop him. The pastor replied, "Your problem isn't your mouth. It's your heart." And he proceeded to share with the man who Jesus was and what it means to be one of his followers.
Sometime later, when the pastor told this story, he asked, "How else should we have expected him to speak?" adding, "Would it be better for a man to sing hymns all the way to hell?"
Remember, what comes out of your mouth is a reflection of the condition of your heart.
The heart of a good man is the sanctuary of God in this world. -Madame Necker (1766-1841)
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Healthy Grieving
But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. - 2 Timothy 1:10
The flight was headed for Los Angeles, and everything was going smoothly. Then, all of the sudden, a woman jumped to her feet, let out a pained and terrified shriek, and collapsed to her death in the aisle of the aircraft.
Death is always unsettling. But even more so when it's unexpected, and happens in a situation where others feel rather vulnerable themselves—like at 30,000 feet! The emotional intensity in that aircraft was unsettling, to say the least.
Sensing an opportunity to help, a pastor onboard stopped a flight attendant on her way down the aisle. He offered his services to anyone wanting to talk about the tragedy that just transpired. The attendant replied, "Sir, that won't be necessary. We'll be serving free drinks to all passengers."
Are you settling for a drink when Jesus who offers the only water to quench your thirst is available to you? In the quiet of where you are right now, you can ask Him to help you, to come into your heart and life as Lord and Savior. Or he's available to you through your connection with others who are His followers. Don't settle for anything less.
"In the night of death hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing." -Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899)
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Living with Limitations
"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." - Mark 9:23
It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything. In other words, be honest about your limitations, but don't exaggerate them, or use them as an excuse to keep from being a productive person.
Joni Erikson Tada embodies this truth well. Paralyzed below the neck as a result of a diving accident, she has ministered to millions through her speaking, singing, and painting (she holds a paintbrush in her mouth!) What an inspiration she is!
Helen Keller who also embodied this truth expressed such an attitude in this beautiful statement: "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do."
Be hopeful of a man whose limitations are not yet known; maybe he won't reach them - Unknown
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Scary Truth vs. Deadly Denial
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32
Truth is a scary thing. Sometimes it frightens us into a "see no evil" way of life. Why? Well, for some of you life's been incredibly difficult. You've survived what you hope is the worst and have no interest in further suffering. Denial may be the only coping mechanism you know, and you'd rather endure miserable circumstances than the painful discomfort of change that acknowledging the truth will require.
Ending denial brings with it the threat of loss. And people sometimes resist seeing the truth and accepting reality because of it. Accepting the consequences of truth may cause the loss of income, possessions, family, friends, or prestige.
What people seldom recognize, however, is that denial has even worse consequences, like the loss of life–emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes, even physically. Friends, truth is scary. But its alternative–denial–is worse than scary, it's deadly.
Remember, Christ told us that once we hold to His teaching, the truth will set us free!
Truth–is as old as God–
His Twin identity
And will endure as long as He
A Co-Eternity. -Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
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Small Slits Sink Ships
He must become greater; I must become less. - John 3:30
Did you know scientists now believe a series of slits, not a giant gash, sank the Titanic? The supposedly invincible cruise liner went down in 1912 on its first voyage. Fifteen hundred people perished, making it the worst maritime disaster of its time.
Until recently, the most widely held theory was that the ship hit an iceberg, opening a huge gash in the vessel's side. But an international team of divers and scientists has used sound waves to probe the wreckage, buried in the mud under two-and-a-half miles of water. The damage was surprisingly small. Instead of a huge gash, they found only six, relatively narrow, slits across the watertight holds.
Small slits can sink great ships. What are the small slits in your life that might have serious consequences? Is some shoring up in order? If you don't know what exactly needs shoring up, or you do know but don't know how—seek some help—from a friend, your pastor, or a professional counselor.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." -Unknown
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Need of Spiritual Disciplines
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. - Ephesians 6:7
The word "discipline" tends to put people on the defensive because it's often mistakenly associated with the idea of punishment. That's unfortunate, and very inaccurate. The Latin root of the word discipline means student. That's why Webster's Dictionary defines discipline as "training or experience that corrects, molds, strengthens, or perfects, especially the mental faculties or moral character." And that's why Jesus calls those who follow Him in faith His disciples.
Through the centuries, Christians have stimulated their life in Christ by practicing what are called "spiritual disciplines." But as our culture has increasingly lost the ability to be informed by its past, and as society grows ever more permissive and lax, the "spiritual disciplines" have been forsaken and almost forgotten.
I'm talking about daily Bible reading—alone in a time of devotion, and together with your family. Concentrated, intentional, and regular time of prayer, alone and with fellow believers. Taking time to care for the sick, the widows and the orphans. Serving our neighbors in need as a response to Christ's love for us.
Consider adding one Spiritual discipline to your life this week.
"The best servant does his work unseen." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894)
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The More the Better
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. - Proverbs 25:28
Webster's Dictionary defines the word "excess" as "Action that goes beyond a reasonable limit. An amount greater than is necessary." If you live in the United States, this concept isn't very difficult to grasp. Our new American motto seems to be "the more, the better"—no matter what it's more of. Listen to these statistics:
- Obesity, time spent watching television, and consumer credit debt are at all-time highs.
- About one in five Americans has a sexually transmitted disease.
- Addictions now affect over 30 percent of American families.
- There were over 1.5 million personal bankruptcies filed last year.
- The average American household wields more than16 credit cards, and carries credit-card balances of almost $9,000 per household.
- There are now more registered cars on our roads than there are licensed drivers.
Jesus said he came that we might have an abundant life, not an excessive life. There is a difference!
"Where there is too much, something is missing." - Jewish saying
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The Strangeness of God
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9
Disruptive peace; majestic meekness; unsettling comfort – these phrases don't seem to make sense. But anyone who's had a personal encounter with God understands that these apparent paradoxes come together in Him.
The Dean of the Chapel of Calvin College, wrote, "The faithful evangelical preacher of God ought to say not only that God is great and God is good, but also that God is elusive and God is strange...because spiritual health depends upon it."
It's dangerous to think we know God's mind, God's will, or God's intentions. In fact, to fear God is, in part, to recognize that His ways are not our ways. For certain, He's revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and He revealed Himself in how He moved and worked through the lives and stories recorded in the Bible. But He hasn't revealed Himself exhaustively. He hasn't ceased to work in mysterious ways. And that's why we surrender to Him. He's greater than we can think or imagine and will work in strange ways—ways we can't even think of or imagine.
"I have felt His hand upon me in great trials and submitted to His guidance, and I trust that as He shall further open the way, I will be ready to walk therein, relying on His help and trusting in His goodness and wisdom. " - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
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God Plus One
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever–do not abandon the works of your hands. - Psalm 138:8
In his book The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn tells the story of his family's trip to Egypt. While driving through the hot and dusty streets of Cairo, they passed a graveyard for American missionaries and decided to go see it. One sun-scorched tombstone in particular caught their attention. At the top it read: William Borden, 1887-1913.
What makes Borden so interesting is that he was a Yale graduate, and the heir to great wealth. Yet he rejected a life of ease in exchange for the life of a missionary in Egypt. He gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars to missions, and after only four months of ministry in Egypt, he contracted spinal meningitis and died at age twenty-five.
At the bottom of William Borden's tombstone, it says, "Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life."
If you are a follower of Christ, you can expect that in obedience to that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, you will do some things that make no earthly sense but are spiritually significant.
Even those who resist Him carry out His will without realizing that they are doing so. - Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
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Clarity Versus Trust
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. - Isaiah 50:10
When the philosopher and professor of ethics, John Kavanaugh, went to work for three months at the "house of the dying" in Calcutta, he was seeking an answer about how to spend the rest of his life. His first morning there he met Mother Teresa. She asked, "And what can I do for you?" Kavanaugh asked her to pray for him. "What do you want me to pray for?" she inquired.
He voiced his pressing burden: "Pray that I have clarity." Mother Teresa firmly refused! When the bewildered Kavanaugh asked why, she said, "Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of."
When Kavanaugh commented that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for, she laughed and said, "I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God."
Are things in your life so clear that there's no room to trust God?
"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. " - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Confession
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6:12
In the Bible, the word "confess" means "to speak the same thing." So when it tells us to confess, it means we're to say the same thing God says—to agree with Him—about the attitudes and actions of our lives.
As you can see, then, confession has two aspects: speaking the truth about ourselves and the truth about God.
For example, if we're confessing greed, we can also confess God's promise to supply our needs. The Bible says the same God who takes care of you will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to you in Christ Jesus.
"We own up to minor failings, but only so as to convince others that we have no major ones." - La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)
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Learning Through Suffering
Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17
Like many other Christians, my parents thought that if they honored God and dedicated their children to the Lord, they'd somehow be shielded from pain, suffering, and life's difficult realities. Learning that their son—my brother Jerry—was dying of AIDS helped them to see that this belief was false.
My parents wrestled not only with losing Jerry but also with their own feelings of guilt. They wondered what they could've done differently to keep their son from a homosexual lifestyle. Sorrow and regret consumed them.
Yet God used that terrible incident to mold and deepen my parents' faith. Suffering brought them face-to-face with change they'd never anticipated. It was in that dark and painful crucible that my parents learned about compassion, courage, forgiveness, and repentance. Their hearts were truly broken, but they were also truly changed.
You, too, can and should learn from suffering. Don't be angered by it. Don't come out the other side a bitter person. Look at your suffering as an intimacy with Christ—a time to sense his love and compassion, and to grow to trust Him and grow closer to Him.
"Complete success alienates a man from his fellows, but suffering makes kinsmen of us all." - Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
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Living a Positive Legacy
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2
Did you know the Nobel Peace Prize is named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite? How did this come to be?
When Alfred's brother died, a newspaper mistook him for Alfred. It printed his obituary with the headline, "The Merchant of Death Is Dead," describing Alfred as a man who made his fortune helping people kill one another.
He was cut to the heart and vowed to change his legacy. When Alfred really died eight years later, he left $9 million to fund awards for people whose work benefited humanity—thus, the birth of Nobel Peace Prizes.
Alfred Nobel was given a rare gift: the opportunity to read his own obituary, and make changes before it was too late. What might you do if given the same opportunity?
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. -Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
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Lonely Souls
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:11-12
In his lifetime Vincent Van Gogh sold only one painting. Today he's known for his passion and artistic genius. And he's remembered as a lonely soul. In a letter to his beloved brother, Theo, Vincent wrote:
"Our inward thoughts, do they ever show outwardly? There may be a great fire in our soul, and no one ever comes to warm himself at it; the passers-by see only a little bit of smoke coming through the chimney, and pass on their way. Now, look you, what must be done? Must one tend that inward fire, have salt in oneself, wait patiently yet with how much impatience for the hour when somebody will come and sit down near it—to stay there maybe?"
What great fire has God impressed upon your soul? Do passers-by see more than just a little bit of smoke? Are you tending the fire?
Van Gogh expressed his passion in his art. Look for the best expression of your passion that will honor and glorify God.
"The passions are the winds that fill the ship's sails. Sometimes they submerge the ship, but without them the ship could not sail." -Voltaire (1694-1778)
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On the Defense
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9
When my friend was in college he walked right-of-way property for a gas pipeline company one summer. In many ways, it was a great job. Lots of sunshine and exercise, walking through the countryside over a large buried pipeline. There were, however, the inevitable bulls, bees. . . and a few ornery farmers.
One day his journey took him through the field of a farmer who didn't like anyone on his land, right-of-way or no right-of-way. After testing an electrical fence to make sure it was disarmed, my friend prepared to step over the barrier. While he was straddling the wire, he saw out of the corner of his eye the farmer running for the barn. The farmer was running for the power switch!
Are you sometimes like the farmer? Quick to turn up the power and heat when someone's in a vulnerable position? It's not what Jesus did—remember the woman caught in adultery? Jesus extended grace. You should, too.
"Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything." - Billy Graham (1918- )
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Size Doesn't Matter
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:1
We live in a culture that values things that are large, extravagant, and impossible to miss. For this reason, we're tempted to look at the struggles in our rather ordinary lives, and consider our victories insignificant if they're not acknowledged or recognized by others.
But that's just not true. Victor Hugo, the great French playwright who penned Les Miserables, rightly said our "greatest actions are performed in minor struggles. Life, misfortune, isolation, abandonment and poverty are battlefields which have their heroes–obscure heroes who are at times greater than illustrious heroes."
It's not the size of the audience, or the amount of applause, that determines the value of your achievements. Live your life before the one true God. And live it with faith, hope, and love even though you're not getting accolades for it. Remember, your true character is what you do when no one is looking.
"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip. " - Will Rogers (1879-1935)
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The Myths We Believe
Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. - Psalm 119:29-30
What's more dangerous: a lie or a half-truth? Without doubt, it's the half-truth. John F. Kennedy said, "The enemy of the truth is very often not the lie—deliberate, contrived, and dishonest, but the myth—persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic."
Despite the common perception that we're a people "come of age," our culture remains inundated with half-truths—modern myths most people believe implicitly, and become offended when called into question.
Here's just a few examples: 1) People, at heart, are basically good; 2) The world's getting better; 3)Technological progress is the key to our happiness and well-being.
We love these myths because they give us hope. Yet that's precisely why they're so dangerous: they keep our hope securely misplaced—that is, on something other than Jesus Christ, our only true hope.
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. - Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
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Today's Youth
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. - Mark10:14
When June Cleaver said, "Ward, I'm worried about the Beaver," her primary concern was probably that he'd turn out to be as obnoxious as Eddie Haskell. Boy, have times changed!
Kids today face a harder world, and are seriously threatened with a premature loss of innocence.
For instance, within the next 30 minutes at least:
29 kids will attempt suicide.
57 adolescents will run away from home.
14 teenager girls will give birth out of wedlock.
22 girls will get abortions.
686 kids will use one of many illegal drugs.
And 188 will abuse alcohol.
This picture of the struggles America's kids now face is a long way from the struggles within the Cleaver household. The beginning of change is to acknowledge the problem. Pray for the kids of today and for their parents. The changes we need must come from the inside out if they're to be real and lasting.
"How paramount the future is to the present when one is surrounded by children." - Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
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Tribute to Jackie Robinson
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24
In 1948 Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball. He faced stiff opposition. Pitchers threw at him. Base runners dug their spikes into his shins. Fans mocked him and some even wrote death threats.
To endure this mistreatment, you'd have to be a scrapper. Robinson was certainly no exception.
He was proud and competitive. But he also knew the right way to fight—and that's what set him apart. Before being allowed to play, Jackie was asked what he'd do if another player hit him on the cheek. He answered, "Sir, I have two cheeks." Robinson knew that real strength—the kind necessary to accomplish truly great things—is demonstrated in meekness and forbearance. With that strength, he changed the face of America's favorite pastime, and in the process, helped change the face of America.
We can learn from his example—an inner strength in adversity; not striking back when we're wronged; keeping focus on the task before us. He had a rather Christ-like attitude and example, wouldn't you say?
"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. -Martha Washington (1732 - 1802)
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Delay and Distract
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. - Matthew 26:41
Have you ever noticed that no matter how strong the struggles with our appetites may be, most of them only last a few minutes? It's true. And so I want to talk with you about a tactic that'll help you make good choices in these times: distraction and delay.
When facing temptation, try to delay your decision to act upon the desire you're experiencing for fifteen to thirty minutes. What you'll find is that you've gained a great deal of perspective and resolve in that relatively short but very important interval.
But while you're delaying, make sure to use some kind of distraction or diversion—one that will allow you to think clearly about the choice you must make, while at the same time allowing you to distance yourself a bit from the temptations that cloud your decision. If you don't join distraction or diversion with your delay, you'll probably find yourself just watching the clock and thinking about how much longer you have before you get to indulge.
Get involved with something else. If your desire has passed, then great—you've successfully avoided something you didn't really want and probably didn't need! But if thirty minutes passes and you still want whatever it is you're desiring—and that something isn't destructive—then go ahead and enjoy it, in moderation!
"A delay is better than a disaster." - Unknown
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Fellowship with God
Come nearer to God and he will come near to you. - James 4:8
When you have an appetite that asks to be fed, you have a choice as to how you're going to feed it. At almost every point of decision, you'll be tempted to satisfy your appetites in a way that does little more than nourishes your sinful desires and strengthens your resistance to God. However, you have another choice: you can choose to feed your soul and strengthen yourself from the inside out.
There are many skills and strategies that can help you fight temptation and control your appetites—and you would be wise to learn them all well. But none are more important, more effective, or more rewarding than fellowship with God!
As we spend time with our heavenly Father, we gain wisdom and understanding. We grow stronger spiritually. As a result, we become more able to utilize the resources He makes available to us. Through this growth, we become better equipped and better prepared to fight the good fight of faith by standing firm against the temptations that assail us.
It's through fellowship with God that we open ourselves to the fulfillment we were designed for—a fulfillment that satisfies our cravings and our desires better and longer than any other alternative.
As you fellowship with God—through time spent in His Word, through relationships with other believers, and through loving service to others; you gain the accountability, the structure, and the support you need to control and redirect your appetites for redemptive ends.
"Man's love of God is identical with his knowledge of Him." -Moses Maimonides (1135-1204)
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Self-Monitoring
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? - 1 Corinthians 2:16
Our contemporary culture desires things to happen as quickly and conveniently as possible. Yet when it comes to knowing others, and knowing ourselves, "quick and convenient" breeds superficiality. Our love for expediency is making us strangers to one another, and strangers to ourselves.
A wise man long ago said that an unexamined life is not worth living. I would add: an unexamined life is impossible to live faithfully and well. One reason for this is that controlling our desires has everything to do with getting to know ourselves better—that is, understanding what people, situations, and substances give us problems, and what responses are effective in countering them.
A good way to begin practicing the examined life is to ask yourself what you're feeling before you indulge your cravings. Our cravings are often the result of—and a superficial way of dealing with—some negative emotion. . . anger, depression, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, etc. Once you've identified the feeling behind the drive, you can more appropriately express or deal with it, instead of engaging in some appetite you think will make the feeling disappear.
When you learn to know yourself and express your feelings appropriately, your appetites can stop being emotional buffers and once again serve the purposes God intended them to serve.
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind." -William James (1842-1910)
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Self-Talk
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. - 1 Peter 2:1-2
Go ahead and admit it, you talk to yourself. It's not something to be embarrassed about—self-talk can be used to your benefit in order to greatly improve your success in controlling your desires.
One way to use it is to constructively direct the anger you feel when you're tempted by an unhealthy or inappropriate desire. Instead of getting angry with yourself, get angry at the offense, and at the stumbling block it poses. This will help you resist it.
Another way self-talk can be used is to confront yourself and your appetites in order to bring rationality back into play when temptation threatens to confuse and disorient you. When you actively engage your mind by talking to yourself, you'll be less likely to act without thinking, and you'll reinforce what you believe to be true, right, and good.
Make no mistake about it. Self-talk can be a very spiritually wise thing to do. Listen to what the master theologian, J. I. Packer says on this topic in his book, A Quest For Godliness: "Richard Baxter convinced me long ago that regular discursive meditation, in which as he quaintly put it you 'imitate the most powerful preacher you ever heard' in applying spiritual truth to yourself, as well as turning that truth into praise, is a vital discipline for spiritual health. This unanimous Puritan view is now mine too."
"If you hear a voice within you saying you are a painter, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." - Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890)
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The Key to Success!
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God - Romans 5:3-5
Looking for an edge in life? Consider this: God is the key to any success you may have in learning to control your desires. He must be your strength, your counselor, and your sure foundation.
Why is God so important? Because He's the source and fulfillment of all human life, including yours. In other words, you were created by God as well as for God. We often forget the latter.
St. Augustine made this beautiful confession nearly seventeen centuries ago: "Our hearts are restless until they find rest in You, O Lord." It was true for him then, and it's true for you now.
"My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Psalm 84:2)
"Whoever drinks the water I give Him," said Jesus, "will never thirst...[it] will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 14:4)
"I am the bread of life," said Jesus, "He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)
Behind all your cravings is a craving for God. And this craving can only be filled through a relationship with Jesus Christ—your true food and drink.
"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." - Michelangelo (1475-1564)
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Believing God's Promises
For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever. - Psalm 37:28
I read and study God's Word because it's a map—an instruction manual—for my life. As the psalmist said, Scripture's a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths. Yet there's an important discipline to consider when we spend time in Scripture: and that is believing God's promises. Listen to a few:
God is always near and will never forsake you.
God has good plans for you.
God listens to you when you pray.
God will forgive you when you fail.
From first to last, Scripture is filled with God's promises to us. These promises of God fill us with hope and love, and they give you courage to live in the world, but not of the world. Believe God's promises to us.
"How can I believe in God when just last week I got my tongue caught in the roller of an electric typewriter." - Woody Allen (1935- )
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Cultivating a Divine Appetite
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. - Isaiah 55:2
Unlike physical hunger, our appetite for God is never fully satisfied. Once we've satisfied our physical hunger we no longer want to eat, at least until we become hungry again. In fact, the sight, smell, or even the thought of food can repulse us after we've eaten our fill. Proverbs 27:7 describes the phenomenon like this: "He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet."
But the opposite is true with regard to our appetite for God. In the very act of satisfying it, the appetite intensifies. This may be something new and different for you, so let me explain.
If you've never tasted cheesecake, gone to a professional football game, or watched the sun set over the ocean, you can't really know what you're missing. Consequently, you probably don't have much of an appetite for those things. It's only when you've experienced something that you realize you want more of it.
That's what Psalm 34:8 is telling us: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Experience for yourself that He's good, and that He satisfies completely. And when you do, something wonderful and life changing will happen–you will find yourself wanting more and more of Him, and less and less of the world's cheap substitutes for Him.
"Life is as a jelly roll. When you think you have it eaten, it comes out the other end. " - Christopher P. Buonanno
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Delight in the Lord
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. - Deuteronomy 11:18
Psalm 37:4 tells us to delight in the Lord and He'll give us the desires of our hearts. What does that mean? It sounds like some magic formula, like rubbing the genie's lamp to get what we want. That's not the way it works.
It's hard to believe until you've experienced it, but if you're desiring something sinful, destructive, or something you can't afford, and you're truly delighting yourself in the Lord, He'll change those desires and replace them with new ones. Don't get trapped into thinking of God as a magician who provides things that would only distract you from Him.
So then, what does it mean to "delight in the Lord?" Consider what it means to delight in a friend's company. Whenever you have opportunity you spend time with that person. You talk openly and honestly with him or her; you look forward to your time together; you seek ways of knowing that person more fully and intimately; and you guard yourself from doing anything that would hurt, disappoint, or bring open shame upon your friend.
Well, that's very much what it's like for us to delight in the Lord. We delight in Him by reading His Word; by trusting what He says is true, by spending time in prayer and meditation; and by seeking to honor Him in every area of our life.
"A Brother may not be a Friend, but a Friend will always be a Brother." - Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Prayer and Meditation
But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. - Habakkuk 2:20
Although we don't think about it much, our communication with God consists of two equally important parts: prayer and meditation. Prayer is talking to God. Most of us have this aspect down. Meditation is listening to God. And it's here that most of us need a bit of work.
Have you ever been in a relationship where the other person does all the talking? It gets old fast, doesn't it? The one up side is you become a good listener while the other person gets everything off his/her chest. But there's a down side too: always listening and never talking leads you to begin to feel unknown, a little unloved, and sometimes, even used.
Now, think about how this applies to your relationship with God. Are you doing all the talking, without ever taking the time to listen? If you're sharing with Him from the depths of your heart, that's fantastic! By all means, keep it up. Just make sure, that you also take the time to use the ears of your heart to listen to God as well.
Remember, God tends to speak with a still, small voice; He very rarely shouts at His children. I heard it explained this way once, "God is a gentleman." That's why meditation is such an important aspect of prayer. It teaches you to develop a quiet, patient heart and an open, attentive ear. These are essential components to growing in your walk with the Lord.
"Silence is deep as eternity; speech is shallow as time." - Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)
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Studying God's Word
Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. - Isaiah 2:5
When I receive a letter from a close friend I usually find myself doing two things: first, I read the letter with interest—hanging on every word; and second, I read the letter a second and in some cases a third time—hoping each time to gain insight or catch something I might have missed previously.
Who wants to be closer to us than God? The same should be true with regard to God's Word, and by reading that message intently and repeatedly, we can get to know Him truly and more accurately.
In Psalm 119, David likens Scripture to a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. You need to keep God's Word close by and read it often. Otherwise, you'll find yourself walking in darkness. And if that happens, you're sure to stumble and fall.
Remember, God's Word, the Bible, is a series of letters from your closest friend. Read them closely. Read them often. And after you read it once, read it again!
"You can't have a light without a dark to stick it in." - Arlo Guthrie (1947- )
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A Better Way
I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. - Malachi 3:6
Let me be honest. Too many of you travel through life basing every decision you make upon how you feel and what you experience. You don't study God's Word, and you spend very little time talking and listening to the Lord. Consequently, you don't know much about the Good Shepherd who is expecting you to follow Him, no matter how you feel and regardless of your circumstances.
Now let me give you some encouragement. If you place your focus squarely upon Christ and you try to see things around you as He would, it will become second nature to look to Him and depend upon Him rather than yourself. And you won't get lost when you walk through dark seasons of life. Jesus will be your unshakable strength. And your focused gaze upon Him will keep you from altering your direction due to momentary discomfort–and from drifting off into spiritual shipwreck!
In a world that is endlessly fickle and fleeting, God is an immovable Rock.
Our faith, when focused on the true God, will not be shaken by adversity or unexpected turbulence. As long as we hold tightly to Him by faith—trusting in His goodness and love—we can come through pain and struggle with a deeper and richer relationship with Jesus, rather than a strained faith resulting from a prolonged failure to seek the one true God.
"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." -J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
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Narrow and Healthy
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
A friend of mine once wrote a children's book about heaven. When checking out the reviews of his book, he came across a reviewer who said she was attracted by the book's title and artwork. Then she noted how her excitement was replaced by dismay when the author claimed the only way to heaven was through Jesus Christ. The reviewer was deeply offended by what she called the book's "obvious bias against non-Christians."
We live in times where tolerance and diversity are the buzz words—particularly in the world of religion. How could any faith be called "healthy" that claimed only one way to God?
But have you listened to the advocates of this thought? Their message is that the way to salvation is through our moral virtue. "Be good, do good, and it'll all work out."
My problem with that is this: I'm not that good a person—certainly not good enough to stand before God on the basis of my own feeble virtue. What about you?
As unpopular as it might be, the truth is, we are all sinners. But thankfully God made a way for us to come to Him and not be seen as such—through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. Maybe it's narrow—but it's true!
"Jesus came to raise the dead. He did not come to teach the teachable. He did not come to improve the improvable; He did not come to reform the reformable. None of those things works." - Robert Farrerr Capon (1925- )
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The "Nubbies"
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
A psychologist friend recently told me about Cliff—a client he described as "a believer after God's own heart."
After years of service to The Lord, Cliff's wife developed aggressive cancer. Many people joined Cliff in prayer for his wife, but she declined rapidly and died. Through it all, Cliff didn't break his determined gaze upon Christ. Instead of allowing the tragedy to shake his faith, he allowed his experience of pain, suffering, confusion, and grief to push him deeper into the arms of the living God.
Cliff knew two things, and held to them tenaciously. The first was that God was good. He didn't understand the circumstances surrounding his wife's sickness, or why she had to suffer and die. But he knew a reason resided with God, and that he would come to understand in the light of eternity. The second thing Cliff held to was his certainty that God loved him—in spite of everything, no matter what, and through it all.
When you're in severe pain or distress, life becomes pretty simple. You're in survival mode, and you have neither the heart nor the strength to spread your emotional energy around. As Chuck Swindoll might say, "Life gets boiled down to the nubbies."
When pain or distress boils your life down to the "nubbies," do what Cliff did. Keep it simple. Grab hold of what you know is true about the living God, and hold on like a pit bull.
"The nearer the dawn the darker the night." -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882
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Winning Prisoners
Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. - Psalm 142:7
Four inmates at the Greenville, Mississippi city jail were caught breaking back into their cells! And according to the district attorney, "It is entirely possible this wasn't the first time they've done this." The four apparently found a way for repeated access to the outside world. Yet according to the police chief, "They didn't seem interested in escaping, they just missed their amenities of life and went back to get them." This particular time, they returned to jail carrying a load of gin and marijuana. Ironically, these willing prisoners now face felony escape charges.
Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction. How many of us have resolved to spend our days in prisons of our own making—prisons we're able to escape through personal change, but won't because the prison provides us a semblance of security?
You can be freed from whatever your prison is. Look for help—first to God, but then to those God has put in your path–a trusted friend, pastor or counselor. And remember God is a God of second chances.
"I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal." -Groucho Marx (1890-1977)
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Trust and Obey
If you love me, you will obey what I command. - John 14:15
"Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey." Simple words from a simple hymn. Yet these simple words contain incredible insight into the essential elements of the Christian life.
Trust and obedience are your allies when you surrender your life to God. "For it's God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." That's what the apostle Paul teaches in the book of Philippians. But if we don't trust that God loves us, that He is all-wise and all-powerful, and that He cares for us; we won't be very likely to obey Him, will we?
When it comes to our formal theology, we confess a belief which says that obedience is born out of trust. Yet in our day-to-day life, we're too often disobedient in spite of giving lip-service to trust.
So the question remains: can you truly trust your Lord without obeying Him?
In Luke 11:28 Jesus calls those who hear the word of God and obey it "blessed." In other words: "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey."
"Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. " - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
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Atheist No More
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
One night a man became suicidal and desperately began calling psychiatrists. It's tough to get help at 3:00 A.M., but he found us at New Life. He entered a Christian treatment center that same night. Ironically, he called himself a confirmed atheist. When he woke the next morning, he lamented that, if there was a God, He'd played a dirty trick by landing him in a Christian treatment center. It strained him to stay, but he managed to make it to the fourth day.
Then something amazing happened. While sitting in a meeting, a man wearing what looked like a turban entered the room. His wife and kids were waiting in the car, but he felt compelled to come in and say something.
"If anyone here's thinking of killing yourself," said the visitor, "I want to encourage you to reconsider. God loves you and wants you to live. This turban on my head is a bandage from where I put a gun to my head and pulled the trigger. Fortunately, I survived so I could come here and tell you not to do it. God loves you."
That day our atheist lost his atheism. He'd thought the idea of a personal God was ridiculous. But in his heart, he knew God sent that message directly to him. For the first time, he understood God was personal, loving, and interested in him. Never take this truth for granted. God loves you!
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.." - William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925)
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Called by Name
The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. - John 10:3-4
There's no group discount for the kingdom. Instead, God tugs at your heart as an individual, calling you one by one. When God calls someone, He calls him or her personally. It's a biblical pattern repeated time and again.
The Lord called young Samuel by name until he responded. - (1 Samuel 3)
Jesus stopped at the fishing boat of Peter and Andrew and said, "Come, follow me...and I will make you fishers of men." - (Matthew 4:19)
Jesus halted Saul of Tarsus in his tracks in the middle of the highway, again calling him by name. (Acts 9:1-9)
And so it's been through all of time. The manner and circumstances of the call are radically diverse, but its personal nature is the same. The Bible compares such a relationship to a shepherd's intimate knowledge of his flock. The shepherd knows the peculiarities and habits of every one of his lambs.
Jesus Christ knows you intimately. He calls you by name. Listen for Him today! When you hear Him—respond to Him!
"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go but ought to be." - Rosalynn Carter (1927- )
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Family Influence
All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace. - Isaiah 54:13
Our ideas about God are first shaped—and very powerfully so—by our families. So it's little wonder that as relationships within the family have declined, so has the understanding of what it means to have and maintain a relationship with God.
As divorced and overworked parents spend less time with their kids, the concept of a personal God and Savior becomes less clear and less meaningful. An absent father sets the framework for a child who views God as absent too. And a passive father leaves his children wondering if God can or will become involved in their problems and day-to-day struggles.
I'm pointing to the men for two reasons. The first reason is so you men can begin to identify how your family environment growing up has subtly shaped your thoughts and beliefs about God. If your experience has been positive, great! If it hasn't, please let the present, active, loving Father correct your thinking and heal your heart. Turn to Him and see that He is good.
The second reason is that many of you are fathers yourselves or will be. Your children are watching and listening to you more than you think. And you influence them—and their thinking about God—more than you know. I want to encourage you, men, to walk with Jesus Christ! For those of you who've had the blessing of good parenting: pass it on. For those of you who haven't: let the wreckage stop with you!
"Our children give us the opportunity to become the parents we always wished we'd had." - Louise Hart (1881-1950)
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Lunch with a Friend
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. - Hebrews 13:18
Only the good news of Jesus Christ encourages us to honestly think about who we really are and to address our shortcomings in a way that won't cause us to wrongly rely upon our own efforts.
Let me explain with this example: A while back I had lunch with a non-Christian friend. As we ate, we began discussing spiritual things. I made reference to the prodigal son, and no sign of recognition crossed his face. He'd never heard the story; he knew nothing about the Bible.
As the conversation progressed, he got around to stating his theology: namely, good people make it to heaven. He considered himself a kind, loving, and good person. And without a doubt, he's one of the nicest people I know. But as we talked longer, he discussed his internet relationships with women ready to leave their husbands to live with him. His "goodness," as he called it, gave these women new hope about men.
I felt compelled to challenge his thinking. "What would these ladies' husbands think of your so-called goodness?" I asked. "Has this 'goodness' ever prompted you to call one of these men and ask if he minded that you were having an internet relationship with his wife?" As it turned out, his "goodness" wasn't as good as he thought it was.
Rely upon God's goodness. As good as you think you might be, that goodness is nothing next to His.
"Reason often makes mistakes, but conscience never does." - Josh Billings (1818-1885)
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Refocusing
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." - Romans 3:20
When Jesus walked the earth, He directed the focus off of the apparently "good" people doing apparently "good" things, and redirected people's focus on to God. The religious leaders were pointing to the rules; Jesus pointed to Himself, through whom relationships are restored to God.
A healthy, growing faith is always focused on the person of God Himself. A healthy faith begins and ends in God, not in rules, regulations, and sheer duty. Jesus Christ, not religion, is at the core of a robust Christian faith.
Today Jesus Christ offers people like you and me the same opportunity He gave to people in the early church. The choice is ours. We can insist on performing and conforming out of obligation, and we can try to feel good by chalking up good deeds.
Or you can choose Christ's way. You can love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. You can experience His love and get to know Him intimately. You can stop hiding behind religious facades and meet Him right where you are. You can focus on Him and find sanity, rest, and peace when all hell seems to be breaking loose around you.
Life is not about you. Surrender yourself to Christ's love and acceptance. Grow closer to Him. Make Him—not your "good deeds" or anyone or anything else—the focus of your life. You'll never regret it.
"Rules are not necessarily sacred, principles are." - Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945)
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Grief Not Allowed
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. - John 16:20
In our culture, it seems more acceptable for us to be angry than sad. Consequently, many of us stumble through life without understanding our feelings, completely out of touch with our emotions. We may be deeply grieved by a number of circumstances, but we don't feel safe acknowledging our sadness. It's socially "okay" for them to vent their anger, but not to explore and discuss the deep hurt beneath it.
When you feel sad, anger seems like a safe retreat. It causes your adrenaline to rush. It commands attention and demands respect. It allows you to stay in control, and it keeps uncomfortable feelings and situations at a safe distance. However your failure to grieve can actually poison you.
The Bible offers no precedent for us to suppress our grief. The Old Testament depicts many people showing real grief. The men of Israel would rip their clothes, sprinkle themselves with ashes, wear black armbands, and spend time in mourning. They would wail before the Lord without feeling shame.
That experience allowed them to express their emotions and then move on without the baggage of repressed feelings. When we don't grieve, we stuff our disappointments and sadnesses, and compensate for them with other less-threatening emotions, and at the top of the list is anger. But Scripture gives you liberty to grieve, so when you need to, openly grieve!
"To spare oneself from grief at all cost can be achieved only at the price of total detachment, which excludes the ability to experience happiness." - Erich Fromm (1900-1980)
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Nothing to Prove
I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, "Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?" Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. - Job 42:2, 3, 5
Here's a paradox for you. Those of you with a healthy sense of self are in the best position to exercise true humility. Why? Because the person with a healthy sense of self has nothing to prove. No agenda to push. No ego to shield. And no need to fret over what others think of you. When you encounter a problem that exceeds your knowledge, you admit without pretense that you don't know the answer.
Sometimes we Christians can really fool ourselves. We think that since God is all knowledgeable and wise, and since we have His Holy Spirit within us, we should be able to dispense pearls of wisdom like spiritual gumballs. The truth is, the more we come to know God, the more we realize what we don't know. And that's O.K.!
The more we experience God's grandeur and the more we understand our dignity as his sons and daughters, the lower we'll bow before His throne—with nothing to prove and everything to gain.
"My dad used to say, You wouldn't worry so much about what people thought of you if you knew how seldom they did." - Phillip McGraw (1950- )
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The Perfect-Mate Myth
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23
Many of us have fallen for what I call the "Perfect-Mate Myth." This Myth applies to single and married people, and goes something like this: "If I just had the right woman (or the right man), my life would be all right."
Let me be blunt: this belief is incredibly ignorant. First, because it assumes that our problems are all external—that our real problem is an imperfect spouse, or the lack thereof. Second, because it assumes that there's such a thing as a "perfect" spouse.
This delusion keeps us from spiritual maturity. It prevents married men and women from doing the hard work and making the commitment necessary to build and repair their relationship with their spouses. And it tempts single men and women to put their lives on hold until that "perfect" mate appears.
The perfect mate myth is an unhealthy fantasy. Focus your attention on your relationship with God. He wants your attitude to be, "I'm in this for the long haul. I'm going to dedicate myself to and work at making this marriage last." This is how an active and true faith comes alive in a marriage.
Similarly, God wants the attitude of every single person to be, "God, I'm yours, with or without a spouse, and I will focus my attention on my relationship with you."
Remember, whatever your situation, God is sufficient to meet your needs.
"Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle." - Michelangelo (1475-1564)
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Defusing the Anger Trap
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. - Philippians 4:11-12
Would you like to hear one of life's great paradoxes? The more we learn to be satisfied with what we have and stop comparing our financial score card and trophies with those around us, the better we feel about ourselves. In other words, the biblical discipline of learning and practicing contentment shows the myth of "I-Am-What-I-Earn" to be a lie.
Learning to be satisfied is a good indication that we've learned that God is God, and that His fatherly care and infinite wisdom can be trusted.
Furthermore, those who learn to be satisfied and thankful for what they've been given will have more time and energy for the kinds of friendships and relationships that will meet their basic needs and honor God. If you think about it, you'll find that your attitude toward money and possessions either fuels or cools your anger. If you have trouble living within your means, you really have two options: you can push harder to make more, or you can promote an atmosphere of contentment for what you have, and in so doing, relieve the pressure on yourself.
"Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty." - Socrates (470-399 BC)
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An Examined Life
He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'" - Luke 8:10
One day a nearsighted elderly man who considered himself an art expert visited a museum. He'd forgotten his glasses and couldn't see clearly, but that didn't stop him from airing his opinions.
What he thought was a full-length portrait soon caught his attention. He gazed at it a moment, then began his criticism. "The frame is altogether out of keeping with the picture," he complained, "The man is too homely and shabbily dressed. In fact, it was a great mistake for the artist to select such a shoddy subject for his portrait."
He continued until his wife managed to discretely pull him aside. "My dear," she whispered, "you're looking in a mirror."
It's important to examine your life, but be sure you're using the only mirror able to both diagnose and heal–the life and Word of Jesus.
The best mirror is an old friend. - George Herbert (1593-1633)
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Consumed by Lust
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. - Titus 3:4-5
Radio personality Paul Harvey once told of how an Eskimo kills a wolf. The Eskimo coats his knife with animal blood and lets it freeze. Another layer of blood is added, then another, until the blade is completely concealed. The hunter then fixes his knife in the ground with the blade up. A wolf follows the scent, finds the source, and begins licking. Aroused by the taste, it licks the blood-covered blade progressively faster and harder.
Amidst the wolf's frenzy, it doesn't notice the eventual sting of the exposed blade on its own tongue, nor that it's now consuming its own warm blood. The wolf simply craves more–until it falls dead in the snow.
It's a grisly story, but a poignant illustration of how we too stand in danger of being consumed by our own lusts.
"My will was perverse and lust had grown from it; and when I gave in to lust, habit was born; and when I did not resist the habit it became a necessity. These were the links which together formed what I have called my chain, and it held me fast in the duress of servitude." -St. Augustine (354-430)
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Defusing the Anger Trap
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. - Philippians 4:11-12
Would you like to hear one of life's great paradoxes? The more we learn to be satisfied with what we have and stop comparing our financial score card and trophies with those around us, the better we feel about ourselves. In other words, the biblical discipline of learning and practicing contentment shows the myth of "I-Am-What-I-Earn" to be a lie.
Learning to be satisfied is a good indication that we've learned that God is God, and that His fatherly care and infinite wisdom can be trusted.
Furthermore, those who learn to be satisfied and thankful for what they've been given will have more time and energy for the kinds of friendships and relationships that will meet their basic needs and honor God. If you think about it, you'll find that your attitude toward money and possessions either fuels or cools your anger. If you have trouble living within your means, you really have two options: you can push harder to make more, or you can promote an atmosphere of contentment for what you have, and in so doing, relieve the pressure on yourself.
"Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty." - Socrates (470-399 BC)
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Focus on Being
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. - Romans 12:10
How can you begin breaking through the myth of "you-are-what-you-do" and see that your true identity is in Jesus Christ. Once you grasp that, you can begin relating to other people apart from what they do. We must open up our schedules, set aside our Day-Timers, and get to the business of allowing our identity in Christ to liberate and transform our human relationships.
A friend of mine meets each week with a group of four other friends to do what we rarely do. They purposely avoid talking about what they do in order to talk about who they are and how they feel. They're learning to peel away the layers of façade to give and receive the nurture, affirmation, and encouragement they desperately need but are often fearful to seek.
Recently my friend shared a painful issue with his friends. His father lays dying in a nursing home. He's incapacitated. His mind is totally gone. My friend visits him, and helps dress and care for him. What he wants more than anything is to hear these words from his father before he dies: "You're a good child."
Friends can share these painful and vulnerable feelings and offer consolation and encouragement in the group setting as one deals with the pain and loss. There aren't enough people who function together as these five do.
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can." - John Wesley (1703-1791)
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Trust
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. - Psalm 62:8
Some people say there are times when we need to forgive God. This implies that God does wrong, which is never true. However, we may find it hard to place faith in God if we're convinced that He's let us down.
God is trustworthy, but we don't always know His mind, His reasons, or His ultimate intentions. We're prone to misinterpreting His actions in our lives.
Friends, our problem with trusting God doesn't stem from His untrustworthiness. It stems from our willful, misplaced determination to stand as judges over God Himself—determining right from wrong, good from bad, and better from best.
Yet one thing remains certain: You can trust God infinitely more than you trust yourself. So surrender to His wisdom, love, and mercy, and stop demanding that He act as we see fit.
"It is impossible to go through life without trust; that is to be imprisoned in the worst cell of all, oneself." -Graham Greene (1904-1991)
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God's Grace
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' - Matthew 15:18
A retired pastor, was returning home around midnight when he came upon a motorist covered in oil and red-faced with anger. Upon stopping his car, the pastor asked how he could help. The man asked for a ride and immediately let loose with a barrage of profanity. When he finished he asked the pastor what he was doing out so late. When he told him he was a pastor returning home from some evangelistic meetings, the embarrassed man asked the pastor why he didn't stop him. The pastor replied, "Your problem isn't your mouth. It's your heart." And he proceeded to share with the man who Jesus was and what it means to be one of his followers.
Sometime later, when the pastor told this story, he asked, "How else should we have expected him to speak?" adding, "Would it be better for a man to sing hymns all the way to hell?"
Remember, what comes out of your mouth is a reflection of the condition of your heart.
The heart of a good man is the sanctuary of God in this world. -Madame Necker (1766-1841)
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Healthy Grieving
But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. - 2 Timothy 1:10
The flight was headed for Los Angeles, and everything was going smoothly. Then, all of the sudden, a woman jumped to her feet, let out a pained and terrified shriek, and collapsed to her death in the aisle of the aircraft.
Death is always unsettling. But even more so when it's unexpected, and happens in a situation where others feel rather vulnerable themselves—like at 30,000 feet! The emotional intensity in that aircraft was unsettling, to say the least.
Sensing an opportunity to help, a pastor onboard stopped a flight attendant on her way down the aisle. He offered his services to anyone wanting to talk about the tragedy that just transpired. The attendant replied, "Sir, that won't be necessary. We'll be serving free drinks to all passengers."
Are you settling for a drink when Jesus who offers the only water to quench your thirst is available to you? In the quiet of where you are right now, you can ask Him to help you, to come into your heart and life as Lord and Savior. Or he's available to you through your connection with others who are His followers. Don't settle for anything less.
"In the night of death hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing." - Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899)
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Living with Limitations
"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." - Mark 9:23
It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything. In other words, be honest about your limitations, but don't exaggerate them, or use them as an excuse to keep from being a productive person.
Joni Erikson Tada embodies this truth well. Paralyzed below the neck as a result of a diving accident, she has ministered to millions through her speaking, singing, and painting (she holds a paintbrush in her mouth!) What an inspiration she is!
Helen Keller who also embodied this truth expressed such an attitude in this beautiful statement: "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do."
Be hopeful of a man whose limitations are not yet known; maybe he won't reach them - Unknown
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Small Slits Sink Ships
He must become greater; I must become less. - John 3:30
Did you know scientists now believe a series of slits, not a giant gash, sank the Titanic? The supposedly invincible cruise liner went down in 1912 on its first voyage. Fifteen hundred people perished, making it the worst maritime disaster of its time.
Until recently, the most widely held theory was that the ship hit an iceberg, opening a huge gash in the vessel's side. But an international team of divers and scientists has used sound waves to probe the wreckage, buried in the mud under two-and-a-half miles of water. The damage was surprisingly small. Instead of a huge gash, they found only six, relatively narrow, slits across the watertight holds.
Small slits can sink great ships. What are the small slits in your life that might have serious consequences? Is some shoring up in order? If you don't know what exactly needs shoring up, or you do know but don't know how—seek some help—from a friend, your pastor, or a professional counselor.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." - Unknown
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Need of Spiritual Disciplines
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. - Ephesians 6:7
The word "discipline" tends to put people on the defensive because it's often mistakenly associated with the idea of punishment. That's unfortunate, and very inaccurate. The Latin root of the word discipline means student. That's why Webster's Dictionary defines discipline as "training or experience that corrects, molds, strengthens, or perfects, especially the mental faculties or moral character." And that's why Jesus calls those who follow Him in faith His disciples.
Through the centuries, Christians have stimulated their life in Christ by practicing what are called "spiritual disciplines." But as our culture has increasingly lost the ability to be informed by its past, and as society grows ever more permissive and lax, the "spiritual disciplines" have been forsaken and almost forgotten.
I'm talking about daily Bible reading—alone in a time of devotion, and together with your family. Concentrated, intentional, and regular time of prayer, alone and with fellow believers. Taking time to care for the sick, the widows and the orphans. Serving our neighbors in need as a response to Christ's love for us.
Consider adding one Spiritual discipline to your life this week.
"The best servant does his work unseen." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894)
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The More the Better
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. - Proverbs 25:28
Webster's Dictionary defines the word "excess" as "Action that goes beyond a reasonable limit. An amount greater than is necessary." If you live in the United States, this concept isn't very difficult to grasp. Our new American motto seems to be "the more, the better"—no matter what it's more of. Listen to these statistics:
- Obesity, time spent watching television, and consumer credit debt are at all-time highs.
- About one in five Americans has a sexually transmitted disease.
- Addictions now affect over 30 percent of American families.
- There were over 1.5 million personal bankruptcies filed last year.
- The average American household wields more than16 credit cards, and carries credit-card balances of almost $9,000 per household.
- There are now more registered cars on our roads than there are licensed drivers.
Jesus said he came that we might have an abundant life, not an excessive life. There is a difference!
"Where there is too much, something is missing." - Jewish saying
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The Strangeness of God
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9
Disruptive peace; majestic meekness; unsettling comfort – these phrases don't seem to make sense. But anyone who's had a personal encounter with God understands that these apparent paradoxes come together in Him.
The Dean of the Chapel of Calvin College, wrote, "The faithful evangelical preacher of God ought to say not only that God is great and God is good, but also that God is elusive and God is strange...because spiritual health depends upon it."
It's dangerous to think we know God's mind, God's will, or God's intentions. In fact, to fear God is, in part, to recognize that His ways are not our ways. For certain, He's revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and He revealed Himself in how He moved and worked through the lives and stories recorded in the Bible. But He hasn't revealed Himself exhaustively. He hasn't ceased to work in mysterious ways. And that's why we surrender to Him. He's greater than we can think or imagine and will work in strange ways—ways we can't even think of or imagine.
"I have felt His hand upon me in great trials and submitted to His guidance, and I trust that as He shall further open the way, I will be ready to walk therein, relying on His help and trusting in His goodness and wisdom. " - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
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God Plus One
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever–do not abandon the works of your hands. - Psalm 138:8
In his book The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn tells the story of his family's trip to Egypt. While driving through the hot and dusty streets of Cairo, they passed a graveyard for American missionaries and decided to go see it. One sun-scorched tombstone in particular caught their attention. At the top it read: William Borden, 1887-1913.
What makes Borden so interesting is that he was a Yale graduate, and the heir to great wealth. Yet he rejected a life of ease in exchange for the life of a missionary in Egypt. He gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars to missions, and after only four months of ministry in Egypt, he contracted spinal meningitis and died at age twenty-five.
At the bottom of William Borden's tombstone, it says, "Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life."
If you are a follower of Christ, you can expect that in obedience to that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, you will do some things that make no earthly sense but are spiritually significant.
Even those who resist Him carry out His will without realizing that they are doing so. - Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
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Clarity Versus Trust
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. - Isaiah 50:10
When the philosopher and professor of ethics, John Kavanaugh, went to work for three months at the "house of the dying" in Calcutta, he was seeking an answer about how to spend the rest of his life. His first morning there he met Mother Teresa. She asked, "And what can I do for you?" Kavanaugh asked her to pray for him. "What do you want me to pray for?" she inquired.
He voiced his pressing burden: "Pray that I have clarity." Mother Teresa firmly refused! When the bewildered Kavanaugh asked why, she said, "Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of."
When Kavanaugh commented that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for, she laughed and said, "I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God."
Are things in your life so clear that there's no room to trust God?
"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. " - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Confession
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6:12
In the Bible, the word "confess" means "to speak the same thing." So when it tells us to confess, it means we're to say the same thing God says—to agree with Him—about the attitudes and actions of our lives.
As you can see, then, confession has two aspects: speaking the truth about ourselves and the truth about God.
For example, if we're confessing greed, we can also confess God's promise to supply our needs. The Bible says the same God who takes care of you will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to you in Christ Jesus.
"We own up to minor failings, but only so as to convince others that we have no major ones." - La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)
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Learning Through Suffering
Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17
Like many other Christians, my parents thought that if they honored God and dedicated their children to the Lord, they'd somehow be shielded from pain, suffering, and life's difficult realities. Learning that their son—my brother Jerry—was dying of AIDS helped them to see that this belief was false.
My parents wrestled not only with losing Jerry but also with their own feelings of guilt. They wondered what they could've done differently to keep their son from a homosexual lifestyle. Sorrow and regret consumed them.
Yet God used that terrible incident to mold and deepen my parents' faith. Suffering brought them face-to-face with change they'd never anticipated. It was in that dark and painful crucible that my parents learned about compassion, courage, forgiveness, and repentance. Their hearts were truly broken, but they were also truly changed.
You, too, can and should learn from suffering. Don't be angered by it. Don't come out the other side a bitter person. Look at your suffering as an intimacy with Christ—a time to sense his love and compassion, and to grow to trust Him and grow closer to Him.
"Complete success alienates a man from his fellows, but suffering makes kinsmen of us all. " - Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
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Living a Positive Legacy
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2
Did you know the Nobel Peace Prize is named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite? How did this come to be?
When Alfred's brother died, a newspaper mistook him for Alfred. It printed his obituary with the headline, "The Merchant of Death Is Dead," describing Alfred as a man who made his fortune helping people kill one another.
He was cut to the heart and vowed to change his legacy. When Alfred really died eight years later, he left $9 million to fund awards for people whose work benefited humanity—thus, the birth of Nobel Peace Prizes.
Alfred Nobel was given a rare gift: the opportunity to read his own obituary, and make changes before it was too late. What might you do if given the same opportunity?
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. - Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
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Lonely Souls
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:11-12
In his lifetime Vincent Van Gogh sold only one painting. Today he's known for his passion and artistic genius. And he's remembered as a lonely soul. In a letter to his beloved brother, Theo, Vincent wrote:
"Our inward thoughts, do they ever show outwardly? There may be a great fire in our soul, and no one ever comes to warm himself at it; the passers-by see only a little bit of smoke coming through the chimney, and pass on their way. Now, look you, what must be done? Must one tend that inward fire, have salt in oneself, wait patiently yet with how much impatience for the hour when somebody will come and sit down near it—to stay there maybe?"
What great fire has God impressed upon your soul? Do passers-by see more than just a little bit of smoke? Are you tending the fire?
Van Gogh expressed his passion in his art. Look for the best expression of your passion that will honor and glorify God.
"The passions are the winds that fill the ship's sails. Sometimes they submerge the ship, but without them the ship could not sail." - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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On the Defense
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9
When my friend was in college he walked right-of-way property for a gas pipeline company one summer. In many ways, it was a great job. Lots of sunshine and exercise, walking through the countryside over a large buried pipeline. There were, however, the inevitable bulls, bees. . . and a few ornery farmers.
One day his journey took him through the field of a farmer who didn't like anyone on his land, right-of-way or no right-of-way. After testing an electrical fence to make sure it was disarmed, my friend prepared to step over the barrier. While he was straddling the wire, he saw out of the corner of his eye the farmer running for the barn. The farmer was running for the power switch!
Are you sometimes like the farmer? Quick to turn up the power and heat when someone's in a vulnerable position? It's not what Jesus did—remember the woman caught in adultery? Jesus extended grace. You should, too.
"Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything." - Billy Graham (1918- )
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Size Doesn't Matter
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:1
We live in a culture that values things that are large, extravagant, and impossible to miss. For this reason, we're tempted to look at the struggles in our rather ordinary lives, and consider our victories insignificant if they're not acknowledged or recognized by others.
But that's just not true. Victor Hugo, the great French playwright who penned Les Miserables, rightly said our "greatest actions are performed in minor struggles. Life, misfortune, isolation, abandonment and poverty are battlefields which have their heroes–obscure heroes who are at times greater than illustrious heroes."
It's not the size of the audience, or the amount of applause, that determines the value of your achievements. Live your life before the one true God. And live it with faith, hope, and love even though you're not getting accolades for it. Remember, your true character is what you do when no one is looking.
"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." - Will Rogers (1879-1935)
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The Myths We Believe
Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. - Psalm 119:29-30
What's more dangerous: a lie or a half-truth? Without doubt, it's the half-truth. John F. Kennedy said, "The enemy of the truth is very often not the lie—deliberate, contrived, and dishonest, but the myth—persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic."
Despite the common perception that we're a people "come of age," our culture remains inundated with half-truths—modern myths most people believe implicitly, and become offended when called into question.
Here's just a few examples: 1) People, at heart, are basically good; 2) The world's getting better; 3)Technological progress is the key to our happiness and well-being.
We love these myths because they give us hope. Yet that's precisely why they're so dangerous: they keep our hope securely misplaced—that is, on something other than Jesus Christ, our only true hope.
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. - Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
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Today's Youth
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. - Mark10:14
When June Cleaver said, "Ward, I'm worried about the Beaver," her primary concern was probably that he'd turn out to be as obnoxious as Eddie Haskell. Boy, have times changed!
Kids today face a harder world, and are seriously threatened with a premature loss of innocence.
For instance, within the next 30 minutes at least:
29 kids will attempt suicide.
57 adolescents will run away from home.
14 teenager girls will give birth out of wedlock.
22 girls will get abortions.
686 kids will use one of many illegal drugs.
And 188 will abuse alcohol.
This picture of the struggles America's kids now face is a long way from the struggles within the Cleaver household. The beginning of change is to acknowledge the problem. Pray for the kids of today and for their parents. The changes we need must come from the inside out if they're to be real and lasting.
"How paramount the future is to the present when one is surrounded by children." - Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
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Tribute to Jackie Robinson
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24
In 1948 Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball. He faced stiff opposition. Pitchers threw at him. Base runners dug their spikes into his shins. Fans mocked him and some even wrote death threats.
To endure this mistreatment, you'd have to be a scrapper. Robinson was certainly no exception.
He was proud and competitive. But he also knew the right way to fight—and that's what set him apart. Before being allowed to play, Jackie was asked what he'd do if another player hit him on the cheek. He answered, "Sir, I have two cheeks." Robinson knew that real strength—the kind necessary to accomplish truly great things—is demonstrated in meekness and forbearance. With that strength, he changed the face of America's favorite pastime, and in the process, helped change the face of America.
We can learn from his example—an inner strength in adversity; not striking back when we're wronged; keeping focus on the task before us. He had a rather Christ-like attitude and example, wouldn't you say?
"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. - Martha Washington (1732 - 1802)
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Delay and Distract
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. - Matthew 26:41
Have you ever noticed that no matter how strong the struggles with our appetites may be, most of them only last a few minutes? It's true. And so I want to talk with you about a tactic that'll help you make good choices in these times: distraction and delay.
When facing temptation, try to delay your decision to act upon the desire you're experiencing for fifteen to thirty minutes. What you'll find is that you've gained a great deal of perspective and resolve in that relatively short but very important interval.
But while you're delaying, make sure to use some kind of distraction or diversion—one that will allow you to think clearly about the choice you must make, while at the same time allowing you to distance yourself a bit from the temptations that cloud your decision. If you don't join distraction or diversion with your delay, you'll probably find yourself just watching the clock and thinking about how much longer you have before you get to indulge.
Get involved with something else. If your desire has passed, then great—you've successfully avoided something you didn't really want and probably didn't need! But if thirty minutes passes and you still want whatever it is you're desiring—and that something isn't destructive—then go ahead and enjoy it, in moderation!
"A delay is better than a disaster." - Unknown
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Fellowship with God
Come nearer to God and he will come near to you. - James 4:8
When you have an appetite that asks to be fed, you have a choice as to how you're going to feed it. At almost every point of decision, you'll be tempted to satisfy your appetites in a way that does little more than nourishes your sinful desires and strengthens your resistance to God. However, you have another choice: you can choose to feed your soul and strengthen yourself from the inside out.
There are many skills and strategies that can help you fight temptation and control your appetites—and you would be wise to learn them all well. But none are more important, more effective, or more rewarding than fellowship with God!
As we spend time with our heavenly Father, we gain wisdom and understanding. We grow stronger spiritually. As a result, we become more able to utilize the resources He makes available to us. Through this growth, we become better equipped and better prepared to fight the good fight of faith by standing firm against the temptations that assail us.
It's through fellowship with God that we open ourselves to the fulfillment we were designed for—a fulfillment that satisfies our cravings and our desires better and longer than any other alternative.
As you fellowship with God—through time spent in His Word, through relationships with other believers, and through loving service to others; you gain the accountability, the structure, and the support you need to control and redirect your appetites for redemptive ends.
"Man's love of God is identical with his knowledge of Him." - Moses Maimonides (1135-1204)
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Self-Monitoring
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? - 1 Corinthians 2:16
Our contemporary culture desires things to happen as quickly and conveniently as possible. Yet when it comes to knowing others, and knowing ourselves, "quick and convenient" breeds superficiality. Our love for expediency is making us strangers to one another, and strangers to ourselves.
A wise man long ago said that an unexamined life is not worth living. I would add: an unexamined life is impossible to live faithfully and well. One reason for this is that controlling our desires has everything to do with getting to know ourselves better—that is, understanding what people, situations, and substances give us problems, and what responses are effective in countering them.
A good way to begin practicing the examined life is to ask yourself what you're feeling before you indulge your cravings. Our cravings are often the result of—and a superficial way of dealing with—some negative emotion. . . anger, depression, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, etc. Once you've identified the feeling behind the drive, you can more appropriately express or deal with it, instead of engaging in some appetite you think will make the feeling disappear.
When you learn to know yourself and express your feelings appropriately, your appetites can stop being emotional buffers and once again serve the purposes God intended them to serve.
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind." - William James (1842-1910)
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Self-Talk
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. - 1 Peter 2:1-2
Go ahead and admit it, you talk to yourself. It's not something to be embarrassed about—self-talk can be used to your benefit in order to greatly improve your success in controlling your desires.
One way to use it is to constructively direct the anger you feel when you're tempted by an unhealthy or inappropriate desire. Instead of getting angry with yourself, get angry at the offense, and at the stumbling block it poses. This will help you resist it.
Another way self-talk can be used is to confront yourself and your appetites in order to bring rationality back into play when temptation threatens to confuse and disorient you. When you actively engage your mind by talking to yourself, you'll be less likely to act without thinking, and you'll reinforce what you believe to be true, right, and good.
Make no mistake about it. Self-talk can be a very spiritually wise thing to do. Listen to what the master theologian, J. I. Packer says on this topic in his book, A Quest For Godliness: "Richard Baxter convinced me long ago that regular discursive meditation, in which as he quaintly put it you 'imitate the most powerful preacher you ever heard' in applying spiritual truth to yourself, as well as turning that truth into praise, is a vital discipline for spiritual health. This unanimous Puritan view is now mine too."
"If you hear a voice within you saying you are a painter, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." -Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890)
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The Key to Success!
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God - Romans 5:3-5
Looking for an edge in life? Consider this: God is the key to any success you may have in learning to control your desires. He must be your strength, your counselor, and your sure foundation.
Why is God so important? Because He's the source and fulfillment of all human life, including yours. In other words, you were created by God as well as for God. We often forget the latter.
St. Augustine made this beautiful confession nearly seventeen centuries ago: "Our hearts are restless until they find rest in You, O Lord." It was true for him then, and it's true for you now.
"My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Psalm 84:2)
"Whoever drinks the water I give Him," said Jesus, "will never thirst...[it] will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 14:4)
"I am the bread of life," said Jesus, "He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)
Behind all your cravings is a craving for God. And this craving can only be filled through a relationship with Jesus Christ—your true food and drink.
"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." - Michelangelo (1475-1564)
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Believing God's Promises
For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever. - Psalm 37:28
I read and study God's Word because it's a map—an instruction manual—for my life. As the psalmist said, Scripture's a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths. Yet there's an important discipline to consider when we spend time in Scripture: and that is believing God's promises. Listen to a few:
God is always near and will never forsake you.
God has good plans for you.
God listens to you when you pray.
God will forgive you when you fail.
From first to last, Scripture is filled with God's promises to us. These promises of God fill us with hope and love, and they give you courage to live in the world, but not of the world. Believe God's promises to us.
"How can I believe in God when just last week I got my tongue caught in the roller of an electric typewriter." - Woody Allen (1935- )
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Cultivating a Divine Appetite
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. - Isaiah 55:2
Unlike physical hunger, our appetite for God is never fully satisfied. Once we've satisfied our physical hunger we no longer want to eat, at least until we become hungry again. In fact, the sight, smell, or even the thought of food can repulse us after we've eaten our fill. Proverbs 27:7 describes the phenomenon like this: "He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet."
But the opposite is true with regard to our appetite for God. In the very act of satisfying it, the appetite intensifies. This may be something new and different for you, so let me explain.
If you've never tasted cheesecake, gone to a professional football game, or watched the sun set over the ocean, you can't really know what you're missing. Consequently, you probably don't have much of an appetite for those things. It's only when you've experienced something that you realize you want more of it.
That's what Psalm 34:8 is telling us: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Experience for yourself that He's good, and that He satisfies completely. And when you do, something wonderful and life changing will happen–you will find yourself wanting more and more of Him, and less and less of the world's cheap substitutes for Him.
"Life is as a jelly roll. When you think you have it eaten, it comes out the other end. " - Christopher P. Buonanno
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Delight in the Lord
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. - Deuteronomy 11:18
Psalm 37:4 tells us to delight in the Lord and He'll give us the desires of our hearts. What does that mean? It sounds like some magic formula, like rubbing the genie's lamp to get what we want. That's not the way it works.
It's hard to believe until you've experienced it, but if you're desiring something sinful, destructive, or something you can't afford, and you're truly delighting yourself in the Lord, He'll change those desires and replace them with new ones. Don't get trapped into thinking of God as a magician who provides things that would only distract you from Him.
So then, what does it mean to "delight in the Lord?" Consider what it means to delight in a friend's company. Whenever you have opportunity you spend time with that person. You talk openly and honestly with him or her; you look forward to your time together; you seek ways of knowing that person more fully and intimately; and you guard yourself from doing anything that would hurt, disappoint, or bring open shame upon your friend.
Well, that's very much what it's like for us to delight in the Lord. We delight in Him by reading His Word; by trusting what He says is true, by spending time in prayer and meditation; and by seeking to honor Him in every area of our life.
"A Brother may not be a Friend, but a Friend will always be a Brother." - Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Prayer and Meditation
But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. - Habakkuk 2:20
Although we don't think about it much, our communication with God consists of two equally important parts: prayer and meditation. Prayer is talking to God. Most of us have this aspect down. Meditation is listening to God. And it's here that most of us need a bit of work.
Have you ever been in a relationship where the other person does all the talking? It gets old fast, doesn't it? The one up side is you become a good listener while the other person gets everything off his/her chest. But there's a down side too: always listening and never talking leads you to begin to feel unknown, a little unloved, and sometimes, even used.
Now, think about how this applies to your relationship with God. Are you doing all the talking, without ever taking the time to listen? If you're sharing with Him from the depths of your heart, that's fantastic! By all means, keep it up. Just make sure, that you also take the time to use the ears of your heart to listen to God as well.
Remember, God tends to speak with a still, small voice; He very rarely shouts at His children. I heard it explained this way once, "God is a gentleman." That's why meditation is such an important aspect of prayer. It teaches you to develop a quiet, patient heart and an open, attentive ear. These are essential components to growing in your walk with the Lord.
"Silence is deep as eternity; speech is shallow as time." - Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)
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Studying God's Word
Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. - Isaiah 2:5
When I receive a letter from a close friend I usually find myself doing two things: first, I read the letter with interest—hanging on every word; and second, I read the letter a second and in some cases a third time—hoping each time to gain insight or catch something I might have missed previously.
Who wants to be closer to us than God? The same should be true with regard to God's Word, and by reading that message intently and repeatedly, we can get to know Him truly and more accurately.
In Psalm 119, David likens Scripture to a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. You need to keep God's Word close by and read it often. Otherwise, you'll find yourself walking in darkness. And if that happens, you're sure to stumble and fall.
Remember, God's Word, the Bible, is a series of letters from your closest friend. Read them closely. Read them often. And after you read it once, read it again!
"You can't have a light without a dark to stick it in." - Arlo Guthrie (1947- )
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A Better Way
I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. - Malachi 3:6
Let me be honest. Too many of you travel through life basing every decision you make upon how you feel and what you experience. You don't study God's Word, and you spend very little time talking and listening to the Lord. Consequently, you don't know much about the Good Shepherd who is expecting you to follow Him, no matter how you feel and regardless of your circumstances.
Now let me give you some encouragement. If you place your focus squarely upon Christ and you try to see things around you as He would, it will become second nature to look to Him and depend upon Him rather than yourself. And you won't get lost when you walk through dark seasons of life. Jesus will be your unshakable strength. And your focused gaze upon Him will keep you from altering your direction due to momentary discomfort–and from drifting off into spiritual shipwreck!
In a world that is endlessly fickle and fleeting, God is an immovable Rock.
Our faith, when focused on the true God, will not be shaken by adversity or unexpected turbulence. As long as we hold tightly to Him by faith—trusting in His goodness and love—we can come through pain and struggle with a deeper and richer relationship with Jesus, rather than a strained faith resulting from a prolonged failure to seek the one true God.
"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." - J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
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Maintaining Focus
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. - Hebrews 3:1
Has it ever been easier than now for a believer to become distracted and lose focus on God? If the apostle Paul found himself "greatly distressed" that Athens was "full of idols" (Acts 17:16), what would he think after checking out today's culture–the internet, TV, movies, DVD's, video games, radio, faxes, email, cell phones, etc.?
A recent Wall Street Journal article quotes an Internet guru who plugged the word "God" into a popular search engine. He received 600,000 responses—remarkably close to the 775,000 sites listed for "sex." Yahoo lists 17,000 sites devoted to religion and spirituality, compared with 12,000 about movies.
And these figures are expanding exponentially. We're only a mouse click away from countless links, Web pages, and chat rooms, that attempt to define God, recast Him into our own image, or explain Him away altogether.
With all this at your fingertips, it's more important than ever to stay connected to and focused on the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Don't allow yourself to be sidetracked by things that aren't true. In other words, hold onto God's Son for dear life! Even when the distractions of the world are tugging at your sleeve to let go.
"We can tell from our experience that His light is more powerful than the deepest darkness. . . How wonderful that the reality of His presence is greater than the reality of the hell about us. - Betsie ten Boom, to her sister, Corrie (1930-1944)
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Narrow and Healthy
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
A friend of mine once wrote a children's book about heaven. When checking out the reviews of his book, he came across a reviewer who said she was attracted by the book's title and artwork. Then she noted how her excitement was replaced by dismay when the author claimed the only way to heaven was through Jesus Christ. The reviewer was deeply offended by what she called the book's "obvious bias against non-Christians."
We live in times where tolerance and diversity are the buzz words—particularly in the world of religion. How could any faith be called "healthy" that claimed only one way to God?
But have you listened to the advocates of this thought? Their message is that the way to salvation is through our moral virtue. "Be good, do good, and it'll all work out."
My problem with that is this: I'm not that good a person—certainly not good enough to stand before God on the basis of my own feeble virtue. What about you?
As unpopular as it might be, the truth is, we are all sinners. But thankfully God made a way for us to come to Him and not be seen as such—through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. Maybe it's narrow—but it's true!
"Jesus came to raise the dead. He did not come to teach the teachable. He did not come to improve the improvable; He did not come to reform the reformable. None of those things works." - Robert Farrerr Capon (1925- )
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The "Nubbies"
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1
A psychologist friend recently told me about Cliff—a client he described as "a believer after God's own heart."
After years of service to The Lord, Cliff's wife developed aggressive cancer. Many people joined Cliff in prayer for his wife, but she declined rapidly and died. Through it all, Cliff didn't break his determined gaze upon Christ. Instead of allowing the tragedy to shake his faith, he allowed his experience of pain, suffering, confusion, and grief to push him deeper into the arms of the living God.
Cliff knew two things, and held to them tenaciously. The first was that God was good. He didn't understand the circumstances surrounding his wife's sickness, or why she had to suffer and die. But he knew a reason resided with God, and that he would come to understand in the light of eternity. The second thing Cliff held to was his certainty that God loved him—in spite of everything, no matter what, and through it all.
When you're in severe pain or distress, life becomes pretty simple. You're in survival mode, and you have neither the heart nor the strength to spread your emotional energy around. As Chuck Swindoll might say, "Life gets boiled down to the nubbies."
When pain or distress boils your life down to the "nubbies," do what Cliff did. Keep it simple. Grab hold of what you know is true about the living God, and hold on like a pit bull.
"The nearer the dawn the darker the night." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882
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Habits That Strangle
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
A strange species of vine known as the matador grows in South America. Roughly translated, the Spanish word matador means "killer." This plant has certainly earned its name. The matador begins its life growing at the foot of a tree. At first, it looks like a harmless little plant. But as it grows, the matador relentlessly winds its way around the tree, makes its way to the top, and slowly strangles the tree. When the matador reaches the tree's top, it bursts forth in flower—as if celebrating its kill and crowning itself victor.
Many habits in our lives are like the matador. They seem harmless at first and grow slowly. But left unchecked, they're dangerous.
Is there a matador-like habit winding its way around your life right now?
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Work Ethic
Are you feeling worn out? An editor of the Atlantic Monthly once told the story of a Harvard University freshman who was late handing in an assignment. He came to his professor's office to explain.
"I'm sorry, sir," he said, "but I wasn't feeling well."
The Dean replied, "Young man, please bear in mind that by far the greater part of the world's work is carried on by people who are not feeling very well."
Isn't that the truth? Children are raised because parents are willing to exert enormous amounts of energy. Companies are built because people are willing to work hard. And communities are forged through long hours and persistent dedication.
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Lessons In Humility
I recently heard a story about a woman who invited guests to her home for dinner. As they sat to eat, the woman turned to her six-year-old daughter and said, "Sweetheart, would you like to ask the blessing?" The little girl replied sheepishly, "Yes, but I wouldn't know what to say."
Mom spotted a teaching moment, and perhaps an opportunity to draw attention to her own piety. "Just say what you hear Mommy saying, dear," she said. The counsel seemed to work. The little girl clasped her hands, bowed her head, and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"
Life is a school for humility. And we dare not ignore the lessons—especially if you're a Christian. St. Augustine once said the three essential components of the Christian life are as follows: humility, humility, and humility.
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Out Of Control In America
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
Do you think life in America is out of control?
Economists have repeatedly warned that Americans have become addicted to spending and crushed by debt trying to attain lifestyles beyond their means. Doctors and nutritionists speak regularly of the rising obesity rate and the danger it represents. Educators, pastors, and child professional have long testified that generations of over-indulged American kids are growing up seriously lacking in discipline, direction, and conviction.
The common denominator here is excess. It's become an American way of life, and to be brutally honest, it's destroying us.
I don't think the question can any longer be: do we know? We must ask ourselves an even tougher question: do we care?
If you're struggling with excess, or trying to help a loved one who is, you're certainly not alone. I care and I'd like to help you.
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Overcoming Criticism
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life Moment.
Who amongst us enjoys criticism? I know I don't! In fact, even when criticism is constructive, it's usually about as welcomed as an IRS audit.
But there's something even worse than criticism: and that's critical people. We all know someone like this. You know who I'm talking about—that person who meets every plan with some version of "That's impossible!" It's that person who challenges your enthusiasm or conviction to tackle a big project with a smirk or a head-wag.
But remember: nearly every advance, discovery, or act of courage is precipitated by criticism. There's really only one sure way to avoid it: by doing nothing. And what kind of choice is that—especially for people of faith. If you expect to be praised you must be willing to be criticized.
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Praying For Kids
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life Moment.
Being a responsible, faithful, and spiritually wise adult isn't easy.. But here's something we often overlook: it's not easy being a kid either. Sure, the issues kids face are proportionate to their age. But let's not fail to give them their proper due. Children's issues appear every bit as daunting to them as ours do to us.
The kids that God has put in our lives—whether they're children, grandchildren, extended family, neighbors, or students—need every bit of wisdom and guidance we can offer. But wisdom and guidance never stand alone. Our efforts to bring these to the children in our lives must be soaked in prayer. That's when our wisdom and guidance will become more than practical, but powerful; because it is from the Holy Spirit.
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Raising Kids
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life Moment.
Looking for an alternative approach to adult education? Try raising kids! You'll learn important like this:
· A king size waterbed contains enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house about 4 inches deep.
· When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh," it's already too late.
· A ceiling fan isn't strong enough to rotate a 42-pound-boy clad in Batman underwear and Superman cape hanging by a dog leash. It is able, however, to spin a paint can quickly enough to splash paint on all four walls of a room.
· Super glue is forever.
· VCR's don't eject "Peanut butter and jelly" sandwiches, and.
· Garbage bags don't make good parachutes.
If you're a parent, or have kids in your life, enjoy the daily adventures, even if it means time and energy you didn't budget for the moment.
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A Good Name
A good name is more desirable than great riches; To be esteemed is better than silver or gold. - Proverbs 22:1
How important is your name? Sports columnist Skip Bayless reported this interesting story:
Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, offered sports-talk host David Kaplan $50,000 to have his name legally changed to "Dallas Maverick." When Kaplan declined, Cuban responded by offering to pay Kaplan $100,000 and donate $100,000 to Kaplan's favorite charity if he took the name for one year.
Kaplan did some soul searching, but held firm. "I'd be saying I'd do anything for money," he explained, "and that bothers me. My name is my birthright. I'd like to preserve my integrity and credibility."
Building a reputation of integrity and reliability happens by establishing a consistent track record of sound decisions and hard work. And no amount of money or fleeting temptation is worth its undoing.
"There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity." - Tom Peters (1942 - )
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Broken Dreams
"We both had dreams," they answered, "but there is no one to interpret them." Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams." - Genesis 40:8
Do you have dreams that never came true?
• Maybe you were you told you had great talent—that you should go for it and make it to the top.
• Was your dream to be a star of stage or screen?
• Maybe your dream was to live a peaceful life teaching at a university with the security of tenure, writing a few bestsellers.
• Maybe you believed that you'd grow up, easily discover the person God chose for you, marry that person, make a lot of money, have great kids who were never a problem, and continue to live happily ever after?
Think about your great dreams that haven't come true—we all have some. Yet our broken dreams are by no means the end of the story, because they hold important lessons within them.
If you have faith in Christ, your final destination is secure. Our life here on earth is a character-building journey full of opportunities—to dream, to connect, and to love one another, and when there is brokenness, to adjust your dream, to re-connect, and to continue loving one another.
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved." - Helen Keller (1880-1968)
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Building A Team
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
Way up on the top of the Spanish Pyrenees Mountains lives the beautiful but elusive mountain goat. Mature mountain goats are often hunted for their coats, but it's extremely difficult to get within shooting range. Why? Because the mature goat has a companion: a young goat with good eyesight, good hearing and a good sense of smell follows it wherever it goes and sounds the warning if enemies emerge.
The rhinoceros is another magnificent animal. It can run at remarkable speeds and despite its poor eyesight, is fearless in charging its enemies. But the rhino gets help. The rhino's skin is infested with ticks, which are a delicacy to a little bird that rides on its back. The birds have keen eyesight, and when they sense danger they sound the alarm, alerting the rhino.
If you'd like to live your life in Christ to the fullest, you need to team up with others too! We weren't meant to go it alone! Choose to connect and to relate to others.
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." - Michael Jordan (1963- )
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Calling
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. - 2 Thessalonians 1:11
My friend was an English teacher at a Christian high school. One day while talking to her students about what they want to do in life, she asked what considerations might motivate their career selection. Money was the top answer, followed by talent, ability, and a general liking for the type of work. "Are you saying," she asked her class, "that none of you have considered your future occupation in light of what God would have you do?"
Sadly, many people think that unless they've received "a calling" to become a minister or missionary, God can pretty much stay out of the career picture. But God calls dentists, salesclerks, insurance salesmen, truck drivers, moms, and corporate executives. Whatever your occupation might be, see it as a calling from God. And recognize that our main calling in life is to be Christ-like, no matter what we do, who we're with, or where we are.
"God does not call those that are equipped. He equips those whom He has called." - Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947)
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Our Only Real Hope
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
He remembers his covenant forever. - Psalm 111:4-5
Donna and her husband had two babies and barely got by on the tiny pension he received from the Navy. It took more than half their income just to pay the rent. Needless to say, the money often ran out before the month did.
One month, their financial situation was so bad Donna had no money left to buy laundry soap. She got on her knees and prayed, "God, I've never needed you like I need you now. I have nothing, and I need you to provide soap to wash these diapers."
Hearing a noise at the front door, Donna got up to see who it was. Someone had left a promotional sample of soap on her doorstep. Some would call the provision a coincidence, but Donna knew it was an act of God – a "divine" coincidence.
Are you dealing with difficult circumstances? Have you talked to God about your challenges, and your needs? God wants you to come to Him and to rely upon Him.
"Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there." - Old saying
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Perseverance
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12
Soon after making a decision to follow Christ, a young Nigerian named Daniel returned to his Muslim village. He was excited about his new faith. . . the people of his village were not. Furious at him, the women of the village beat him and left him for dead.
When he regained consciousness the following day, he decided he must not have been clear in explaining his new faith. So he went back to the village and witnessed again. The women beat him and left him for dead again. This time he remained unconscious for two days.
When he awoke, he again assumed he hadn't expressed himself well. So he returned a third time. This time the village women broke into tears at his perseverance, and eventually the good news of Christ gained a foothold in that place.
If you're weary in sharing the good news of Jesus with friends, family, or your kids—take heart. And remember, we share Christ by our actions and how we conduct our lives—as much as we do with our words.
"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
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Struggle
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17
Either outright or subtly many people who follow Jesus and walk with God think they shouldn't struggle. We think God will give us lives of ease and comfort once we decide to follow Christ. The idea is: If we're good Christians, we'll have it all together. If we have enough faith, our conflicts and problems would resolve themselves. When you come to Christ, your problems disappear. In fact, many churches will communicate that very message week in and week out. As a result, those who attend those churches hide their struggles, because they mistakenly equate struggles with a lack of faith.
But the Christian walk wasn't meant to be a stroll through the park. Following Jesus won't remove struggles from your life; in fact it often adds to the struggle. Some of the most committed Christians have lived some of the most difficult lives. The Bible goes so far as to tell us to expect trials and difficulties, and to be joyful when we face them.
With Christ, you can do that. On your own, you're destined to fail.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
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The Fall
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:26
Adam and Eve's fall – when they took the bite of that apple—wasn't like falling off a stepladder; it was like falling off Mount Everest. It was mankind's fall, and we weren't just dented; we were demolished.
Once we realize that all of our thoughts and desires are twisted, and all of our strength is diverted away from God; then we'll begin realizing how dangerous it is to rely solely on our own strength, desire, and wisdom.
Human strength fails when you don't see any results. Human motivation ends when applause and affirmation fade. And human wisdom tells us to get ahead and then quit.
But God's strength becomes perfect when we're weak. His approval comes when we stop trying to please the crowd. And His wisdom tells us to stop trying to lead the way and to follow Him instead.
Remember, God's grace is greater than our ability to mess up.
"Above all, believe confidently that Jesus delights in maintaining that new nature within you, and imparting to it His strength and wisdom for its work."- Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
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Thin Ice
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:7-8
When I was a boy, I fell into freezing water while trying to cross some thin ice. A while later, my brothers took me to a frozen pond—where I wasn't in jeopardy of falling through. It was frozen thick and solid.
Yet even when my brothers ran out onto the ice to demonstrate its sturdiness, they had a difficult time convincing me it would support my weight. I'd been fooled by solid-looking ice before. Finally, they dragged me onto the ice. At first, I tested it nervously. Then slowly and hesitantly I began to trust the ice.
My experiences with ice remind me of the philosophies and teachings in which we put our faith. We have to test them to make sure they're trustworthy.
Are you trusting in thin ice? Or in something thick and solid? Put your faith in Christ!
"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine (354-430)
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What's Wrong With Grownups
Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged. - Colossians 3:21
"What's wrong with grownups?" This was a question posed by a Sunday school teacher to a class of ten-year-olds. See if you recognize yourself in any of these complaints.
1. Grownups make promises, then forget them, or say it wasn't a promise, just a "maybe."
2. Grownups don't do the things they tell their children to do—like pick up their things or always tell the truth.
3. Grownups don't listen. They decide ahead of time what they're going to answer.
4. Grownups make mistakes, but won't admit them. They pretend they weren't mistakes at all—or that somebody else made them.
5. Grownups always talk about what they did and what they knew when they were ten-years-old, but they don't try to think what it's like to be ten-years-old right now.
If you're like me, right now you're thinking, "Ouch!" Children are perceptive, and they are much more pure in heart than we give them credit for. Take time for them, be honest with them, don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry".
"Nothing you ever do for a child is wasted." - Garrison Keillor (1942- )
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Bad Coffee
Bear with each other and forgive grievances. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13-14
Karin ruled her family with her explosive, irrational anger. Her children and grandchildren never knew what would set her off. Being around her was like being in a minefield. You knew you had to get out, but you were too afraid to take a step.
Yet every time Karin had one of these outbursts, she'd blame it on bad coffee. "I just got a hold of some bad coffee and just wasn't myself," she'd say.
Do you have some "bad coffee?"—some excuse you're using for out-of-line behaviors? Are you rationalizing behaviors because you say you're "tired," "under stress," or some other unique yet unacceptable excuse?
The best thing to do is confess. Confess to God, and confess to others.
"It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution." - Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
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Growing in Christ
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. - Isaiah 55:8
People today are striving for personal improvement, self-empowerment, and inner strength. Yet, Christianity has a completely opposite way of thinking; it's full of paradoxes. We die to live; we lose to find; and we surrender to gain strength.
When Jesus overcame death, he defeated the worst enemy of all. Today we're left to battle with far lesser foes, knowing that He's already won the war.
When we stop trying to control the outcome of every situation and stop demanding that God resolve our problems according to our dictates, we unlock the door for God to show us his redemptive purpose.
Praying, "Your will be done" gets us out of God's way and removes our ideas as to how things are supposed to work out in our lives, and allows God's ideas to take control
Are you struggling to be a better follower of Jesus? Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus. A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly without knowing what's around the corner.
"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith." - Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)
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Perfect-Mate Myth
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Do you believe the Perfect-Mate Myth? It goes something like this: "If I just had the right mate, then my life would be all right." This belief is profoundly off base. First, it assumes that we are good and our spouse is the real problem. Second, it implies that there is such a thing as a "perfect" spouse, one who is beyond the reach of sin.
This delusion keeps couples from growing the way God wants them to grow. If you're in a difficult marriage, believing this myth will prevent you from the hard work and commitment necessary to repair the relationship. To keep your relationship stable and growing you must concentrate on building your relationship with God—as a couple and as individuals. If you do that, your marriage will be strengthened and your soul will be fed.
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
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False gods
O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, "Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. - Jeremiah 16:19
We like to call ourselves sophisticated. We trust in scientific theory and read the Wall Street Journal. We subscribe to the theory, secretly or not, that mankind has evolved intellectually and that we are far superior to our simple-minded, superstitious ancestors. We smirk when we read how they worshipped man-made gods—those deaf, dumb, and blind pieces of wood and gold.
Yet at the same time, we're on our knees worshipping more subtle, but just as tangible, false gods—the "isms" of our day: workaholism, as if the fruit of endless labors will finally bring satisfaction; legalism, as if being good and performing flawlessly will secure peace; intellectualism, as if we could get so smart that we would finally feel fulfilled; and materialism, as if some possession could bring us joy.
The first step in the worship of false gods is exchanging truth for lies. "You will not surely die," was the serpent's lie to Eve in the garden. Cling to the truth. Once it's discarded, you'll believe anything.
The truth of the Bible doesn't change with our circumstances of life; rather, it defines and weeds out all falsehood. Remember Jesus' words, "...the truth will set you free."
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
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Guilty or Not Guilty
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." - Hebrews 10:22
When I was twenty years old I fell into a deep depression. I began taking antidepressants and felt as old as a grandfather. My doctor diagnosed me with eighty-three ulcers and said I would have to make some serious life-style changes or have part of my intestines or colon removed. At the time I had no idea what was causing me such misery. Then I learned that guilt was literally eating away at me.
My guilt was a merciful wake-up call from God, showing me that I'd strayed into dangerous territory—my decisions we're not only hurting me but they were hurting others.
Guilt can be a merciless taskmaster, that drives us far from God, or it can gently lead us back to a right relationship with Him.
Do you struggle with guilt? Don't ignore it, but respond to the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
"Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the fiend, Th' avenging fiend, that follows us behind, with whips and stings" - Nicholas Rowe (1966 - )
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Humor
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. - Job 8:21
I'm always looking for humor in every situation. No matter where I'm ministering, I like to find something funny in a given set of circumstances and talk about that.
When I first came to faith in Christ, however, I was under the impression that I had to give up humor and become very solemn and serious. Soon the part of me that loved to smile and laugh began to wither.
But I didn't want that aspect of my personality to die. It was a unique part of me that God had created. In reality, it was one of my best strengths. So, over time, I began to let my humor come out again, and I discovered its strength in communicating truth and grace to others.
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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Service
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
Finding a way to help others is an expression of faith. It shows that we believe in the sovereignty of God. We don't' have to wait until the pain in our life is gone, because we know God can use it for good.
Finding a way to help others requires that you ask two questions: What is God doing? and How can I get into the flow of his activity? When we ask these questions, ideas will come. And once we begin doing this, the 'why is this happening' question, which once seemed so important, becomes irrelevant.
The best answer to why is always what. When we stop asking, "Why has God allowed this?" And begin asking, "What does he want me to do with it?", we're ready for God to start his work in us, and that prepares us for service, and that prepares us for service.
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
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Male Visual Stimulation
Men tend to be highly visual. Consequently, they also tend to be very susceptible to sexual temptation when it's presented visually. Put bluntly: most men have eyes that follow every short skirt that walks by. This presents a huge obstacle to marital intimacy. One disgruntled wife put it simply: "Men are pigs." And to the extent we choose our own way rather than purifying our eyes and submitting out behaviors to God, it's an apt indictment.
Consider this letter I received from a reader of my book, Every Man's Battle:
"My husband has bought into the lie that 'all men look' because they're so visual. He read your book Every Man's Battle, but he still says it's impossible for any real man to avoid looking at a babe in a string bikini. This bothers me, but he's threatened me with divorce if I don't stop 'nagging' him about this...I'm sick to my stomach to think that for the rest of my life, I'll be robbed of fullness in my marriage. Because this bothers me so much, and because my husband is so sick of being reminded of it, he does it even more now! Can you imagine? Everywhere I go with my husband I know I can't keep his attention. NOWHERE!"
Note her pain, men. The lust of your eyes hardens your heart and blinds you to your own wife. This dishonors both your wife and the God who so graciously gave her to you.
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Purifying Your Branch
Let's be honest: most of our family trees aren't very pretty. In fact, for most of us, those branches are filled with adultery, pornography, divorce, substance abuse, addiction, physical violence, and more. And even if your family hasn't been affected by one of these, your family history hasn't failed to affect you in one way or another.
At some point, then, every man must decide: will I purify my branch of the family tree, or will I allow this poison to seep through another generations?
Purifying your branch of the family tree begins with driving a stake into the ground with the decision that you and your family will follow Him.
When you do this, you transition your family from a pattern of sickness to the possibility of living for God. For generations to come, people will look at your family tree and see that under your leadership, life was influenced for good rather than for evil.
Going against the trends of past generations isn't easy to do. But it's worth the effort to blaze a new path—a path that's honorable; a path that's worth following; and a path that will show God's grace and goodness to future generations
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Shouldering Her Weaknesses
What baggage does your wife carry? She's surely no more immune than you. Therefore, she may be burdened from any number of traumatic events in her past.
Are you allowing for your wife's weakness, loving her for who she is today, and not for who she might be at some point down the line? Sure, you may be shocked and dismayed at the weaknesses in your wife that were hidden until marriage exposed them. Maybe she comes from an abusive and dysfunctional background. Maybe she isn't a very strong Christian. Maybe she was even promiscuous before she met you.
Any of these things may be true. But some other important things are true as well. Your wife did forsake her individual freedom in taking you as her husband, believing you would provide love and strength for her. Your wife is still God's little lamb, regardless of the pain she's been through and the wounds she carries. Don't forget: God has entrusted her to you. Will you resent her? Or does your heart warm at the task of restoration? Is there any nobler act than pouring out your mercy on your precious bride?
Men, relate with your spouse based upon who she is today. Not upon what you want her to be. So what if she isn't who she should be today? Are you? Besides, it's not important that she becomes everything you expect. It's important that she becomes like Christ. Impart to her the same grace, mercy and strength that Christ imparts to you.
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USS Matrimony
Marital adjustment is a simple matter. Before marriage, you command your ship of life based upon the personal convictions of one person—you.After marriage you board the USS Matrimony. You are now dealing with the personal convictions of two people. It's something you must quickly learn to deal with.
Humility is essential to create and maintain unity on board. It requires a mind-set that honors your partner.
So, what's riding on this? Quite a lot—namely, oneness and intimacy. If you learn the art of servant-leadership, the sailing on the USS Matrimony will be much smoother.
Yes, you may have a compliant spouse who'll tolerate your less than humble ways. But in such cases, outer calmness is usually the result of an inner deadness in the marital relationship, not oneness and intimacy.
Without a humble spirit and a willingness to serve one another, you may have peace, you may have marital longevity, and you may even appear to have a marriage made in heaven. But you won't have a relationship based on intimacy, there will be road-side wounded, if not casualties, along the way.
I can't urge you strongly enough in your marriage to commit yourselves to a life of humbly serving your spouse.
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A Sober Request!
I'll never forget the night I was listening to Chuck Swindoll address about ten thousand Christians. Right in the middle of his message, I heard a statement that virtually sucked the air right out of the room.
He proclaimed, "I know some of you are having sex with your children. And I'm telling you to stop it. I'm asking you to stop it. You must consider the impact on your child. You must stop having sex with your children."
Why on earth would he say that? Because he was the pastor of a church and heard the confessions of people who'd been involved in incestuous relationships.
It is reported that the trauma of child abuse actually rewires parts of the brain in both function and structure. The effects are quite serious. The abnormalities can last right through adulthood, leaving the victim with such problems as aggression, poor emotional control, memory and attention disorders, and serious mood and personality disorders.
The nature of this sin is such that all of us would rather leave it in silence. But we simply cannot. Therefore, I repeat what Chuck Swindoll said that night: "You must stop having sex with your children." And I would add, I beg you to get the help you need.
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Finding Their Voices
As its founder, I've participated in several focus groups, surveys, and brainstorming sessions associated with the Women of Faith Conferences. Their objective? To identify and address areas where women felt they needed help becoming all God desires of them.
Perhaps the most common theme is that women need to "find their voices." In other words, Christian women today must discover who they are in Jesus Christ, and express that in their lives in such a way that glorifies God.
One of the reasons so many women need this kind of help is that so many men pressure and push women to be silent—to neglect their voice. Sadly, many men secure their own position by stifling or ignoring the identity, and unique gifting of women. Consequently, many women sense that their role is perceived as insignificant; they feel that their voice isn't recognized, valued, or welcomed.
It's the challenge of every man to help the woman in his life find her voice, and then, be respectful and receptive when that voice speaks. Men, I challenge each of you: guard the voice God's given to the woman in your life, whether it's your wife, your daughter, your sister or your mother. Stop and listen to her.
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Proverbs 31 Husband
Pastors often preach about the woman depicted in Proverbs 31 as what a wife should be. Godly, faithful, diligent, virtuous—she's the entire package. Now, I don't know about you, but I've never heard a sermon on what the husband of that woman must've been like. And I could stand to learn a few things from him—and probably some of you could too.
Look closely at Proverbs 31. The character and accomplishments of the wife imply many things about the husband standing silently in the background. He must've granted her a great deal of latitude to make important decisions about the home and the family budget. Furthermore, he must've encouraged and respected her—two ingredients crucial to her operation of the thriving business discussed in the Proverb.
If a wife is to be free to succeed in her multifaceted role, the husband must hear, respect, and support her. Otherwise, her gifts will be blocked, and she won't be the woman God called her to be.
Husbands and wives complement one another's weaknesses. It's ultimately, God's way of blessing each of you! The only things Proverbs 31 does say about the husband is that he's respected at the city gate, and that he rises to call his wife blessed.
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Romance
Men tend to be less romantically inclined than women. In itself, that's fine. However, we shouldn't let that tendency cause us to fall short when it comes to stoking the fires of our marriage.
It's easy to think, "Okay, now I've got a wife. What's next on the agenda?" But men, that's a big mistake. Romance lies at the heart of the female essence. Most wives are incurable romantics, and it's highly unlikely that your wife's an exception.
Bring her flowers on your anniversary, or sometimes for no particular reason at all. Take her to eat at your old haunts; drive by your old homes and apartments; skip a Monday night football game to take her to dinner; walk together at dusk holding hands; and give the gift of your time generously.
Romance tends to become less a priority after marriage. To make matters worse, many of us tend to confuse sex for romantic intimacy. One married woman put it like this:
"I love the romantic intimacy of a hug and extra attention, but any little hug and kiss I give...seems to suggest that I want to make love. How exasperating! I just want him to know that I love him, and I just want the same response back without feeling that I have to jump into bed. I just want him to hold me and talk to me; I just want to be near him."
Men, being mindful and responsive to your wives' need for romance is one of the most practical and powerful ways to love and honor her.
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Snuffing Her Out?
When you were courting your wife, she was worthy of speaking to yous on any topic at every level, wasn't she? Think back to those heady days of dating. You couldn't drink in enough conversation from the young woman you knew you were going to marry. You loved hearing every thought, every hope, and all her deepest dreams. You were learning her, and it was a thrilling, rewarding experience. Every opinion was a lovely thread in the tapestry she wove around your heart. But that was then; this is now. Somehow, somewhere, and at some nebulous point in time, things changed...
No guy would ever envision tuning out his lover before the wedding day. But in marriages all across the fruited plain, countless men snuff out the voices of their wives seeking to express themselves.
What this does to marital oneness isn't pretty. Snuffing out your wife's voice is a sin against her. It's also a sin against God, because it discards and hinders His purposes for her voice in His kingdom.
Relationships, like people, go through stages of development. Therefore, I'd no sooner suggest that you recreate the first months of dating than I would for you to try becoming a teenager again. I'm simply suggesting that, somewhere along the way, most of us have lost sight of something wonderful—something worthy of being reclaimed: an eager excitement to learn our wives. Men, our wives are precious jewels – don't overlook and fail to appreciate them!
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Building Her Prestige
In Proverbs 31:29-31, the husband grants his wife her proper prestige with these words:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Men, we'll not only draw prestige from the success of our marriage relationship, but we must also be sure to build up the prestige of our wife. Of course, this begins in the home.
"Building up" begins with words, but must be verified and reinforced with actions. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3, "Husbands...be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as...heirs with you." Acknowledging that your wife is your fellow heir establishes that she's entitled to the same honor and respect as you. By contrast, you have no right to rob her of what you ought to give, and what God promised she'd have. Oneness isn't merely a feeling; it's built on actions.
Moreover, building up the prestige of our wives doesn't end in the home. What begins there must be carried out into the community. Here again, actions speak louder than words.
Gentlemen, can we justify placing our wives anywhere but in the highest place of prestige in our lives? We must set ourselves to the task of building up our wives—both inside and outside our homes.
:angel:
Sacrificial Love
If we're to love and serve our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers in the manner God desires, we must understand the following three things:
First, sacrifice doesn't mean giving that other person everything he or she wants. But it does mean you consider the other person's thoughts and concerns are honored equally alongside yours; in the same way the white stripe is expressed equally with the red on a candy cane. You can't tell if it's red with a white stripe or white with a red stripe.
Second, sacrifice is more than taking another's thoughts into consideration. It's taking those thoughts and putting them into play with as much emphasis and care as you give your own thoughts—even if the thought processes of that other person may not make sense to you.
Third, you must develop your own style of carrying out this sacrificial love—a style that's customized to the character and needs of your relationship. You may not always agree with the other person. That's fine. Agreement is nearly as important as the way of coming to an agreement. You are different people, and even siblings brought up in the same hone with the same parents and surroundings come up with different opinions and answers to life. But, the use of the servant mind-set must always be consistent among all of us if we wish to love others as ourselves.
:angel:
The Fragile Male Ego
Our fragile male egos can easily present a barrier to oneness and intimacy with our wives. One woman made this candid comment that makes my point: "Most things in our marriage are his plans and desires.[He never shows me any of his deep feelings, and I can't say that I've ever felt one with him. He once said, 'If I let you in and show you my feelings, I'd be vulnerable to becoming hurt.'"
A husband's refusal to be emotionally vulnerable is a sure sign that his fragile male ego is presenting an obstacle to marital health.
Another sure sign that the fragile male ego is at work is when a woman's gifts and talents are perceived by her husband as a threat to his competency. This is an issue I've seen come up time and again in marital counseling.
My point, men, is that an overly sensitive male ego undercuts our ability to be vulnerable and humble—two necessary characteristics for strong and growing marriages.
One of the church's great theologians was fond of referring to marriage as "the school of character." That's because marriage, by its very design, will teach us things like vulnerability and humility—that is, if we'll only commit ourselves to becoming attentive and teachable students.
The lessons we need to learn aren't always easy. Yet they're profoundly rewarding.
:angel:
The "Why" Of Romance
Guys, if there's any area in which we need to study our wives in order to serve them better, it's in the department of romance. Romance inspires her and brings feelings of marital intimacy to the surface.
Yet ask most guys what romance is and he'll begrudgingly mumble something about candlelight dinners and roses. But it's more than that. In fact, for some men, it might not be candlelight dinners and roses at all. That's because the chief ingredient of romance is knowing what special thing sparks her romantic motor.
But why is romance so important to our wives? Perhaps the best way to answer this is by considering a different question: why is respect so important to us? The answer to both questions: it's how we're made. It's what makes us tick.
Therefore, for the vast majority of women, going through marriage without romance is the equivalent to how a man would feel having to go through life without respect. In other words, much of the color of life disappears, and everything turns to gray.
Guys, that's why it's so important for us to study how to cultivate romance with our wives; and in particular, how to do this in a way that is according to each of our wives' own personality and liking. This is an important aspect of giving our wives the sacrificial love we're called to offer, and that they deserve to receive.
:angel:
Working Toward A Career
More and more women are now working outside the home. Therefore, a growing number of men are being called upon to help their wives prepare for and manage this aspect of her role. This, of course, constitutes an important area where husbands must learn to think and act sacrificially for the good of their marriages and families.
Listen to this testimony by Joanne, a wife and mother in her third year of graduate school: "I couldn't succeed in this challenge if it weren't for my husband's constant support when I'm in class and when I have to barricade myself in my room to do homework. He feeds the kids, helps with their homework, and runs them where they need to go. I can't explain the relief I feel when I know he's stepping in...He never ever pouts or acts put out that he has to do more. I feel so responsible for my family that if he did these things for me grudgingly, I would feel defeated very quickly. Because he helps me with a cheerful attitude, I feel a lightness inside that help me get through the day."
Joanne's husband is a wise leader. They've made a decision that, in their particular situation, her return to school is in the best interest of their family. And this decision requires him to think and act sacrificially. He knows his family's needs, and his wife's insecurities, and tends to them accordingly. That's a real man.
:angel:
Bucking The Trend
The current trend in our society is that more and more wives and mothers are reentering the workplace. Different families have different needs. And many have decided this is what best serves them.
Yet at the same time, some families are bucking this societal trend. They've decided it's not in their family's best interest to have mom working outside the home. And while this is a great decision for many families, it's not a decision that comes free from difficulties.
Anytime you buck a societal trend, there's a price to pay. For mothers who stay home to raise their children, one price they pay is a drop in social status. This is sad because stay-at-home moms work so hard and sacrifice so much. Current characterizations of stay-at-home moms tend to be patronizing at best, and at worst, downright derogatory.
As a result, guys, the choice to stay home with the kids can be hard on your wife's self-esteem—even if it's a decision she believes in and is thrilled about.
So if you and your wife have chosen to buck the trend, I encourage you to ask yourself the following three questions:
What can I do to lighten her load?
How can I encourage her and affirm the great value of what she's doing?
What practical steps can I take to make staying home with our children less physically and emotionally draining on my wife?
:angel:
Students Of God's Word
When looking for ways to serve our wives, many of us would rather lay tile, or fertilize the lawn, than lead her spiritually. Why is that? Simple. We like to function within areas where we're competent and comfortable. Unfortunately, providing spiritual leadership often isn't one of those areas. Yet the fact remains: providing spiritual leadership is a vital aspect of our calling as husbands.
So where do you begin? How about developing a deeper understanding of God's word. Men, as you become committed and competent students of Scripture, it'll help establish two important things in your wife's heart—both of which are crucial for your effective leadership.
First, your knowledge of Scripture will create a sense of security in your wife's heart. She'll be able to live in peace knowing you have the ability to bring the light of Scripture to bear upon those areas of life that are confusing, difficult, and scary.
Second, your understanding God's word will raise your wife's level of respect for you. As you wrestle with scripture, and demonstrate your commitment to bring God's truth to bear upon the life of your family, your wife will have reason to respect and rest in your leadership. She'll know she can trust you to do the best possible thing for her and your children.
Men, resources abound to help in this endeavor. Your pastor and local Christian bookstore will get you started, and Bible study groups can help you persevere.
:angel:
The "How" Of Romance
Guys, when you're romancing your wife, it must be on her terms in order to be effective. You have to do what she considers fun, what she considers romantic. That's what shows your wife that you've listened to her, learned her, and you're attentive to her desires and needs. This demonstrates love.
But there's another—often overlooked—side of romantic expression: doing things for her that she hates doing herself. For instance, I know a woman who absolutely hates washing silverware after meals. Her husband knows this about her, and often steps in to wash silverware for her—even if he doesn't have time to wash the sink full of dishes.
So why is doing for your wife what she hates doing romantic to her? Once again, it shows that you've taken the time to know her, and that you have the desire to serve her. In other words, it shows her your relationship's an intimate one.
One woman named Cheryl shared this story: "Sometimes I don't want to do the mundane things like grocery shopping alone. It's not one of Rod's favorite things either. But he goes with me if I ask, and he makes it fun just because we're together. And there's been more than one classical concert he's suffered through with me."
Do you sense that Cheryl feels romance in her marriage? I certainly do.
:angel:
Thinking Things Through
Is your marriage a delight to you—or is your career or your hobby what really charges your engines? Do you exist in marriage for your wife, or does she exist to serve and further your interests and desires? Where do your greatest passions lie?
Guys, these are important questions you must ask yourself from time to time. But truth be told, you're not always as skilled as you could be about examining your life. Furthermore, you're not always as honest as you should be about the difference between what you formally profess to be true and the values you affirm by our day-to-day decisions and actions.
Therefore, I want to pose several questions for you to ponder over the next several days to help you discern the health of your marriage. My hope is that they'll help you identify any areas and issues that need your attention.
Does your wife's face brighten when you enter the room? Does she rise to kiss you?
Does your wife long for your embrace? Does she love to chat with you, even about the so-called little things of life?
When her feelings have been hurt, or her dreams have been shattered, is it you that she seeks or does she turn elsewhere?
Do you guard her honor and preserve the integrity of your marriage, even when she's out of sight?
Men, your wife's a gift from God—a true treasure. Love and honor her accordingly!
:angel:
Weighing Your Options
Okay, men, imagine that God offered you these two following options:
Option 1: Working twelve hours a day for two years in the business of your dreams, a commitment that would quadruple your income.
Or...
Option 2: Working twelve hours a day for two years to passionately live out the heart of a servant-leader when you're at home, an effort that would quadruple your wife's joy.
Be honest—or at least willing to consider each option. If you're chasing after the next rung up the corporate ladder, then you've misappropriated your passion. If you're willing to become a bondservant to your wife, then you're worthy of your Lord's daughter.
Let's face it. If the passion's not there in your marriage, you won't find much oneness. Sure, you may be comfortable with your wife. As a mother, you may think she's matchless. She may still knock your socks off when she slips into a sundress. Perhaps you can't even imagine living without her.
But what do these feelings show? Many men feel them, but be very careful in your assessment of them: such sentiments don't necessarily reveal that you've actually done anything more than love yourself in the marriage.
Men, it's your passion for oneness and your passion for service that demonstrate that you love her. That's what brings her joy on your journey together. If that passion's not there, you must find it. But if it is, your motives for serving your wife will be true.
:angel:
Consistency In Spiritual Leadership
Men, not only should you be comfortable in leading your family in worship, you should be the most consistent among them when it comes to cultivating your own personal life of worship. Remember, the character and quality of our public leadership is a direct by-product of the character and quality of our private discipleship. You simply can't give your family what you don't possess yourself.
Men, consistency in private discipleship brings intimacy with the Lord; and intimacy with the Lord puts you in the position to bring life and truth to your family. Without it, you'll have little fresh understanding with which to guide them.
How consistent are you when it comes to praying? How consistently do you lead your family in Bible study and prayer? Sure, no one's busier than you. I know that, and I share your predicament. But the simple reality remains: each of us must make it a top priority to carve out time in our day-to-day lives to lead our families in this area.
Remember guys, many of the most important issues in our children's lives will be caught rather than taught. They're watching your example. If you're not praying together as a family, then all your talk about God's being the center of your marriage and family is just that—talk.
Make family worship or devotional time a priority. Be disciplined about following through. Model your faith with action. It'll give your family someone to respect and someone to emulate.
:angel:
Leading Worship At Home
Men, we were created for worship. It enhances and expresses intimacy with the Lord, and brings both Him and us great pleasure. Yet many men tighten up just saying grace before dinner. Public worship—even if it's only in front of your family may cause you to feel as nervous as a third baseman charging a short-hopper with the game on the line in the bottom of the ninth.
Most of us have been there. And most of us have also blamed it on our lack of experience praying in public. Yet for the vast majority of men, that's not really the issue. The real issue is that you don't have enough experience praying in private! Deepening your private life of worship will naturally embolden your public life of worship. And the first place it'll bring benefit is in your ability to provide better spiritual leadership in your home.
Guys, no one in your home should be more comfortable with worship and prayer than you. Your family absolutely needs you to lead them. Feeling funny about it is no excuse.
Start small, but be courageous and committed to growth. You simply cannot and must not "chicken out" when your family looks to you for spiritual leadership. The Holy Spirit is waiting for you to step up to the plate, and He'll meet you there. That's a promise from God.
:angel:
Parental Teamwork
Ephesians 6:4
Men, as the father in the home, you shoulder a great responsibility in raising your children. How will you and your wife go about it? What standards will you choose? How will you discipline? What values will you teach and demonstrate?
These questions are crucial; and whether it's intentional or merely by default, they're all communicated to your children. Intentionality is the key; and it's a huge help when you and your wife are on the same page.
You and your wife can provide two basic elements in your home that are invaluable to helping your children become the individuals God wants them to be. One is consistency. There are few things worse than one parent operating off one set of values while the other confuses, and ultimately, sabotages those principles with a competing set of values. Parents must strive to agree on core values—living them and passing them on in a unified front to their kids.
The second important concept in raising kids is teamwork. Guys, surrender your individual rights and the blatant exertion of authority and be your wife's teammate. Help her. Share duties. Pitch in. And never undermine your wife's position by making yourself appear more important in the eyes of your children.
Instead, help your children learn to honor their mother and to appreciate the value of a woman. This bedrock principle will have a tremendous impact on your kids' future.
:angel:
Rebooting Your Marriage
I host a weekday call-in radio show with five other counselors called New Life Live! Since we handle many calls each day, it's easy to spot common themes that arise.
One common theme is the one about blaming and judging a wife who "just isn't enough" for a man. It's amazing the mental gyrations some men will go through not to take responsibility. One day we commented that the worst-selling T-shirt we could market would say, "It was my fault." No guys would buy it!
Here's an idea for another T-shirt message: "You're not to blame for my problems." But let's not wait for that T-shirt to land in stores to own that truth. Because when we own this, we're humbled and ready to do what needs doing: asking for forgiveness.
Every computer has a reboot key that allows for fresh starts. Everything cranks up as if it were doing it for the first time. For individuals, the reboot key is called confession. Confession realigns the person with God and removes the stain of denial. The reboot key for a relationship is asking for forgiveness. It places the relationship back at ground zero. It doesn't ensure that forgiveness will be granted, but at least from the point of forgiveness the relationship has an opportunity to flourish. Men, if you and your marriage are stuck, consider the most humbling thing you can do: Ask your wife to forgive you.
:angel:
Submitting To Scripture
Men, no one in your home should be better and quicker at submitting to what Scripture teaches than you. In a recent marriage class several women were asked, "What's the one thing that impresses you most about your husband?" One woman responded, "[My husband] is much quicker to submit to the teaching of Scripture than I am. He's quick to fix anything in his life that he feels doesn't line up with Scripture. He has always been submissive to God's ways, and this makes me trust him and feel one with him."
This woman's husband leads by example. What could possibly be more fitting or effective? And did you pick up on the security this woman feels because her husband is receptive and responsive to God's word? Guys, this woman's not the exception; she's the norm. When you submit to Scripture, it fortifies your wife's trust and respect for you. And note the irony here: even though Scripture exposes your flaws, your wife's trust and respect grows—as does her willingness to give you the benefit of the doubt when needed. So long, that is, as you're submitting to God.
On the other hand, your failure to submit to Scripture invites disorder, confusion, and fear into your home. It puts a formidable stumbling block in your pathway to oneness—not only with your wife, but with all members of your family. To put is plainly, men, God is not pleased with spiritual leaders who harbor sin.
:angel:
A Peculiarly Male Problem
Although pornographic consumption is on the rise among females, it's still considered—and has historically been—a male problem. But because consumption of pornography is recognized as largely a male issue, and because it usually begins in adolescence, many adults have become increasingly inclined to tell boys that what they're doing is normal. That satisfying their curiosity with pornography, and gratifying their hormonal urges, is a natural right of passage to manhood. This is exceedingly dangerous counsel.
Based upon my counseling experience, I believe the pornography has trapped more young men, and haunted them throughout their adult lives, than any other problem.
Don't misunderstand me. Not all men who struggle with pornography are sexual addicts. However, that's no cause whatsoever to minimize the issue. If you become accustomed to the world of pornographic fantasy you're at great risk to do great damage.
Eventually it will ruin your relationship with God, your feeling of self-worth, your ability to relate to women, and it can potentially destroy your marriage. But even if your marriage does stay intact, pornography steadily and surely steals the potential for true intimacy with your wife. True, you're present in body, but your mind is somewhere else—entertaining thoughts and fantasies of other women who, in their own tragic way, have also been victimized by the pornographic industry. Wake up, men: fantasizing over pornographic images is neither natural nor trivial.
:angel:
Giving Thanks Through Everything
Thanksgiving goes deep into our national heritage. In fact, the newly formed United States first recognized Thanksgiving as a national holiday during the administration of our country's first president: George Washington. These are words in which President Washington introduced it:
"Whereas, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor;
[Therefore], both the houses of Congress have...requested me 'to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God...Now, therefore, I do recommend next, to be devoted by the people of the states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be, that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country."
But men, the call to give thanks goes even deeper into our identity and responsibility as disciples of Jesus Christ. Giving thanks is an essential aspect of worship; and worship is the very reason for our existence. Therefore, men, take the time to reflect on and respond to this question: what has God done in your life that calls for thanksgiving today?
:angel:
It's Big Business
Guys, when you think of big business in America, what comes to mind? Computers, oil, professional sports, the automotive industry? How about pornography? If it doesn't, it should.
That's because pornography is now considered to be more than a $10 billion-a-year business in America. Yes, you heard me correctly; I said billion! This isn't exactly a new development either. As far back as 1985, the Ladies Home Journal gave an excellent exposé regarding the extent of that industry's sprawling empire. Listen to these findings:
· Americans spent far more on pornographic material than the $6.2 billion grossed by all three major television networks—ABC, NBC, and CBS—combined.
· More than 20 million Americans buy sexually oriented magazines every month.
· Fifteen percent of all videos sold in the United States are sexually explicit in nature.
The problem's not getting better either. In fact, between 1985 and now, pornography's become more accepted by mainstream culture, and more easily accessible to a wider audience—largely through growing mediums like cable and satellite television, and the internet. In other words, pornography possesses a large and ever-growing claim upon the inner lives, the leisure time, and the discretionary income of multiplied millions of Americans.
If you're one of these people, you need to find a way to stop. This isn't a harmless pastime. You're destroying yourself, your loved ones, and contributing to our society's undoing. Seek and secure whatever help you need, like our Every Man's Battle workshop, but please stop!
:angel:
Portrait Of A Son
There once lived a wealthy widower who shared a passion for collecting art with his son. Priceless works adorned the family estate.
Then the war came. The son enlisted, and after only a few weeks, the father's worst fears were realized: his son was killed in action.
Months later the old man, still grieving, answered a knock on the door. "I was a friend of your son," said the stranger at the door, "He was rescuing me when he died. I have something I want to give you." And he gave the father a portrait he had painted of the man's son! It wasn't a masterpiece, but precious nonetheless. The old man was overcome with emotion and gratitude.
When the old man died, his paintings were slated for auction. The event began with a painting that wasn't on the docket—the painting of the man's son.
Bidding opened at $100. Silence. "Who cares about that painting?" someone cried, "Let's get to the good stuff." Voices clamored in agreement.
Finally, an elderly gentleman asked, "Will you take $10? That's all I have, but I knew the lad and would love to have the portrait." After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone."
Then to everyone's surprise, the auctioneer closed the auction! Stunned disbelief filled the room. "What do you mean?" voices demanded, "There's still millions of dollars of art here!"
The auctioneer replied, "It's really quite simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes his son gets it all."
It's the same with us . . . whoever takes the Son in faith receives all the Father's benefits!
:angel:
Who Buys Pornography?
The United States Advisory Board for Social Concerns reports that minors read over 70 percent of all pornographic magazines. Further estimates indicate that most hard-core porn viewers are under twenty years of age. To a large extent, then, our nation's young people are financing the pornographic industry.
Further still, adults who seek treatment for pornography addiction almost always attest to exposure during childhood. Whether these adults are involved in multiple affairs, self-gratification, or prostitution, they usually share the experience of getting started years earlier with what seemed to be harmless magazines containing nude photographs.
My point is this: if you have a teenager, he or she is a target for the pornography industry. Therefore, be observant of their behavior, and prepared to take immediate and decisive action if pornography is discovered.
If you discover evidence of porn usage—a phone bill, a book, a magazine, a video—don't simply take the child's word that it was a one-time experience. In most cases, it's the tip of the iceberg.
Adolescents caught up in this problem are usually much too ashamed to ask for help, and too emotionally immature to realize there may be a problem. So even if your child has a history of honesty, it's much wiser to at least consider that your child may be trying to hide a bigger problem.
If you ignore the evidence, you may be ignoring you child's subconscious attempt to get help.
:angel:
No Other Gods
Exodus 20:1-17
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Even if we don't practice a particular religion, we do worship something. Our hearts, souls, and minds can't exist in a vacuum. We're all under allegiance to some set of beliefs. Our love and need to be loved drive us to the feet of some god. Part of our inventory needs to include looking to see who or what brings us to our knees.
The first commandment God gave says, "You must not have any other god but me" (Exodus 20:3). He repeated the same command after the children of Israel had wandered forty years in the wilderness, adding some explanations: "I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me" (Deuteronomy 5:6-7). Once when Jesus was talking with some people, "An expert in religious law tried to trap him with this question: 'Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?' Jesus replied, '"You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment'_" (Matthew 22:35-38).
If we want to reorder our lives according to God's design, it is helpful to start with the standard he set up-the Ten Commandments. He begins by simply asking that we recognize him as God. Are we willing to admit that our Creator and Rescuer is fully deserving of our wholehearted love and commitment? Are we willing to turn away from our other gods to worship him alone?
If we give God the proper place in our lives, all of his commandments should follow naturally.
:angel:
False Images
1 Corinthians 10:12-14
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
We may find that our imaginations are held captive by an image or ideal that makes demands of us. We may be focused on the image of "the perfect body" and find ourselves swept into compulsive eating disorders, depression, or sexual addictions. We may be focused on the image of "the good life" and find ourselves swept into workaholism, stealing, or lying to try to appease the image we worship. We may have an image of ourselves as "the black sheep of the family" and slavishly live our lives playing out that role.
We don't talk much about idol worship in our culture, except perhaps when we talk of celebrities. Idolatry can be defined as image worship; it may involve becoming a slave to the ideas an image represents. This is the second commandment: "You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods" (Exodus 20:4-5). The apostle Paul warned, "So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols" (1 Corinthians 10:14).
In his protective love, God warns us not to let devotion to an image enslave our lives. The images we worship are more likely to come through television or other media than from an idol carved from stone. But we need to ask ourselves, What are the images and ideas that drive our compulsive behaviors?
Taking inventory of the things we consider important may alert us to the false gods in our lives.
:angel:
The Strangeness of God
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9
Disruptive peace; majestic meekness; unsettling comfort - these phrases don't seem to make sense. But anyone who's had a personal encounter with God understands that these apparent paradoxes come together in Him.
The Dean of the Chapel of Calvin College, wrote, "The faithful evangelical preacher of God ought to say not only that God is great and God is good, but also that God is elusive and God is strange...because spiritual health depends upon it."
It's dangerous to think we know God's mind, God's will, or God's intentions. In fact, to fear God is, in part, to recognize that His ways are not our ways. For certain, He's revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and He revealed Himself in how He moved and worked through the lives and stories recorded in the Bible. But He hasn't revealed Himself exhaustively. He hasn't ceased to work in mysterious ways. And that's why we surrender to Him. He's greater than we can think or imagine and will work in strange ways—ways we can't even think of or imagine.
"I have felt His hand upon me in great trials and submitted to His guidance, and I trust that as He shall further open the way, I will be ready to walk therein, relying on His help and trusting in His goodness and wisdom. " Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
:angel:
Being, Not Doing
Exodus 20:8-11
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Some of us become addicted to our work and our accomplishments. It's not that we're just hardworking people; we use our activities to help us feel worthwhile. It's as though we believe deep inside that we are worthless, so we work and take care of others to earn the right to be loved. When our work is at the heart of our self-esteem, we have a hard time stopping whatever it is that gives us a feeling of value. We become slaves to what we do and can never do enough.
The fourth commandment says, "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy" (Exodus 20:8-11).
God gave the Hebrews this command when he brought them out of Egypt after four hundred years of slavery. The only value they had known had been measured by constant work. God reminds us with this command that he cares about who we are as well as about what we do.
God's command that we spend a day resting is clear evidence that he loves us.
:angel:
February 24
Missing from the meeting!
For reading & meditation: John 20:24-31
"Now Thomas ' was not with the disciples when Jesus came." (v.24)
We said a couple of days ago that those who choose to deprive themselves of fellowship with other Christians miss out on life's greatest science - learning about God. I heard one preacher say: "People who neglect attendance at the house of God are fools because on some favoured occasion something special and powerful will happen - and they will not be there." The passage we have read today tells us of that glorious post- resurrection appearance of our Lord to His disciples. The disciples thought He was dead, and although there were rumours of His resurrection, they were not convinced. Suddenly, He appeared to them - they saw Him, heard Him, and felt the impact of His mighty presence. But here is the heart-rending tragedy of it: "Thomas ' was not with the disciples when Jesus came." Why was Thomas missing from that meeting? Many preachers have speculated on the reasons for his absence, and they vary from Thomas not expecting Jesus to be there, to being afraid for his life. My own view, for what it is worth, is that there was something wrong with Thomas himself. The root cause of his defection, so I believe, was his own doubting and denying heart. My experience in the ministry has taught me that those who profess to be Christians and yet deliberately absent themselves from fellowship with their brothers and sisters, are the ones who are usually most in need of this fellowship.
Prayer:
Gracious and loving heavenly Father, help me realise that the very time I need to be among my brothers and sisters is when I am at my lowest spiritually. Burn this truth into my consciousness so that it will never leave me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
For further study:
Matthew 25:13; Proverbs 15:5
1. What is the message of the parable of the virgins?
2. How are 5 of them described?
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Clarity Versus Trust
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
Isaiah 50:10
When the philosopher and professor of ethics, John Kavanaugh, went to work for three months at the "house of the dying" in Calcutta, he was seeking an answer about how to spend the rest of his life. His first morning there he met Mother Teresa. She asked, "And what can I do for you?" Kavanaugh asked her to pray for him. "What do you want me to pray for?" she inquired.
He voiced his pressing burden: "Pray that I have clarity." Mother Teresa firmly refused! When the bewildered Kavanaugh asked why, she said, "Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of."
When Kavanaugh commented that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for, she laughed and said, "I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God."
Are things in your life so clear that there's no room to trust God?
"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. " - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Confession
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6:12
In the Bible, the word "confess" means "to speak the same thing." So when it tells us to confess, it means we're to say the same thing God says—to agree with Him—about the attitudes and actions of our lives.
As you can see, then, confession has two aspects: speaking the truth about ourselves and the truth about God.
For example, if we're confessing greed, we can also confess God's promise to supply our needs. The Bible says the same God who takes care of you will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to you in Christ Jesus.
"We own up to minor failings, but only so as to convince others that we have no major ones." - La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)
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Learning Through Suffering
Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:17
Like many other Christians, my parents thought that if they honored God and dedicated their children to the Lord, they'd somehow be shielded from pain, suffering, and life's difficult realities. Learning that their son—my brother Jerry—was dying of AIDS helped them to see that this belief was false.
My parents wrestled not only with losing Jerry but also with their own feelings of guilt. They wondered what they could've done differently to keep their son from a homosexual lifestyle. Sorrow and regret consumed them.
Yet God used that terrible incident to mold and deepen my parents' faith. Suffering brought them face-to-face with change they'd never anticipated. It was in that dark and painful crucible that my parents learned about compassion, courage, forgiveness, and repentance. Their hearts were truly broken, but they were also truly changed.
You, too, can and should learn from suffering. Don't be angered by it. Don't come out the other side a bitter person. Look at your suffering as an intimacy with Christ—a time to sense his love and compassion, and to grow to trust Him and grow closer to Him.
"Complete success alienates a man from his fellows, but suffering makes kinsmen of us all. " - Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
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Living a Positive Legacy
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2
Did you know the Nobel Peace Prize is named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite? How did this come to be?
When Alfred's brother died, a newspaper mistook him for Alfred. It printed his obituary with the headline, "The Merchant of Death Is Dead," describing Alfred as a man who made his fortune helping people kill one another.
He was cut to the heart and vowed to change his legacy. When Alfred really died eight years later, he left $9 million to fund awards for people whose work benefited humanity—thus, the birth of Nobel Peace Prizes.
Alfred Nobel was given a rare gift: the opportunity to read his own obituary, and make changes before it was too late. What might you do if given the same opportunity?
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. -Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
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Handling Anger
Matthew 5:20-22
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Some of us realize that all that's kept us from committing murder was the lack of opportunity at the moment we were in touch with the depth of our rage. Maybe we can stuff our ugly emotions down deep most of the time, only venting them when we're caught off guard or under the influence.
The law of Moses clearly says, "You must not murder" (Exodus 20:13). Moses went on to explain, "If someone hates another person and pushes him or throws a dangerous object at him and he dies, it is murder. Or if someone hates another person and hits him with a fist and he dies, it is murder. . . . But suppose someone pushes another person without having shown previous hostility, or throws something that unintentionally hits another person, or accidentally drops a huge stone on someone, though they were not enemies, and the person dies. If this should happen, the community must follow these regulations in making a judgment" (Numbers 35:20-24). Jesus taught, "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:21-22).
If we took the time to think about it, we may realize that we're still in danger because of the rage burning beneath the surface. In order for our recovery to be complete, we must dig up the anger, vent it appropriately, and let it go. This is a vital part of our recovery process, which we dare not neglect.
Unresolved anger becomes a violation of God's command to love.
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Overcoming Envy
Hebrews 13:5-6
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
A major part of recovery deals with our tendency to create and live in a fantasy world. We escape the painful realities of our lives momentarily and trade them in for experiences that feel good. The pathway that leads to our addiction is paved with desires for the things, relationships, and experiences that we see in the lives of others and don't have ourselves.
One of the lesser known of the Ten Commandments says, "You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17; see also Deuteronomy 5:21). Jesus also warned, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own" (Luke 12:15). The writer of Hebrews said, "Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you'" (Hebrews 13:5).
Modern society and commercial advertising are designed to breed discontent. This is a threat to our recovery because it leads us into an emotional fantasy world. We need to make an inventory of the greed and covetousness lodged in our hearts and minds. Then we must treat these problems like a poison that will hurt us if allowed to remain in our lives.
Since only God can meet all our needs, true contentment can only be found in him.
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Freedom through Confession
Romans 2:14-15
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
All of us struggle with our conscience, trying to make peace within ourselves. We may try to deny what we've done, find excuses, try to squirm out from beneath the full weight of our conduct. We may work hard to be "good," trying to counteract our wrongs. We do everything we can to even out the internal score. In order to put the past to rest, we must stop rationalizing and admit the truth.
We are all born with a built-in buzzer that alerts us to what is wrong. God holds everyone accountable. "They know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God's law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right" (Romans 2:14-15).
Part of Step Five is to stop this internal struggle and admit that wrong is wrong. It's a time to agree with God and our own conscience about our cover-up and the exact nature of our wrongs. We're like people who have been accused of crimes which they actually committed. We may have spent years constructing alibis, coming up with excuses, and trying to plea-bargain. It's time to come clean. It's time to admit what we know deep down inside to be true: "Yes, I'm guilty as charged."
There is no real freedom without confession. What a relief it is to finally give up the weight of our lies and excuses. When we do confess, we will find the internal peace that we lost so long ago. We will also be one step closer to full recovery.
Admitting our failures is an essential step to forgiveness and healing.
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God, Our Friend
Hebrews 4:14-16
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Going to God can be scary. We may associate God with a condemning judge, a brutal father, or some other frightful image. Before we will be able to admit our wrongs to God, we'll need to feel confident that he is on our side.
In ancient times, people could not approach God on their own. The high priest would offer a sacrifice to cover their sin and then bring them before God. The high priest was on their side, even though he had to acknowledge and deal with their sins. We have someone on our side, too. "Since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most" (Hebrews 4:14-16). "Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested" (Hebrews 2:18).
We don't have to fear admitting our wrongs to God. In him we have a friend who understands our struggles and our suffering. When we go to him we won't have to flee from his condemnation. We will be welcome to stay at the throne of God to receive mercy. He will give us the grace we need in our struggle to recover.
When we face our wrongs, God understands and is able to help us.
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Overcoming Denial
Genesis 38:1-30
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Admitting our wrongs to ourselves can be the most difficult part of Step Five. Denial can be blinding! How can we be expected to admit to ourselves those things we are blind to? Here's a clue that can help us. We will often condemn in others the wrongs most deeply hidden within ourselves.
According to ancient Jewish law, a widow was entitled to marry the surviving brother of her husband in order to produce children. Tamar had been married successively to two brothers who died without giving her children. Her father-in-law, Judah, promised to give her his younger son also, but he never did. This left her alone and destitute. In an effort to protect herself, she disguised herself as a prostitute and became pregnant by Judah himself. And she kept his identification seal (Genesis 38:1-23).
When Judah heard that Tamar was pregnant and unmarried, he demanded her execution. "But as they were taking her out to kill her, she sent this message to her father-in-law: 'The man who owns these things made me pregnant. . . . Whose seal and cord and walking stick are these?' Judah recognized them immediately and said, 'She is more righteous than I am'" (Genesis 38:25-26).
It won't be easy to be honest with ourselves. "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9). However, we can look at those things we condemn in others as a clue to what may be lurking within ourselves.
It takes great courage to be honest with ourselves about ourselves.
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Healing through Confession
James 5:16-18
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Most of us resist the thought of admitting our wrongs to another person. We may think, Isn't it enough to admit my faults to myself and to God? Why should I humiliate myself before another person who is no better than I am?
It seems that there is healing power in the act of telling another person. James wrote, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results" (James 5:16). The apostle Paul also commented on this: "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself " (Galatians 6:2-3).
We may laugh at the thought of finding a "righteous person" to confide in. We needn't worry; the word James uses doesn't mean self-righteous. He is referring to someone who is right in fulfilling duties both with God and man. This kind of person will be just and without prejudice, already made right with God through personal confession. Someone with this kind of righteousness won't be prejudiced against us.
When we find someone who has already dealt honestly with his struggle, our burden can be made lighter by sharing our own. Our confessor will also be able to pray for us in an understanding way. Such prayer can really make a positive impact on our recovery.
Confessing our faults opens up our lives to God's healing power.
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Escaping Self-Deception
Galatians 6:7-10
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
We may fool ourselves into believing that we can simply bury our wrongs and go on, without ever having to admit them. In time, we all discover that those deeds we thought were buried once and for all were actually seeds. They grow and bear fruit. Eventually we have to deal with a crop of consequences and face the fact that self-deception doesn't work to our advantage.
"You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit" (Galatians 6:7-8). "If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him [God], he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness" (1 John 1:8-9).
STEP Five says good-bye to self-deception and hello to forgiveness and cleansing. We should note that there is cleansing from every wrong, not from "wrongdoing" in a general sense. Admitting the exact nature of our wrongs includes giving an account in exact and specific terms. It is only when we get specific that we will no longer be able to fool ourselves about the nature of our wrongs. Since we can't ignore God and get away with it anyway, we might as well come clean and be forgiven.
In recovery, planting our confessions will yield a harvest of forgiveness.
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Cultivating a Thankful Heart
Be joyful always. Pray continually; give thanks in all
circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The great English writer G. K. Chesterton once wrote, "You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swim¬ming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing, and grace before I dip the pen in the ink."
Wow! What a reminder! There's no doubt in my mind that I could give thanks more often. We set aside meal time, Sunday mornings, and my favorite holiday; Thanksgiving. But, don't let an hour go by without giving thanks . . . for your work, school, kids, health, your spouse, your blessings and your challenges.
When you have a God-awareness about life and when you see and sense Him in your day (in the big things and the little things), it's hard not to be thankful.
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -William Arthur Ward (1921-1994)
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Humility at Its Best
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. - James 3:13
Though often overlooked, the Old Testament character Jonathan is one of the most remarkable men in the Bible. Being the oldest son of King Saul, he was the heir to the throne of Israel. He was an experienced soldier, distinguished for his courage in battle.
The Old Testament character, David, was a shepherd boy . . . probably 15 years younger than Jonathan. Despite their differences, however, Jonathan and David formed a remarkable friendship, in part due to Jonathan's humility.
When David was anointed to succeed King Saul, Jonathan didn't claim his right to the throne. David wasn't in line for this honor. He wasn't the king's son. Jonathan was. But Jonathan defended and protected David, the one taking his place. He even defended him against his own father. Saul repeatedly tried to kill David, but Jona¬than risked his life to protect and encourage his friend.
Are you willing to give up your rights or position? Or do you dig in your heels and arrogantly proclaim your entitlement? Surrender what's due you and see God's grace unfold in ways you couldn't imagine.
"To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness." -Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
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Humility at Its Best
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. - James 3:13
Though often overlooked, the Old Testament character Jonathan is one of the most remarkable men in the Bible. Being the oldest son of King Saul, he was the heir to the throne of Israel. He was an experienced soldier, distinguished for his courage in battle.
The Old Testament character, David, was a shepherd boy . . . probably 15 years younger than Jonathan. Despite their differences, however, Jonathan and David formed a remarkable friendship, in part due to Jonathan's humility.
When David was anointed to succeed King Saul, Jonathan didn't claim his right to the throne. David wasn't in line for this honor. He wasn't the king's son. Jonathan was. But Jonathan defended and protected David, the one taking his place. He even defended him against his own father. Saul repeatedly tried to kill David, but Jona¬than risked his life to protect and encourage his friend.
Are you willing to give up your rights or position? Or do you dig in your heels and arrogantly proclaim your entitlement? Surrender what's due you and see God's grace unfold in ways you couldn't imagine.
"To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness." -Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
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A Glimpse of Glory
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1
Praise is the outward expression of your deep joy! We praise God in worship on Sunday morning. We praise our team when they do well at sporting events. We praise our kids when they achieve a goal or do something special.
Isn't cheering someone's success and accomplishments an invigorating experience? You'll find the same energy within your spiritual life when you consider the mighty acts of God in history, as well as His acts in your own life. It will allow you to celebrate the joy and wonder of your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Praise not only is an expression of your joy in the Lord, but it also gives you a taste of what heaven will be like. If you read the last book of the Bible, Revelation, you'll see what I mean. There's a lot of praise and worship going on. I think God wants us to learn that praiseful attitude in this life, in preparation for the next.
Few things will strengthen your faith more than when you cultivate a rich understanding of God through worship. Praise him by remembering his faithfulness to you throughout your years and by looking forward to his promises. When you worship him, your faith will be strengthened, your heart encouraged, and your vision of who God is and how he works will grow.
"Praise now is one of the great duties of the redeemed. It will be their employment forever." -Albert Barnes (1798-1870)
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Confronting Wrong
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. - Galatians 6:1
God has given us the responsibility to honestly confront those who do wrong. For most of us, confrontation is a difficult task. For a few, it's much too easy. I hope you don't delight in finding fault in others. If you do, stop and consider if you do this as a way of over¬looking your own faults.
God does call you, however, to help others see the truth. In es¬sence, you can hold up a mirror to your good friends, and they hopefully will do the same for you.
Jude, the brother of Jesus, reminds us that we are to deal honestly and directly with those who do wrong, while showing them mercy (Jude 22-23). Help others see their faults but with great humility. You're not responsible for the behavior of others, but you are re¬sponsible to gently and tactfully point out areas of misbehavior that may cause them to stumble, fall, or lose their way.
Are you avoiding some tough conversations? If you have kids, are you confronting them? And when you do are you doing it with gentleness and humility? Check yourself. Is your tone respectful? Is your word choice uplifting or condescending? God calls you to show courage by addressing wrong. But remember the goal is al¬ways to see the other person restored, not belittled. Help that per¬son turn back to God.
"I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better." - Plutarch (46-120)
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Relinquishing Debts Owed Us
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. - Luke 6:37
Do you tend to keep a mental list of the wrongs that have been done against you . . . an accounting of what you think others owe you? You may feel they owe you an apology, a favor, a sum of money, or something else. If every time you're hurt, you're mentally adding to the ledger of debt that others owe you, I want to help you see how and why to let go and erase that ledger of debt.
Jesus told this story to address what I'm talking about: "A king decided to bring his accounts up to date . . . In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars." The man begged for forgiveness. "Then the king was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thou¬sand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment." This was reported to the king. "Then the king called in the man he'd forgiven and said, 'You evil servant. I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?'" (Matthew 18:23-35)
When you look at the enormous moral debt God has forgiven you and the price Jesus paid for us to be forgiven, you should be com¬pelled to forgive others. Forgiveness will free you from the torture of festering resentment. You can't change what others have done to you, but you can write off their debts by handing the accounting process over to God.
"Forgiveness is the economy of the heart . . . forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits." -Hannah More (1745-1833)
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Two Changed Men
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. - 1 Peter 1:22
What words would your friends or family use to describe you? Jesus referred to two brothers, James and John, as Sons of Thunder. Why? We're given a glimpse of their fiery personalities in the book of Luke. After the Samaritan people rejected them, James and John asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to consume the village. Jesus rebuked them for their impulse to retaliate.
Yet that's not the end of their story. Jesus worked in these brothers' lives so that they became known not for anger and revenge, but for love and forgiveness. James was the first of the twelve disciples to give his life for his faith. He was killed in Jerusalem by the order of Herod Agrippa. John is referred to as the "disciple Jesus loved." He went on to write powerful words on the importance of love and became an important leader of the church.
Though the two brothers had once been ambitious for their own personal gain, they ended up ambitiously sharing God's love with others for their spiritual gain. The brothers discovered that when you understand and experience God's love, you are free to live and grow. And as you grow and share with others, you will be used by God to touch the lives of many in need of God's healing help.
Can you relate to the anger and selfish ambition of these men? If so, be encouraged by God's work in their lives. He wants to do the same in you!
"For every minute you are angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind." -Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Relinquishing Prejudice
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. - 1 Peter 3:8
Have you allowed your upbringing or experiences to prejudice you against a particular group of people? Women? Men? The poor? The rich? Asians? Jews? Black or White?
Prejudice leads to hatred and a lack of compassion toward others. To the contrary, God's people are to be known for their love and compassion. Surrendering your life to God means recognizing and relinquishing your prejudices.
Take a look at the Old Testament figure, Jonah. He hated the peo¬ple of Nineveh for their cruelty toward his people, the Israelites. He would've loved to have gone to Nineveh and declare God's judg¬ment against them. But God told Jonah to go and warn them of de¬struction so they might avert God's wrath. Jonah wanted no part in this mission of mercy. He tried to run away, but God placed him in difficult circumstances. When he reluctantly obeyed and preached to the Ninevites, they changed their ways. And not surprisingly, Jonah was upset at God's mercy on the Ninevites.
God practically had to force Jonah to let go of his prejudice and hatred. This was necessary so he could share God's mercy with the people he hated. Your spiritual transformation will be stunted until you let go of your prejudices toward any people group. Seeing your own prejudices doesn't come easy. You need to ask God and those close to you to help you see areas of prejudice in your life. Once you see them, confess them and ask God to change your heart.
"I'm free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally." - W. C. Fields (1880-1946)
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Freedom Through Confession
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" and you forgave the guilt of my sin. - Psalm 32:5
Most of us have the bad habit of rationalizing our sin and our errors. We all struggle with our consciences, with our goal to make peace within our own hearts. In order to gain peace, you may deny what you've done, find excuses, or try to squirm out from under the responsibility and consequences of your wrongdoing. You may work hard to be "good" in order to compensate for your mistakes. Are you doing everything you can to even the score? Until you confess your faults, you'll get nowhere.
God holds everyone accountable. We're like people who've committed crimes but who refuse to accept the charges brought against them. You may have spent years constructing alibis, coming up with excuses, and trying to plea-bargain. But if you're sincerely seeking spiritual renewal, now is the time to come clean. It's time to admit what you know deep down inside to be true: "I'm guilty as charged."
By speaking this truth, you stop fighting and admit that you're wrong. Without confession, there's no real freedom. And what a relief it is to finally release the burden of your lies and excuses by admitting them to God. This is the very reason Jesus came. Remember he died not because we were good people, but because we'd gone our own way. Come back to him. When you do confess, you'll regain internal peace, and your broken spirit will be renewed.
"Hearing nun's confessions is like being stoned to death with popcorn." - Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979)
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Forgiving Ourselves
The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste . . . - Nahum 2:2
For most of the wrongs you've done, you're probably grateful and eager to accept God's forgiveness. But sometimes we're so shocked or ashamed or heartbroken over our sin that we find it hard to believe that God could really forgive us. Yet God does forgive and he desires to restore you. He wants to redirect your course, and to redeem your life for his service. But this restoration can't begin until you receive God's forgiveness and forgive yourself.
Peter had once sworn his love for Jesus. He pledged even to die with Jesus if necessary. Yet that same night after Jesus was arrested, Peter sheepishly denied that he even knew Jesus. Jesus wasn't surprised; he had already told Peter that Peter would deny knowing him three times. Jesus was ready to forgive Peter before he even betrayed Jesus. But Peter had a hard time forgiving himself.
After Jesus rose from the dead he asked Peter three times if Peter loved him. Peter had denied him three times, and so Jesus gave him the chance to reaffirm his love three times. Jesus reached out to Peter.
When you're disheartened by the things you've done, it can be difficult to receive God's forgiveness. But God reaches out to us through his Son. Once you confess your sins, you need to let go of them. Find encouragement through your brother Peter. Once he accepted forgiveness, God was able to build him up and use him for His great purposes.
"People can be more forgiving than you can imagine. But you have to forgive yourself. Let go of what's bitter and move on." - Bill Cosby (1937- )
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A Disconnected Life
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. - Hebrews 13:16
I don't have any problems relating to people. Really. It's true. I don't ever get irritated or upset with anyone: as long as I'm alone. It's amazing just how easy life is when I'm alone and isolated. The worst in me can lie dormant for years as long as there's no one around to awaken the sleeping giants inside of me.
It may be true that a life of isolation is easier, but it's also emptier. When you don't have to face who you really are, you grow comfortable and stop developing into what God wants for you.
Are you going to take your place alongside the millions of others who've decided to abandon life by disconnecting? You may think this is the way life's meant to be. But it's not. Life is about relationship, relationship with God and with one another.
"Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing." - Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
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Aging and Living
Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? - Job 12:12
I have some friends who are adrenaline junkies. It's a drug they need to survive. They mountain bike, bunji jump, heli-ski, hang glide, surf giant waves, and parachute out of airplanes. I often won¬der why they feel the need to risk their lives in the ways they do. Maybe they do these things as medication against depression and anxiety or maybe it's a way of proving that the inevitable isn't going to over take them.
We can jump out of airplanes to prove that we're not dead yet, but there's no avoiding the fact that you are getting older and with that comes limitations. Aging does that to everyone. You can see that as a death sentence, but a better way to look at it is as the beginning of a new phase or season of life.
Every end is a new beginning, and that's true for the seasons of our life. Just as Fall gives way to Winter, and Winter to Spring, there's something to look forward to with each season of your life.
"Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen." - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
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Child Readiness
The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. - Proverbs 23:24
Do you think you're ready to have kids? Or maybe you wonder if your kids are ready for kids. Here are a few tests to see just how ready you are:
The first one is The Grocery Store Test:
Borrow two small animals (goats are probably the best) and take them with you to the store. Always keep them in sight and pay for anything they eat or damage.
The next is The Dressing Test:
Obtain one large, unhappy, live octopus. Stuff it into a small bag making sure that all the arms stay inside.
Then there's The Toy Test:
Obtain a 55-gallon box of LEGOs. Have a friend spread them all over the house. Put on a blindfold. Try to walk to the bathroom at night without stepping on any. And don't scream because this would wake the children.
Not only is parenting challenging, but with the right attitude it's also fun, funny, and exciting. And, with the right attitude, it will keep a youthful spirit about you.
"No matter how calmly you try to referee, parenting will eventu¬ally produce bizarre beharior, and I'm not talking about the kids." -Bill Cosby (1937- )
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Responsible Brad
This is my command: Love each other. - John 15:17
Brad, a policeman and a terrific guy, is honest, full of integrity, and everything you'd want in a cop. He's a loving husband and a father who's made great decisions for his family. If you knew him, you'd respect him as much as I do. And you'd be happy that he was pro¬tecting your neighborhood.
But what if my friend was irresponsible and just wanted to have an easy shift or a desk job? All he'd have to do is drink coffee, stay in one place, and not police the neighborhood. Then he wouldn't get involved with conflict or have to go to the trouble of filling out a lot of paperwork because he gave a ticket or arrested someone.
Many of us go through our lives just like that. We look the other way. We don't get involved. We don't trouble ourselves to do the difficult things we maybe ought to be doing.
Don't isolate. Connect. Get involved. Don't think of yourself. In¬stead, live your life and make your priorities thinking of others first. Jesus commanded us to love one another, and one of the bet¬ter definitions of love I heard is: Love is making your problem my problem.
Make someone else's problem your problem.
"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -Bernard Melzer
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Stubborn Resistance
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. - Proverbs 19:20
Some of my best childhood memories were generated in the lake house built by my grandfather and his five sons. When we outgrew the cabin, a new addition was built. It, however, had one major flaw. My grandfather hadn't calculated into the ceiling height the fact that the new addition had a foundation that was about twelve inches higher than the original cabin. So the ceiling in the new area was a foot shorter than it was supposed to be.
You felt like you needed to hunch over. And if you weren't looking, you'd walk right into the ceiling fan and injure yourself for life. All this because my stubborn grandfather wouldn't listen to his boys who told him from the beginning that something was very wrong with the plans.
Is stubbornness affecting your relationships? Do you get angry when someone challenges you, shares a thought contrary to your belief, or when you're required to do something you weren't plan¬ning to do? If so, stubborn resistance might be the diagnosis.
The prescription? Surrender. Surrender your will and your ways to God, and often that means to that of others.
"If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments." -Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001)
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Who's the Boss
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. - Romans 13:1
Jane's five-year-old neighbor must've seen Jane giving her kids treats because he was over in a flash. "My mom said I can have a Popsicle," he bellowed. And that reminds me of the story of an¬other little boy who would show up on his neighbor's doorstep at 9 o'clock in the morning and say, "My mom said I can stay until dinner."
As we grow up we hopefully grow in our understanding of au¬thority. For instance. you wouldn't walk into your boss's office and declare, "My wife said I can have a raise." But sometimes we try to usurp God's authority. There are many people out there who know the truth, but in order to achieve their own selfish desires, they will use the truth or present the truth in an untruthful way.
It's not all that difficult to understand that God has and God is the ultimate authority in life. How that plays out in life can be confusing, unless you're willing to surrender your will to His.
"The man or woman who is wholly or joyously surrendered to Christ can't make a wrong choice. Any choice will be the right one." - A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)
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Who's the Boss
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. - Romans 13:1
Jane's five-year-old neighbor must've seen Jane giving her kids treats because he was over in a flash. "My mom said I can have a Popsicle," he bellowed. And that reminds me of the story of an¬other little boy who would show up on his neighbor's doorstep at 9 o'clock in the morning and say, "My mom said I can stay until dinner."
As we grow up we hopefully grow in our understanding of au¬thority. For instance. you wouldn't walk into your boss's office and declare, "My wife said I can have a raise." But sometimes we try to usurp God's authority. There are many people out there who know the truth, but in order to achieve their own selfish desires, they will use the truth or present the truth in an untruthful way.
It's not all that difficult to understand that God has and God is the ultimate authority in life. How that plays out in life can be confusing, unless you're willing to surrender your will to His.
"The man or woman who is wholly or joyously surrendered to Christ can't make a wrong choice. Any choice will be the right one." - A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)
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A Promise in the Pain
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stout hearted. - Psalm 138:3
About five seconds outside the womb I think we all discover that this life isn't easy. And it seems that the older we get the tougher it becomes. Some people have problems or are attracted to difficul¬ties like fleas to a dog. Others make it through life with relatively little difficulty.
But most likely, you'll face some tough times in life, and it's not im¬portant how your challenges stack up to the challenges of others. Sometimes you might wonder if you are going to be able to make it through, and you will if you hold onto God. He's promised to see you through.
Are you weighed down? Do you feel overcome with grief or alone in your struggle?
You can choose to take steps to walk through your challenges and come through them a stronger person.
Remember, believing in God and in Jesus Christ doesn't mean you won't have problems. But it does mean you have resources, people, and God's Spirit who will see you through your problems. What could be better?
"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records." - William A. Ward (1921-1994)
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Begger or Prince
Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God. - John 1:12
Are you a beggar or a prince? Some religious people will tell you that you're despicable and worthless. Others will say that you're the pinnacle of creation or the center of the universe.
I think the words of C. S. Lewis from his great work The Chronicles of Narnia communicates the division between beggar and prince well. The voice of the lion, Aslan, is a respresentation of Jesus Christ says in the book Prince Caspian, "You come from the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve. And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content."
Friend, you were made in the image of God. That image, however, has been tragically marred and gracefully corrected. It was marred when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. It was grace¬fully corrected when Christ bore our sins on the cross . . . when he gave His life to pay the price for our sin.
Erect your head in honor of being a child of God. At the same time, bow in fear and respect to the King of Kings.
"You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure about you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us." - Nelson Rockefeller (1908-1979)
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God Is In Control
And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." - Isaiah 6:3
Did you know there is now a modern day version of the Golden Rule? It says that "He who has the gold sets the rules".
Who sets the rules for you? Your supervisor? The company president? The government? Whoever sets the rules has great power. Sometimes we feel like that particular person has too much power and control over our lives. We long to be that person who has the gold and sets the rules.
On the highest level, God is the one who sets the rules and has the greatest power over us. We make choices in life, but He is the ul¬timate boss. Through the prophet Isaiah, God told us to "maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the man who keeps his hand from doing any evil."
It's good to know that God is kind and just. In our daily decisions, we need to follow God's rules that are found in the Bible. Hopefully, you follow those rules in grateful response to Christ and what He's done for you, not in an effort to earn your way into heaven.
Sometimes when people around us are flaunting their power, it's easy to forget who is ultimately in control. I challenge you today to obey God's rules for your life. Turn your situation over to God. He is in control.
"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'" -C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
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Help Your Neighbor
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. - Philippians 2:4
When you see someone who needs help, do you stop?
On a road in England, a van spun out of control and plunged into a lake. In a black limousine, Princess Diana rode past the site. "Pull off here", she told her driver. The Princess ran toward the van, jumped into the water, and pulled a man out of his vehicle. They waited until the police arrived. The Princess of Wales had saved a homeless vagrant.
Once a Jewish law expert asked Jesus about how to inherit eternal life. Jesus asked the man, "What does the law say?" The man told Jesus, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and Love your neighbor as yourself". Then Jesus told a story about the Good Samaritan. When some robbers beat up a man, a priest and a religious leader had walked passed this half-dead man . . . yet ignored him. Then a Samaritan man lovingly loaded the man on his donkey and took him to an inn.
It's easy to walk past people who need our help. But it takes love and concern to look at the people around us as our neighbor. Who is my neighbor? Jesus gave us an example in the Bible, and Princess Diana gave us a modern day example.
I challenge you today to look for an unexpected opportunity to help someone in need.
"If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble." -Bob Hope (1903-2003)
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The Grandness of God
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." - Revelation 1:8
Recently a team of astronomers announced they have conclusive proof that a powerful black hole is 50 million light years away. Since the early 1900's Albert Einstein predicted there were black holes as a part of his theory of relativity. At first black holes were only a theory and based on math formulas. For many years as¬tronomers have been trying to prove the existence of these black holes in space. Now with the help of the Hubble Space Telescope, scientists can prove the existence of these black holes.
Fifty million light years. As I thought about that distance, it was more than my mind could imagine. We usually talk about size with words like big, large, extra large, and huge. A black hole is bigger than big . . . it defies our comprehension.
This science news also gave me a new appreciation for how big and how grand God is. The opening line of the Bible says "God created the heavens and the earth". Yet despite the grandness of the heavens, God cares about the intimate details of my life. In the New Testament book of Matthew, Jesus says that God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground and that even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
I challenge you today to consider how big the world is, but also realize that we can have an intimate relationship with the God who created it.
"People see God every day, they just don't recognize him." -Pearl Baily (1918-1988)
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Nothing Is Impossible
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:27
Are you facing a situation that looks impossible to fix?
In 1969, the pollution was terrible along the Cuyahoga River near Cleveland, Ohio. It was unimaginable that it could ever be cleaned up. The river was so polluted that it actually caught fire and burned. Now, years later, this river is one of the outstanding examples of environmental cleanup.
But the river wasn't changed in a few days or a few months. It took years of work to build new sewage plants and reduce the industrial pollution. Eventually that hard work paid off and now the water in the river is cleaner than ever.
Maybe you are facing an impossible situation. Maybe you have a habit that is driving your family crazy. Possibly you drink too much or don't know how to control your credit card use. When you face such an impossible situation, don't you want a quick fix and some¬thing to change immediately?
While God can perform miracles and instantly remove your desire for drugs or alcohol, for most of us the changes are gradual and in¬volve a lot of effort and work . . . like cleaning up a polluted river.
I challenge you today as you are facing your difficulties to put them in God's hands and trust in his timing.
"As the poet said, 'Only God can make a tree' probably because it's so hard to figure out how to get the bark on." -Woody Allen (1935- )
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Finding the Balance
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." But wisdom is proved right by her actions. - Matthew 11:19
Have you ever flirted with danger? Recently six officials in the White House were told by their doctors that their "stress levels were so high, they were flirting with danger unless they slowed down." While actual people were not named, it reminded me that each of us flirts with danger at times.
Like when driving your car, you step on the gas and fly down the highway towards your next meeting risking your safety and risking that you won't have a tire blow out, let alone see a policeman with a radar gun. Or maybe you put your money in some volatile invest¬ment, or you keep piling on the work and don't know how to say "no", and risk burnout.
One of the key ingredients to lowering our stress level is finding the proper balance in our life. It keeps us from flirting with danger. In the Bible, wisdom and folly are described as two different women. Folly calls out, "Let all who are simple come in here! Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But little do they know that her guests are in the depths of the grave." On the other hand, Wisdom says, "Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still."
Each day, we choose whether to flirt with danger by living in an imbalanced state or to walk in wisdom. I challenge you today to think about what you are doing and to walk in wisdom.
"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony." - Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
Riches of Grace
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? - James 2:5
Have you ever wanted to instantly be a millionaire?
It happened one day to Howard Jenkins. One day Jenkins checked his account through an automated teller and discovered that his account had over $88 million dollars in it. To double check the amazing number, Jenkins went into the bank and asked the teller for his balance. When she wrote eight zeros on the piece of paper, he almost fainted.
Although he knew that it was an error, Jenkins asked to withdraw $4 million and they handed it to him without batting an eye. He showed the money to his girlfriend, and her first reaction was, "Where are we going?" But then she said, "We can't keep this money." Jenkins already knew it. He just wanted to be a millionaire for the afternoon. He returned the cash.
You may strike it rich or work your way to be a millionaire. But if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you have available incredible riches . . . riches of grace.
I challenge you today, to celebrate the riches of God's grace in your life.
"The riches of His free grace cause me to daily triumph over all the temptations of the wicked one, who is very vigilant, and seeks all occasions to disturb me." - George Whitefield (1714-1770)
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Trust God Each Day
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." - Psalm 31:14
Do you recall an ad that captured your attention?
No matter which medium . . . television, radio, print, or the web, ads are made to catch attention. Recently I was caught off guard with a newspaper ad. It pictured a gray-haired senior citizen in a wet suit. The woman was holding up her surf board along the edge of the beach. The ad began, "No matter where life takes you, your health care coverage goes along."
The ad was designed to have you think about your future. No one knows what crisis tomorrow may bring. The life of faith involves living each day trusting God to guide and direct your future. That doesn't mean that you are naïve and ignore things like health care coverage. But for the bigger picture of life, you can trust God. In the unexpected events of life, you can trust God. The Bible de¬scribes faith as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
You may not know where your life is taking you. But you can be sure that tomorrow, God has something prepared for you that you can't see or imagine. That's why we need to learn to trust God each day, no matter what the day holds.
"God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night the brighter they shine." - David Nicholas (1705-1769)
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Peace or Worry?
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15
Doesn't the world look pretty safe sometimes?
Peace accords are signed. Cold wars end. The wall comes down. Just when my fears began to calm, I ran across an article about nuclear weapons in Russia. Organized crime is trying to steal nuclear material in Russia and sell it on the black market. And while the FBI can't confirm that material has been stolen, Interpol reported that highly enriched uranium disappeared near St. Petersburg.
When I learn about the threat of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands, it's easy for me to feel anxious. But this is when I can turn to the truth from the Bible and learn from the words of Jesus.
In the Bible, the disciples of Jesus were anxious about their future. Jesus was telling them that he would soon die on a cross and be raised from the dead on the third day. They began to worry about their future. Then Jesus told them, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26).
It's easy to worry about the future but it's not what God wants for us. I challenge you today to rest in God's peace.
"Peace is more the product of our day-to-day living than of a spectacular program, intermittently executed."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969)
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Do Your Homework
Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. - Proverbs 20:11
When is the last time you made a bad decision because you didn't do your homework?
Over a three year period, thousands of criminals escaped from a Los Angeles County Sheriffs Work-Release program. A large number of these men were hardened criminals, incarcerated for violent crimes. It was reported that most of the men in the program had been asked if they would prefer work-release to doing prison time, and that their criminal record had no bearing on the offer.
God expects us to be wise in our association with others. He doesn't want us to fall prey to smooth talkers. If a person says one thing but his life speaks differently, beware! You can be sure that what you see is what you will get.
I challenge you today to seek wisdom from God in all that you do. Before putting your trust in another, look at his actions. Ask the Lord to give you the discernment necessary to avoid making the wrong decisions when it comes to relationships with others, both in your business life and your personal life.
"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence."
- St. Augustine ( 354-430)
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Secret Kindness
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:3
Has someone ever done something special for you anonymously? Didn't it make you feel wonderful?
There was a doctor who had been practicing medicine for over 30 years in a small Arkansas town. He was called before the State Medical Board because it had been reported that the doctor kept no written records of his patients' medical histories. The doctor admitted that he kept all patient information in his head but avoided having his license revoked when it was discovered that he was the only doctor in the small town and treated most of his patients at no charge.
When was the last time you did something special for someone else without taking credit for the effort? You would be amazed at how something simple can be such a blessing, not only to the receiver, but also to you.
Make a habit of doing a secret kindness for someone each and every day. Not only will you be able to shed happiness on others, but you, too, will surely be blessed!
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." - John Wooden (1910- )
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Don't Get Stuck
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. - Psalm 25:8-9
Have you ever strayed from the Lord and wandered down the wrong path? John O'Neil of Huntington, New York has.
The 73 year-old man left a bar late one night in February and walked down a very narrow opening between two buildings. Un¬fortunately for Mr. O'Neil, there wasn't enough space to accom¬modate him and he got stuck. He was wedged so tightly between the buildings that he could not move and spent the night waiting for help. In the morning, the Fire Department was summoned and had to pluck Mr. O'Neil from above.
When we take our eyes off the Lord, we can very easily get our¬selves stuck in a place where we don't want to be. That is why it is so important that God is the focus of all we do.
I challenge you today to assess your direction. Is God at the center of your life and are you allowing Him to direct your path? If you are not, I urge you to do so before you get yourself stuck in a very undesirable place.
"Every day, I find countless opportunities to decide whether I will obey God and demonstrate my love for Him or try to please myself or the world system. God is waiting for my choices." -Bill Bright (1921-2003)
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Expect the Unexpected
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. - Proverbs 16:9
Have you ever calculated and carefully planned something . . . only to find that the results were not what you expected?
In January of 1996, a Los Angeles based radio station awarded a pair of Superbowl tickets to the winner of their "Crazy Stunt" contest. For his stunt, finalist Mike Garcia intended to remove his glass eye, swallow it, bring it back up, and replace it in the socket . . . all before a live audience. In preparation, Garcia consumed a massive quantity of food, followed by a 6-pack of beer. Once onstage, the first half of his stunt went according to plan; Garcia effortlessly removed his glass eye and swallowed it. The second half, however, took an unexpected turn.
The gluttonous portions of food and ale had their anticipated effect. But despite his best efforts, Garcia could not retrieve the eye that he had swallowed. He heaved upon stage for more than fif-teen minutes and then left the stage tired, disappointed, and missing one eye. Had he known the outcome in advance, he probably would have opted to buy tickets, which probably would have been cheaper than what he spent to replace his prosthesis.
Be careful when you find yourself thinking that you have it all figured out. You could be headed for trouble. We need God's input and direction every moment of the day. Remember that even though we are reading the map, He is at the wheel. Look to the Lord when making the smallest, and seemingly most insignificant decisions.
"Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash." -George S. Patton (1885-1945)
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It's Nice to be Anywhere
No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. - Ecclesiastes 8:8
When it comes to the length of your life, what do you consider long enough?
On March 9, 1996 comedian and actor George Burns passed away at the age of 100. He was still performing live comedy, until just a few years before his death. At his 98th birthday celebration, he addressed his guest in true "George Burns style", saying "It's nice to be here . . . at 98, it's nice to be anywhere."
At 98 years-old, George Burns considered every day a gift and he was right! Whether you're twenty-two years old or ninety-two, life is precious and should never be taken for granted. None of us are born with a guaranteed number of days on this earth. We have no promise that we will be here tomorrow and should realize that each moment is priceless. In acknowledging each day as an irreplaceable gift, we will be more likely to make the most of the time that we are given.
Start each morning by thanking the Lord for the day He has given you. Then spend that day, as if you meant what you said.
"When I was a boy the Dead Sea was only sick." - George Burns (1896-1996)
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Earning Your Way
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23
How many things can you think of in this world, that are "Free of Charge" . . . no strings attached? Not many! Perhaps that's why there are so many people trying to work their way into the King¬dom of God.
At a "Celebrity Roast" in Beverly Hills, California, long time come¬dian and actor Bob Hope was put on the "Hot Seat". Among the nearly 1,000 people in attendance, were many of Hope's long time friends and fellow entertainers from Hollywood's early days.
Bob Hope's wife, Delores, while reflecting upon the recent passing of two Hollywood legends, Gene Kelly and George Burns, said, "God must want us around for something. So many other wonder¬ful people have gone and we are here. I guess maybe we haven't earned heaven yet." How many mistakenly believe that they can earn their way into heaven?
Accept the "Free Gift" of Salvation by asking Jesus to come into your heart and forgive you and your sins. If you've already taken that step, I challenge you to serve the Lord out of love and appre¬ciation for the gift that he has given you.
"There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer." - John Wooden (1910- )
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You're a Child of God
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:8
Have you ever been in the uncomfortable position of having to defend your rights or your personal property?
A 47 year-old woman conceived by artificial insemination after the death of her father was awarded Social Security "survivor's" benefits. This ended a seven year battle between the woman's mother and the Social Security Administration over the woman's rights as a child of the deceased. The Social Security Administration never conceded that she was legally entitled to the benefits, but rather stated that they did not want to spend the time and money necessary to fight the issue in a court of law.
When you ask Jesus into your heart, you are re-born into the family of God. From that point forward, there is no question that you are His child. You don't have to prove that He is your Father or that you are entitled to receive support from him.
As a child of God, you are given a promise, that all of your needs will be met. No one can deny you that benefit.
Live life with the assurance that you are a child of the King. God is your Father and you will never have to fight for your inheritance.
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
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The Danger of Rationalizing
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. - Proverbs 10:7
Beware when you find yourself rationalizing your actions. Ultimately, you will be trapped by your own deceit and unable to receive any direction from the Lord.
Most of us, at one time or another, have found ourselves rationalizing something we're not quite comfortable with. It's not so much the act of rationalizing, as it is the refusal to receive correction in this area that will get you in trouble.
In Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, a man by the name of Mark Spotz was put on trial for the murder of his brother. Spotz adamantly denied killing his brother, saying, 'He didn't die until he got to the hospital. In my mind, killing someone is taking a life willfully. I didn't do that. I shot my brother and he died. I didn't kill him."
Do you see how clouded your mind can become when you give in to what you know is wrong, and then allow yourself to justify it?
Rationalization is a ticking "time bomb". If you rationalize inappropriate actions, at some point you may find yourself as deluded as this poor fellow in Texas.
"O what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive!" - Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)
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Excusing Sin
For a man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. - Proverbs 5:21-22
Have you ever been foolish enough to attempt to blame your wrong doing on the Lord?
Earlier this year, Honduran Congressman, Julio Villatoro was charged with bigamy. When asked about the charges filed against him by his wife, the congressman replied, "I have problems with my wife, even though she knows a handsome man is not for one woman but for several. God gave me a physique attractive to women, and I take advantage of it."
Do you ever find yourself making excuses for your sin? Excuses rarely fool anyone except the person making them. They never fool the Lord. When you pardon your own wrong doing, you have set yourself on the path to self destruction.
Don't make excuses for the sin in your life. Instead make a habit of catching yourself in the act, and go to the Lord immediately for His forgiveness and His loving correction.
"If you don't do your part, don't blame God." - Billy Sunday (1862-1935)
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The "R" Word . . . Repentence
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. - Proverbs 28:13
What does the word "repentance" mean to you? Some mistakenly believe that "repentance" is just another word for "Really SORRY!" That definition is incomplete at best, and there are some people who just have to find out the hard way.
Consider the case of a Texas man, convicted of armed bank robbery. Incredible as it may seem, this man was able to cut a deal with the state prosecutor. Instead of doing any prison time, he was allowed to pay a hefty fine as complete recompense for the wrong he had done. Grateful and relieved, the convicted felon made his way down the hall of the Court Clerk's office where he paid his $10,000 fine. He presented the clerk with a check for the full amount, and regained his freedom.
This story could have had a wonderful ending except for one thing; the man had not repented! Shortly after his release, this man found himself standing before the same court, charged with yet another felony. The check he had presented to pay his fine had been forged. This time he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Search your heart and see if there are sins in your life, for which you have not truly repented. Repenting means to do a 180 and walk in the opposite direction. If you find that there are sins in your life, ask the Lord for forgiveness and then turn away from that sin and RUN in the opposite direction.
"Some often repent, yet never reform; they resemble a man traveling in a dangerous path, who frequently starts and stops, but never turns back." - Bonnell Thornton (1725-1768)
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Transparency
Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord. - Lamentations 3:40
I took a course in seminary and the professor told us that we could ask him anything we wanted, that his life was an open book. He would answer any question about anything. I didn't believe him, but as the semester went on, I witnessed transparency in this man unlike anything I'd ever witnessed before.
My upbringing was such that "transparency" wasn't even in our dictionary. My parents never came out and said it, but what was modeled was that it was o.k. to fudge on the truth if it meant letting others know that everything was o.k. in the Arterburn household.
It can be difficult to be real and open and honest, but if I want to continue growing and learning and being open to the awesome things God is doing, I have to at all costs keep myself accountable and let others know exactly where I am, what I'm feeling, what I'm concerned about; in short, just where I am emotionally. When I don't do that, that's where the journey into isolation begins for me, and I head off into an unhealthy emotional state.
I want to be honest and exhibit integrity at all times. I want to be someone that others can trust and turn to knowing there will be no judgment. And I want others to come to me in the same way.
What keeps us from this transparency in life? I know one thing that hinders transparency is pride. Satan has used this since Adam and Eve to put a wedge between man and God. That's why we have to put on the whole armor of God. Our battles are spiritual. Don't let pride get in the way of God's call for you to live a transparent life.
"Eyes so transparent that through them the soul is seen." - Theophile Gautier (1811-1872)
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Troubled Comparisons
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. - 1 Timothy 4:4
Why is it that we don't accept who we are? I don't know about you, but I look at others around me (friends, people in the news, in movies, athletes, co-workers) and compare how I look . . . my clothes, my physical features, my sense of humor, my speaking ability, my communication skills, my car, my cell phone, my glasses, the color, length and fullness of my hair, and my experiences.
If you're like me, you always come up short and feel intimidated. You never measure up so you clam up. You don't offer to use your gifts and talents because you're feeling inferior. So your gifts and talents die inside you. You stop living, stop loving, and stop feeling. Some of you may have turned to things to numb the pain and shut down the lying, hounding voices of your past hurts, mistakes, disappointments, and your failure to measure up to others.
But it's all a lie. God created you just as you are. Satan wants to shut you down. He doesn't want the uniqueness of you to shine forth. When you stifle who you are, you're giving Satan a victory. When you allow your personality, your experience, your gifts and skills to shine forth, you're giving God a chance to use you just as he made you. It's only then that you'll grow more and more into who he created you to be.
Accept who you are in Christ. He accepts you. Why don't you accept you? There's no reason good enough. Work through your insecurities and let God use you, starting today, just as you are.
"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Blind Spots
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. - Proverbs 27:9
Samuel was one of the great men of faith and one of the great lead¬ers in Israel's history. He served as priest, prophet, and Israel's last judge. Look at what the Bible says about him. "As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said was wise and helpful. All the people of Israel from one end of the land to the other knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord." (1 Samuel 3:19-20)
But Samuel was human, and he had blind spots. Samuel appointed his sons as judges in his place. The problem was that his sons were not the men of character that he was. Scripture tells us they "were greedy for money, accepted bribes and perverted justice." The peo¬ple tried to tell Samuel, but for whatever reason he had a blind spot when it came to his family.
We often develop blind spots with regard to someone we love and want to protect. If Samuel had heard the people's complaints with openness, he may have seen the truth before it was too late. Then he could have corrected the problem and held his sons accountable for their actions. If others around you are telling you things you don't want to hear, maybe you should stop and evaluate carefully what's being said.
Do you need to be honest about someone in your life: a friend, child, a family member? Take your blinders off.
"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly. - Jim Rohn
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Samson
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - Proverbs 18:24
As a child, Samson was dedicated to God, and God gifted him with supernatural strength. But Samson had a lifetime weakness . . . his desire for women. If you know the story, then you know that Samson was blinded to the dangers he faced in his relationship with Delilah. His enemies paid Delilah to discover the secret of his strength. Three times she begged him to let her in on his secret, and each time she tried to use this information to hand him over to his enemies. All three times, Samson lied to her and was able to escape, but each time he got closer to telling her the truth. In the end, Samson revealed his secret, was taken captive, and died a slave in the hands of his enemies.
Samson's real problem can be found in his wayward passions, which his enemies took advantage of. His disobedience to God caused him to gradually inch his way toward destruction and a violent death.
What do we learn from the story of Samson? Though our choices may not lead to a violent death, they can lead to the destruction of our families, jobs, or reputation. You can protect yourself by developing relationships with those who love you and are devoted to God's truth. It will help you choose obedience when you might have been tempted to choose otherwise. Unlike Delilah, safe, trust¬worthy friends will prove to be a source of strength, encourage¬ment and wisdom.
"Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001)
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Nehemiah
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. - Romans 14:12
Nehemiah, the great rebuilder of Jerusalem, is a great example in the Bible of leadership, faith, and unshakable commitment. He didn't let the huge task of the long-delayed restoration of Jerusalem discourage him. He realized that it was never too late for God's people to begin the process. He took direct and forceful action. His faith, wisdom, and courage kept him focused on his goal. He was determined to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. He faced foreign opposition and discord amongst his own people, but the wall was completed in just fifty-two days. An incredible feat!
Soon after this victory, Nehemiah directed the people toward a sec¬ond phase of restoration. He called upon the great teacher Ezra to lead the people in a study of the Scriptures. Confronted by God's word, they were soon in tears because they could see the truth of how far they'd strayed from God's law. They confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They accepted responsibility for generations of unfaithfulness on the part of their people and grieved openly before God.
When Nehemiah returned to Babylon, however, the people re¬turned to their sinful ways. Nehemiah found himself once again putting the Jews back on a right path. This example of short-term restoration shows how prone we are to drifting away from what's right if we're not held accountable. The encouragement: it wasn't too late to rebuild the wall, and it's not too late to rebuild your life. Begin by doing the next right thing!
"Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They're just braver five minutes longer." - Ronald Reagan (1911-2004)
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Love Your Neighbor
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." - 1 John 3:18
If you're like me, you live a life in community, but your community isn't likely one to include your neighbors. I know people who have lived in their neighborhoods for years and still don't know their neighbors' names. Busyness blocks out the world immediately around them.
A friend of mine recently shared a story with me. She said that she's lived in the same neighborhood for twelve years and never really reached out to any of her neighbors. Having learned that one of her neighbors was battling cancer and leukemia, she thought that the time had come to express care, concern, and love to her.
So, she wrote a note, wrapped up a little stuffed bunny, and approached her neighbor's house. Her heart was pounding. Was she opening herself to ridicule? She knocked on the door, wondering how this little gift and expression of care would be received. When her neighbor came to the door, she could tell that this hand delivered expression of love really moved her. The whole 10-minute process, doing exactly what God wanted her to do, was a blessing to both and an expression of the love of God to her neighbor.
Do you need to step out of your comfort zone and express love and concern to someone? Just look around you; the opportunities are there. We just close them off in our hurry to have a day without interruptions. Express some care and concern for someone today. Lend someone a helping hand. Spend time (and money if necessary) to be an agent of God's love. You know you need to do it!
Friendship? Yes Please." - Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
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It's Not About You!
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. - Hebrews 10:24
The first sentence of Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life is this: "It's not about you!" Do you believe that? Does your life reflect that? It's a struggle for me, and I bet it's a struggle for you. Consider these situations:
You're in the checkout line and the older gentleman in front of you wants to write a check, but can't find his checkbook. He locates his checkbook, but now he has no pen. Finally pen in hand, he inquires about the date. The clerk noticing his out-of-state check calls for approval. This short "in-and-out" errand adds 6 or 7 additional minutes to your packed schedule. It was probably the most inconvenient experience you've gone through. There ought to be a law! Or in the words of my mother, "It's always something!"
Or what about your restaurant experience with the hamburger and no ketchup because the waitress forgot. She is off talking, ignoring your request, and crying about something. The serving station has ketchup but it is her job. So you sit, tap your fingers on the table, and shoot darts at the lady crying at the back of the restaurant.
Did you think to say a kind word to the gentleman to help settle his nerves, or tell the waitress that you hope things get better. You might even leave a bigger tip or offer to pray for her. It's not about you! Look outside yourself. It's what we're called to do. Try it. See if God doesn't affirm you for it.
"Anyone bored these days is not paying attention. May you enjoy the horn of plenty without blowing it." - Bill Copeland (1929- )
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April 27
Psalm 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.
There will be days when everything seems useless and impossible. The temptation to give up will be almost overwhelming. It is in those times of total desperation that we need to cry out to the Lord. The Lord truly will strengthen the hearts of those who call upon Him. The periods of despair will pass; the temptations will pass. What will never pass away is the loving support of God. He stands beside those who put their trust and faith in Him. Call out to God in the tough times. Rejoice with Him when the times are easy. Wait on the Lord, and He will bless your life!
Today's thought: As the wait goes on, the weight comes off!
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A Daddy Vacuum
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God . . . - Psalm 68:5
I grew up in a family where my father was always there for me. He was a good man. A funny man. A bedrock of faith with a compassionate heart. I was truly blessed to be born into his family. Some of you weren't so fortunate. Your father wasn't a positive role model for you. Or, your father deserted your family or died young. You grew up without a father, and just hearing someone refer to "dad" or "daddy" is painful for you. The void of that all important person in your life left an insatiable void within you.
The role of your father is so important that it can effect how you perceive God as your heavenly father. I hope that no matter how bad your experience was with your father, that you won't be afraid to see God as your father. Consider and take solace in the words of Psalm 68 promising that God will be a father to the fatherless.
A friend of mine who grew up without a dad says that she has a daddy vacuum. Is that where you are today? Do you have a vacuum of your dad, or your mom, or maybe your entire family? If so, cling to God's promise that he'll be a father to the fatherless. How that looks will be different in each situation. Some of you will take solace directly in and with your heavenly father. To others, God will bring a father-figure into your life to begin to fill that void.
If you have a daddy vacuum, pray for God to fill that void within you, however He chooses. If you don't have that vacuum, and you're a man who was blessed like I was to have a dad that loved me and was there for me, look to see if God might be calling you to be a father to the fatherless on His behalf.
"It is much easier to become a father than to be one." - Kent Nerburn (1946- )
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A Lesson From Jonah
But Jonah ran away from the Lord . . . - Jonah 1:3
I'm sure you're familiar with the story of Jonah and the whale (big fish!). The book of Jonah in the Old Testament is a short book with just four chapters. If you have ten or fifteen minutes, stop and read it through. It's a great story with a lot of lessons for us.
The thing that stood out to me about this story was that Jonah was bold enough, after hearing exactly from God what he was supposed to do, to intentionally do just the opposite. He got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord.
That stood out at first because I thought to myself, "What a fool! Who would do such a thing?" Then I realized that is what I've done time and time again in my own life. Haven't you?
Look back at the choices you've made to try to do things your way. Think about the nights you've laid awake with a knot in your stomach, full of fear and anxiety about things that most likely weren't going to happen anyway. Think about the times you've chosen to numb yourself with food, alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, or something else that wasn't really the answer you were looking for or needed. When you "sobered up" you felt a little more empty than the day before.
What Jonah needed to do; what you and I need to do, is to humble yourself and surrender our wills to God. It's a daily task that will grow a little easier the more you do it. Start today. Don't go through what Jonah went through. Learn from him.
"Humility is a strange thing. The minute you think you've got it, you've lost it." - E. D. Hulse
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A Small, Brown Spot
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Luke 12:34
I was sitting in a meeting one morning last week when I glanced down and something captured my eye. It was a small brown coffee spot on my clean, white shirt. I couldn't believe it. I was bothered by it but really couldn't do anything about it. But my ADD mind was racing. "What if someone sees this?" "Will the stain come out?" "Do I have another shirt somewhere around here I could change into?" "Why didn't I wear a brown shirt?"
It was ridiculous to be consumed with such thoughts. Looking back I laugh at it, but at the time, I wasn't. It's kind of sad the way my mind can obsess over things like this, and a rather sad example of what can be so important to us at times. Why do we focus on the negative aspects of life? How many of us compare ourselves to others and worry we don't measure up? How many times do we walk into a group setting and worry about what we are wearing and how we look, so concerned that it's the way others think it should be?
What is more important? That my desk is organized and neat, or that I set aside time to be with the Lord? To make a purchase to fill a void inside, or to support the kingdom of God with that money? Would God rather I memorize Scripture, or apply it to my life?
What is your focus on today? Are you working to do a better job than the person in the next cubicle because you want to look better to the boss, or are you working to show them God's love in some way for their benefit? Is it on kingdom living, or on a small, brown spot?
"Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow." - Aesop
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David
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth - Psalm 145:18
We know more about the spiritual life of David than probably any other person in the Bible. The extensive record of his life and the Psalms he wrote show us that he studied and meditated on God's word, he fasted, and that his entire life was yielded to God's service. Two things he did stand out to me: he worshiped and he prayed. These spiritual exercises renewed his spirit over and over again.
For example, David's first role in the king's court was as a musi¬cian. His ministry of worship touched Saul's heart, as it has untold millions of others since David lived. His worship is so powerful because it's a natural, unforced mixture of David's heart (when he is up and when he's down) with an unwavering faith in a gracious, almighty God.
His prayers often begin with an honest confession of anger, despair, or frustration. He didn't hide his feelings from God and he didn't pretend that he was "super-spiritual." Spiritual renewal flows from the freedom to be totally honest with God. Read Psalm 145 and you will see David's progression from anxiety and distress to faith filled assurance and confidence.
When you consider the worship and prayer in David's life, you soon recognize that being someone after God's own heart doesn't mean you never fall . . . it means when you fall, you look to God to restore your spirit, and you fall to your knees in worship and prayer.
"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." - C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
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Wise Counsel
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the Lord" - 1 Kings 22:5
If you desire spiritual growth, then you'll need wise counselors in your life. Even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, recognized the need for wise and godly counsel. Turning to trustworthy counselors in times of confusion or uncertainty can help you preserve your spiritual strength.
In the book of Proverbs, Solomon gave this advice, "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors, bring success." (15:22) He also said, ". . . with many counselors there is safety."(Proverbs 11:14)
Where else can you look for wise counsel? Solomon's father David looked to God's Word, saying, "Your decrees please me; they give me wise advice." (Psalm 119:24) And the prophet Isaiah made it clear that the Messiah himself would be our great counselor when he came. He said, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
Jesus is the one who grants wisdom, hope, and purpose to life, even and especially in times of confusion or trouble. Good counsel comes from God's word and from godly people. It can come from professionally trained pastors, counselors, or from people who understand your specific issues and care for you. Whatever the case, don't isolate. You'll do yourself a great service if you seek wise counsel.
"Counsel woven into the fabric of real life is wisdom." – Walter Benjamin (1892-1940)
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Be a Joshua
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9
All through the Old Testament book of Joshua, the Lord says, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid." What a message for us!
As I read through the book I was amazed at how when the Lord spoke to Joshua, Joshua never stood before the Lord with excuses. He didn't attempt to refute why he couldn't capture the territory the Lord had already given him. He never grumbled and complained about his childhood or his feelings of inadequacy or his anxiety or anything else you can think of. He simply moved forward in faith. As a consequence he led the entire nation of Israel to conquer and settle in the Promised Land.
If you would arise each day with the same simple faith of Joshua, a faith that simply trusted the Lord as shown by your actions and behavior, just think about what area of your life you could capture. You could turn the tables on the enemies of your past . . . on the abuse and neglect and fear and hurt. You can capture that enemy territory.
The Lord has already captured that area of your life for you. He wants to hand it over to you so you can obtain victory!
In what area of your life do you need to see the walls come tum¬bling down?
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway." - John Wayne (1907-1979)
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Choices
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. - Deuteronomy 30:19
A friend of mine recently shared that something triggered a very painful memory from her childhood. She tried to pretend it didn't hurt anymore, but the tears welled up within her. The more she attempted to suppress the reality of what she was feeling, the more it began to devour her from her previous state of serenity.
She began to journal about her feelings and realized that it was time to grieve that part of her life and the loss of what never was and never will be. She realized it was time to grieve it, accept it and move on.
She was left with two choices: Remain stuck in the pain and allow it to begin to suck her back down into a pit of darkness, or allow God to heal and comfort her; to draw close to him for what she needed. She experienced a wonderful realization . . . the choice was hers! Not her husband's, not her kid's, not her parents', not her neighbor's, not her friend's, not her pastor's . . . it was her choice.
She put it this way, "I don't know about any one else, but I am tired of hurting and allowing my past hurts and disappointments to be my focus and to consume me. I desire to walk in wholeness, to get well and to be free from the chains that have held me captive and prisoner all my life."
Make your choice. Chose life today!
"Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head." - Ann Landers (1918-2002)
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Accepting Yourself
Oh Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. - Psalm 130:8
Many people seem to go about life with a kind of bravado . . . bold confidence and self-assurance. The truth, however, is that most of us wish we were different somehow. If only you were as outgoing as Jack . . . if you were as physically fit as Mary . . . if you had the financial sense of Tom . . . a full head of hair like John . . . or the quick wit of Connie. While it's okay to admire good traits in others, often this desire to be like someone else is actually a form of covetousness, or envy. So, how about learning to accept yourself as God has made you.
Before you can truly accept yourself, however, you need to see the truth about yourself, recognizing both the gifts and the limitations that God's given you. If you don't, you will constantly struggle to be someone you're not.
One way to appreciate how God has made you is to read Psalm 139. The psalmist rejoices, "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it." (139:14)
Each of us is unique and special . . . embraced and accepted by God himself . . . even though not one of us is perfect. Spiritual renewal cannot begin until you're willing to accept yourself as God made you. Once you accept the truth about yourself your focus can change . . . and you can bring great glory to God himself. He, after all, is the one who made you, and He is the reason we live.
"I am somebody. I am me. I like being me. And I need nobody to make me somebody." - Louis L'Amour (1908-1988)
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When Tragedy Strikes
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. - Psalm 46:1, 11
Knowing how to respond to tragedy is never easy. Maybe it's the terrible sense of loss you feel. Perhaps it's the desire to know why the tragic event happened that leaves you feeling alienated and alone. Was it something you did? Was it someone else's fault? Why did God allow it to happen? These questions usually go unanswered because "Why?" is almost always the wrong question.
Remember Job? The Bible tells us Job was a godly man. Yet, he lost everything . . . his wealth, family, and his health. Why did all of this happen, especially to such a good man? When you read the story of Job, you'll discover his suffering was the result of spiritual warfare. Yet, Job didn't know this. His friends accused him of secret sin. And as time passed Job grew increasingly upset and confused. He even began to question God's sense of justice.
In the end, however, Job's arguments were silenced before God. While God never explained fully to Job why the disasters had befallen him, he did bring Job to a place of humble surrender. This increased Job's understanding of God and gave him the proper perspective to continue life. Neither Job nor any other man who has suffered a serious loss can ever fully understand why a catastrophe has happened. But if you're willing to seek God and surrender your life and your situation into his powerful hands, he'll do a work in you and through you that will restore your spirit and bring Him honor and glory.
"Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven." - Henry Ward Beecher (1830-1887)
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Equipping the Called
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. - Ephesians 3:20
When God called Moses to go before Pharaoh, Moses basically told God that He was making a mistake choosing him. God became angry, but Moses made an impact. God understood the fear Moses was experiencing and provided him with an assistant.
You often think that God can't or wouldn't use you because of your past mistakes, or because you're not worthy. Do you think you're going to limit God and His power to use the most unlikely people in the most unlikely situations? I don't think so. I heard a pastor say, "God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called!" I love that, because it means that God works through people like me who are the underdogs . . . the outcasts . . . the defeated.
Remember the story of Balaam . . . how God spoke through his donkey? If he can use a donkey, he can use you, or even me! The Bible shows example after example of God using the least likely people to accomplish His will. David to slay Goliath. Moses to speak to Pharaoh. Gideon and a band of three hundred men to defeat the Midianites. A ragtag team of fishermen to turn the world on its heels with the good news of Jesus.
They all had in common a willingness to be used by God. He just wants you to make yourself available to Him. You don't have to have it all together. If you wait for that, you'll never be ready. And don't get caught in the paralysis of analysis. Just express your will¬ingness to be used by God for His purpose, and take the first step to do something today. Don't limit yourself. God doesn't!
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney (1901-1966)
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Jesus Didn't Hurry
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1
One of my staff members has a habit of reminding me that Jesus was never in a hurry. I'm always in a hurry, hoping for quick answers and looking for motion in the direction I want to go. But then I hear him say it again . . . "Jesus was never in a hurry."
I've thought about that and it makes me think of using a crock pot. The most tender, juicy meat you can fix is in a slow cooker. And, that's how it is with healing. Healing is a process that won't be hurried. It's a slow cooker experience. And if you accept that, it will take the pressure off you to finish it up.
God desires for you to pay attention to Him and his creation in your life each day. When you race through life doing everything as fast as you can, you miss some pretty awesome things along the way. Every challenge, every growth opportunity, every surprise that comes your way is an opportunity for your to look for God.
Healing can be slow, but it doesn't mean you're not growing. Allow it to slow cook and you'll have a tastier recovery filled with some mouth watering nuggets of wisdom. Let the Master Chef do His job with you.
Jesus was never in a hurry. Why are you?
"Don't count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count." - unknown
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Letting Go and Moving On
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. - 1 Corinthians 13:11
When was the last time you tried to break a habit, an old idea, a negative behavior pattern, or an unhealthy emotional recording from the past? It's not easy! Even though you know you need to, even though you know it would be a good thing to do and will result in a healthier or happier state, it's just a pain. And you'd rather live in the comfort of your misery, or so you think.
We often react like two year-olds whose parents are taking the bottle away. Tantrums, meltdowns, and tears always seem to be a part of the process.
What are you holding on to? What from the past are you hanging on to that you need to let go of? You know the things that tear you down and keep you from emotional health, but you just hang on to.
How many times has God given you the opportunity to give those things up because they keep you isolated and stuck, even poisoning your spirits? But it means letting go. That "S" word again . . . surrender.
It takes a willing spirit. But you can walk in the victory that the Lord has already given you, if you choose it. Choose it today!
"Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ." -A.W. Tozer (1897-1963)
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Not Too Broken to Fix
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. - Jeremiah 29:12
I've had times in my life where I felt I was too broken to fix. Have you had those times? Are you in one of those times now? Do you know someone in one of those times?
I say, "one of those times," because that's what it is.
None of us are ever too broken to fix. But we've all been in a spot where we felt so stuck that we thought we'd be there forever. Haven't you felt that you were going to die in that spot because you were stuck there so long, and you couldn't see a way out, and you were getting comfortable being stuck?
Healing and recovery can be a long road. But if you take the first step, the road is one step shorter. And if you take the second step, it's two steps shorter. And you keep taking steps and the hope in¬creases and you don't worry any more that you'll be swallowed up with fear and you won't be paralyzed by the long road ahead.
You'll get to a point that you'll look back and see how far you've come. You'll recognize that God honored your decision to take a step toward healing. He honored your decision to connect with others.
"Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find the right road." - Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961)
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The Wait
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. - Lamentations 3:25-26
Do you find waiting tough? Most twenty-first century people do. We don't want to wait in traffic, wait in line, wait for the economy, or wait for a table. So the thought of waiting on God sets us back on our heels. We think our timing is what matters and then God says, "Wait!" And it can be especially difficult to wait on God.
Look at this great promise from the prophet, Isaiah. "Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. hey will walk and not grow faint." (40:31). And the prophet, Jeremiah, said, "The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him.
The Lord will reward you for waiting upon Him. You can remain calm when it appears that nothing is happening when you think it should. Waiting is a response contrary to the ways of the world. But when you learn to wait, you'll find the winds of adversity will lift you up, like wind beneath the wings of an eagle, instead of knocking you down. As you develop a patient faith in God, you will be able to endure to the end of the race . . . and win. As you seek God and wait on Him to complete His work in your life, you will be find strength. Try it and see!
"I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it." - Jonathan Winters (1925- )
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Honestly Admitting Our Needs
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him. - Matthew 7:9-11
Are you reluctant to ask for help? You're definitely not alone. Too many of us are unwilling to admit we need help. We think it's a sign of weakness. But it's really a sign of pride and self-sufficiency, both which go against the grain of a healthy dependence upon God and the power of His Holy Spirit in our lives.
God wants to give you good things. He's hoping you'll humbly admit that you have needs. Don't be afraid to ask others for help. Remember, God made us to relate to one another, to love one an¬other. We weren't made to live life alone. If you're "the strong" one that is always lending a hand and seeing to it that others are taken care of, it's hard for you to let someone know you need help, but it's important that you do.
We need more two way streets in our Christian community.
"Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful." - Ric Ocasek (1949- )
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Recovery is Like an Onion
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:25
Someone smarter than me said it: "Recovery is like an onion. All the layers that exist have to be peeled away." Well, if you're a connoisseur of onions, you know that there are different varieties. Some are really powerful and when you barely touch them they produce tears. Others are pretty sweet and they barely affect you when you chop them up.
And so it is with your peeling the layers in your healing process. Some layers will affect you more than others. But, if you realize that it's a process, and that God is with you every step of the way, you can face the pain of your past so that you can move beyond it and heal. Also, consider this: You are in the present. You lived through the reality, whatever and whenever it was, so you can certainly live through the feelings and memories of the reality today.
Make your one desire to be made whole and to be as much like Christ as you can be. When you do, you'll find God putting on your heart the desire and the courage to carry the message of hope and healing to those who are stuck in their pain.
Embrace the pain of the recovery and healing process. It will remind you that God is in control and you're being held in his arms, tight and secure as He walks you through it. It's means you'll take some steps of faith, and that will be pleasing to God and healing to you.
"We are all broken and wounded in this world. Some choose to grow strong at the broken places." - Harold J. Duarte-Bernhardt (1950- )
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Reframing
The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. - Psalm 98:2
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing was going your way, and you just felt like God was against you? I know it's an over-inflated ego thing to think that way. But that's partly why I wrote my book, Reframe you Life. In that book I try to outline how you can change the way you view your life.
Have you ever sat in the doctor's office waiting for the doctor, and he's running late. You become irritated at the doctor and his lack of consideration for other people's schedules. But instead of getting irritated, have you ever thought to use that time to think through more carefully what issues you want to discuss with the doctor, or to stop and think about your day, your week, or the things you want to do and people you want to call, or stop and use the quiet moment to spend some time praying for your friends and family.
That's just a small example of reframing your thinking. Reframing will keep you from asking the "why" questions in life and just accept those things that don't have answer and move on. Yes, there's still pain to work through, but it helps to realize that everything in life hasn't been targeted to you. God is not your abuse. He is not your past. He is not all the bad and hurtful things that happened to you. He is a loving God who wants the very best for you and who went to great lengths to let you know how valuable you are. So valuable that he allowed his Son to go to the cross for you.
Learn to reframe your thinking and you'll see life differently than you ever have.
"I'm not funny. What I am is brave." - Lucille Ball (1911-1989)
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Overconfidence/Self-Assurance
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. - Habakkuk 3:19
Overconfidence is usually viewed as a negative personality trait. The story of Joseph in the Old Testament is a good example.His youthful boasting to his brothers got him in trouble. Based on a dream, he claimed that the others would someday bow down to him. This, coupled with his father's favoritism, led to jealousy and broken family relationships. In the end, his brothers sold him into slavery, cutting him off from his family altogether.
Through years of difficulties and suffering, however, Joseph's over¬confidence was developed by God into a mature self-assurance. This self-assurance made Joseph capable of tackling and succeed¬ing when most other men would have run away. His integrity, took him from being a prisoner to being second only to Pharaoh. And, as only God could orchestrate, Joseph was in a position to save the young nation Israel during a time of terrible famine.
Overconfidence without God's perspective will invariably lead you down the pathway to other personal problems and mistakes. On the other hand, self-assurance based on a strong faith will enable you to overcome incredible obstacles and see God's hand in your life.
Are you overconfident and relying on your strength or intelligence to succeed? Or are you self-assured, knowing that God is the source of any strength, favor, or success? One way leads to trouble while the other God will use for his plans and his glory.
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss (1904-1991)
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Reading God's Mind
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." - 1 Corinthians 3:19-20
Have you ever said to yourself, "if only I knew God's thoughts?" Some people seem presumptuous to think that they do know God's thoughts. They're full of advice and act as if they understand exactly what God thinks and what he would do in every situation. Too often such people fail to recognize that God's thoughts and ways are far beyond our ability to understand. His ways are typically not our ways.
On the other hand, God's Word does give a glimpse into his thoughts and desires. He calls you to forsake your worldly thought patterns and learn his principles for life because conventional, worldly wisdom is often the exact opposite of God's ways. By saturating your mind with God's Word you begin to see both God's message and His method. You'll see how He worked in history. If you pause and reflect on your own life you'll see how he has worked in your life. And you'll see that it wasn't how you would have designed it in either case.
God's words to the prophet Isaiah give great hope. "The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." (55:10-11)
Get to know God, but don't try to be His mind-reader.
"A glimpse of God will save you. To gaze at Him will sanctify you." - Manley Beasley
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Hope in God
And for this we labor and strive, that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. - 1 Timothy 4:10
The one thing I need more than anything is hope; we all want something to hope for and someone we can trust. God alone is able to perfectly fulfill both needs. You'll never regret placing your hope and confidence in Him.
Jeremiah 17:5-8 tells us how enemies threatened the nation of Judah, and many turned to Egypt and other human powers for deliverance. But the Lord said, "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they go right on producing delicious fruit."
Placing your hope in programs, the government, your job, or the economy (anything but God) is like expecting a tree to flourish in the barren desert. Your thirst continues because these things or people are unable to satisfy your deepest needs. But placing your hope in the Lord changes everything. Jesus said, "The water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:14) Where is your hope? Is it in things, which will come and go, or is your hope in the living God?
"I still believe in Hope - mostly because there's no such place as Fingers Crossed, Arkansas." - Molly Ivins (1944-2007)
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A Psalm
"But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the Lord I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill." - Psalm 3:3-4
It's impossible to adequately summarize the richness and breadth contained in the book of Psalms. It was Israel's hymnbook, containing songs of praise to God. It also contains the cries of God's people in difficult situations. And it was a prayer book for Israel. The psalmists looked to God in moments of private despair, in times of national suffering, and in joyous mountain-top moments.
The Psalms are for us right now, today. They are brimming with honest emotion. Through them you can learn to pour out your anguish and your adoration, your suffering and confession, your hopes and your fears. Through them you feel safe asking God why he has or hasn't acted in a certain way. Through others you might express your pain, heartache, and discouragement. Through still others you may praise God as he frees you from oppression and sin. Each psalm is an expression of the heart. None of them are neat little packages of answers tied up with pretty bows. They are living words, a collection of spiritual diaries from people who honestly sought God's help and His heart.
Do you need spiritual direction or encouragement? The Psalms can function as deterrents to keep you out of trouble, guides to help you through problems, reminders of the one who actually delivers you, or as beacons of hope to encourage you in perplexing or painful situations. Read the Psalms and be ushered into the very presence of your loving and merciful God. You'll be glad you did!
"The hot water is to remain upon the tea no longer than whiles you can say The Miisere Psalm very leisurely." - Kenelm Digby (1603-1665)
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The Beauty of Pain
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and paralyzed, and he healed them. - Matthew 4:24
Pain is something most of us try to avoid, at all costs. It's the reason some of us are trapped in addictions and hate the thought of each new day. But pain is also one of the best things that God allows in our lives. Pain is a great motivator. It lets you know that there is something that you need to pay attention to. It lets you know when doing things your way no longer works. It's a tool that when used to your benefit will redirect your life.
But in that redirection, you have a choice. You can chose to cover the pain to treat the symptom and never treat the cause. Or you can do a little work, find the cause, and deal with it once and for all.
You might continue in life with the pain, like a pointed stick poking at your spirit, but never doing anything about it. But that pain is telling you to back up, take an inventory of your actions and attitudes, to make amends with someone, to seek help from someone who's been there before or has experience you don't have. It's also telling you that God is in charge, and you're not.
So, accept pain as your friend. Make the choice to deal with the root issue, and not just the resulting pain. When the issue is dealt with, the pain will subside. Pain is part of your healing, but if you deal with it wisely, it will lead to a road of freedom and a pathway of lasting joy.
"Pain is short and joy is eternal." -J. C. F. Von Schiller (1759-1805)
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The Deserts of Life
Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. - Hosea 2:14
The Old Testament book of Hosea is a beautiful story of the depths of God's love for His people. The short version is this: Hosea was directed by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer. Even though Hosea knew before hand that she would be unfaithful, he won her back with unconditional love.
It was a picture of the nation Israel, who time and time again prostituted itself in disobedience to God. But each time, God would love her and bring her back into the fold. But more importantly to us today, it's a picture of each of us. We run from God. We sell ourselves for the pleasures of the flesh. We prostitute ourselves spiritually. Yet God still loves us and takes us back each and every time. It's amazing, but it's true . . . God is a God of second chances.
The above passage in Hosea refers to leading her into the desert to speak tenderly to her there. Boy did that jump out at me! When I have an experience that leads me into the desert, it's a feeling of desolation and desertion. I start to believe that Jesus isn't there, that he just left the building. But the reality of it is that God put me there at that exact place and time so I can hear from him. Sometimes God wants us all to Himself, with no distractions, so he can talk to us . . . speak tenderly to us.
In order to listen to someone speaking tenderly to you, you have to be quiet . . . you have to be still. If it takes leading you to the desert, God will do that. When he does, listen!
"Gentlemen, listen to me slowly." - Samuel Goldwyn (1882-1974)
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The Eyes of Your Heart
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. - Ephesians 1:18
Going through difficult times, if it does nothing else for you and to you, will open the eyes of your heart. Walking through troubled waters is one way that God has of shifting your vision. When your heart breaks, there's an avenue for God's compassion to trickle in and envelop your heart with His. You'll begin to look at others through the eyes of your heart and not through the eyes of quick judgment, harsh conclusions, or self-interest.
Your trip to the grocery store, to church, to Wal-Mart or Starbucks will take on a new hue. You'll look at people and wonder what their story is; what their childhood was like; what caused them to be so happy or unhappy, why they seem this way or that.
Their job titles will be less important, their type of car won't impress you, what kind of clothes they wear, or whether they're wrinkled or stylish won't matter any more. You're more likely to understand that they are in some pain and trying to run from it or trying to hide. Or, you'll see their smile and demeanor and wonder if they're truly happy or masking some inner, silent suffering or anger.
Now, you won't get answers to all that you wonder about people and their stories, but your heart will be softened. You'll find that you have a level of compassion that most people don't have. If your heart is broken, let his compassion trickle in to your heart through the brokenness. Let him open the eyes of your heart today.
"What value has compassion that does not take its object in its arms." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944)
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The Solitary Role
But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. - Psalm 55:13-14
Evan owns a small business with one employee. He prides himself on his precision craftsmanship that keeps a steady stream of customers lined up and waiting. He's been urged to expand his shop and hire more employees, but Evan likes things small and controllable. He doesn't want to grow, because he doesn't want to get in a position where he needs his customers more than they need him.
Evan has the same attitude about his relationship with his wife. He keeps his thoughts and feelings well hidden because he feels he must act as if he doesn't need anything from her. His wife and children don't feel they know Evan, because he never shares anything from his heart. In addition, he has no close friends.
Evan learned in his upbringing that it's not manly to need anyone. He picked up early in life that his father didn't need him. And by spending more time on his career than with his family, Evan's father conveyed the idea that Evan shouldn't need him either. So Evan grew up feeling that he must face life without any help.
Are you living a solitary life like Evan? Is it okay to be needed by others, but you can't commit to need anyone else? Your choice for solitude and distance are depriving you of your basic needs for love, relationship, and intimacy. The longer you play the solitary role, the greater your loss. You were made to need and be needed. Don't be afraid to connect.
"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself."- Henry Ford (1863-1947)
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The Detached Role
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. - Romans 12:9
Tom's a clerk in a hectic government office. In the midst of all the daily pressures, he's regarded as one of the most even-tempered workers in the department. He's quiet, efficient, and never seems to get riled at his impatient coworkers or those visiting his office.
Tom spends his energy herding his emotions because he feels they're his enemy. Deep inside he believes that his father didn't like him as a boy because he was too much of a crybaby and a "fraidy-cat." Since he perceives that he lost his father by being too much of a sissy, Tom isn't about to expose his emotions as an adult. His controlled emotional detachment also keeps him aloof from his wife. In the past, whenever Tom showed any signs of being troubled, angry, or fearful, she'd ask him what was wrong. But his usual response was a curt, "Nothing!" So, she learned not to ask.
Detached people like Tom find it difficult to live out the values they profess because they ignore their heart, which is the center from which values come. Often a detached person will become addicted to work, money, football, alcohol, or drugs.
Are you like Tom? Do you stuff your sense of defeat inside, thinking you should be able to "take it?" Are you emotionally frozen? Perhaps you're so dead inside you have little to give a relation-ship. Is your spouse enduring a frustrating relationship because you insist on suffering your losses alone? You can change. Start by connecting with others. Find a safe person that you can talk to. We were meant for connection, not detachment!
"Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." -Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
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Meaning Beyond Accomplishments
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. - 2 Corinthians 5:5
Rod felt that his life had real meaning when he was an assembly line foreman for an automobile manufacturing plant. Sixteen people on his shift depended on him, and he felt that his work was significant. Without the hoods and trunk lids his team installed, the cars would be incomplete. He was confident that there were few men in the plant who could do his job as skillfully as he did. He knew that if he died suddenly his superiors, coworkers, and family would sorely miss him.
But Rod is now sixty-six. He's retired from the plant and someone just as competent as he was is running the crew. Rod realizes that he's no longer needed on the assembly line. What's more, Rod realizes that his family doesn't need him either. His children are grown and gone. He hears from them briefly on holidays. His wife is in poor health, but a home-care nurse tends to her needs three times a week. And he wonders if anybody will show up at his funeral or miss him when he's gone.
Someone older without a mission in life feels empty, and can eventually feel despondent. If this sounds like you, then you need to find another outlet for your gifts, your skills, your abilities . . . that will give you a sense of purpose. The stability and maturity of a senior adult is often preferred and needed. How can you be of help in your city, neighborhood, church or even abroad? Check your passions and see how and where you can continue to serve God.
"It is always in season for old men to learn." - Aeschylus ( 525-456 BC)
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Prayer
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. - Luke 22:42-3
Have you ever heard someone say, "If you had your act together, you wouldn't be struggling with knowing or following God's will." Don't believe it! It's a common, mistaken belief, and Jesus' own actions teach that this isn't so.
Jesus' final moments before his crucifixion were spent in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. There he prayed three times. Each prayer was a step in letting go of things that would hold him back so that he could take hold of God's will. The first prayer was an outburst of grief. Jesus shuddered at the chill of death's dark shadow. Prayer seemed his only refuge.
The second prayer was one of release. Jesus was faced with two choices: If he saved his life, he would lose us. But if he lost his life, he would save us. Christ desired to do the will of his Father, and so he accepted his calling to die for us.
The third prayer strengthened his resolve. It was like the tempering of steel, in which the refined metal is reheated a second time to increase its strength. As a soldier readies himself for battle or a patient prepares himself for a difficult surgery, so Jesus gathered strength from his Father for the task and left all his anxiety with him.
If Jesus can struggle, then I guess it's o.k. if I do, too.
"Pray often; for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan." - John Bunyan (1628-1688)
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Doubt
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief. - Mark 9:24
Distrust or wavering faith is a reality for most of us. But how would you like to be labeled a "doubting Thomas?" Do you ever wonder what it was like for Thomas, Jesus' disciple who became known for his lack of faith? Thomas simply didn't believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. But that's not the end of his story.
Thomas didn't doubt Jesus' resurrection out of fear. He continued to meet with the followers of Jesus in the upper room. He just happened to be absent when the risen Jesus first appeared to them. He wanted some kind of proof that his companions had not just been seeing things. Thomas was given the undeniable evidence he asked for when Jesus appeared a second time, dispelling all his doubts.
Undeniable evidence, however, isn't necessary to begin a life of faith. As a matter of fact, it makes faith unnecessary. Jesus said to Thomas, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway." You too have evidence of the Resurrection. You can experience God's transforming power in your own life. You can overcome your troubling doubts as you continue to trust God to show you his power in your life.
When Thomas overcame his doubts, he set out on a ministry that exhibited extraordinary faith. As you experience God's deliverance, it will motivate you to minister to others as well. Do you have doubts? If faced honestly, doubt can lead to deeper faith.
"Doubt can only be removed by action." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)
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Priorities
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. - Psalm 1:1
"I really don't know what's wrong with me," said forty-two-year-old Tyrone to his counselor. "I've attained many of my personal and business goals. But I'm still breeding ulcers, trying to climb up the ladder. With all my success, I'm still bummed out when someone else beats me to a big sale or a new account. I have a wonderful wife and two great kids, but I kind of feel like an outsider when I'm with them. I'm often around people and have lots of friends. But I don't enjoy it, and I don't think they're really enjoying me. I'm afraid my dark moods are distancing me from the ones I love. But I don't know what to do about it."
Tyrone looks and acts like the American Dream personified. By all outward appearances he's succeeded in the areas of life that really matter in our society: family, friends, career, finance. But like so many men, Tyrone's warm smile and confident exterior mask a deep sadness and uncertainty. He often wonders what's really worthwhile in life. Despite all the trophies he's accumulated indicating he's a winner, he always feels defeated.
Can you relate to Tyrone? The pursuit of the American Dream has left many feeling alone and angry. Why? Because prosperity cannot be measured by money or even family. Who does the Bible teach is prosperous or blessed? Only when you seek to find joy in your Creator and not in His creation, will your soul begin to find significance and true happiness. Stop and assess where you seek your joy.
"God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there." - Billy Graham (1918- )
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Build a New Life
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Your past sometimes gets in the way of your vision for the future, doesn't it? If you allow yourself to dwell on the areas where you've failed or on losses and disappointments that hurt you, you might find it difficult to look forward to the future God has for you.
King David is a man who dreamed of building a magnificent temple. When he commissioned his son Solomon to do the work he said, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God is with you." (1 Chronicles 28:20) Many years later the apostle Paul said, "We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord." (Ephesians 2:21)
Just as David dreamed of building a magnificent temple, you can dare to dream of building a new life. God has the blueprint already drawn up: just follow it by faith. You may be afraid that you will start and fail, but in the words of David, "be strong and courageous, and do the work." As someone once said: Beginning is half done. In other words, take the first step, it's the toughest.
What dreams have you been quietly suppressing? Dreams of becoming a missionary? Maybe you have dreams of adopting. Or dreams of starting a new career. Maybe you've been dreaming about building deep friendships or making an impact on your community. Don't be frightened. When God begins a good work, He is faithful to complete it.
"It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars." -Garrison Keillor (1942- )
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Restoring Relationships
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. - 2 Corinthians 5:18
Are you living with a strained relationship? Restoration of human relationships doesn't happen instantaneously. If you've broken someone's heart or trust, you have a responsibility to face your failures. And you also have the tough responsibility of avoiding the urge to blame others for the problems you've caused. It may take some time before you're able to face up to your failures. Expect the process of restoration and regaining trust to take time.
The prophet Hosea was a remarkable man. He was told by God to marry a prostitute. His marriage was to be a living example to the nation of Israel of her infidelity toward God. It must have hurt Hosea deeply when his wife returned to her life of prostitution. Hosea said, "Then the Lord said to me, 'Go and get your wife again. Bring her back to you and love her, even though she loves adultery. For the Lord still loves Israel even though the people have turned to other gods, offering them choice gifts.'" (Hosea 3:1) Hosea needed some time before he could be close to his wife again, for such deep restoration takes time.
It's your responsibility to wait patiently while God helps you restore your broken relationships and the hearts you may have broken. God can give those you've hurt love when love has been lost; he can help you trust and become trustworthy again, but these things take time.
"When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves." - William Ward (1921-1994)
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Overcoming Expectations
He went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. - Matthew 14:23
One of the subtlest enemies of spiritual life and growth is the influence of other's expectations of you. The world expects you to continually seek possessions and prestige. It expects you to fill your time with busy activity, whether meaningful or not.
Are you allowing the world's expectations to dictate your life? How often do you act in order to please others rather than because you want to please God? Sometimes pleasing God may actually require that you disappoint others because you can't fulfill their demands on you.
What do people expect of you? What do you do when the world's demands are pressing in on you? Solitude can help you break free from other's expectations. When you spend some time quietly alone you can see more clearly what the world is asking of you. In solitude you're more able to evaluate these expectations in relation to God's desires for you and then decide which demands should or should not be fulfilled.
Following one of the busiest days - and nights - of his ministry, the book of Mark tells us that Jesus "awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray." Is your life busy? Are you feeling pressure from your work, your spouse, your friends, or your kids? Follow the example of Jesus. Make solitude a priority in your life today. You'll be better for it.
"In solitude, where we are least alone." -Lord Byron (1788-1824)
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Rest for the Weary Soul
My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. - Psalm 38:4
There are plenty of roads in life that promise joy, health, peace, or transformation. Most of them, however, don't lead in that direction. You can literally exhaust yourself seeking spiritual refresh-ment. And that doesn't make any sense.
We work hard at building a good life, but instead of joy on the journey, we often feel weighed down by life. Have you grown weary going down one wrong road after another?
Proverbs tells us, "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." (Proverbs 14:12) The fact that a way looks right at first glance doesn't mean it's leading toward spiritual renewal . . . it could be leading to a dead end. If you're someone who has taken many paths but still finds yourself weary, turn to Jesus. He said these words for you: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Any spiritual path that doesn't lead to Jesus Christ won't lead to true spiritual renewal . . . no matter how right it seems at first. In fact, Jesus Christ himself is our way. Remember, the burden he calls you to bear on your journey is light, and the yoke of his expectation fits you perfectly. When you do this, he promises rest for your soul.
"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it." - Sidney J. Harris (1917-1986))
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Regret and Restoration
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. - 3 John 4
"If only . . ." is a haunting phrase. It implies that you failed and that you wish you could go back and do things differently.
When you dare to see the truth and accept responsibility for your life, you may feel sad and ashamed. You may regret your irresponsibility and destructive behavior, and wish to erase the past. The Bible is full of stories of regret. Take for example the Old Testament book of Zephaniah. The prophet Zephaniah condemned the idol worship and self-center living of the nation Judah. If only they had obeyed and trusted God instead of going their own way!
This book shows us how many of our troubles are a direct consequence of our irresponsibility. The nation Judah was irresponsible in her relationship with God. She worshipped false gods and ignored God's laws, which were intended for her own good. But Zephaniah made it clear that their irresponsibility would carry heavy consequences.
With the help of Zephaniah and King Josiah the people confessed their sins, took responsibility for their lives, and turned back to God. As a result, they received substantial healing and restoration. When you are irresponsible in your relationship with God and others, your situation will grow progressively worse. The process of your spiritual renewal may start out painfully. When you confess the truth about yourself, it hurts. But as you begin to see the truth, speak the truth, and accept responsibility for your life, you'll discover the great relief and hope that God offers.
"My one regret in life is that I'm not someone else." -Woody Allen (1935- )
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True Forgiveness
God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. - Acts 5:31
Without true forgiveness, bitterness will inevitably tear our relationships apart. No relationship or family will hold together for long if the people involved are unable to grant forgiveness. I don't just mean saying the words "I forgive you" but actually relating to your spouse, child, parent, or friend with your actions that display forgiveness. Giving voice to forgiveness might create peace temporarily, but when that forgiveness isn't evidenced by the way you live, true reconciliation will never result.
Let's learn from a man who went before us. Absalom, the third son of King David, suffered much and also caused much suffering because forgiveness wasn't a part of his life. When Absalom discovered that his sister had been raped by his half brother, anger and hatred built up in him for two years until he finally killed him. Then to avoid the wrath of his father, he was on the run for a period of three years. And even after he returned he and his father, David, didn't speak to one another for two more years. And you thought your family had issues!
Well, Absalom never regained the love he had for his father. In fact, Absalom spent the rest of his life scheming against his father, King David. His life ended while he led a rebellion against his father. Absalom is an example of the wasted years and broken hearts that can result when we harbor bitterness and are unwilling to forgive.
"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." - Robert Muller (1923- )
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Solomon
And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook. - 2 Kings 18:7
Americans have traditionally valued a strong work ethic. We believe the harder we work, the greater our chances for success. But if unchecked, you can get carried away and you'll end up devoting all your time to work and lose the balance that allows you to grow spiritually. Are you sacrificing healthy, family relationships, connections, friendships, and your walk with God so you can achieve more and advance in your profession? Perhaps you can relate to Solomon. When he became king of Israel, he asked God to grant him wisdom. Pleased at this request, God gave this young king honor, wealth, and a long life, in addition to wisdom.
Then Solomon started building the Temple. He built his palace and fortified his country against intruders. All of these projects were done on an enormous scale, even by today's standards. In order to accomplish these tasks, Solomon sacrificed important relationships with his people, with his family, and with his God. He taxed his people heavily and required them to work hard on his building projects. He failed to teach his son how to use wisdom to rule the people. He also stopped listening to God and disobeyed him by marrying numerous pagan women and by worshipping their so-called gods.
It's easy to lose yourself in work and achievements and to forget the source of your strength and success. Whenever anything in your priorities of life is placed above God, it's time to stop and rethink just what your priorities need to be.
"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary. "- Donal Kendall
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Solitude, Silence, and Fasting
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. - Zephaniah 3:17
At times in our lives we all have wilderness experiences . . . times when we face despair and feel alone in the world. Elijah was a prophet in the Bible who had a literal wilderness experience. His time in the wilderness forced him to practice three spiritual disciplines that freed him from his dependence on the world and encouraged him instead to depend on God. We would do well to follow his example.
The first discipline Elijah practiced was solitude: and it served at least two purposes. One, it protected him from King Ahab who wanted to kill him. And two, it provided an opportunity for him to deepen his faith, to draw closer to God. Next, Elijah's wilderness experience gave him a time to practice silence, which allowed him to listen for God's voice. And finally, Elijah practiced a form of fasting. Strictly speaking he didn't abstain from food, but his food was controlled by God's special provision. Periodically, God would send ravens carrying food for Elijah to eat. In this way, Elijah learned to trust God to provide for his daily needs.
A wilderness experience can play an important role in your spiritual growth. Are you going through one now? Don't miss what it might be offering you. Like Elijah, withdrawing from your normal routine will remove you from distraction and lead to an intimacy with God. Silence allows you to listen to God. And fasting teaches you to depend on God to provide for you.
"I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind." - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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Expressing Grief
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27
Grief is the process that helps you release your pain and losses to God. In your grief, you come to terms with your past and you find freedom to live in the reality of the present. On the other side of grief, you'll find hope for the future. So if you harden your heart and refuse to grieve, you're likely to get stuck both emotionally and spiritually.
The prophet Jeremiah shared his grief and tears with God. Jeremiah lived with God's people and pleaded with them to return to God. But his pleas fell on deaf ears, and his heart was broken. So in his grief, the prophet penned the words of the Old Testament book, Lamentations. When you read it, you'll find that Jeremiah didn't mince his words or hide his pain. He weeps openly and fully, releasing his emotions to God. It's a great example for us when we grieve our own losses.
Lamentations doesn't provide pat answers for the suffering you'll experience. If you'll read it, you'll discover that it's all right to be real, to be angry, to be disappointed with life, and to be concerned about what tomorrow holds for you. God accepted Jeremiah being angry, tired, and discouraged, and he will accept you as well. Just as God honored the tears of Jeremiah, he'll honor yours if you share your pain and sorrow with him. It's likely to be the first step to bring healing for the present and hope for the future.
"Grief is itself a medicine." - William Cowper (1731-1800)
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Honesty and Forgiveness
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:1
Emotions are a funny thing. We all know what they are, but where do they come from? They seem to flow from the core of your being, from deep down inside. And if you've developed the pattern of denying or hiding your feelings, you'll lose the very sense of who you really are . . . who God created you to be. Don't believe me? Consider the prophet Jeremiah.
When you read the Old Testament book of Lamentations, written by Jeremiah, you'll see that you have nothing to fear about bringing even your most raw or maybe what you think are embarrassing emotions to God.
Jeremiah was intensely honest in sharing his broken heart with God. But what follows his grief? When Jeremiah finished his grieving, he turned to God to seek forgiveness. The book ends with a question of remorse: "Are you angry with us still?" the prophet asks. Have you ever asked that question? Behind this question is Jeremiah's humility, coupled with his hope that God will start the process toward reconciliation and forgiveness. Jeremiah knew God's heart, so he knew that God would forgive. If you truly repent of your sin, you can be sure that God will forgive you too... no matter how great your sins and failures. You need to come humbly before him and place your life in his strong, gentle hands.
"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future." - Paul Boese (1957- )
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Unfailing Love
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. - Lamentations 3:21-23
No one is exempt from suffering. The people you think deserve it the least are often the ones faced with it. And you may suffer because those you love make some poor choices. Your wife may leave you, your child may struggle with addiction, or your brother may choose a homosexual lifestyle. Whatever the situation or whenever your heart is breaking, God wants you to give your grief and sorrow to Him. He's the one who mends broken hearts.
The prophet Jeremiah is a man who watched, as his nation was taken captive, ravished, and almost completely destroyed because of its refusal to surrender to God. It's no wonder Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet. In the book of Lamentations he cried, "My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord. I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me." (Lamentations 3:18-20)
But look at the Scripture that follows his weepy, whiny, poor-little-ol' me tirade. It is printed at the top of this page. What a great example for us.
We all get in to feeling sorry for ourselves. But before you stay there, remember your hope: God's love is unfailing! And it never ends.
"I think I've discovered the secret of life - you just hang around long enough to get used to it." - Charles M. Schultz (1922-2000)
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Welcome Back
As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their wicked ways and live. - Ezekiel 33:11
The Bible tells us that all have sinned and gone their own way. No matter how far you've gone in the wrong direction, when you turn around God always welcomes you back. Are you living beyond your means? Have you given in to the world of Internet pornography? Maybe you're failing your spouse and kids, crushing them with your anger or solitude. Is your free time filled with television or email?
God is ready to welcome you back. His arms are open, and his promises are sure. He will transform your worst failures into a blessed future, if you'll ask him to.
There is hope for you. God is gracious and will forgive you no matter what you've done or failed to do. He will even turn your past around and create a new life . . . a life of hope, peace, and an ongoing relationship with him. But you have to take the first step. It's a paradox of our faith: seek God and He will find you! Whether it's the first time you've sought Him or you have strayed over and over . . . He's there with His arms wide open!
"We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are.'' - Oprah Winfrey (1954- )
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No Excuses
Praise be to the name of God . . . wisdom and power are His. - Daniel 2:20
Innocent bystanders often get hurt by the mistakes and poor decisions of others. Disasters happen that haunt us for life even though we have no direct responsibility. Often the best way to handle these things is to accept them and to make the best of the situation.
Daniel and his friends were innocent bystanders who suffered a lifelong exile to Babylon because of their country's prolonged disobedience to God. But they didn't let their misfortune destroy their relationship with God. With courage and faith, they faced the realities of exile and lived successful lives. Their lives gives us insight into how to deal with tragedy.
After being taken from Jerusalem to Babylon, Daniel and his three friends were trained for service in the Babylonian government. Their captors often demanded that they do things that stood in opposition to God. To protect their relationship with God, Daniel and his friends set clear boundaries for their behavior. They followed God's plan for their lives, despite its conflict with the command of their captors. And God protected these faithful men from the foreign laws and unstable tyrants they lived under.
Although Daniel and his friends were exiled to Babylon for the sins of their ancestors, they didn't use that as an excuse for continued failure. Instead, they trusted God to redeem their lives, and they were determined to live according to God's precepts and teachings. You can do the same.
"We get so focused on micromanaging God and His Kingdom that we forget to realize that He is more than capable of handling things on His own." - Bridget Willard (1973- )
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Life Isn't Fair
They trusted in Him and defied the King's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. - Daniel 3:28
When you experience unfairness in life, the examples of the prophet Daniel and his three friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will give you encouragement and direction. Despite their lives of obedience, Daniel and his friends weren't protected from God's judgment on their nation, Judah. Innocence doesn't automatically protect you from tragedy. But you do have the assurance that God is concerned about what you're doing, and He will honor your faithfulness and obedience.
Daniel and his friends sought to live according to God's plan, but they found that others opposed their efforts. This led initially to great danger, but ultimately a great victory. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to walk through a fiery furnace because they obeyed God. Only the ropes that bound them were burned.
Then when he was 80 years old, Daniel was thrown into a den of lions because he was faithful to God, and he walked out unscathed. God used these trials to bring blessings to his servants and glory to himself. As you seek to be obedient to God, he may lead you into some difficult situations. But more often than not God uses such trials to strengthen your character and bless you.
If Daniel and his friends hadn't believed that God was sovereign, they might have decided compromise was better than risking their lives. But then they wouldn't have experienced the glorious victories God gave them. What an affirmation of God's faithfulness!
"An act of obedience is better than one hundred sermons." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
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Fulfilling Your Mission
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. - Isaiah 61:1
A life that's been set free from sin is a beautiful thing. When you turn from your sin and live a life more in tune with God, you testify to the glory of God and give others hope that he can change their lives. You know that the suffering, affliction, and brokenness come from going and doing things your own way. You know what its like to be enslaved to your passions. Yet you should also know there is more to life than bondage . . . more to life than alcohol or pornography . . . more to life than envy and jealousy . . . more to life than work or football. There is healing and freedom. There is beauty and joy. There is love, forgiveness, and mercy.
And you have the wonderful privilege of proclaiming this Good News to those around you, both in your vocal testimony and in the testimony of your life. I love the saying: Go out and preach Jesus to all you meet, and when necessary, use words.
When you surrender your life to Jesus, he'll put you on a path of new life. Your salvation is assured, and now you will live a life of gratitude. You'll change from the inside out because God got a hold of you. Others will notice, and God will be given the honor and glory.
"We hope that, when the insects take over the world, they will remember with gratitude how we took them along on all our picnics." - Bill Vaughn (1915-1977)
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Learning from Amos
Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. - Amos 5:14-15
When life is going smoothly, you need to be careful. You're ripe for complacency and a downfall. In the day of the prophet Amos, the people of Israel were prosperous and began to think they could make it without God. We all slip into that dangerous place without really thinking at times. This led them down a steep path toward destruction.
Another problem with the people during Amos' time is that they acted as if they didn't need other people. They exploited the weak and poor. They were indifferent to the pain of those around them. They enslaved the helpless through extortion and heavy taxation. God created us to live in relationships, not in isolation. Are you recognizing your need for others and doing what you can to make restitution to those you hurt?
A final similarity between the Israelites and our culture is that many of them kept up outward appearances of religion even though they had abandoned their faith in God. I think we can agree that you and I are in danger of falling into the same trap. Are you performing to get the approval of your boss or friends? Are you hiding your failures from your wife, pretending you're faithfully following God's way when you're not? God is not so concerned with how you appear on the surface; he sees through your false appearances even if others don't. God cares about the attitude of your heart.
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." - Winston Churchhill (1874-1965)
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Finding Strength in Turbulent Times
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 NKJV
God's love and support never changes. From the cradle to the grave, God has promised to give you the strength to meet any challenge. God has promised to lift you up and guide your steps if you let Him. God has promised that when you entrust your life to Him completely and without reservation, He will give you the courage to face any trial and the wisdom to live in His righteousness.
God's hand uplifts those who turn their hearts and prayers to Him. Will you count yourself among that number? Will you accept God's peace and wear God's armor against the temptations and distractions of our dangerous world? If you do, you can live courageously and optimistically, knowing that you have been forever touched by the loving, unfailing, uplifting hand of God.
One with God is a majority. - Billy Graham
When trials come your way—as inevitably they will—do not run away. Run to your God and Father. - Kay Arthur
The same God who empowered Samson, Gideon, and Paul seeks to empower my life and your life, because God hasn't changed. - Bill Hybels
A divine strength is given to those who yield themselves to the Father and obey what He tells them to do. - Warren Wiersbe
Today's Prayer
Lord, sometimes life is difficult. Sometimes, I am worried, weary, or heartbroken. But, when I lift my eyes to You, Father, You strengthen me. When I am weak, You lift me up. Today, I turn to You, Lord, for my strength, for my hope, and for my salvation. Amen
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Today Is a New Beginning
You are being renewed in the spirit of your minds;
you put on the new man, the one created according to
God's likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.
Ephesians 4:23-24
Each new day offers countless opportunities to serve God, to seek His will, and to obey His teachings. But each day also offers countless opportunities to stray from God's commandments and to wander far from His path.
Sometimes, we wander aimlessly in a wilderness of our own making, but God has better plans of us. And, whenever we ask Him to renew our strength and guide our steps, He does so.
Consider this day a new beginning. Consider it a fresh start, a renewed opportunity to serve your Creator with willing hands and a loving heart. Ask God to renew your sense of purpose as He guides your steps. Today is a glorious opportunity to serve God. Seize that opportunity while you can; tomorrow may indeed be too late.
When you're through changing, you're through! - John Maxwell
No matter how badly we have failed, we can always get up and begin again. Our God is the God of new beginnings. - Warren Wiersbe
No man need stay the way he is. - Harry Emerson Fosdick
More often than not, when something looks like it's the absolute end, it is really the beginning. - Charles Swindoll
When we focus on God, the scene changes. He's in control of our lives; nothing lies outside the realm of His redemptive grace. Even when we make mistakes, fail in relationships, or deliberately make bad choices, God can redeem us. - Penelope J. Stokes
Today's Prayer
O Lord, my Creator, conform me to Your image. Create in me a clean heart, a new heart that reflects Your love for me. When I need to change, change me, Lord, and make me new. Amen
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Defeating Procrastination
When you make a vow to God, don't delay fulfilling it,
because He does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow.
Ecclesiastes 5:4
When turbulent times arrive, it's easy (and tempting) to avoid those hard-to-do tasks that you would prefer to avoid altogether. But the habit of procrastination takes a double toll: First, important work goes unfinished, and second, valuable energy is wasted in the process of putting off the things that remain undone.
If you find yourself bound by the chains of procrastination, ask yourself what you're waiting for—or more accurately what you're afraid of—and why. As you examine the emotional roadblocks that have, heretofore, blocked your path, you may discover that you're waiting for the "perfect" moment, that instant in time when you feel neither afraid nor anxious. But in truth, perfect moments like these are few and far between.
So stop waiting for the perfect moment and focus, instead, on finding the right moment to do what needs to be done. Then, trust God and get busy. When you do, you'll discover that you and the Father, working together, can accomplish great things . . . and that you can accomplish them sooner rather than later.
Once you acquire the habit of doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done, you will avoid untold trouble, worry, and stress. So learn to defeat procrastination by paying less attention to your fears and more attention to your responsibilities. God has created a world that punishes procrastinators and rewards men and women who "do it now." In other words, life doesn't procrastinate. Neither should you.
Not now becomes never. - Martin Luther
Do noble things, do not dream them all day long. - Charles Kingsley
Do the unpleasant work first and enjoy the rest of the day. - Marie T. Freeman
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I am confronted with things that need to be done, give me the courage and the wisdom to do them now, not later. Amen
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In Turbulent Times, Consider the Possibilities
For nothing will be impossible with God.
Luke 1:37
re you afraid to ask God to do big things—or to make big changes—in your life? Is your faith threadbare and worn? If so, it's time to abandon your doubts and reclaim your faith in God's promises.
Ours is a God of infinite possibilities. But sometimes, because of limited faith and limited understanding, we wrongly assume that God cannot or will not intervene in the affairs of mankind. Such assumptions are simply wrong.
God's Holy Word makes it clear: absolutely nothing is impossible for the Lord. And since the Bible means what it says, you can be comforted in the knowledge that the Creator of the universe can do miraculous things in your own life and in the lives of your loved ones. Your challenge, as a believer, is to take God at His word, and to expect the miraculous.
Man's adversity is God's opportunity. - Matthew Henry
God specializes in things thought impossible. - Catherine Marshall
If all things are possible with God, then all things are possible to him who believes in Him. - Corrie ten Boom
Do we not continually pass by blessings innumerable without notice, and instead fix our eyes on what we feel to be our trials and our losses? And, do we not think and talk about our trials until our whole horizon is filled with them, and we almost begin to think we have no blessings at all? - Hannah Whitall Smith
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, give me the courage to dream and the faithfulness to trust in Your perfect plan for my life. When I am worried, give me strength for today and hope for tomorrow. Today, Father, I will trust You and honor You with my thoughts, with my prayers, with my actions, and with my dreams. Amen
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When Times Are Tough, Get Busy
And whatever you do, do it heartily,
as to the Lord and not to men.
Colossians 3:23 NKJV
It isn't easy to overcome tough times—it takes hard work and lots of it. So if you're facing adversity of any kind, you can be sure that God has important work for you to do . . . but He won't make you do it. Since the days of Adam and Eve, God has allowed His children to make choices for themselves, and so it is with you. You can either dig in and work hard, or you can retreat to the couch, click on the TV, and hope things get better on their own.
The Bible instructs us that we can learn an important lesson of a surprising source: ants. Ants are among nature's most industrious creatures. They do their work without supervision, rumination, or hesitation. We should do likewise. When times are tough, we must summon the courage and determination to work ourselves out of trouble.
God has created a world in which diligence is rewarded and sloth is not. So whatever you choose to do, do it with commitment, excitement, and vigor. God didn't create you for a life of mediocrity or pain; He created you for far greater things. Reaching for greater things—and defeating tough times—usually requires work and lots of it, which is perfectly fine with God. After all, He knows that you're up to the task, and He still has big plans for you.
Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen. - Peter Marshall
All work, if offered to Him, is transformed. It is not secular but sacred, sanctified in the glad offering. - Elisabeth Elliot
God has lots of folks who intend to go to work for Him "some day." What He needs is more people who are willing to work for Him this day. - Marie T. Freeman
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, when I am fearful, keep me mindful that You are my protector and my salvation. Give me strength, Lord, to face the challenges of this day as I gain my courage from You. Amen
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Time for Renewal
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.- Ezekiel 36:26
Even the most inspired Christians can, from time to time, find themselves running on empty. The demands of daily life can drain us of our strength and rob us of the joy that is rightfully ours in Christ. When we find ourselves tired, discouraged, or worse, there is a source from which we can draw the power needed to recharge our spiritual batteries. That source is God.
God intends that His children lead joyous lives filled with abundance and peace. But sometimes, abundance and peace seem very far away. It is then that we must turn to God for renewal, and when we do, He will restore us.
Are you tired or troubled? Turn your heart toward God in prayer. Are you weak or worried? Take the time—or, more accurately, make the time—to delve deeply into God's Holy Word. Are you spiritually depleted? Call upon fellow believers to support you, and call upon Christ to renew your spirit and your life. When you do, you'll discover that the Creator of the universe stands always ready and always able to create a new sense of wonderment and joy in you.
God specializes in things fresh and firsthand. His plans for you this year may outshine those of the past. He's prepared to fill your days with reasons to give Him praise. - Joni Eareckson Tada
He is the God of wholeness and restoration. - Stormie Omartian
In those desperate times when we feel like we don't have an ounce of strength, He will gently pick up our heads so that our eyes can behold something—something that will keep His hope alive in us. - Kathy Troccoli
Repentance removes old sins and wrong attitudes, and it opens the way for the Holy Spirit to restore our spiritual health. - Shirley Dobson
Today's Prayer
Lord, You are my rock and my strength. When I grow weary, let me turn my thoughts and my prayers to You. When I am discouraged, restore my faith in You. Let me always trust in Your promises, Lord, and let me draw strength from those promises and from Your unending love. Amen
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A Renewed Sense of Purpose
You will show me the path of life;
in Your presence is fullness of joy;
at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalms 16:11 NKJV
If you're experiencing tough times, you may be asking yourself "What does God want me to do next?" Perhaps you're pondering your future, uncertain of your plans, unsure of your next step. But even if you don't have a clear plan for the next step of your life's journey, you may rest assured that God does.
God has a plan for the universe, and He has a plan for you. He understands that plan as thoroughly and completely as He knows you. If you seek God's will earnestly and prayerfully, He will make His plans known to you in His own time and in His own way.
Perhaps your vision of God's purpose for your life has been clouded by a wish list that you have expected God to dutifully fulfill. Perhaps, you have fervently hoped that God would create a world that unfolds according to your wishes, not His. If so, you have probably experienced more disappointment than satisfaction and more frustration than peace. A better strategy is to conform your will to God's (and not to struggle vainly in an attempt to conform His will to yours).
Sometimes, God's plans and purposes may seem unmistakably clear to you. If so, push ahead. But other times, He may lead you through the wilderness before He directs you to the Promised Land. So be patient and keep seeking His will for your life. When you do, you'll be amazed at the marvelous things that an all-powerful, all-knowing God can do.
God will make obstacles serve His purpose. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Underneath each trouble there is a faithful purpose. - C. H. Spurgeon
God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness. - Billy Graham
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, let Your purposes be my purposes. Let Your priorities be my priorities. Let Your will be my will. Let Your Word be my guide. And, let me grow in faith and in wisdom today and every day. Amen
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The Struggle Against Worldliness
And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may prove what the will of God is,
that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2
We live in the world, but we should not worship it—yet at every turn, or so it seems, we are tempted to do otherwise. As Warren Wiersbe correctly observed, "Because the world is deceptive, it is dangerous."
The 21st-century world we live in is a noisy, stress-filled, distracting place, a place that offers countless temptations and dangers. The world seems to cry, "Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, your thoughts, and your life!" But if we are wise, we won't fall prey to that temptation.
C. S. Lewis said, "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither." That's good advice. You're likely to hit what you aim at, so aim high . . . aim at heaven.
The Lord Jesus Christ is still praying for us. He wants us to be in the world but not of it. - Charles Stanley
Our fight is not against any physical enemy; it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We must struggle against sin all our lives, but we are assured we will win. - Corrie ten Boom
The more we stuff ourselves with material pleasures, the less we seem to appreciate life. - Barbara Johnson
All those who look to draw their satisfaction from the wells of the world—pleasure, popularity, position, possessions, politics, power, prestige, finances, family, friends, fame, fortune, career, children, church, clubs, sports, sex, success, recognition, reputation, religion, education, entertainment, exercise, honors, health, hobbies—will soon be thirsty again! - Anne Graham Lotz
Today's Prayer
Lord, this world is a crazy place, and I have many opportunities to stray from Your commandments. Help me turn to obey You! Let me keep Christ in my heart, and let me put the devil in his place: far away from me! Amen.
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Beating Stress One Day at a Time
This is the day the LORD has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NKJV
Face facts: just getting by in these turbulent times can be stressful . . . very stressful. You live in a world that is brimming with demands, distractions, and deadlines (not to mention temptations, timetables, requirements, and responsibilities). Whew! No wonder you may be stressed.
What can you do in response to the stressors of everyday life? A wonderful place to start is by turning things over to God.
Psalm 118:24 reminds us that this day, like every other, is a glorious gift from the Father. How will you use that gift? Will you celebrate it and use it for His purposes? If so, you'll discover that when you turn things over to Him—when you allow God to rule over every corner of your life—He will calm your fears and guide your steps.
So today, make sure that you focus on God and upon His will for your life. Then, ask for His help. And remember: No challenge is too great for Him. Not even yours.
Life is strenuous. See that your clock does not run down. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
There are very few certainties that touch us all in this mortal experience, but one of the absolutes is that we will experience hardship and stress at some point. - James Dobson
If you're willing to repair your life, God is willing to help. If you're not willing to repair your life, God is willing to wait. - Marie T. Freeman
Prescription for a happier and healthier life: resolve to slow down your pace; learn to say no gracefully; resist the temptation to chase after more pleasure, more hobbies, and more social entanglements. - James Dobson
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, You never leave or forsake me. Even when I am troubled by the demands of the day, You are always with me, protecting me and encouraging me. Whatever today may bring, I thank You for Your love and Your strength. Let me lean upon You, Father, this day and forever. Amen
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The Morning Watch
Every morning he wakes me. He teaches me to listen
like a student. The Lord God helps me learn . . . .
Isaiah 50:4-5 NCV
Each new day is a gift from God, and if you are wise, you will spend a few quiet moments each morning thanking the Giver. When you do, you'll discover that time spent with God can lift your spirits and relieve your stress.
Warren Wiersbe writes, "Surrender your mind to the Lord at the beginning of each day." And that's sound advice. When you begin each day with your head bowed and your heart lifted, you are reminded of God's love, His protection, and His commandments. Then, you can align your priorities for the coming day with the teachings and commandments that God has placed upon your heart.
So, if you've acquired the unfortunate habit of trying to "squeeze" God into the corners of your life, it's time to reshuffle the items on your to-do list by placing God first. And if you haven't already done so, form the habit of spending quality time with your Father in heaven. He deserves it . . . and so do you.
How paltry must be the devotions of those who are always in a hurry. - William Law
How motivating it has been for me to view my early morning devotions as time of retreat alone with Jesus, who desires that I "come with Him by myself to a quiet place" in order to pray, read His Word, listen for His voice, and be renewed in my spirit. - Anne Graham Lotz
I suggest you discipline yourself to spend time daily in a systematic reading of God's Word. Make this "quiet time" a priority that nobody can change. - Warren Wiersbe
Every day has its own particular brand of holiness to discover and worship appropriately. - Annie Dillard
Today's Prayer
Lord, help me to hear Your direction for my life in the quiet moments when I study Your Holy Word. And as I go about my daily activities, let everything that I say and do be pleasing to You. Amen
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The Right Priorities
We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!
Romans 13:13-14 MSG
Have you fervently asked God to help prioritize Your life? Have you asked Him for guidance and for the courage to do the things that you know need to be done? If so, then you're continually inviting your Creator to reveal Himself in a variety of ways. As a follower of Christ, you must do no less.
When you make God's priorities your priorities, you will receive God's abundance and His peace. When you make God a full partner in every aspect of your life, He will lead you along the proper path: His path. When you allow God to reign over your heart, He will honor you with spiritual blessings that are simply too numerous to count. So, as you plan for the day ahead, make God's will your ultimate priority. When you do, every other priority will have a tendency to fall neatly into place.
There were endless demands on Jesus' time. Still He was able to make that amazing claim of "completing the work you gave me to do." (John 17:4 NIV) - Elisabeth Elliot
Getting things accomplished isn't nearly as important as taking time for love. - Janette Oke
Have you prayed about your resources lately? Find out how God wants you to use your time and your money. No matter what it costs, forsake all that is not of God. - Kay Arthur
Forgetting your mission leads, inevitably, to getting tangled up in details—details that can take you completely off your path. - Laurie Beth Jones
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, make me a person of unwavering commitment to You. Guide me away from the temptations and distractions of this world, so that I might honor You with my thoughts, my actions, and my prayers. Amen
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Real
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body. - Philippians 3: 20-21
What does it mean to be real?
Being "real" is the result of being transformed by the love of God. It's not about wealth, or beauty, or power. Heck, most of the time it's suffering, failing, and waiting. Maybe that's why we sometimes miss it. I think the wise old horse in the classic children's story The Velveteen Rabbit says it well. As he explained to the stuffed bunny:
'It doesn't happen all at once...You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.'
Be real. Open yourself up to God and His transforming power.
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." -Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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Anger
Better a patient man than a warrior. A man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. - Proverbs 16:32
Let's look at a few popular, but sad, bumper stickers:
My kid beat up your honor student.
Welcome to America, now learn English!
Keep honking, I'm reloading.
All men are idiots, and I married their King.
What do these bumper stickers have in common? The messages are dressed in humor but they're actually about anger. While some people struggle with anger, these people are flaunting it, celebrating it, and inviting you to join in.
This type of anger--aimed at hurting or ridiculing--is obviously wrong. Yet not all anger is wrong. Anger can also be an appropriate and good response.
If You're Not Outraged, You're Not Paying Attention is another bumper sticker I've seen. Injustice, cruelty, and greed should evoke anger because they contradict what the Bible teaches. William Wilberforce, sickened with anger over the slave trade in England, devoted himself to ending slavery there. If you don't ever feel anger, you need to worry about your heart.
"Anger is never without a Reason, but seldom with a good One." – Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
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Effective Communication
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The Wisconsin State Journal once asked some of the nation's largest corporations to share their most unusual experiences interviewing prospective employees. Here are just a few examples:
• One job applicant challenged his interviewer to arm wrestle
• A balding candidate for a position excused himself, then returned wearing a full hairpiece
• Another applicant interrupted the questioning to phone her therapist
• There was the guy who muttered, "Would it be a problem if I'm angry most of the time?"
Yes, these people have issues with communication. But it's not a stretch to say that many of us have the same kinds of shortcomings when it comes to communicating with our families, friends, coworkers, and even God.
We need to ask God to help us communicate—effectively and clearly. We need to work on expressing what's in our hearts in a way that blesses the people around us.
"Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you." - William A. Ward (1921-1994)
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Embracing Life
So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. - Zechariah 4:6
Embracing life means embracing all of it, including the people who make it difficult. I call these people "character builders." You may hate the fact they're in your life, but without them you'd never come close to what God wants for you. These people that are so tough are actually a gift from God. Like me, you can probably look at the character you've developed and see it didn't get there from people being nice to you. It's there because of some very tough treatment by people who didn't have your best interest in mind.
Remember the story of David and Goliath? If David had taken on a third grader I don't think we'd have heard much about it. Or what about Daniel and the pit of lions? If it were a pit of hamsters no one would be talking about that today! The bigger the challenge the more God can do with it. Its difficult things and people that make up the stories of our lives in a way that brings honor to God.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
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Excuses
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
There are so many excuses I could've used to hold back and not serve God, but none of them were good enough to miss God's best. Just the fact that I paid for an abortion could've kept me on the sidelines rather than preaching God's truth. Despite that horrific ordeal, God has allowed me to speak at Crisis Pregnancy centers and help them raise millions of dollars during the past ten years. What a blessing it's been for me to be used in that way.
Because I have failed in so many ways, God gets all the glory for anything that comes out of my life that's worth mentioning. So no matter what comes my way, if God can still use me, as embarrassing and humbling as it might be, I want to be used for Him. I want the same for you. God can use you...imperfections and all.
"Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle." - James Russell Lowell (1819-1891)
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God Plus One
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
Andy was struggling to scan the purchases—but was also determined to get it done. His customer recognized he'd been through a serious trauma.
She said, "...that must be hard to do with one arm."
"Yes, but you do what you have to, and I guess that's what I get for riding motorcycles."
"God must really have a plan for you since you're still alive" she responded.
"You have no idea. I died four times at the hospital, and they had to revive me. The doctors told my mom the first night, 'Sorry, there's not much hope for him.' Yes, God has a plan for me. The doctors didn't know who they were dealing with. It wasn't just me, but my mom and her prayers—my mom plus God—you don't mess with that!"
Wow! Mom plus God. Plus means addition. Think about adding God to the equation of
your life. "You plus God" has a pretty good ring to it.
"Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things." - Samuel M. Shoemaker (1893-1963)
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God Redeeming Us
God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. - Matthew 6:34
The day Martha Stewart went to jail, I mentioned to a group that we should pray for her as she entered her new "gated community", and the group laughed at that. But seriously, jail can indeed be a gift. We prayed for her because good things can happen when people go to jail.
In the Bible there's a story about a man named Joseph who refused to sleep with the queen and was imprisoned for more than 13 years. That was a huge chunk of his life, but it must have been the chunk that prepared him to later be in charge of the entire nation.
Then there was Chuck Colson. While imprisoned for crimes committed during the Watergate scandal he came to trust in God, and when released from prison, Chuck founded what has grown into an international prison ministry that has touched the lives of thousands upon thousands of prisoners.
Your situation might be just as humiliating as Martha Stewart going to jail, but God can redeem it. He makes the best come out of the worst, if you'll trust him to do so.
"You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that? Come up with a smiling face. It's nothing against you to fall down flat but to lie there—that's disgrace." - Edmund Vance Cook (1867-1933)
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Lights Flashing
The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. - Hosea 14:9
John Smith was pulled over for driving erratically, but just as officers began administering a breath test, there was an accident on the other side of the freeway. The policeman ordered John to wait and ran across the street, but John immediately drove home.
A few hours later, Mrs. Smith found two officers at her door. John came out of the bedroom faking a cough. When asked if he'd been pulled over for a highway citation, he replied, "Oh, no I've been home sick all day."
When they asked to see his car, John confidently walked out to the garage thinking, "It's been hours, the engine is cool, and I'm totally going to get away with this!"
He threw open the garage door, and there in the garage was the patrol car with the lights still flashing!
Tell me, friend, what lights are flashing in your garage?
"We are not creatures of circumstance; we are creators of circumstance." - Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)
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Persevere
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. - (James 1:2-3)
It doesn't take a genius to know that life is difficult. And it's difficult in different ways for different people. Sometimes we bring difficulty upon ourselves and sometimes it's brought upon us from other sources. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, old or young, man or woman. Every which way you look at it, we know that life is difficult.
But how we handle those difficulties is what matters.
The Bible tells us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance and that we should rejoice when we face trials of all kinds. If Godly character is something to be desired, then we should welcome difficulty.
Sounds crazy, I know.
Try this: wake up each day asking God to carry you through that day's rough moments. He promised to wipe our tears away, not prevent them.
So, weep when the tears come but don't give up.
"Lord, I shall be very busy this day. I may forget thee, but do not thou forget me." - Sir Jacob Astley (1579-1651)
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The Problem with Focus
Show me, O Lord, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. - Psalm 39:4
In the winter of his ninth year, Frank Lloyd Wright was walking across a snow-covered field with his reserved, no-nonsense uncle. As they reached the far end of the field, his uncle stopped him. He pointed to his own tracks in the snow, straight and true as an arrow, and then to young Frank's tracks, which meandered all over the field.
"Notice how your tracks wander aimlessly from the cattle to the woods and back again," his uncle said. "And see how my tracks aim directly to my goal. There is an important lesson in that."
Years later, the famous architect relayed how that experience affected his outlook on life. "I determined right then," he said, "not to miss most things in life, as my uncle had." Where's your focus? Is your narrow vision of life keeping you from experiencing the world around you?
"The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are moving." - Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
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Promises
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7
A poor man vowed to give God a certain percentage of his income. From his first week's pay he gave one dollar. But before long, prosperity raised the sum of the gift to one hundred dollars a week, and in time, to five hundred dollars.
Initially his offerings brought intense joy. But over time, he began feeling entitled to his prosperity. He explained to a close friend that when he made the promise he only had to give a dollar, but now that it was five hundred he didn't feel he could afford such extravagant giving.
His wise friend said, "I'm afraid you cannot get a release from the promise, but there is something we can do. We can kneel down and ask God to shrink your income so that you can afford to give a dollar again."
God deserves our best. Has he blessed you? Ask Him how he might use you to bless others.
"The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it." -William James (1842-1910)
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Treasures
If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, "You are my security" if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high. - Job 31:24, 25, 28
A rich man prayed, "I've worked so hard and I want to take my fortune to heaven."
"We don't do that," God said.
"Please," he begged, "let me bring it so my children will be spared from an indulgent life."
"Okay," God amended "you may bring one suitcase."
Weeks later, the man found himself at heaven's gates with a suitcase full of gold bricks.
"A suitcase?" the angel guarding the gates questioned. "You can't bring anything with you!"
"Oh, I have a special arrangement with God."
The angel looked into the suitcase and lifted his head, "Lord, I've got a man here who says he's made a
special arrangement with you."
The heavens rumbled, "What sort of arrangement?"
"For some reason he wants to bring in a suitcase full of paving material."
In God's economy, your gold will be worth less than the pavement under your feet! But the things often overlooked—our children, the poor, the underprivileged, our relationships with others—are priceless.
"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile." - Sir Wilfred Grenfell (1865-1940)
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Renoir and Matisse
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13
Renoir and Matisse were friends with a common bond; they loved color, beauty, and painting. Renoir, however, developed a very serious case of arthritis ...so debilitating that he was almost completely paralyzed by it. He winced and jerked in pain as he applied each stroke of color to the canvas. But no matter how severe the pain, no matter how difficult the brushstroke, he continued to paint.
Matisse watched his friend with great concern and passion, mystified at the dedication that led to creating his artwork at such a painful level of personal sacrifice. When he asked Renoir why he continued to paint, Renoir replied, "Because the beauty remains: the pain passes."
Are you struggling through painful times? If so, please don't give up. Don't believe the lie that there's no hope for you. Surrender and persevere. Hang on to Christ. Make the healing choice to persevere and do whatever necessary to hang on one more day. The pain passes; the beauty God brings through perseverance remains.
"Austere perseverance, harsh and continuous, may be employed by the least of us and rarely fails of its purpose, for its silent power grows irresistibly greater with time." - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749-1832)
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Defective Mind
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. - (1 Timothy 6: 20 – 21)
The other day I spoke with a very bright thirty-five-year-old man. . . a microbiologist, nuclear physicist. . . well, he has the degree to be a microbiologist, nuclear physicist. Instead, he's a postal worker who comes home to an empty house everyday. This man suffers from social anxiety. He's uncomfortable every moment he's around others. And he's miserable.
Now, I'm all for us feeling good about ourselves and being grateful for the gifts that God's given us. But in the midst of our happy talk, we need to accept that to some degree or another, we each have a sick mind. So sick that microbiologists end up delivering mail. Wealthy people shoplift. Healthy people gain 180 pounds. And counselors end up in inappropriate relationships with those they wanted to help.
Our sick minds won't lead us to a place of health and wholeness. You have to reach beyond what's in your head and reach out for the help you need. Reach out to God. Reach out to others. Be attentive to what the Holy Spirit is saying—in your thought life and in the circumstances of your life. Be responsible and do something!
"Of all the needs (there are none imaginary) a lonely child has, the one that must be satisfied, if there is going to be a hope of wholeness, is the unshaken need for an unshakable God." - Maya Angelou (1928- )
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His Hands
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. - Matthew 14:19b-21
Have you ever noticed how ordinary items become extraordinary in the right hands?
• A basketball in my hands is worth about $19. In Kobe Bryant's hands its worth over $136 million.
• A paintbrush in my hands is useless. In Monet's hands, a paintbrush produces masterpieces.
• Two fish and five loaves in my hands make a couple of fish sandwiches. In Jesus' hands, they feed thousands.
• A nail stuck in my hand would produce needless pain and a resolve never to get in over my head with home maintenance again. But the nails piercing Christ's hands are an expression of the wisdom of God and His infinite ability to use suffering to redeem the world's pain.
As with everything else, whose hand the object is in makes all the difference.
What are you holding on to and afraid to give up? Give what you're holding onto to the One who transforms the ordinary—there's no telling what He'll do with it.
"A miracle is an event which creates faith. That is the purpose and nature of miracles. Frauds deceive. An event which creates faith does not deceive; therefore it is not a fraud, but a miracle." - George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
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Pursuing Your Dreams
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. - Hebrews 10:36
Have you ever seen Michelangelo's David or experienced a live stage performance of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet? These are amazing works of art and literature. They will most certainly be admired through all time.
But what if either of these men had allowed life's difficulties to get in the way of their passion – their life's work? We all face difficulties and we all have dreams. What's the difference between average men and those who rise to greatness? Perseverance.
If a project is worth pursuing, it will require initiative, energy, and endurance. One stroke of the hammer didn't chisel Michelangelo's David. And Shakespeare didn't pen Romeo and Juliet over a spot of afternoon tea. Any accomplishment worth attaining requires sustained effort. You must persevere to see your dream through.
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison (1847-1931)
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Truth and Sincerity
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. - John 8:32
In the classroom setting of one Peanuts comic strip, on the first day of the new school year, the students were told to write an essay about returning to class. In her essay, Lucy wrote, "Vacations are nice, but it's good to get back to school. There is nothing more satisfying or challenging than education, and I look forward to a year of expanding my knowledge."
Of course, Lucy's teacher complimented her fine essay. In the final frame, Lucy leans over to Charlie Brown and says, "After a while, you learn what sells."
Sincerity and truth should always be vitally connected. Yet the history of humankind is littered with messages designed not to be truthful but to sound good. Everyday we encounter individuals who observe our lives to see if we live what we believe, so we must commit ourselves to follow after Christ with truth and sincerity.
"Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth." - Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
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Balanced View of Jesus
Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." - Revelation 5:5
The following observation by author Philip Yancey is well-worth meditating upon. "As I studied the life of Christ," he said, "one impression about Jesus struck me more forcefully than any other. We have tamed him. The Jesus I learned about as a child was sweet and inoffensive, the kind of person whose lap you'd want to climb on. Mister Rogers with a beard. Indeed, Jesus did have qualities of gentleness and compassion that attracted little children. Mister Rogers, however, he assuredly was not. Not even the Romans would have crucified Mister Rogers."
How balanced is your view of Jesus? Have you come to the crucial conclusion that His grace is bigger than anything we can possibly comprehend? And, I hope that conclusion doesn't come at the expense of His strength. The biblical picture of Jesus is that of a tenderhearted Lion. And conceptions that fall on either side of this picture are caricatures and incomplete.
"Jesus is the God whom we can approach without pride and before whom we can humble ourselves without despair." - Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
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Giving the Best Answer
We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.- 1 John 5:20
A college philosophy professor asked just one question on his final exam. He picked up a chair, put it on his desk, and wrote on the blackboard, "Using everything we have learned this semester, prove that this chair does not exist."
Most students wrote feverishly for the entire hour, some of them churning out twenty pages of heady philosophical logic. But one student turned in her paper after less than a minute—and she was the only one to get an A. What did she write? Two simple words: "What chair?"
Engaging people in a gentle, respectful, yet influential manner is an art. There are numerous ideological and emotional pitfalls to avoid with balanced decision-making skills and alert reasoning. But this young philosophy student has learned something that we too must learn: sometimes the wisest argument is no argument at all.
"Faith is not being sure where you're going but going anyway." - Frederick Buechner (1926- )
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Gloom
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. - Psalm 68:3
A recent edition of the New York Times featured news of a new toy—a plush "Ask Me More Eeyore," modeled after the gloomy donkey from Winnie the Pooh. The toy is designed for children aged three to seven. The paper remarked that these are just the right ages, apparently, to learn about undaunted pessimism.
Eeyore responds to children's questions with comments like, "Don't' count on it," "Doesn't look good," "Outcome looks sort of gloomy," "You can't win them all," and "Looks good for you, must be nice."
Sometimes Eeyore will even ask the child, "You wouldn't want me for a friend, would you?"
As if life isn't tough enough for some kids.
Do you have a gloomy Eeyore in your life? Perhaps you've taken on that role for yourself!
If you're busy looking for all the things that can go wrong, you're sure to miss the blessings God has prepared for you.
"It is not fitting when one is in God's service, to have a gloomy face or a chilling look." - St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
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Persevering Amidst Hardship
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. - Romans 5:3-5
In 1741 George Frideric Handel wrote Messiah, one of the finest and most inspiring musical scores ever composed. In the time leading up to his greatest accomplishment, Handel's health and fortunes had reached a low ebb. A stroke had left the right side of his body paralyzed; and he worked under the threat of imprisonment on account of crushing financial debt.
I can't help but wonder whether Handel would've chosen the tenuous life of a composer had he known ahead of time the suffering he'd endure. If not, the world would've missed the blessing of this timeless and beautiful composition of praise.
Like Handel, we don't know what our future holds. But we can be confident that God does, and that He uses every hardship to mold our character and accomplish a plan that remains perfect despite our inability to comprehend it. I pray that today you persevere in that certain hope.
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." - John Quincy Adams (1767-1848)
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Folly of Bitterness
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger ,brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. - Ephesians 4:31
Two shopkeepers owned stores directly across the street from each other. Each spent his days tracking the other's business, and gloating triumphantly each time a customer chose his own store. Over time, they became bitter rivals.
One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers and said, "I'll give you anything you request, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive double. Would you be rich? You can be very rich indeed, but he'll be twice as wealthy. Do you desire a long and healthy life? Request it, but his life will be longer and healthier. What's your desire?"
The man thought for a moment, and with a sly grin, stated, "Strike me blind in one eye!"
Bitterness is relentless and dangerous when allowed to take root in our hearts. It destroys decision-making abilities and compromises otherwise focused and productive lives. Its only remedy is forgiveness—given freely by Jesus Christ. And if you believe the Bible, we are to dispense it generously to others.
Take a step out of bitterness into forgiveness today. Forgive the unforgivable. You can do it!
"We forgive to the extent that we love." - La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)
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Importance of Promises
For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless. - Romans 4:14
I've worked extensively with married couples, and that's allowed me to hear the best and the worst of what goes on in relationships. I've seen couples overcome affairs, financial catastrophes, and debilitating diseases. At the same time, I've watched people walk away from their spouses and families for some pretty lame reasons like:
- "I am no longer happy."
- "He works too hard and is never home."
- "She's too busy in the neighborhood to care about my needs" ...and
- "There's not much of an attraction"
These are yellow flags that you need help. . . not reasons for calling it quits. The commitment to keep promises creates a safe environment where families and friendships flourish. Taking promises too casually creates disillusionment and fear. The people in your life want to know and need to know that you'll keep your promises. More than money, more than advice, more than gifts, they simply want you to be faithful.
"Promises are like crying babies in a theater; they should be carried out at once." - Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993)
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Demonstrations of Love
May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. - Psalm 119:76
Right before Thanksgiving, an elderly man in Phoenix called his son in New York and said, "Your mother and I are divorcing—45 years of misery is enough. But I'm sick of talking about this, so please call your sister and tell her the news."
The son called his sister in Chicago and she immediately called her father. "You're not getting divorced!" she said, "We'll be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing."
The old man hung up the phone and turned with a wry smile to his wife. "They're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own fares!"
If you're a parent, you can appreciate the humor of this story. Yet I must say I'm glad we never have to worry about God using deception to get us to spend time with him. Instead, he demonstrates his great love through his Son, Jesus.
"It is in spending oneself that one becomes rich." - Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923)
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Overcoming Criticism
Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you" and their sight was restored. - Matthew 9:29
When Samuel Morse was requesting Congressional support for a telegraph line from Baltimore to Washington, he endured the press' sustained criticism for more than eleven years.
In 1842, when Adam Thompson set up the first bathtub in America, the newspapers said his vision—now a staple of convenient cleanliness in every home—was "going to spoil the democratic simplicity of the republic."
And when Cyrus Field was attempting to lay the first cable across the Atlantic, he was denounced as "a mad freak of stubborn ignorance."
Sometimes a wise and well-placed word of caution is just what we need, but not always. Often the criticism people heap upon the new or the uncommon is motivated by fear. Having the discernment to know the difference is crucial to knowing when to rethink and when to press on. And as Samuel Morse, Adam Thompson, and Cyrus Field demonstrate; God honors people of vision who take steps of faith.
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." - Henry Ford (1863-1947)
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Passion
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always and not just when I am with you. - Galatians 4:18
Someone once asked Jean Cocteau, the French writer, artist, and film director, what he'd take if his house were on fire and he could remove only one thing. He replied, "I would take the fire."
Cocteau's answer seems an obvious—almost practical—solution. Remove the fire from a burning building, and you save the building, right? Yet his answer wasn't motivated by solutions. Instead, it spoke to the fact that life has a certain intangible that's far more valuable than any material possession: passion.
Passion—that fire in the belly—is the catalyst of every vibrant and purposeful life, whether it's lived in Paris, France, or Smalltown, USA. It's as vital to the young mother at home as it is to the corporate executive, and Cocteau knew it. The fire of passion can change a life, and one passionate life can change the world.
What are you passionate about? Is it a godly passion? Are you acting on your passion?
"Through our great, good fortune, in our youth our hearts were touched with fire. It was given to us to learn at the outset that life is a profound and passionate thing." - Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
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Subtle Progress
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31
Chinese bamboo is one of the most remarkable plants on earth. Once a bamboo seed is planted it requires daily watering and care. But for five full years, the exterior shoot will grow less than an inch.
At the end of five years, however, the bamboo will perform an incredible feat. It will grow ninety feet in only ninety days! Now ask yourself this: When did the tree actually grow? Throughout the first five years, or during those last ninety days?
You may be like Chinese bamboo. You may be working, dreaming, planning, and persevering, yet feeling as if God's taking forever to flower your dream into any visible result.
Be patient. The most important growth is underground—hidden deep in your character. Those who wait upon the Lord won't be put to shame; and in due time, God will reveal everything He's grown in you.
"If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother and hope your guardian genius." -Joseph Addison (1672-1719)
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The Void
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. - Proverbs 2:1-5
For several summers in the 1950s, Howard Mumma was a guest minister in Paris. There he met the existentialist philosopher, Albert Camus, who was coming to church to hear the great organist, Marcel Dupré.
Eventually Mumma's sermons stirred Camus, so the two men met several times to discuss Camus' questions about the Christian faith. In one conversation, Camus said: "The reason I have been coming to church is because I am seeking. I'm almost on a pilgrimage—seeking something to fill the void that I am experiencing—and no one else knows. Certainly the public and the readers of my novels, while they see that void, are not finding the answers in what they are reading . . . I am searching for something that the world is not giving me."
Are you where Camus was? Searching for that something? The best gift we can receive is precisely what the world can't offer—true, eternal life through Jesus Christ. All you gotta do is ask.
"There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus." - Blaise Pascal (1632-1662)
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Obstacles
To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my God. - Jonah 2:6
Don't curse or grumble about the obstacles in your path—look at them as character builders. Find a way to move them, or pray your way through them. Call to mind the words of the great American educator Booker T. Washington, who said: "I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed."
Don't be afraid to ask for help. People are surprisingly generous with advice, especially if you take the time to befriend them first. And remember to be thankful. You may meet a mentor who'll encourage and support you for years to come.
The main thing, however, is not to throw in the towel when you encounter bumps in the road. Remember, when you're traveling up a mountain, it's the bumps you climb on.
"Only by contending with challenges that seem to be beyond your strength to handle at the moment, you can grow more surely toward the stars." - Brian Tracy (1944- )
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Belonging
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Matthew 6:20-21
In his classic novel The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis writes of the subtle way that prosperity knits a person's heart to the world. Growing reputations, widening circles of acquaintances, a perceived sense of importance, and the increasing pressure of absorbing and agreeable work, argues Lewis, builds up in a person a sense of really being at home on earth. But while people are finding their place in the world, Lewis concludes that the world is finding its place in them.
The truth is each of us longs for a sense of belonging. It's the way we're designed, and it's a good thing. But what the world has to offer is incapable of producing what we too often seek to find in it, so it can't help but leave us disappointed.
Don't become a collector of empty treasures in your search to find belonging. Possessing things that belong to you is no substitute for choosing to belong to God, and possessing eternal security in Christ.
"No man can swim ashore and take his baggage with him." - Seneca the Younger (5 B.C-A.D. 65)
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Bridging the Gap
Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. - Deuteronomy 4:9
After a rather lifeless Sunday morning service, the pastor noticed a young boy staring intensely at a large plaque mounted in the church's foyer. It was covered with names and flanked by American flags.
Recognizing the opportunity to connect, the pastor approached, stood beside the boy, and said quietly, "Good morning young man." "Good morning," the boy replied, still looking intently at the plaque, he then asked, "Pastor, what's this?"
"Well, son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service," Then, with a note of gravity in his voice, the boy asked, "Which service did they die in – the 9:30 or the 11:00 o'clock?"
Passing on to the next generation what's dear to our hearts, and what they'll need to live well, is a privilege and burden for any caring adult. Yet communication gaps can be daunting. Take time, and choose your words well.
"The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter — 'tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning." - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
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Compassion
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Colossians 3:12
Most of us desire to be compassionate people, don't we? But do we know what compassion really is? Henri Nouwen once wrote: "Compassion is hard because it requires the inner disposition to go with others to the place where they are weak, vulnerable, lonely, and broken. But this is not our spontaneous response to suffering. What we desire most is to do away with suffering by fleeing from it or finding a quick fix for it. As busy, active, relevant. . . [people] we want to earn our bread by making a real contribution. This means first and foremost doing something to show that our presence makes a difference. And so we ignore our greatest gift, which is our ability to enter into solidarity with those who suffer."
Showing compassion goes against our daily grind and our drive to achieve. It's selfless, time consuming, and often not pleasant. But it's one of those double blessing things – you'll bless another with your act of compassion, and you'll be blessed in the process.
"The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others." - Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)
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Today's Word for Pastors...
Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
Psalms 139:16
Today's Preaching Insight...
Leadership Lessons
In a recent article for Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox newsletter, Senate Chaplain Barry Black wrote: "During my lifetime, I learned far more about leadership from faithful people working behind the scenes than from those who were more prominent. Here are a few of the lessons I learned.
Expect events to shape destinies. One of my earliest leadership lessons was that events, more than ability, often catapult people into positions of prominence. Shakespeare captured this notion when he said, "Be not afraid of greatness. Some men are born great, others achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." Without the Civil War, we may have never known the wonderful greatness of many notable Americans. Without World War II, names like Patton, Marshall, and MacArthur might be historical footnotes. Without Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on that bus, we probably wouldn't have a national holiday honoring Dr. King. Events often provide the critical variables for effective leadership.
Expect leaders to have different talents. I learned early that leaders come in many forms with many styles and abilities. Some are quiet, and others almost bombastic. Some are eloquent while others express themselves with difficulty. The five presidents mentioned at the beginning of this chapter had their individual strengths and weaknesses. Nonetheless, each made a substantive difference. Most successful leaders, however, have one thing in common: they mobilize people to achieve shared objectives.
Don't run from the possibility of failure. I learned that most effective leaders are willing to fail. They seem to sense that it is better to attempt something great and fail than to not try at all. Time and again, I've seen strong leaders who possessed the courage to fall and get up repeatedly.
Be humbly hospitable. Luther Palmer was the headmaster at the boarding high school that I attended. He was the exact opposite of the stereotypically remote, distant principal. Instead, he invited students home for dinner and got to know them one-on-one. He kept an eye on students who aspired to the Gospel ministry, and set up instructional periods with key preachers who visited our school. Though a busy administrator, he took the time to teach a class called "Facing Life," which was a requirement for all students. In this way, he came to know most of us in a very personal way."
(Adapted from Black's biography From the Hood to the Hill. To read the full article, click here. To learn more about the book, click here.)
Today's Extra...
Illustration: Successful Marriage
A couple was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Over the years they had raised a brood of 10 children and were blessed with 22 grandchildren.
When asked the secret for staying together all that time, the wife replied, "Many years ago we made a promise to each other: the first one to pack up and leave has to take all the kids."
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Faith and Understanding
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6
Upon returning from space, the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titoy said, "Some people say there is a God out there...but in my travels around the earth all day long, I looked around and didn't see Him...I saw no God nor angels. The rocket was made by our own people. I don't believe in God. I believe in man, his strength, his possibilities, and his reason."
Isn't it amazing that at moments when we're most vulnerable, and most clearly confronted with God's majesty, we can be so unaware of His presence?
God is wiser than we can comprehend, more immense than we're comfortable with, and merciful beyond the reaches of our imaginations.
Yet, He's also the One through whom everything makes sense. So don't mistakenly think that faith is the result of understanding. It's the opposite. Faith is the basis for understanding.
"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light." - Helen Keller (1880-1968)
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Growing in Wisdom
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14
If life were like the movies, you'd expect the following:
• The ventilation system of any building would be the perfect hiding place.
• The Eiffel Tower could be seen from any window in Paris.
• A man would show no pain while taking the most ferocious beating, but wince in pain when a woman tries to clean his wounds.
• It wouldn't be necessary to say hello or good-bye when beginning or ending phone conversations.
• It wouldn't matter if you're heavily outnumbered in a fight; your enemies would patiently wait to attack you one by one by dancing around in a threatening manner until you've knocked out their predecessors.
Life, however, isn't like the movies. There are all sorts of unexpected, non-cliché turns in real life. Therefore, we must continually seek after and grow in wisdom—the kind God happily gives when we ask.
"If ye keep watch over your hearts, and listen for the voice of God and learn of him, in one short hour ye can learn more from him than ye could learn from man in a thousand years." - Johannes Tauler (1300-1361)
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Healing Your Past and Future
Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. - Jeremiah 17:14
Senator Max Cleland lost his legs and right hand in Vietnam. When he shared at his Bible study he'd been having the same dream for thirty years—accidentally dropping a grenade, leaping on it, and then it exploding—the group prayed the Lord would heal that memory.
Two days later the History Channel broadcast his story. A man saw it and phoned Max. "Senator," he said, "you have the story all wrong. That wasn't your grenade. It was a young recruit behind you who had opened the pins on his grenades before jumping out of the helicopter. One of them popped out of the belt and rolled on the ground. You leaped on it to save us all. I wrapped you up myself and got you to the hospital. I was on the helicopter; I know how it happened."
When your past heals, your future finds healing too. Don't put off beginning the healing process—do something about it today.
"Nothing in life is more exciting and rewarding than the sudden flash of insight that leaves you a changed person—not only changed, but for the better." - Arthur Gordon (1829-1912)
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Soul Hunger
Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." - John 6:35
Soul hunger is the same whether we live in the White House or a homeless shelter; whether we're the latest star, sex symbol or a devoted stay-at-home wife and mother; whether we're Bill Gates or Fred Sanford. Whoever we are, wherever life has taken us, however much we have or lack, we hunger for more; something richer, deeper, prettier, tastier, faster—something that satisfies.
Some people acknowledge their hunger and seek to satisfy it in socially acceptable ways: education, career, family, friends, or public service. Others grow desperate and angry, and attempt to satisfy their hunger in socially unacceptable ways: promiscuity, the misuse of drugs and alcohol, or even violence.
Whichever category we best fit, our need is the same: God. And the only way to find God is by surrendering to Him. It might not be easy for you to do, but it's very simple to surrender. Try it.
"If we do not abide in prayer, we will abide in temptation. Let this be one aspect of our daily intercession: "God, preserve my soul, and keep my heart and all its ways so that I will not be entangled." When this is true in our lives, a passing temptation will not overcome us. We will remain free while others lie in bondage." - John Owen (1616-1683)
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The Bible
These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. - Deuteronomy 6:6-7
God's Word is a love letter wrapped in history, poetry, and wisdom. Consider what some influential historical figures have said about God's timeless Word:
• Abraham Lincoln said, "I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book."
• Horace Greeley resounded, "It is impossible to mentally or socially enslave a Bible-reading people. The people of the Bible are the groundwork for human freedom."
• Charles Dickens believed, "The New Testament is the very best book that ever was or ever will be known in the world."
• And...Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed, "To read the Bible is to take a trip to a fair land where the spirit is strengthened and faith renewed."
What does the Bible mean to you? Have you picked yours up and read it lately. It's probably your most treasured possession; but it's worthless just sitting on the shelf. Read it. Study it. Share it. You can start today.
"Read the Bible as if you were seeking for something of great value. It is a good deal better to take a single chapter and spend a month on it than to read the Bible at random for a month." - D. L. Moody (1837-1899)
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The Power of Words
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. - Psalm 19:14
My friend was watching the NBA's slam-dunk contest with his 10-year-old son Zachary, and his 12-year-old son Brock. After a spectacular dunk by a player about four inches shorter than his dad, Zachary asked, "Why can't you slam-dunk like that, dad? Are you too fat?"
As my friend was about to respond, his eldest son Brock chimed in: "Zachary, Dad isn't too fat; he weighs the same as Michael Jordan." My friend's chest swelled. Not only was he raising a real genius, he'd discovered that, in his son's eyes, he was actually "like Mike." But all that abruptly ended with Brock's closing comment: "Dad's not too fat. He's just too old."
Words are powerful, and rarely neutral. If you want yours to be agents of blessing, they must always be spoken in truth and love. Think about your words before you speak, and look for ways in which your words will bring God glory.
"Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts." - Robert Fulghum (1937- )
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Wolves in the Dark
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
When Lord Mountbatten, a British naval commander, was five years old, he disliked sleeping in the dark. He confided in his father that his concern wasn't the dark itself, but rather the wolves inhabiting the darkness. His father tried to assure him that there weren't wolves in their house, but his boy responded, "I daresay there aren't. But I think there are."
Aren't we good at conjuring up beasts? Even though our brains know there aren't wolves in the attic or monsters under the bed, we still lie awake with our fingers and toes tucked beneath the blankets.
Friend, God doesn't intend for you to live a life of fear. Like a protective father, He is there to comfort and assure us that we are not alone. Chase the wolves from your darkness. God will help you. It might be as simple as a prayer, or it might entail the help of a pastor or a professional counselor. Take a step toward chasing your wolves today.
"Every morning I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God; and so there's no room left for worry thoughts." - Howard Chandler Christy (1873-1952)
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Quenched Thirst
But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. - John 4:14
In this touching excerpt from C.S. Lewis' series of children's books, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion represents Jesus:
"Are you not thirsty?" said the Lion.
"I'm dying of thirst," said Jill.
"Then drink," said the Lion...
"Will you promise not to do anything to me...?" said Jill.
"I make no promise," said the Lion.
Jill was so thirsty now that ... she had gone a step nearer.
"Do you eat girls?" she asked.
"I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms," said the Lion. . .
"I daren't come and drink," said Jill.
"Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion.
"Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer. "I suppose I must go and look for another stream then."
"There is no other stream," said the Lion.
If you're thirsty, there is no other stream than the living water offered to us in Jesus. Drink of the living water He offers to you.
"When by the Spirit of God, I understood these words, 'The just shall live by faith,' I felt born again like a new man. I entered through the open doors into the very paradise of God!" - Martin Luther (1483-1546)
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Close the Gate
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32
My friend grew up on a farm, and she once told me that her sole responsibility was to close the gate behind her. That way the livestock couldn't backtrack into a field of alfalfa. All she had to do was close the gate behind her.
Back then she thought gate closing was boring work—just a whole lot of waiting, then something happened. She discovered that while gate closing isn't prestigious or exciting, it's vitally important.
On the path to wellness and wholeness, there are many gates to close. Closing the gate means not leaving loose ends hanging.
Are there people with whom you have loose ends? Do you need to return something you "borrowed?" Is there restitution or an overdue apology that might renew a relationship?
My friend's mom used to tell her, "Close the gates behind you." Most often she was talking about more than the field gate—she was talking about all the gates of life. What gates do you need to close?
The closing of a door can bring blessed privacy and comfort—the opening terror. Conversely, the closing of a door can be a sad and final thing—the opening a wonderfully joyous moment." - Andy Rononey (1919 -
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Control
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you." - Isaiah 41:13
When Napoleon was a young boy, he'd stand brave and unflinching while the soldiers fired off their cannons, yet he seemed afraid of the nearby ocean. Determined to help the child overcome his fears, one of the royal attendants picked the boy up and tossed him into the waves. After struggling onto dry land, the young prince ran away shrieking in terror.
Later, someone asked why he was afraid of the sea and not the loud cannonade of the soldiers. The boy considered the question for a moment, then answered, "Because I'm in command of the soldiers, but I'm not in command of the sea."
Aren't most of us afraid of the things we can't control? What should we do to counter our fears? Norman Vincent Peale once said, "...Let faith, hope and courage enter your thinking. Fear is strong, but faith is stronger yet."
"Keep your fears to yourself but share your courage." - Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1994)
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Fools and Liars
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." - Psalms 14:1
Desperate for gambling money, mom took a crowbar to her husband's locked desk drawer. Her search for the family's emergency funds also led her to the children's savings bonds, which she promptly cashed in for less than their value and gambled away.
Dad explained to Brian and Kelly that Mom had spent all the money—again. Kelly was in tears. Brian simply said, "How could you, Mom? How can we eat? How can I play football? How can we pay the bills if you keep doing this? Don't you love us enough to stop? You promised! You promised, you liar!"
Tired of living like a fool, mom finally got help.
It's hard to admit when I've been a fool . . . to be honest about how my foolishness has hurt others. But Jesus came for fools and liars. I'm thankful for that, aren't you?
"The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right." - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
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Bigger Hands
Your right hand, O Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, O Lord, shattered the enemy. - Exodus 15:6
I once heard a story of a young boy who went with his mother to the local store. The owner, a kindly man, passed him a large jar of suckers and invited him to help himself to a handful.
Uncharacteristically, the boy held back. So the storeowner pulled out a big handful of suckers and handed them to him. When they were outside his mother asked him why he'd suddenly been so shy and wouldn't pull out the suckers himself. The boy looked at his mother and replied, "Because his hand is so much bigger than mine!"
Indeed, there's much to be said for allowing someone with bigger hands to provide for us. Jesus' hands are bigger than ours and able to give much more than we could ever provide for ourselves. Like the song says – "He's got the whole world in His hands."
"Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven." - Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)
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Parenthood
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
When parents don't spend meaningful time with their kids, a credibility gap develops. In fact, one of the most common errors parents make is expecting respect without relationship. Children might live with this contradiction for years; but if you're cultivating hurried, superficial relationships with your kids now, the odds are extremely high that, in time, they won't respect your opinions, invite your wisdom, or respond to your warnings when they need to most. Inevitably, as author Josh McDowell poignantly observed, "Rules without relationship leads to rebellion."
The rich experience of parenthood resists short, tidy definitions. But never forget —despite whatever else parenthood may be—it's a battleground for the well-being of your kids. Therefore, it's imperative that you learn to fight effectively for your children, and it all starts with relationship—just like it does for us with God.
"Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing."
- Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)
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Fear or Fear Not
Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
Isaiah 35:4
Most of us tend to think too highly of ourselves. Our love for having the right answers, solving our own problems, and feeling in control of every aspect of our lives demonstrates our inclination to think we possess personal sovereignty. Consequently, we spend a lot of time worrying.
A businessman once constructed a "Worry Chart" to keep a record of his fears. He discovered that 40 percent of his worries involved things that probably wouldn't happen, 30 percent involved past decisions that he couldn't unmake, 12 percent regarded other people's criticisms, and 10 percent involved his health. He concluded that only 8 percent of his worries were really legitimate (if there is such a thing)—that is, things he could actually do something about.
So how do we overcome our fears? How do we rid ourselves of worry and anxiety, most of which is unfounded anyway. The Bible says that perfect love cast out all fear. So maybe we should focus on God's love, not on our fear.
"Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength."
- Charles Spurgeon (1834 -1892)
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Humor
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."
Psalm 126:2
I'm grateful for people who bring laughter to our lives. Former New York Yankee baseball great Yogi Berra's wry humor has left us laughing for decades. Consider these "Yogi-isms:"
· "Never answer an anonymous letter."
· "I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four."
· "When you come to a fork in the road...take it." ...and
· "I really didn't say everything I said."
Laughter's a great gift. And doctors are finding the Bible is right: laughter truly is good medicine. Not only are there emotional benefits to laughing, but there are physical benefits as well. Bill Cosby said, "If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it." He's right. Humor can actually be an agent of healing. So look for opportunities to laugh, and don't take things to seriously. God has a sense of humor, and so should we.
"From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down, I convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend on reading it."
- Groucho Marx (1890-1977)
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Necessity of Boundaries
And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. - Deuteronomy 10:12
Skiing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is risky business. It's not for the weak hearted. The runs are dangerous and steep. They are tested by the ski patrol, dozens of warning signs are posted, and yellow tape block paths that lead to avalanche danger, loose rocks, or cliffs.
The Christian life is much like the terrain at Jackson Hole. There are plenty of marked runs and rugged terrain to keep the most adventuresome entertained and challenged, but there are also hazardous areas to avoid if we don't want to get hurt.
That's why the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit provide us with boundaries. They protect us by identifying life's harmful out-of-bounds areas; and provide freedom by keeping us unencumbered from sin and its consequences. That's truly what God was providing when he gave us the 10 Commandments. Open your Bible to Exodus 20 and re-read those with the concept of 'boundaries" in mind.
"I now realize that the small hills you see on ski slopes are formed around the bodies of forty-seven year olds who tried to learn snowboarding." - Dave Barry (1947- )
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Pursuing Your Dreams
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. - 1 Timothy 6:10-11
Are you postponing your dreams in hopes that Aunt Gertie will remember you in her will? Are you waiting to win the lottery? Or are you waiting until you lose thirty pounds, or your spouse gets his/her act together?
If the Lord has placed a dream in your heart, don't wait for external events to grant you "permission." Don't allow yourself to be hampered by fear, but do take a look at your motives.
The most important thing you can do with your dreams is to examine them in light of who gets the glory in the process... you or God? Cultivate the dreams born of the Spirit. You're happiest and most fulfilled when you're doing what God has designed you to do. He knows your frame, talents, skills, and desires. If you pursue the dreams He plants in your heart, I can promise you'll find more abundant life than you ever thought possible.
"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." – William Carey (1761-1834)
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Reframing Our Work
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31
Too often we view our work as a curse rather than a divine calling. Renowned author Dorothy Sayers is precisely right in observing that we need "a thoroughgoing revolution in our whole attitude to work." Namely, that our work should be viewed not as a necessary drudgery to be undergone for the purpose of making money, but as a way of life in which we find personal delight and magnify God's glory. Sayer's believes work, "should be thought of as a creative activity undertaken for the love of the work itself; and that. . . [men and women], made in God's image, should make things, as God makes them, for the sake of doing well a thing that is well worth doing."
With the right attitude your work can be a source of personal blessing and a vehicle for glorifying God.
"Train yourself to recognize the hand of God in everything that happens to you." - Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
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Stop the Insanity
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. - Colossians 1:10
In the movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray plays a character who finds himself living the same day over and over again. At first he thinks he's going crazy! But in time he decides to identify his shortcomings, address his faults, and make better choices.
The movie's moral is basically this: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, all-the-while expecting different results. And if you'll accept that working definition of insanity, then you'd probably admit that, from time to time, we're all a bit off kilter.
Everyone has areas of their life in need of change. When you recognize a problem and sincerely desire better for your life, that's a good start—yet genuine change requires more—and that can be intimidating.
You can stop the insanity of your own Groundhog Day, and live differently and better. Ask God to help you stop the insanity, then take the first step to do so.
"It is time for us all to stand and cheer for the doer, the achiever—the one who recognizes the challenge and does something about it." - Vince Lombardi (1913-1970)
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Time in the Cocoon
I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. - Psalm 27:13-14
If you tear open a cocoon to set a butterfly free, the creature's wings will be severely underdeveloped. This is because the very act of struggling to leave the cocoon strengthens the butterfly's wings, preparing it for flight.
We too have times of transition and metamorphosis, yet our remedy is not unlike the butterfly's. If we try escaping God's cocoon before He's done transforming us, we risk undermining and delaying what He's trying to do. So when you're experiencing time in the cocoon, relax! In the stillness, you hear God. In the waiting, your character is formed. If you wait upon God and allow Him to release you from the cocoon, you'll be strong and prepared to fly in ways you never could have if you'd left the cocoon too soon.
"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly." - Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983)
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He Is Risen
When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. - John 2:22
I recently stumbled upon a great Easter story told by Dr. George Sweeting regarding an incident in the early 1920s. Communist leader Nikolai Bukharin was sent from Moscow to Kiev to address an anti-God rally. For an hour he abused and ridiculed the Christian faith until it seemed as if the whole structure of belief was in ruins.
Then questions were invited. An Eastern Orthodox priest rose and asked to speak. He turned, faced the people, and gave the Easter greeting, "He is risen!" Instantly the assembly rose to its feet and the reply came back loud and clear, "He is risen indeed!"
Aren't those just the best words you could ever hear? News, movies, books, and people of influence may attempt to discredit Christianity, but they'll never thwart the truth, He is risen indeed!
What does Christ's resurrection mean for you?
"I believe in the sun even when it is not shining.
I believe in love even when not feeling it.
I believe in God even when He is silent."
- Anonymous
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Easter in Narnia
He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. - Isaiah 25:8
In C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the lion, Aslan, offers himself as a sacrifice for a little boy—a traitor named Edmund. When the lion rises from the dead he says:
". . . [the Witch's] knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time. But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness before Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward."
Does that story sound familiar? It should; it's the story of Easter. Jesus Christ gave his life for traitors whom he loved, was raised from the dead, and therefore broke the curse of death.
"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection,
not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." - Martin Luther (1483-1546)
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The Big One
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. - Deuteronomy 4:29
When I was three years old, I went on an Easter egg hunt. Being so young, my mom let me watch the organizers hide the eggs. Before long, I'd spotted the man with the Big One—a jumbo sized, cream-filled chocolate egg wrapped in golden foil.
The moment I heard ,"Go!" I raced to the shallow hole where I'd seen him hide the egg. But my hand found nothing. I tried my other hand. Still nothing. I started digging and pulling grass. Then a loud scream broke my concentration. My prized egg had been moved to the oak tree and discovered by Lesely Waters. What had begun as a calculated victory ended in bitter defeat. Yet, I did learn a valuable lesson: What promises to bring happiness and fulfillment often leaves us empty.
Do you find yourself searching for the Big One? If the Big One is Christ, you're on the right path and need to look no further. If it's anything other than Jesus, you'll not be satisfied until you find Him.
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning." - Louis L'Amour (1908-1988)
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Act Your Size!
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. - Colossians 3:12
Years ago, I read about some kids who built a clubhouse in the branches of a tree. Wise far beyond their years, these boys and girls came up with a few simple rules for how to behave in this lofty little shelter. These three rules were scrawled out in childish handwriting and posted outside the door:
1) NOBODY ACT BIG.
2) NOBODY ACT SMALL.
3) EVERYBODY ACT MEDIUM.
That's pretty solid counsel for us adults. We're neither angels nor worms. We're all made in the image of God yet we're all deeply flawed. We're all entitled to dignity and respect, yet we're all in need of mercy, patience, and understanding.
So start your day (or continue it) remembering not to act big, or small, but act medium.
"Humility is like underwear, essential, but indecent if it shows." - Helen Nielsen (1918-2002)
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Finishing Well
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12:1
Our culture has become enamored with instant results and quick fixes. E-mail, on-line banking, fast food, instant mashed potatoes, hair implants, liposuction, and countless options like them have eroded our capacity for patience and perseverance. So when it comes to spiritual growth, we tend to expect instant transformation rather than viewing our growth in Christ as a long-term—and potentially costly—endeavor.
Yet I've learned an important truth that's been verified time and again by the testimony of Scripture: It's not how you start that's important; it's how you finish.
Finishing well in the Christian life requires purposeful planning and a clear view of reality on your part. It won't happen by accident. On the other hand, expecting instant results and quick fixes will result in disappointment, and ultimately, discouragement.
"The world is moving so fast these days that a man who says it can't be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it." - Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969)
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Satisfied Singleness
Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. - 1 Corinthians 7:1-2
According to the latest U.S. Census, there are 95.7 million single adults in America. This constitutes a large—and growing—portion of our society, yet a portion that's often overlooked in the area of spiritual care. So if you're a single adult or know one, I'd like to speak to you.
You may be single by choice or as a result of unfortunate circumstances. You may have future plans to marry, or you may sense God calling you to a life of singleness. No matter what your situation, God's will for you right now is to be satisfied in Him, and to trust His plan for you at this time in your life.
You get to choose how you respond to your singleness. Learn from it. Grow in it. Singleness does not have to equal loneliness. You can survive the temptations unique to your situation in our world today. Start by going to God and connecting with others.
"I think I've discovered the secret of life—you just hang around long enough to get used to it." - Charles M. Schultz (1922-2000)
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Good News About Bad News
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. - 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
No one's a stranger, or a welcome recipient of bad news. Yet listen to Bill Gates' wise take on bad news in his book Business @ the Speed of Thought:
"You have to be constantly receptive to bad news, and then you have to act on it. Sometimes I think my most important job as CEO is to listen to bad news. [But] if you don't act on it, your people will eventually stop bringing bad news to your attention. And that's the beginning of the end. The willingness to hear hard truth is vital not only for the CEOs of big corporations but also for anyone who loves the truth. Sometimes the truth sounds like bad news, but it is just what we need."
I've learned that bad news usually contains a redemptive element - It's important that we don't respond to it with avoidance and denial but work through it.
"Bad news isn't wine. It doesn't improve with age." - Colin Powell (1937- )
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Man vs. Lawnmower
"In your anger do not sin."
Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. - Ephesians 4:26-27
Cliff was a kind and mild-mannered man—until one fateful summer day.
He set the controls of his year-old lawn mower on "START," and pulled the cord. Nothing. He pulled several more times. Still nothing. Finally, after countless attempts, the mower roared to life. Frustrated but relieved, Cliff adjusted the throttle and prepared to cut. But before he could take a step, the mower died again. After several more futile attempts, Cliff straightened up, turned, and walked into the house.
Moments later Cliff calmly returned to the mower, slid several shells into his rifle, took aim, and proceeded to riddle the machine with bullets.
His wife Janice—who'd witnessed the entire affair from the kitchen window—stood amazed and frightened at the rage lurking beneath Cliff's quiet, confident exterior.
Perhaps you can relate to Cliff's anger. But I hope you don't relate to how he dealt with it. It's o.k. to have anger and even express it. It's the how and the when we have to work on.
"Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame." - Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Strangers In A Strange Land
Set your minds on things above not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2
An American traveler went to Poland to visit a famous rabbi. Upon arrival, the traveler was taken aback by the rabbi's room, which contained only a table, a chair, and some books. Perplexed, the traveler asked, "Rabbi, where is your furniture?"
The rabbi replied, "My furniture? Where is your furniture, my friend?" The tourist explained he was only a tourist passing through. The rabbi's response? "So am I."
Life in our affluent, materially-oriented society draws us away from what God wants our focus to be. We are regularly tempted to invest our time and energy in ways that focus on making ourselves comfortable residents here. Be careful. Succumbing to this temptation will blunt your ability to hear and hope in God. Set your mind on things above, and your heart will surely follow. Live intentionally and effectively for the glory of God.
"The love of heaven makes one heavenly." - William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
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Serving
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. - Colossians 3:23-24
At the heart of the Civil War was a large portion of free people who concluded that slavery shouldn't be. Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain was one of those men. In the movie Gettysburg he says, "This is a different kind of army. If you look back through history, you'll see men fighting for pay, for women, for some other kind of loot. They fight for land, power, because a king leads them, or just because they like killing. But we are here for something new. This has not happened much in the history of the world. We are an army out to set other men free."
Throughout history, God has been calling men and women to give of themselves so others can be free. Are you willing to make sacrifices for others?
"For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice — no paper currency, no promises to pay, but the gold of real service." - John Burroughs (1837-1921)
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The Hunt for Pleasure
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. - Philippians 4:12
Society says, "Just do it!" Friends say, "If it feels good, do it." And our flesh says, "More, more, more!" Our appetite for pleasure fuels our lives.
Is this a bad thing? Actually, you were designed for pleasure—but the pleasure that you were designed to seek—the pleasure that will truly satisfy—is finding pleasure in God.
Far too often, however, we set our sights too low, seeking satisfaction from power, food, status, money, or things. C.S. Lewis wisely reflected that we're like ignorant children who want to go on making mud pies in a slum because we cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. "We are far too easily pleased," he concluded.
Maybe you're dissatisfied in your hunt for pleasure, or maybe you're satisfied right where you are and you shouldn't be. Pause and reflect on the source of your pleasure. Only one source is lasting—seek God.
"Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth." - Sébastien-Roch Nicolas De Chamfort (1741-1794)
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Transformed Grief
Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end. - Isaiah 60:20
In 1835 Abe Lincoln was a member of the Illinois legislature and a man with a bright future. In love with the red-haired beauty Ann Rutledge, they joyfully anticipated their future together. . . then malaria struck. Upon hearing that Ann was sick, Abe came to her only to watch helplessly as her life - and his dreams - slipped away. A week after the funeral, a friend saw Lincoln rambling through the woods almost incoherent, mumbling sentences no one could understand. Weeks passed and Lincoln was lost in pain.
Lincoln eventually recovered. And though grief haunted him, faith sustained him. Pain had made him strong. The hard lessons he learned in the Illinois woods prepared him to navigate America through the travails of Civil War. Abraham Lincoln was transformed in the crucible of grief, and in turn, was used to transform an entire nation.
You can have hope in the midst of your hurting. It won't remove the hurt, but it will help you work through it.
"Many of us spend our whole lives running from feeling with the mistaken belief that you cannot bear the pain. But you have already borne the pain. What you have not done is feel all you are beyond the pain." - Saint Bartholomew (1st century AD)
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Faith
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. - Matthew 17:20
Desperate to find a home, an orphan girl in India asked a missionary teacher from a nearby village for help. The missionary had no money or room for the girl but promised she'd pray and ask God for his help. She told the girl to do the same.
That evening, the teacher received a letter from an American friend, containing enough money to provide for the orphan girl. She summoned a messenger the following morning and asked him to go to the neighboring village—a day's walk from her home—to find the girl.
To the teacher's surprise, the messenger returned with the girl in half the expected time. When asked how she traveled so quickly, the girl reminded the teacher, "We both prayed to God for help...I thought I might as well start walking."
Faith is active. Thinking and praying are necessary elements, but the true test of our faith is when like the little girl, we start walking.
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
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Loneliness
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. - Proverbs 15:22
A recent study reported that the loneliest people in America are college students. Surprising? Other groups showing high levels of loneliness were the divorced, welfare recipients, single moms, housewives, and the elderly. This covers the majority of our culture, indicating that loneliness is an American epidemic.
To illustrate just how lonely many people are, Chuck Swindoll tells the story of a Kansas newspaper ad, which read, "I'll listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5." Swindoll said, "Sounds like a hoax, doesn't it? But the person was serious. Did anybody call? You bet. It wasn't long before this individual was receiving 10 to 20 calls a day. The pain of loneliness was so sharp that people were willing to pay to talk to a complete stranger for a half hour of companionship."
We were created for relationships. Don't go through life solo. Connect with someone today.
"Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for." - Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961)
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Longing for Glory
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
In 1997, Sports Illustrated published a survey of 198 Olympic athletes.
They were asked if they would take a banned performance-enhancing substance if they were guaranteed they wouldn't be caught and they would win their competition. One hundred and ninety-five athletes said yes; three said no.
They were then asked if they'd take the substance if they were guaranteed they wouldn't be caught, would win every competition for the next five years, but would then die from the side effects of the substance. More than half the athletes said yes. This is both shocking and very sad.
O.K., sports fans, the Olympics take place every two years. Can you name five gold medalists at the most recent Olympics? (Can you even remember where they were held?)
We all have a longing for recognition and honor. But immortality and glory belong to God.
"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend." - J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
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Marriage
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24
How can a stranger tell if two people are married? When eight-year old Derrick was asked this question he stopped to think for a minute. Then he replied most seriously, "You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids."
Kids really have a way of making us laugh, reflect, and, yes. . . sometimes yell, don't they? But young Derrick hit upon a very important fact: marriage can be tough—and that's true regardless of whether or not you have kids.
Finances, communication, intimacy, and sometimes-even kids can become sources of tension in your relationship with your spouse. Nevertheless, God's intention for marriage is that it be a source of joy, encouragement, comfort, and grace that gives richness to life.
"Marriage is the state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a mistress and two slaves, making in all, two." - Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)
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Materialism
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2
Even when I've sincerely turned to God in faith, the pursuit of things has tripped me up.
My first house was a great investment: Only $10,000 with a monthly mortgage payment of $100. I congratulated myself on being so financially astute.
But a door-to-door carpet salesman changed all that. Carpet was my house's only real deficiency. And upon showing me a sample of sea-foam green, stain resistant carpet, I was hooked. I simply had to have it. I didn't have the money to pay for it, so the salesman arranged for me to have credit.
But after I had the new carpet installed, I noticed how ratty my furniture looked. Before I knew it, I was lost in the tide of materialism.
What I thought would bring me respect and comfort made me a slave. Be careful about what becomes important in your life.
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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Perfectionism
If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come — one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?
Hebrews 7:11
Are you a person who's never quite satisfied because you can't attain perfection? I have good news for you! Perfection is unattainable, so you can rest from your efforts. Yes, excellence is a worthy goal, but perfection is nothing but pure fiction! You're not perfect, and neither is your spouse, your children, your boss, or your co-workers. Not even your dog is perfect.
Nevertheless, if you're a perfectionist, you'll be quicker to judge rather than show mercy. Most perfectionists end up correcting other people rather than connecting with other people.
If you struggle with this, remember—relationships are always more important than regulation, so be careful not to push yourself and the people in your life toward perfection. Lay down your spears, tear down those walls, and step forward to discover that it's perfectly fine to be human in every area of life.
"Perfection consists in one thing only: doing the will of God."
- St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)
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Suffering and Character
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
Romans 6:22
My life has been littered with mistakes—my own mistakes and the mistakes of others. And in every one of those incidents, God came along, picked up the litter, and put it back together in a way that transformed it into a monument for faith. I can look back and say, "It was at that very point, in the midst of that adversity, that this part of my character began to grow and my relationship with God really deepened.
It's our nature to seek quick relief from pain. But Helen Keller—a woman well acquainted with adversity—said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved."
Let God transform and redeem the suffering in your life?
"Deep unspeakable suffering may well be called a baptism, a regeneration, the initiation into a new state."
- George Eliot (1819-1880)
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Teen Anger
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3: 17-18
When Benjamin Carson was a teenager he had a terrible temper. One day he got into a scuffle with another youth, drew a knife, and stabbed at the other boy. The blade, however, caught on the boy's belt buckle.
That moment was a flashpoint experience for Carson. He went home and fell to his knees, praying for three hours for the Lord to take his temper away.
So, what happened to that boy? Today Benjamin Carson is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, known all over the world for his surgical skills and care for his young patients.
But if God hadn't prevented his blade from striking or Carson hadn't conquered his temper that day, hundreds of patients would've been deprived of his compassionate care.
Aren't you glad God is in control and watches over every detail of your life?
"Don't lose your temper, use it."
- Dolly Parton (1946- )
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The Blame Game
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Proverbs 12:19
When Mary and Emma's mom saw the chewed up book, she confronted her girls. Mary quickly pointed the finger to her little sister Emma. Emma immediately replied that her cousin Jacob did it. Now to appreciate Emma's response you must understand that cousin Jacob lived over 2,200 miles away and was still a baby without teeth! As you can imagine, mom had a hard time concealing a smile.
The blame game has a long history. Adam blamed Eve—she was the one who gave him the fruit. And he even blamed God. He basically said, "If you wouldn't have put this woman here, this wouldn't have happened!" Eve, of course, blamed the snake.
Do you find yourself often trying to shift blame? Blaming is easy, but there's honor and redemption when you take responsibility for your faults.
"I praise loudly, I blame softly."
- Catherine the Great (1729-1796)
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The Saddest Word
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62: 5-6
Several famous people were asked what they felt was the saddest word in the English language. Listen to what some of them said:
· "But," said Lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II.
· Writer John Dos Passos quoted John Keats: "Forlorn! The very word is like a bell."
· Statesman Bernard M. Baruch said: "Hopeless."
· President Harry Truman quoted John Greenleaf Whittier: "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'"
"But", "forlorn", "hopeless", "it might have been"...together these words describe the heart of a person without Christ. What a contrast these sad words make to the promises of God.
In Jesus Christ, a forlorn, hopeless heart haunted by 'buts' and 'it might have beens' is transformed into a heart of hope and purpose. Be encouraged by God's specific promises of joy and hope of transformation for your life.
"When hope is taken away from the people, moral degeneration follows swiftly after."
- Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973)
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A Good Name
A good name is more desirable than great riches;
To be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
- Proverbs 22:1
How important is your name? Sports columnist Skip Bayless reported this interesting story:
Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, offered sports-talk host David Kaplan $50,000 to have his name legally changed to "Dallas Maverick." When Kaplan declined, Cuban responded by offering to pay Kaplan $100,000 and donate $100,000 to Kaplan's favorite charity if he took the name for one year.
Kaplan did some soul searching, but held firm. "I'd be saying I'd do anything for money," he explained, "and that bothers me. My name is my birthright. I'd like to preserve my integrity and credibility."
Building a reputation of integrity and reliability happens by establishing a consistent track record of sound decisions and hard work. And no amount of money or fleeting temptation is worth its undoing.
"There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity." - Tom Peters (1942 -
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Broken Dreams
"We both had dreams," they answered, "but there is no one to interpret them." Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams." - Genesis 40:8
Do you have dreams that never came true?
• Maybe you were you told you had great talent—that you should go for it and make it to the top.
• Was your dream to be a star of stage or screen?
• Maybe your dream was to live a peaceful life teaching at a university with the security of tenure, writing a few bestsellers.
• Maybe you believed that you'd grow up, easily discover the person God chose for you, marry that person, make a lot of money, have great kids who were never a problem, and continue to live happily ever after?
Think about your great dreams that haven't come true—we all have some. Yet our broken dreams are by no means the end of the story, because they hold important lessons within them.
If you have faith in Christ, your final destination is secure. Our life here on earth is a character-building journey full of opportunities—to dream, to connect, and to love one another, and when there is brokenness, to adjust your dream, to re-connect, and to continue loving one another.
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved." - Helen Keller (1880-1968)
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Building A Team
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
Way up on the top of the Spanish Pyrenees Mountains lives the beautiful but elusive mountain goat. Mature mountain goats are often hunted for their coats, but it's extremely difficult to get within shooting range. Why? Because the mature goat has a companion: a young goat with good eyesight, good hearing and a good sense of smell follows it wherever it goes and sounds the warning if enemies emerge.
The rhinoceros is another magnificent animal. It can run at remarkable speeds and despite its poor eyesight, is fearless in charging its enemies. But the rhino gets help. The rhino's skin is infested with ticks, which are a delicacy to a little bird that rides on its back. The birds have keen eyesight, and when they sense danger they sound the alarm, alerting the rhino.
If you'd like to live your life in Christ to the fullest, you need to team up with others too! We weren't meant to go it alone! Choose to connect and to relate to others.
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." - Michael Jordan (1963- )
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Calling
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. - 2 Thessalonians 1:11
My friend was an English teacher at a Christian high school. One day while talking to her students about what they want to do in life, she asked what considerations might motivate their career selection. Money was the top answer, followed by talent, ability, and a general liking for the type of work. "Are you saying," she asked her class, "that none of you have considered your future occupation in light of what God would have you do?"
Sadly, many people think that unless they've received "a calling" to become a minister or missionary, God can pretty much stay out of the career picture. But God calls dentists, salesclerks, insurance salesmen, truck drivers, moms, and corporate executives. Whatever your occupation might be, see it as a calling from God. And recognize that our main calling in life is to be Christ-like, no matter what we do, who we're with, or where we are.
"God does not call those that are equipped. He equips those whom He has called." - Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947)
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Our Only Real Hope
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
He remembers his covenant forever.
Psalm 111:4-5
Donna and her husband had two babies and barely got by on the tiny pension he received from the Navy. It took more than half their income just to pay the rent. Needless to say, the money often ran out before the month did.
One month, their financial situation was so bad Donna had no money left to buy laundry soap. She got on her knees and prayed, "God, I've never needed you like I need you now. I have nothing, and I need you to provide soap to wash these diapers."
Hearing a noise at the front door, Donna got up to see who it was. Someone had left a promotional sample of soap on her doorstep. Some would call the provision a coincidence, but Donna knew it was an act of God – a "divine" coincidence.
Are you dealing with difficult circumstances? Have you talked to God about your challenges, and your needs? God wants you to come to Him and to rely upon Him.
"Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there." - Old saying
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Perseverance
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12
Soon after making a decision to follow Christ, a young Nigerian named Daniel returned to his Muslim village. He was excited about his new faith. . . the people of his village were not. Furious at him, the women of the village beat him and left him for dead.
When he regained consciousness the following day, he decided he must not have been clear in explaining his new faith. So he went back to the village and witnessed again. The women beat him and left him for dead again. This time he remained unconscious for two days.
When he awoke, he again assumed he hadn't expressed himself well. So he returned a third time. This time the village women broke into tears at his perseverance, and eventually the good news of Christ gained a foothold in that place.
If you're weary in sharing the good news of Jesus with friends, family, or your kids—take heart. And remember, we share Christ by our actions and how we conduct our lives—as much as we do with our words.
"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
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Struggle
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17
Either outright or subtly many people who follow Jesus and walk with God think they shouldn't struggle. We think God will give us lives of ease and comfort once we decide to follow Christ. The idea is: If we're good Christians, we'll have it all together. If we have enough faith, our conflicts and problems would resolve themselves. When you come to Christ, your problems disappear. In fact, many churches will communicate that very message week in and week out. As a result, those who attend those churches hide their struggles, because they mistakenly equate struggles with a lack of faith.
But the Christian walk wasn't meant to be a stroll through the park. Following Jesus won't remove struggles from your life; in fact it often adds to the struggle. Some of the most committed Christians have lived some of the most difficult lives. The Bible goes so far as to tell us to expect trials and difficulties, and to be joyful when we face them.
With Christ, you can do that. On your own, you're destined to fail.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
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The Fall
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:26
Adam and Eve's fall – when they took the bite of that apple—wasn't like falling off a stepladder; it was like falling off Mount Everest. It was mankind's fall, and we weren't just dented; we were demolished.
Once we realize that all of our thoughts and desires are twisted, and all of our strength is diverted away from God; then we'll begin realizing how dangerous it is to rely solely on our own strength, desire, and wisdom.
Human strength fails when you don't see any results. Human motivation ends when applause and affirmation fade. And human wisdom tells us to get ahead and then quit.
But God's strength becomes perfect when we're weak. His approval comes when we stop trying to please the crowd. And His wisdom tells us to stop trying to lead the way and to follow Him instead.
Remember, God's grace is greater than our ability to mess up.
"Above all, believe confidently that Jesus delights in maintaining that new nature within you, and imparting to it His strength and wisdom for its work." - Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
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Thin Ice
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:7-8
When I was a boy, I fell into freezing water while trying to cross some thin ice. A while later, my brothers took me to a frozen pond—where I wasn't in jeopardy of falling through. It was frozen thick and solid.
Yet even when my brothers ran out onto the ice to demonstrate its sturdiness, they had a difficult time convincing me it would support my weight. I'd been fooled by solid-looking ice before. Finally, they dragged me onto the ice. At first, I tested it nervously. Then slowly and hesitantly I began to trust the ice.
My experiences with ice remind me of the philosophies and teachings in which we put our faith. We have to test them to make sure they're trustworthy.
Are you trusting in thin ice? Or in something thick and solid? Put your faith in Christ!
"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine (354-430)
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What's Wrong With Grownups
Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged. - Colossians 3:21
"What's wrong with grownups?" This was a question posed by a Sunday school teacher to a class of ten-year-olds. See if you recognize yourself in any of these complaints.
1. Grownups make promises, then forget them, or say it wasn't a promise, just a "maybe."
2. Grownups don't do the things they tell their children to do—like pick up their things or always tell the truth.
3. Grownups don't listen. They decide ahead of time what they're going to answer.
4. Grownups make mistakes, but won't admit them. They pretend they weren't mistakes at all—or that somebody else made them.
5. Grownups always talk about what they did and what they knew when they were ten-years-old, but they don't try to think what it's like to be ten-years-old right now.
If you're like me, right now you're thinking, "Ouch!" Children are perceptive, and they are much more pure in heart than we give them credit for. Take time for them, be honest with them, don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry".
"Nothing you ever do for a child is wasted." - Garrison Keillor (1942- )
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Bad Coffee
Bear with each other and forgive grievances. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13-14
Karin ruled her family with her explosive, irrational anger. Her children and grandchildren never knew what would set her off. Being around her was like being in a minefield. You knew you had to get out, but you were too afraid to take a step.
Yet every time Karin had one of these outbursts, she'd blame it on bad coffee. "I just got a hold of some bad coffee and just wasn't myself," she'd say.
Do you have some "bad coffee?"—some excuse you're using for out-of-line behaviors? Are you rationalizing behaviors because you say you're "tired," "under stress," or some other unique yet unacceptable excuse?
The best thing to do is confess. Confess to God, and confess to others.
"It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution." - Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
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Growing in Christ
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. - Isaiah 55:8
People today are striving for personal improvement, self-empowerment, and inner strength. Yet, Christianity has a completely opposite way of thinking; it's full of paradoxes. We die to live; we lose to find; and we surrender to gain strength.
When Jesus overcame death, he defeated the worst enemy of all. Today we're left to battle with far lesser foes, knowing that He's already won the war.
When we stop trying to control the outcome of every situation and stop demanding that God resolve our problems according to our dictates, we unlock the door for God to show us his redemptive purpose.
Praying, "Your will be done" gets us out of God's way and removes our ideas as to how things are supposed to work out in our lives, and allows God's ideas to take control
Are you struggling to be a better follower of Jesus? Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus. A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly without knowing what's around the corner.
"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith." - Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)
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Perfect-Mate Myth
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Do you believe the Perfect-Mate Myth? It goes something like this: "If I just had the right mate, then my life would be all right." This belief is profoundly off base. First, it assumes that we are good and our spouse is the real problem. Second, it implies that there is such a thing as a "perfect" spouse, one who is beyond the reach of sin.
This delusion keeps couples from growing the way God wants them to grow. If you're in a difficult marriage, believing this myth will prevent you from the hard work and commitment necessary to repair the relationship. To keep your relationship stable and growing you must concentrate on building your relationship with God—as a couple and as individuals. If you do that, your marriage will be strengthened and your soul will be fed.
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
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False gods
O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, "Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. - Jeremiah 16:19
We like to call ourselves sophisticated. We trust in scientific theory and read the Wall Street Journal. We subscribe to the theory, secretly or not, that mankind has evolved intellectually and that we are far superior to our simple-minded, superstitious ancestors. We smirk when we read how they worshipped man-made gods—those deaf, dumb, and blind pieces of wood and gold.
Yet at the same time, we're on our knees worshipping more subtle, but just as tangible, false gods—the "isms" of our day: workaholism, as if the fruit of endless labors will finally bring satisfaction; legalism, as if being good and performing flawlessly will secure peace; intellectualism, as if we could get so smart that we would finally feel fulfilled; and materialism, as if some possession could bring us joy.
The first step in the worship of false gods is exchanging truth for lies. "You will not surely die," was the serpent's lie to Eve in the garden. Cling to the truth. Once it's discarded, you'll believe anything.
The truth of the Bible doesn't change with our circumstances of life; rather, it defines and weeds out all falsehood. Remember Jesus' words, "...the truth will set you free."
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
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Guilty or Not Guilty
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." - Hebrews 10:22
When I was twenty years old I fell into a deep depression. I began taking antidepressants and felt as old as a grandfather. My doctor diagnosed me with eighty-three ulcers and said I would have to make some serious life-style changes or have part of my intestines or colon removed. At the time I had no idea what was causing me such misery. Then I learned that guilt was literally eating away at me.
My guilt was a merciful wake-up call from God, showing me that I'd strayed into dangerous territory—my decisions we're not only hurting me but they were hurting others.
Guilt can be a merciless taskmaster, that drives us far from God, or it can gently lead us back to a right relationship with Him.
Do you struggle with guilt? Don't ignore it, but respond to the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
"Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the fiend, Th' avenging fiend, that follows us behind, with whips and stings" - Nicholas Rowe (1966 - )
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Humor
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. - Job 8:21
I'm always looking for humor in every situation. No matter where I'm ministering, I like to find something funny in a given set of circumstances and talk about that.
When I first came to faith in Christ, however, I was under the impression that I had to give up humor and become very solemn and serious. Soon the part of me that loved to smile and laugh began to wither.
But I didn't want that aspect of my personality to die. It was a unique part of me that God had created. In reality, it was one of my best strengths. So, over time, I began to let my humor come out again, and I discovered its strength in communicating truth and grace to others.
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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Service
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
Finding a way to help others is an expression of faith. It shows that we believe in the sovereignty of God. We don't' have to wait until the pain in our life is gone, because we know God can use it for good.
Finding a way to help others requires that you ask two questions: What is God doing? and How can I get into the flow of his activity? When we ask these questions, ideas will come. And once we begin doing this, the 'why is this happening' question, which once seemed so important, becomes irrelevant.
The best answer to why is always what. When we stop asking, "Why has God allowed this?" And begin asking, "What does he want me to do with it?", we're ready for God to start his work in us, and that prepares us for service, and that prepares us for service.
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
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Always with Us
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.
And the government will rest on his shoulders.
These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
Are you facing difficult circumstances or unwelcome changes? If so, please remember that God is far bigger than any problem you may face. So, instead of worrying about life's inevitable challenges, put your faith in the Father and His only begotten Son: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8 NKJV). And remember: it is precisely because your Savior does not change that you can face your challenges with courage for today and hope for tomorrow. Life is often challenging, but as Christians, we should not be afraid. God loves us, and He will protect us. In times of hardship, He will comfort us; in times of change, He will guide our steps. When we are troubled or weak or sorrowful, God is always with us. We must build our lives on the rock that cannot be moved . . . we must trust in God. Always.
In a world kept chaotic by change, you will eventually discover, as I have, that this is one of the most precious qualities of the God we are looking for: He doesn't change. - Bill Hybels
The Holy Spirit can reveal to you why you are stuck, and he can empower you to change (although he won't usually do all the work without your involvement). - Patsy Clairmont
The secret of contentment in the midst of change is found in
having roots in the changeless Christ—the same yesterday, today and forever. - Ed Young
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, our world is constantly changing. When I face the inevitable transitions of life, I will turn to You for strength and assurance. Thank You, Father, for love that is unchanging and everlasting. Amen
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Growing in Christ
When I was a child, I spoke as a child,
I understood as a child, I thought as a child;
but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
1 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV
Norman Vincent Peale had the following advice for believers of all ages: "Ask the God who made you to keep remaking you." That advice, of course, is perfectly sound, but often ignored.
The journey toward spiritual maturity lasts a lifetime. As Christians, we can and should continue to grow in the love and the knowledge of our Savior as long as we live. When we cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, we do ourselves a profound disservice. But, if we study God's Word, if we obey His commandments, and if we live in the center of His will, we will not be "stagnant" believers; we will, instead, be growing Christians . . . and that's exactly what God wants for our lives.
With God, it isn't who you were that matters; it's who you are becoming. - Liz Curtis Higgs, 100 Days of Prayer
Every great company, every great brand, and every great career has been built in exactly the same way: bit by bit, step by step, little by little. - John Maxwell
The instrument of our sanctification is the Word of God. The Spirit of God brings to our minds the precepts and doctrines of truth, and applies them with power. The truth is our sanctifier. If we do not hear or read it, we will not grow in sanctification. - C. H. Spurgeon
The process of growing up is to me valued for what we gain, not for what we lose. - C. S. Lewis
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, I know that I still have so many things to learn. I won't stop learning, I won't give up, and I won't stop growing. Every day, I will do my best to become a little bit more like the person You intend for me to be. Amen
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Honoring God
Honor GOD with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.
Proverbs 3:9-10 MSG
At times, your life is probably hectic, demanding, and complicated. When the demands of life leave you rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, you may fail to pause and thank your Creator for the blessings He has bestowed upon you. But that's a big mistake. Whom will you choose to honor today? If you honor God and place Him at the center of your life, every day is a cause for celebration. But if you fail to honor your Heavenly Father, you're asking for trouble, and lots of it. So honor God for who He is and for what He has done for you. And don't just honor Him on Sunday morning. Praise Him all day long, every day, for as long as you live . . . and then for all eternity.
God shows unbridled delight when He sees people acting in ways that honor Him. - Bill Hybels, 100 Days of Prayer
We honor God by asking for great things when they are a part of His promise. We dishonor Him and cheat ourselves when we ask for molehills where He has promised mountains. - Vance Havner
What lessons about honor did you learn from your childhood? Are you living what you learned today? - Dennis Swanberg
Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves, and helps, and cares for the others. - St. Theophane Venard
Today's Prayer
I praise You, Lord, from the depths of my heart, and I give thanks for Your goodness, for Your mercy, and for Your Son. Let me honor You every day of my life through my words and my deeds. Let me honor You, Father, with all that I am. Amen
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Beyond Guilt
There is therefore now no condemnation to those
who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh,
but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1 NKJV
All of us have sinned. Sometimes our sins result from our own stubborn rebellion against God's commandments. And sometimes, we are swept up in events that are beyond our abilities to control. Under either set of circumstances, we may experience intense feelings of guilt. But God has an answer for the guilt that we feel. That answer, of course, is His forgiveness. When we confess our wrongdoings and repent from them, we are forgiven by the One who created us.
Are you troubled by feelings of guilt or regret? If so, you must repent from your misdeeds, and you must ask your Heavenly Father for His forgiveness. When you do so, He will forgive you completely and without reservation. Then, you must forgive yourself just as God has forgiven you: thoroughly and unconditionally.
Prayer is essential when a believer is stuck in the pits of unresolved guilt. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
Let's take Jesus at this word. When he says we're forgiven, let's unload the guilt. When he says we're valuable, let's believe him. When he says we're eternal, let's bury our fear. When he says we're provided for, let's stop worrying. - Max Lucado
Spiritual life without guilt would be like physical life without pain. Guilt is a defense mechanism; it's like an alarm that goes off to lead you to confession when you sin. - John MacArthur
Stop blaming yourself and feeling guilty, unworthy, and unloved. Instead begin to say, "If God is for me, who can be against me? God loves me, and I love myself. Praise the Lord, I am free in Jesus' name, amen!" - Joyce Meyer
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the guilt that I feel when I disobey You. Help me confess my wrongdoings, help me accept Your forgiveness, and help me renew my passion to serve You. Amen
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An Examined Life
He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'" - Luke 8:10
One day a nearsighted elderly man who considered himself an art expert visited a museum. He'd forgotten his glasses and couldn't see clearly, but that didn't stop him from airing his opinions.
What he thought was a full-length portrait soon caught his attention. He gazed at it a moment, then began his criticism. "The frame is altogether out of keeping with the picture," he complained, "The man is too homely and shabbily dressed. In fact, it was a great mistake for the artist to select such a shoddy subject for his portrait."
He continued until his wife managed to discretely pull him aside. "My dear," she whispered, "you're looking in a mirror."
It's important to examine your life, but be sure you're using the only mirror able to both diagnose and heal–the life and Word of Jesus.
The best mirror is an old friend. -George Herbert (1593-1633)
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Consumed by Lust
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. - Titus 3:4-5
Radio personality Paul Harvey once told of how an Eskimo kills a wolf. The Eskimo coats his knife with animal blood and lets it freeze. Another layer of blood is added, then another, until the blade is completely concealed. The hunter then fixes his knife in the ground with the blade up. A wolf follows the scent, finds the source, and begins licking. Aroused by the taste, it licks the blood-covered blade progressively faster and harder.
Amidst the wolf's frenzy, it doesn't notice the eventual sting of the exposed blade on its own tongue, nor that it's now consuming its own warm blood. The wolf simply craves more–until it falls dead in the snow.
It's a grisly story, but a poignant illustration of how we too stand in danger of being consumed by our own lusts.
"My will was perverse and lust had grown from it; and when I gave in to lust, habit was born; and when I did not resist the habit it became a necessity. These were the links which together formed what I have called my chain, and it held me fast in the duress of servitude." -St. Augustine (354-430)
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Finding a Confidant
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - John 1:9
God is always our first and primary audience for confession. But He isn't our only audience. Scripture tells us also to confess our sins to fellow believers. This is an extremely important and beneficial aspect of spiritual growth and health, if conducted wisely.
First, let me say that this type of confession isn't an all-encompassing command. That is, it isn't "spilling your guts" to anyone and everyone nosey enough to listen. Never confess to anyone who isn't spiritually mature.
Second, confession to fellow believers is an act of trust, and this makes you highly vulnerable. The person to whom you confess must be able to keep your confession confidential. If you can't trust your confidant, he shouldn't be your confidant. To be of value, confession must be honest and complete – you must feel safe in your selection of confidant.
So, stay true to God's instruction to confess our sins to one another, but be wise and be cautious.
The worst of my actions and feelings do not seem to me so offensive as the cowardice of not daring to admit them. -Montaigne (1533-1592)3
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Trust
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. - Psalm 62:8
Some people say there are times when we need to forgive God. This implies that God does wrong, which is never true. However, we may find it hard to place faith in God if we're convinced that He's let us down.
God is trustworthy, but we don't always know His mind, His reasons, or His ultimate intentions. We're prone to misinterpreting His actions in our lives.
Friends, our problem with trusting God doesn't stem from His untrustworthiness. It stems from our willful, misplaced determination to stand as judges over God Himself—determining right from wrong, good from bad, and better from best.
Yet one thing remains certain: You can trust God infinitely more than you trust yourself. So surrender to His wisdom, love, and mercy, and stop demanding that He act as we see fit.
"It is impossible to go through life without trust; that is to be imprisoned in the worst cell of all, oneself." -Graham Greene (1904-1991)
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God's Grace
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' - Matthew 15:18
A retired pastor, was returning home around midnight when he came upon a motorist covered in oil and red-faced with anger. Upon stopping his car, the pastor asked how he could help. The man asked for a ride and immediately let loose with a barrage of profanity. When he finished he asked the pastor what he was doing out so late. When he told him he was a pastor returning home from some evangelistic meetings, the embarrassed man asked the pastor why he didn't stop him. The pastor replied, "Your problem isn't your mouth. It's your heart." And he proceeded to share with the man who Jesus was and what it means to be one of his followers.
Sometime later, when the pastor told this story, he asked, "How else should we have expected him to speak?" adding, "Would it be better for a man to sing hymns all the way to hell?"
Remember, what comes out of your mouth is a reflection of the condition of your heart.
The heart of a good man is the sanctuary of God in this world. -Madame Necker (1766-1841)
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Healthy Grieving
But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. - 2 Timothy 1:10
The flight was headed for Los Angeles, and everything was going smoothly. Then, all of the sudden, a woman jumped to her feet, let out a pained and terrified shriek, and collapsed to her death in the aisle of the aircraft.
Death is always unsettling. But even more so when it's unexpected, and happens in a situation where others feel rather vulnerable themselves—like at 30,000 feet! The emotional intensity in that aircraft was unsettling, to say the least.
Sensing an opportunity to help, a pastor onboard stopped a flight attendant on her way down the aisle. He offered his services to anyone wanting to talk about the tragedy that just transpired. The attendant replied, "Sir, that won't be necessary. We'll be serving free drinks to all passengers."
Are you settling for a drink when Jesus who offers the only water to quench your thirst is available to you? In the quiet of where you are right now, you can ask Him to help you, to come into your heart and life as Lord and Savior. Or he's available to you through your connection with others who are His followers. Don't settle for anything less.
"In the night of death hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing." -Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899)
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Living with Limitations
"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." - Mark 9:23
It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything. In other words, be honest about your limitations, but don't exaggerate them, or use them as an excuse to keep from being a productive person.
Joni Erikson Tada embodies this truth well. Paralyzed below the neck as a result of a diving accident, she has ministered to millions through her speaking, singing, and painting (she holds a paintbrush in her mouth!) What an inspiration she is!
Helen Keller who also embodied this truth expressed such an attitude in this beautiful statement: "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do."
Be hopeful of a man whose limitations are not yet known; maybe he won't reach them - Unknown
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Scary Truth vs. Deadly Denial
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32
Truth is a scary thing. Sometimes it frightens us into a "see no evil" way of life. Why? Well, for some of you life's been incredibly difficult. You've survived what you hope is the worst and have no interest in further suffering. Denial may be the only coping mechanism you know, and you'd rather endure miserable circumstances than the painful discomfort of change that acknowledging the truth will require.
Ending denial brings with it the threat of loss. And people sometimes resist seeing the truth and accepting reality because of it. Accepting the consequences of truth may cause the loss of income, possessions, family, friends, or prestige.
What people seldom recognize, however, is that denial has even worse consequences, like the loss of life–emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes, even physically. Friends, truth is scary. But its alternative–denial–is worse than scary, it's deadly.
Remember, Christ told us that once we hold to His teaching, the truth will set us free!
Truth–is as old as God–
His Twin identity
And will endure as long as He
A Co-Eternity. -Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
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Small Slits Sink Ships
He must become greater; I must become less. - John 3:30
Did you know scientists now believe a series of slits, not a giant gash, sank the Titanic? The supposedly invincible cruise liner went down in 1912 on its first voyage. Fifteen hundred people perished, making it the worst maritime disaster of its time.
Until recently, the most widely held theory was that the ship hit an iceberg, opening a huge gash in the vessel's side. But an international team of divers and scientists has used sound waves to probe the wreckage, buried in the mud under two-and-a-half miles of water. The damage was surprisingly small. Instead of a huge gash, they found only six, relatively narrow, slits across the watertight holds.
Small slits can sink great ships. What are the small slits in your life that might have serious consequences? Is some shoring up in order? If you don't know what exactly needs shoring up, or you do know but don't know how—seek some help—from a friend, your pastor, or a professional counselor.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." -Unknown
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Need of Spiritual Disciplines
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. - Ephesians 6:7
The word "discipline" tends to put people on the defensive because it's often mistakenly associated with the idea of punishment. That's unfortunate, and very inaccurate. The Latin root of the word discipline means student. That's why Webster's Dictionary defines discipline as "training or experience that corrects, molds, strengthens, or perfects, especially the mental faculties or moral character." And that's why Jesus calls those who follow Him in faith His disciples.
Through the centuries, Christians have stimulated their life in Christ by practicing what are called "spiritual disciplines." But as our culture has increasingly lost the ability to be informed by its past, and as society grows ever more permissive and lax, the "spiritual disciplines" have been forsaken and almost forgotten.
I'm talking about daily Bible reading—alone in a time of devotion, and together with your family. Concentrated, intentional, and regular time of prayer, alone and with fellow believers. Taking time to care for the sick, the widows and the orphans. Serving our neighbors in need as a response to Christ's love for us.
Consider adding one Spiritual discipline to your life this week.
"The best servant does his work unseen." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894)
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The More the Better
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. - Proverbs 25:28
Webster's Dictionary defines the word "excess" as "Action that goes beyond a reasonable limit. An amount greater than is necessary." If you live in the United States, this concept isn't very difficult to grasp. Our new American motto seems to be "the more, the better"—no matter what it's more of. Listen to these statistics:
- Obesity, time spent watching television, and consumer credit debt are at all-time highs.
- About one in five Americans has a sexually transmitted disease.
- Addictions now affect over 30 percent of American families.
- There were over 1.5 million personal bankruptcies filed last year.
- The average American household wields more than16 credit cards, and carries credit-card balances of almost $9,000 per household.
- There are now more registered cars on our roads than there are licensed drivers.
Jesus said he came that we might have an abundant life, not an excessive life. There is a difference!
"Where there is too much, something is missing." - Jewish saying
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The Strangeness of God
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9
Disruptive peace; majestic meekness; unsettling comfort – these phrases don't seem to make sense. But anyone who's had a personal encounter with God understands that these apparent paradoxes come together in Him.
The Dean of the Chapel of Calvin College, wrote, "The faithful evangelical preacher of God ought to say not only that God is great and God is good, but also that God is elusive and God is strange...because spiritual health depends upon it."
It's dangerous to think we know God's mind, God's will, or God's intentions. In fact, to fear God is, in part, to recognize that His ways are not our ways. For certain, He's revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and He revealed Himself in how He moved and worked through the lives and stories recorded in the Bible. But He hasn't revealed Himself exhaustively. He hasn't ceased to work in mysterious ways. And that's why we surrender to Him. He's greater than we can think or imagine and will work in strange ways—ways we can't even think of or imagine.
"I have felt His hand upon me in great trials and submitted to His guidance, and I trust that as He shall further open the way, I will be ready to walk therein, relying on His help and trusting in His goodness and wisdom. " - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
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God Plus One
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever–do not abandon the works of your hands. - Psalm 138:8
In his book The Treasure Principle, Randy Alcorn tells the story of his family's trip to Egypt. While driving through the hot and dusty streets of Cairo, they passed a graveyard for American missionaries and decided to go see it. One sun-scorched tombstone in particular caught their attention. At the top it read: William Borden, 1887-1913.
What makes Borden so interesting is that he was a Yale graduate, and the heir to great wealth. Yet he rejected a life of ease in exchange for the life of a missionary in Egypt. He gave away hundreds of thousands of dollars to missions, and after only four months of ministry in Egypt, he contracted spinal meningitis and died at age twenty-five.
At the bottom of William Borden's tombstone, it says, "Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life."
If you are a follower of Christ, you can expect that in obedience to that still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, you will do some things that make no earthly sense but are spiritually significant.
Even those who resist Him carry out His will without realizing that they are doing so. - Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
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Clarity Versus Trust
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. - Isaiah 50:10
When the philosopher and professor of ethics, John Kavanaugh, went to work for three months at the "house of the dying" in Calcutta, he was seeking an answer about how to spend the rest of his life. His first morning there he met Mother Teresa. She asked, "And what can I do for you?" Kavanaugh asked her to pray for him. "What do you want me to pray for?" she inquired.
He voiced his pressing burden: "Pray that I have clarity." Mother Teresa firmly refused! When the bewildered Kavanaugh asked why, she said, "Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of."
When Kavanaugh commented that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for, she laughed and said, "I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God."
Are things in your life so clear that there's no room to trust God?
"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. " - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Confession
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6:12
In the Bible, the word "confess" means "to speak the same thing." So when it tells us to confess, it means we're to say the same thing God says—to agree with Him—about the attitudes and actions of our lives.
As you can see, then, confession has two aspects: speaking the truth about ourselves and the truth about God.
For example, if we're confessing greed, we can also confess God's promise to supply our needs. The Bible says the same God who takes care of you will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to you in Christ Jesus.
"We own up to minor failings, but only so as to convince others that we have no major ones." - La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)
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Learning Through Suffering
Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17
Like many other Christians, my parents thought that if they honored God and dedicated their children to the Lord, they'd somehow be shielded from pain, suffering, and life's difficult realities. Learning that their son—my brother Jerry—was dying of AIDS helped them to see that this belief was false.
My parents wrestled not only with losing Jerry but also with their own feelings of guilt. They wondered what they could've done differently to keep their son from a homosexual lifestyle. Sorrow and regret consumed them.
Yet God used that terrible incident to mold and deepen my parents' faith. Suffering brought them face-to-face with change they'd never anticipated. It was in that dark and painful crucible that my parents learned about compassion, courage, forgiveness, and repentance. Their hearts were truly broken, but they were also truly changed.
You, too, can and should learn from suffering. Don't be angered by it. Don't come out the other side a bitter person. Look at your suffering as an intimacy with Christ—a time to sense his love and compassion, and to grow to trust Him and grow closer to Him.
"Complete success alienates a man from his fellows, but suffering makes kinsmen of us all." - Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
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Living a Positive Legacy
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2
Did you know the Nobel Peace Prize is named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite? How did this come to be?
When Alfred's brother died, a newspaper mistook him for Alfred. It printed his obituary with the headline, "The Merchant of Death Is Dead," describing Alfred as a man who made his fortune helping people kill one another.
He was cut to the heart and vowed to change his legacy. When Alfred really died eight years later, he left $9 million to fund awards for people whose work benefited humanity—thus, the birth of Nobel Peace Prizes.
Alfred Nobel was given a rare gift: the opportunity to read his own obituary, and make changes before it was too late. What might you do if given the same opportunity?
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. -Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
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Lonely Souls
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:11-12
In his lifetime Vincent Van Gogh sold only one painting. Today he's known for his passion and artistic genius. And he's remembered as a lonely soul. In a letter to his beloved brother, Theo, Vincent wrote:
"Our inward thoughts, do they ever show outwardly? There may be a great fire in our soul, and no one ever comes to warm himself at it; the passers-by see only a little bit of smoke coming through the chimney, and pass on their way. Now, look you, what must be done? Must one tend that inward fire, have salt in oneself, wait patiently yet with how much impatience for the hour when somebody will come and sit down near it—to stay there maybe?"
What great fire has God impressed upon your soul? Do passers-by see more than just a little bit of smoke? Are you tending the fire?
Van Gogh expressed his passion in his art. Look for the best expression of your passion that will honor and glorify God.
"The passions are the winds that fill the ship's sails. Sometimes they submerge the ship, but without them the ship could not sail." -Voltaire (1694-1778)
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On the Defense
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9
When my friend was in college he walked right-of-way property for a gas pipeline company one summer. In many ways, it was a great job. Lots of sunshine and exercise, walking through the countryside over a large buried pipeline. There were, however, the inevitable bulls, bees. . . and a few ornery farmers.
One day his journey took him through the field of a farmer who didn't like anyone on his land, right-of-way or no right-of-way. After testing an electrical fence to make sure it was disarmed, my friend prepared to step over the barrier. While he was straddling the wire, he saw out of the corner of his eye the farmer running for the barn. The farmer was running for the power switch!
Are you sometimes like the farmer? Quick to turn up the power and heat when someone's in a vulnerable position? It's not what Jesus did—remember the woman caught in adultery? Jesus extended grace. You should, too.
"Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything." - Billy Graham (1918- )
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Size Doesn't Matter
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:1
We live in a culture that values things that are large, extravagant, and impossible to miss. For this reason, we're tempted to look at the struggles in our rather ordinary lives, and consider our victories insignificant if they're not acknowledged or recognized by others.
But that's just not true. Victor Hugo, the great French playwright who penned Les Miserables, rightly said our "greatest actions are performed in minor struggles. Life, misfortune, isolation, abandonment and poverty are battlefields which have their heroes–obscure heroes who are at times greater than illustrious heroes."
It's not the size of the audience, or the amount of applause, that determines the value of your achievements. Live your life before the one true God. And live it with faith, hope, and love even though you're not getting accolades for it. Remember, your true character is what you do when no one is looking.
"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip. " - Will Rogers (1879-1935)
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The Myths We Believe
Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. - Psalm 119:29-30
What's more dangerous: a lie or a half-truth? Without doubt, it's the half-truth. John F. Kennedy said, "The enemy of the truth is very often not the lie—deliberate, contrived, and dishonest, but the myth—persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic."
Despite the common perception that we're a people "come of age," our culture remains inundated with half-truths—modern myths most people believe implicitly, and become offended when called into question.
Here's just a few examples: 1) People, at heart, are basically good; 2) The world's getting better; 3)Technological progress is the key to our happiness and well-being.
We love these myths because they give us hope. Yet that's precisely why they're so dangerous: they keep our hope securely misplaced—that is, on something other than Jesus Christ, our only true hope.
"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. - Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)
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Self-Monitoring
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? - 1 Corinthians 2:16
Our contemporary culture desires things to happen as quickly and conveniently as possible. Yet when it comes to knowing others, and knowing ourselves, "quick and convenient" breeds superficiality. Our love for expediency is making us strangers to one another, and strangers to ourselves.
A wise man long ago said that an unexamined life is not worth living. I would add: an unexamined life is impossible to live faithfully and well. One reason for this is that controlling our desires has everything to do with getting to know ourselves better—that is, understanding what people, situations, and substances give us problems, and what responses are effective in countering them.
A good way to begin practicing the examined life is to ask yourself what you're feeling before you indulge your cravings. Our cravings are often the result of—and a superficial way of dealing with—some negative emotion. . . anger, depression, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, etc. Once you've identified the feeling behind the drive, you can more appropriately express or deal with it, instead of engaging in some appetite you think will make the feeling disappear.
When you learn to know yourself and express your feelings appropriately, your appetites can stop being emotional buffers and once again serve the purposes God intended them to serve.
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind." -William James (1842-1910)
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Self-Talk
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. - 1 Peter 2:1-2
Go ahead and admit it, you talk to yourself. It's not something to be embarrassed about—self-talk can be used to your benefit in order to greatly improve your success in controlling your desires.
One way to use it is to constructively direct the anger you feel when you're tempted by an unhealthy or inappropriate desire. Instead of getting angry with yourself, get angry at the offense, and at the stumbling block it poses. This will help you resist it.
Another way self-talk can be used is to confront yourself and your appetites in order to bring rationality back into play when temptation threatens to confuse and disorient you. When you actively engage your mind by talking to yourself, you'll be less likely to act without thinking, and you'll reinforce what you believe to be true, right, and good.
Make no mistake about it. Self-talk can be a very spiritually wise thing to do. Listen to what the master theologian, J. I. Packer says on this topic in his book, A Quest For Godliness: "Richard Baxter convinced me long ago that regular discursive meditation, in which as he quaintly put it you 'imitate the most powerful preacher you ever heard' in applying spiritual truth to yourself, as well as turning that truth into praise, is a vital discipline for spiritual health. This unanimous Puritan view is now mine too."
"If you hear a voice within you saying you are a painter, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." - Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890)
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The Key to Success!
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God - Romans 5:3-5
Looking for an edge in life? Consider this: God is the key to any success you may have in learning to control your desires. He must be your strength, your counselor, and your sure foundation.
Why is God so important? Because He's the source and fulfillment of all human life, including yours. In other words, you were created by God as well as for God. We often forget the latter.
St. Augustine made this beautiful confession nearly seventeen centuries ago: "Our hearts are restless until they find rest in You, O Lord." It was true for him then, and it's true for you now.
"My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Psalm 84:2)
"Whoever drinks the water I give Him," said Jesus, "will never thirst...[it] will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 14:4)
"I am the bread of life," said Jesus, "He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)
Behind all your cravings is a craving for God. And this craving can only be filled through a relationship with Jesus Christ—your true food and drink.
"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." - Michelangelo (1475-1564)
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Believing God's Promises
For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever. - Psalm 37:28
I read and study God's Word because it's a map—an instruction manual—for my life. As the psalmist said, Scripture's a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths. Yet there's an important discipline to consider when we spend time in Scripture: and that is believing God's promises. Listen to a few:
God is always near and will never forsake you.
God has good plans for you.
God listens to you when you pray.
God will forgive you when you fail.
From first to last, Scripture is filled with God's promises to us. These promises of God fill us with hope and love, and they give you courage to live in the world, but not of the world. Believe God's promises to us.
"How can I believe in God when just last week I got my tongue caught in the roller of an electric typewriter." - Woody Allen (1935- )
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Cultivating a Divine Appetite
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. - Isaiah 55:2
Unlike physical hunger, our appetite for God is never fully satisfied. Once we've satisfied our physical hunger we no longer want to eat, at least until we become hungry again. In fact, the sight, smell, or even the thought of food can repulse us after we've eaten our fill. Proverbs 27:7 describes the phenomenon like this: "He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet."
But the opposite is true with regard to our appetite for God. In the very act of satisfying it, the appetite intensifies. This may be something new and different for you, so let me explain.
If you've never tasted cheesecake, gone to a professional football game, or watched the sun set over the ocean, you can't really know what you're missing. Consequently, you probably don't have much of an appetite for those things. It's only when you've experienced something that you realize you want more of it.
That's what Psalm 34:8 is telling us: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Experience for yourself that He's good, and that He satisfies completely. And when you do, something wonderful and life changing will happen–you will find yourself wanting more and more of Him, and less and less of the world's cheap substitutes for Him.
"Life is as a jelly roll. When you think you have it eaten, it comes out the other end. " - Christopher P. Buonanno
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Delight in the Lord
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. - Deuteronomy 11:18
Psalm 37:4 tells us to delight in the Lord and He'll give us the desires of our hearts. What does that mean? It sounds like some magic formula, like rubbing the genie's lamp to get what we want. That's not the way it works.
It's hard to believe until you've experienced it, but if you're desiring something sinful, destructive, or something you can't afford, and you're truly delighting yourself in the Lord, He'll change those desires and replace them with new ones. Don't get trapped into thinking of God as a magician who provides things that would only distract you from Him.
So then, what does it mean to "delight in the Lord?" Consider what it means to delight in a friend's company. Whenever you have opportunity you spend time with that person. You talk openly and honestly with him or her; you look forward to your time together; you seek ways of knowing that person more fully and intimately; and you guard yourself from doing anything that would hurt, disappoint, or bring open shame upon your friend.
Well, that's very much what it's like for us to delight in the Lord. We delight in Him by reading His Word; by trusting what He says is true, by spending time in prayer and meditation; and by seeking to honor Him in every area of our life.
"A Brother may not be a Friend, but a Friend will always be a Brother." - Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Studying God's Word
Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. - Isaiah 2:5
When I receive a letter from a close friend I usually find myself doing two things: first, I read the letter with interest—hanging on every word; and second, I read the letter a second and in some cases a third time—hoping each time to gain insight or catch something I might have missed previously.
Who wants to be closer to us than God? The same should be true with regard to God's Word, and by reading that message intently and repeatedly, we can get to know Him truly and more accurately.
In Psalm 119, David likens Scripture to a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. You need to keep God's Word close by and read it often. Otherwise, you'll find yourself walking in darkness. And if that happens, you're sure to stumble and fall.
Remember, God's Word, the Bible, is a series of letters from your closest friend. Read them closely. Read them often. And after you read it once, read it again!
"You can't have a light without a dark to stick it in." - Arlo Guthrie (1947- )
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A Better Way
I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. - Malachi 3:6
Let me be honest. Too many of you travel through life basing every decision you make upon how you feel and what you experience. You don't study God's Word, and you spend very little time talking and listening to the Lord. Consequently, you don't know much about the Good Shepherd who is expecting you to follow Him, no matter how you feel and regardless of your circumstances.
Now let me give you some encouragement. If you place your focus squarely upon Christ and you try to see things around you as He would, it will become second nature to look to Him and depend upon Him rather than yourself. And you won't get lost when you walk through dark seasons of life. Jesus will be your unshakable strength. And your focused gaze upon Him will keep you from altering your direction due to momentary discomfort–and from drifting off into spiritual shipwreck!
In a world that is endlessly fickle and fleeting, God is an immovable Rock.
Our faith, when focused on the true God, will not be shaken by adversity or unexpected turbulence. As long as we hold tightly to Him by faith—trusting in His goodness and love—we can come through pain and struggle with a deeper and richer relationship with Jesus, rather than a strained faith resulting from a prolonged failure to seek the one true God.
"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." -J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
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Maintaining Focus
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. - Hebrews 3:1
Has it ever been easier than now for a believer to become distracted and lose focus on God? If the apostle Paul found himself "greatly distressed" that Athens was "full of idols" (Acts 17:16), what would he think after checking out today's culture–the internet, TV, movies, DVD's, video games, radio, faxes, email, cell phones, etc.?
A recent Wall Street Journal article quotes an Internet guru who plugged the word "God" into a popular search engine. He received 600,000 responses—remarkably close to the 775,000 sites listed for "sex." Yahoo lists 17,000 sites devoted to religion and spirituality, compared with 12,000 about movies.
And these figures are expanding exponentially. We're only a mouse click away from countless links, Web pages, and chat rooms, that attempt to define God, recast Him into our own image, or explain Him away altogether.
With all this at your fingertips, it's more important than ever to stay connected to and focused on the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Don't allow yourself to be sidetracked by things that aren't true. In other words, hold onto God's Son for dear life! Even when the distractions of the world are tugging at your sleeve to let go.
"We can tell from our experience that His light is more powerful than the deepest darkness. . . How wonderful that the reality of His presence is greater than the reality of the hell about us. - Betsie ten Boom, to her sister, Corrie (1930-1944)
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Narrow and Healthy
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
A friend of mine once wrote a children's book about heaven. When checking out the reviews of his book, he came across a reviewer who said she was attracted by the book's title and artwork. Then she noted how her excitement was replaced by dismay when the author claimed the only way to heaven was through Jesus Christ. The reviewer was deeply offended by what she called the book's "obvious bias against non-Christians."
We live in times where tolerance and diversity are the buzz words—particularly in the world of religion. How could any faith be called "healthy" that claimed only one way to God?
But have you listened to the advocates of this thought? Their message is that the way to salvation is through our moral virtue. "Be good, do good, and it'll all work out."
My problem with that is this: I'm not that good a person—certainly not good enough to stand before God on the basis of my own feeble virtue. What about you?
As unpopular as it might be, the truth is, we are all sinners. But thankfully God made a way for us to come to Him and not be seen as such—through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. Maybe it's narrow—but it's true!
"Jesus came to raise the dead. He did not come to teach the teachable. He did not come to improve the improvable; He did not come to reform the reformable. None of those things works." - Robert Farrerr Capon (1925- )
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The "Nubbies"
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
A psychologist friend recently told me about Cliff—a client he described as "a believer after God's own heart."
After years of service to The Lord, Cliff's wife developed aggressive cancer. Many people joined Cliff in prayer for his wife, but she declined rapidly and died. Through it all, Cliff didn't break his determined gaze upon Christ. Instead of allowing the tragedy to shake his faith, he allowed his experience of pain, suffering, confusion, and grief to push him deeper into the arms of the living God.
Cliff knew two things, and held to them tenaciously. The first was that God was good. He didn't understand the circumstances surrounding his wife's sickness, or why she had to suffer and die. But he knew a reason resided with God, and that he would come to understand in the light of eternity. The second thing Cliff held to was his certainty that God loved him—in spite of everything, no matter what, and through it all.
When you're in severe pain or distress, life becomes pretty simple. You're in survival mode, and you have neither the heart nor the strength to spread your emotional energy around. As Chuck Swindoll might say, "Life gets boiled down to the nubbies."
When pain or distress boils your life down to the "nubbies," do what Cliff did. Keep it simple. Grab hold of what you know is true about the living God, and hold on like a pit bull.
"The nearer the dawn the darker the night." -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882
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Winning Prisoners
Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me. - Psalm 142:7
Four inmates at the Greenville, Mississippi city jail were caught breaking back into their cells! And according to the district attorney, "It is entirely possible this wasn't the first time they've done this." The four apparently found a way for repeated access to the outside world. Yet according to the police chief, "They didn't seem interested in escaping, they just missed their amenities of life and went back to get them." This particular time, they returned to jail carrying a load of gin and marijuana. Ironically, these willing prisoners now face felony escape charges.
Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction. How many of us have resolved to spend our days in prisons of our own making—prisons we're able to escape through personal change, but won't because the prison provides us a semblance of security?
You can be freed from whatever your prison is. Look for help—first to God, but then to those God has put in your path–a trusted friend, pastor or counselor. And remember God is a God of second chances.
"I'm not crazy about reality, but it's still the only place to get a decent meal." -Groucho Marx (1890-1977)
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Trust and Obey
If you love me, you will obey what I command. - John 14:15
"Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey." Simple words from a simple hymn. Yet these simple words contain incredible insight into the essential elements of the Christian life.
Trust and obedience are your allies when you surrender your life to God. "For it's God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." That's what the apostle Paul teaches in the book of Philippians. But if we don't trust that God loves us, that He is all-wise and all-powerful, and that He cares for us; we won't be very likely to obey Him, will we?
When it comes to our formal theology, we confess a belief which says that obedience is born out of trust. Yet in our day-to-day life, we're too often disobedient in spite of giving lip-service to trust.
So the question remains: can you truly trust your Lord without obeying Him?
In Luke 11:28 Jesus calls those who hear the word of God and obey it "blessed." In other words: "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey."
"Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. " - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
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Atheist No More
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
One night a man became suicidal and desperately began calling psychiatrists. It's tough to get help at 3:00 A.M., but he found us at New Life. He entered a Christian treatment center that same night. Ironically, he called himself a confirmed atheist. When he woke the next morning, he lamented that, if there was a God, He'd played a dirty trick by landing him in a Christian treatment center. It strained him to stay, but he managed to make it to the fourth day.
Then something amazing happened. While sitting in a meeting, a man wearing what looked like a turban entered the room. His wife and kids were waiting in the car, but he felt compelled to come in and say something.
"If anyone here's thinking of killing yourself," said the visitor, "I want to encourage you to reconsider. God loves you and wants you to live. This turban on my head is a bandage from where I put a gun to my head and pulled the trigger. Fortunately, I survived so I could come here and tell you not to do it. God loves you."
That day our atheist lost his atheism. He'd thought the idea of a personal God was ridiculous. But in his heart, he knew God sent that message directly to him. For the first time, he understood God was personal, loving, and interested in him. Never take this truth for granted. God loves you!
"Destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.." - William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925)
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Called by Name
The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. - John 10:3-4
There's no group discount for the kingdom. Instead, God tugs at your heart as an individual, calling you one by one. When God calls someone, He calls him or her personally. It's a biblical pattern repeated time and again.
The Lord called young Samuel by name until he responded. - (1 Samuel 3)
Jesus stopped at the fishing boat of Peter and Andrew and said, "Come, follow me...and I will make you fishers of men." - (Matthew 4:19)
Jesus halted Saul of Tarsus in his tracks in the middle of the highway, again calling him by name. (Acts 9:1-9)
And so it's been through all of time. The manner and circumstances of the call are radically diverse, but its personal nature is the same. The Bible compares such a relationship to a shepherd's intimate knowledge of his flock. The shepherd knows the peculiarities and habits of every one of his lambs.
Jesus Christ knows you intimately. He calls you by name. Listen for Him today! When you hear Him—respond to Him!
"A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don't necessarily want to go but ought to be." - Rosalynn Carter (1927- )
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Family Influence
All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace. - Isaiah 54:13
Our ideas about God are first shaped—and very powerfully so—by our families. So it's little wonder that as relationships within the family have declined, so has the understanding of what it means to have and maintain a relationship with God.
As divorced and overworked parents spend less time with their kids, the concept of a personal God and Savior becomes less clear and less meaningful. An absent father sets the framework for a child who views God as absent too. And a passive father leaves his children wondering if God can or will become involved in their problems and day-to-day struggles.
I'm pointing to the men for two reasons. The first reason is so you men can begin to identify how your family environment growing up has subtly shaped your thoughts and beliefs about God. If your experience has been positive, great! If it hasn't, please let the present, active, loving Father correct your thinking and heal your heart. Turn to Him and see that He is good.
The second reason is that many of you are fathers yourselves or will be. Your children are watching and listening to you more than you think. And you influence them—and their thinking about God—more than you know. I want to encourage you, men, to walk with Jesus Christ! For those of you who've had the blessing of good parenting: pass it on. For those of you who haven't: let the wreckage stop with you!
"Our children give us the opportunity to become the parents we always wished we'd had." - Louise Hart (1881-1950)
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Lunch with a Friend
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. - Hebrews 13:18
Only the good news of Jesus Christ encourages us to honestly think about who we really are and to address our shortcomings in a way that won't cause us to wrongly rely upon our own efforts.
Let me explain with this example: A while back I had lunch with a non-Christian friend. As we ate, we began discussing spiritual things. I made reference to the prodigal son, and no sign of recognition crossed his face. He'd never heard the story; he knew nothing about the Bible.
As the conversation progressed, he got around to stating his theology: namely, good people make it to heaven. He considered himself a kind, loving, and good person. And without a doubt, he's one of the nicest people I know. But as we talked longer, he discussed his internet relationships with women ready to leave their husbands to live with him. His "goodness," as he called it, gave these women new hope about men.
I felt compelled to challenge his thinking. "What would these ladies' husbands think of your so-called goodness?" I asked. "Has this 'goodness' ever prompted you to call one of these men and ask if he minded that you were having an internet relationship with his wife?" As it turned out, his "goodness" wasn't as good as he thought it was.
Rely upon God's goodness. As good as you think you might be, that goodness is nothing next to His.
"Reason often makes mistakes, but conscience never does." - Josh Billings (1818-1885)
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Refocusing
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." - Romans 3:20
When Jesus walked the earth, He directed the focus off of the apparently "good" people doing apparently "good" things, and redirected people's focus on to God. The religious leaders were pointing to the rules; Jesus pointed to Himself, through whom relationships are restored to God.
A healthy, growing faith is always focused on the person of God Himself. A healthy faith begins and ends in God, not in rules, regulations, and sheer duty. Jesus Christ, not religion, is at the core of a robust Christian faith.
Today Jesus Christ offers people like you and me the same opportunity He gave to people in the early church. The choice is ours. We can insist on performing and conforming out of obligation, and we can try to feel good by chalking up good deeds.
Or you can choose Christ's way. You can love God with all our heart, mind, and soul. You can experience His love and get to know Him intimately. You can stop hiding behind religious facades and meet Him right where you are. You can focus on Him and find sanity, rest, and peace when all hell seems to be breaking loose around you.
Life is not about you. Surrender yourself to Christ's love and acceptance. Grow closer to Him. Make Him—not your "good deeds" or anyone or anything else—the focus of your life. You'll never regret it.
"Rules are not necessarily sacred, principles are." - Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945)
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Grief Not Allowed
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. - John 16:20
In our culture, it seems more acceptable for us to be angry than sad. Consequently, many of us stumble through life without understanding our feelings, completely out of touch with our emotions. We may be deeply grieved by a number of circumstances, but we don't feel safe acknowledging our sadness. It's socially "okay" for them to vent their anger, but not to explore and discuss the deep hurt beneath it.
When you feel sad, anger seems like a safe retreat. It causes your adrenaline to rush. It commands attention and demands respect. It allows you to stay in control, and it keeps uncomfortable feelings and situations at a safe distance. However your failure to grieve can actually poison you.
The Bible offers no precedent for us to suppress our grief. The Old Testament depicts many people showing real grief. The men of Israel would rip their clothes, sprinkle themselves with ashes, wear black armbands, and spend time in mourning. They would wail before the Lord without feeling shame.
That experience allowed them to express their emotions and then move on without the baggage of repressed feelings. When we don't grieve, we stuff our disappointments and sadnesses, and compensate for them with other less-threatening emotions, and at the top of the list is anger. But Scripture gives you liberty to grieve, so when you need to, openly grieve!
"To spare oneself from grief at all cost can be achieved only at the price of total detachment, which excludes the ability to experience happiness." - Erich Fromm (1900-1980)
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Nothing to Prove
I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, "Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?" Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. - Job 42:2, 3, 5
Here's a paradox for you. Those of you with a healthy sense of self are in the best position to exercise true humility. Why? Because the person with a healthy sense of self has nothing to prove. No agenda to push. No ego to shield. And no need to fret over what others think of you. When you encounter a problem that exceeds your knowledge, you admit without pretense that you don't know the answer.
Sometimes we Christians can really fool ourselves. We think that since God is all knowledgeable and wise, and since we have His Holy Spirit within us, we should be able to dispense pearls of wisdom like spiritual gumballs. The truth is, the more we come to know God, the more we realize what we don't know. And that's O.K.!
The more we experience God's grandeur and the more we understand our dignity as his sons and daughters, the lower we'll bow before His throne—with nothing to prove and everything to gain.
"My dad used to say, You wouldn't worry so much about what people thought of you if you knew how seldom they did." - Phillip McGraw (1950- )
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The Perfect-Mate Myth
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23
Many of us have fallen for what I call the "Perfect-Mate Myth." This Myth applies to single and married people, and goes something like this: "If I just had the right woman (or the right man), my life would be all right."
Let me be blunt: this belief is incredibly ignorant. First, because it assumes that our problems are all external—that our real problem is an imperfect spouse, or the lack thereof. Second, because it assumes that there's such a thing as a "perfect" spouse.
This delusion keeps us from spiritual maturity. It prevents married men and women from doing the hard work and making the commitment necessary to build and repair their relationship with their spouses. And it tempts single men and women to put their lives on hold until that "perfect" mate appears.
The perfect mate myth is an unhealthy fantasy. Focus your attention on your relationship with God. He wants your attitude to be, "I'm in this for the long haul. I'm going to dedicate myself to and work at making this marriage last." This is how an active and true faith comes alive in a marriage.
Similarly, God wants the attitude of every single person to be, "God, I'm yours, with or without a spouse, and I will focus my attention on my relationship with you."
Remember, whatever your situation, God is sufficient to meet your needs.
"Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle." - Michelangelo (1475-1564)
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Defusing the Anger Trap
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. - Philippians 4:11-12
Would you like to hear one of life's great paradoxes? The more we learn to be satisfied with what we have and stop comparing our financial score card and trophies with those around us, the better we feel about ourselves. In other words, the biblical discipline of learning and practicing contentment shows the myth of "I-Am-What-I-Earn" to be a lie.
Learning to be satisfied is a good indication that we've learned that God is God, and that His fatherly care and infinite wisdom can be trusted.
Furthermore, those who learn to be satisfied and thankful for what they've been given will have more time and energy for the kinds of friendships and relationships that will meet their basic needs and honor God. If you think about it, you'll find that your attitude toward money and possessions either fuels or cools your anger. If you have trouble living within your means, you really have two options: you can push harder to make more, or you can promote an atmosphere of contentment for what you have, and in so doing, relieve the pressure on yourself.
"Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty." - Socrates (470-399 BC)
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An Examined Life
He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'" - Luke 8:10
One day a nearsighted elderly man who considered himself an art expert visited a museum. He'd forgotten his glasses and couldn't see clearly, but that didn't stop him from airing his opinions.
What he thought was a full-length portrait soon caught his attention. He gazed at it a moment, then began his criticism. "The frame is altogether out of keeping with the picture," he complained, "The man is too homely and shabbily dressed. In fact, it was a great mistake for the artist to select such a shoddy subject for his portrait."
He continued until his wife managed to discretely pull him aside. "My dear," she whispered, "you're looking in a mirror."
It's important to examine your life, but be sure you're using the only mirror able to both diagnose and heal–the life and Word of Jesus.
The best mirror is an old friend. - George Herbert (1593-1633)
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Consumed by Lust
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. - Titus 3:4-5
Radio personality Paul Harvey once told of how an Eskimo kills a wolf. The Eskimo coats his knife with animal blood and lets it freeze. Another layer of blood is added, then another, until the blade is completely concealed. The hunter then fixes his knife in the ground with the blade up. A wolf follows the scent, finds the source, and begins licking. Aroused by the taste, it licks the blood-covered blade progressively faster and harder.
Amidst the wolf's frenzy, it doesn't notice the eventual sting of the exposed blade on its own tongue, nor that it's now consuming its own warm blood. The wolf simply craves more–until it falls dead in the snow.
It's a grisly story, but a poignant illustration of how we too stand in danger of being consumed by our own lusts.
"My will was perverse and lust had grown from it; and when I gave in to lust, habit was born; and when I did not resist the habit it became a necessity. These were the links which together formed what I have called my chain, and it held me fast in the duress of servitude." -St. Augustine (354-430)
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Finding a Confidant
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. - John 1:9
God is always our first and primary audience for confession. But He isn't our only audience. Scripture tells us also to confess our sins to fellow believers. This is an extremely important and beneficial aspect of spiritual growth and health, if conducted wisely.
First, let me say that this type of confession isn't an all-encompassing command. That is, it isn't "spilling your guts" to anyone and everyone nosey enough to listen. Never confess to anyone who isn't spiritually mature.
Second, confession to fellow believers is an act of trust, and this makes you highly vulnerable. The person to whom you confess must be able to keep your confession confidential. If you can't trust your confidant, he shouldn't be your confidant. To be of value, confession must be honest and complete – you must feel safe in your selection of confidant.
So, stay true to God's instruction to confess our sins to one another, but be wise and be cautious.
The worst of my actions and feelings do not seem to me so offensive as the cowardice of not daring to admit them. -Montaigne (1533-1592)3
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The Perfect-Mate Myth
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. - Romans 3:23
Many of us have fallen for what I call the "Perfect-Mate Myth." This Myth applies to single and married people, and goes something like this: "If I just had the right woman (or the right man), my life would be all right."
Let me be blunt: this belief is incredibly ignorant. First, because it assumes that our problems are all external—that our real problem is an imperfect spouse, or the lack thereof. Second, because it assumes that there's such a thing as a "perfect" spouse.
This delusion keeps us from spiritual maturity. It prevents married men and women from doing the hard work and making the commitment necessary to build and repair their relationship with their spouses. And it tempts single men and women to put their lives on hold until that "perfect" mate appears.
The perfect mate myth is an unhealthy fantasy. Focus your attention on your relationship with God. He wants your attitude to be, "I'm in this for the long haul. I'm going to dedicate myself to and work at making this marriage last." This is how an active and true faith comes alive in a marriage.
Similarly, God wants the attitude of every single person to be, "God, I'm yours, with or without a spouse, and I will focus my attention on my relationship with you."
Remember, whatever your situation, God is sufficient to meet your needs.
"Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle." - Michelangelo (1475-1564)
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Focus on Being
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. - Romans 12:10
How can you begin breaking through the myth of "you-are-what-you-do" and see that your true identity is in Jesus Christ. Once you grasp that, you can begin relating to other people apart from what they do. We must open up our schedules, set aside our Day-Timers, and get to the business of allowing our identity in Christ to liberate and transform our human relationships.
A friend of mine meets each week with a group of four other friends to do what we rarely do. They purposely avoid talking about what they do in order to talk about who they are and how they feel. They're learning to peel away the layers of façade to give and receive the nurture, affirmation, and encouragement they desperately need but are often fearful to seek.
Recently my friend shared a painful issue with his friends. His father lays dying in a nursing home. He's incapacitated. His mind is totally gone. My friend visits him, and helps dress and care for him. What he wants more than anything is to hear these words from his father before he dies: "You're a good child."
Friends can share these painful and vulnerable feelings and offer consolation and encouragement in the group setting as one deals with the pain and loss. There aren't enough people who function together as these five do.
"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can." - John Wesley (1703-1791)
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Trust
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. - Psalm 62:8
Some people say there are times when we need to forgive God. This implies that God does wrong, which is never true. However, we may find it hard to place faith in God if we're convinced that He's let us down.
God is trustworthy, but we don't always know His mind, His reasons, or His ultimate intentions. We're prone to misinterpreting His actions in our lives.
Friends, our problem with trusting God doesn't stem from His untrustworthiness. It stems from our willful, misplaced determination to stand as judges over God Himself—determining right from wrong, good from bad, and better from best.
Yet one thing remains certain: You can trust God infinitely more than you trust yourself. So surrender to His wisdom, love, and mercy, and stop demanding that He act as we see fit.
"It is impossible to go through life without trust; that is to be imprisoned in the worst cell of all, oneself." -Graham Greene (1904-1991)
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God's Grace
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' - Matthew 15:18
A retired pastor, was returning home around midnight when he came upon a motorist covered in oil and red-faced with anger. Upon stopping his car, the pastor asked how he could help. The man asked for a ride and immediately let loose with a barrage of profanity. When he finished he asked the pastor what he was doing out so late. When he told him he was a pastor returning home from some evangelistic meetings, the embarrassed man asked the pastor why he didn't stop him. The pastor replied, "Your problem isn't your mouth. It's your heart." And he proceeded to share with the man who Jesus was and what it means to be one of his followers.
Sometime later, when the pastor told this story, he asked, "How else should we have expected him to speak?" adding, "Would it be better for a man to sing hymns all the way to hell?"
Remember, what comes out of your mouth is a reflection of the condition of your heart.
The heart of a good man is the sanctuary of God in this world. -Madame Necker (1766-1841)
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Healthy Grieving
But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. - 2 Timothy 1:10
The flight was headed for Los Angeles, and everything was going smoothly. Then, all of the sudden, a woman jumped to her feet, let out a pained and terrified shriek, and collapsed to her death in the aisle of the aircraft.
Death is always unsettling. But even more so when it's unexpected, and happens in a situation where others feel rather vulnerable themselves—like at 30,000 feet! The emotional intensity in that aircraft was unsettling, to say the least.
Sensing an opportunity to help, a pastor onboard stopped a flight attendant on her way down the aisle. He offered his services to anyone wanting to talk about the tragedy that just transpired. The attendant replied, "Sir, that won't be necessary. We'll be serving free drinks to all passengers."
Are you settling for a drink when Jesus who offers the only water to quench your thirst is available to you? In the quiet of where you are right now, you can ask Him to help you, to come into your heart and life as Lord and Savior. Or he's available to you through your connection with others who are His followers. Don't settle for anything less.
"In the night of death hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing." - Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899)
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Living with Limitations
"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." - Mark 9:23
It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything. In other words, be honest about your limitations, but don't exaggerate them, or use them as an excuse to keep from being a productive person.
Joni Erikson Tada embodies this truth well. Paralyzed below the neck as a result of a diving accident, she has ministered to millions through her speaking, singing, and painting (she holds a paintbrush in her mouth!) What an inspiration she is!
Helen Keller who also embodied this truth expressed such an attitude in this beautiful statement: "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do."
Be hopeful of a man whose limitations are not yet known; maybe he won't reach them - Unknown
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Need of Spiritual Disciplines
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. - Ephesians 6:7
The word "discipline" tends to put people on the defensive because it's often mistakenly associated with the idea of punishment. That's unfortunate, and very inaccurate. The Latin root of the word discipline means student. That's why Webster's Dictionary defines discipline as "training or experience that corrects, molds, strengthens, or perfects, especially the mental faculties or moral character." And that's why Jesus calls those who follow Him in faith His disciples.
Through the centuries, Christians have stimulated their life in Christ by practicing what are called "spiritual disciplines." But as our culture has increasingly lost the ability to be informed by its past, and as society grows ever more permissive and lax, the "spiritual disciplines" have been forsaken and almost forgotten.
I'm talking about daily Bible reading—alone in a time of devotion, and together with your family. Concentrated, intentional, and regular time of prayer, alone and with fellow believers. Taking time to care for the sick, the widows and the orphans. Serving our neighbors in need as a response to Christ's love for us.
Consider adding one Spiritual discipline to your life this week.
"The best servant does his work unseen." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894)
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The More the Better
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. - Proverbs 25:28
Webster's Dictionary defines the word "excess" as "Action that goes beyond a reasonable limit. An amount greater than is necessary." If you live in the United States, this concept isn't very difficult to grasp. Our new American motto seems to be "the more, the better"—no matter what it's more of. Listen to these statistics:
- Obesity, time spent watching television, and consumer credit debt are at all-time highs.
- About one in five Americans has a sexually transmitted disease.
- Addictions now affect over 30 percent of American families.
- There were over 1.5 million personal bankruptcies filed last year.
- The average American household wields more than16 credit cards, and carries credit-card balances of almost $9,000 per household.
- There are now more registered cars on our roads than there are licensed drivers.
Jesus said he came that we might have an abundant life, not an excessive life. There is a difference!
"Where there is too much, something is missing." - Jewish saying
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The Strangeness of God
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9
Disruptive peace; majestic meekness; unsettling comfort – these phrases don't seem to make sense. But anyone who's had a personal encounter with God understands that these apparent paradoxes come together in Him.
The Dean of the Chapel of Calvin College, wrote, "The faithful evangelical preacher of God ought to say not only that God is great and God is good, but also that God is elusive and God is strange...because spiritual health depends upon it."
It's dangerous to think we know God's mind, God's will, or God's intentions. In fact, to fear God is, in part, to recognize that His ways are not our ways. For certain, He's revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and He revealed Himself in how He moved and worked through the lives and stories recorded in the Bible. But He hasn't revealed Himself exhaustively. He hasn't ceased to work in mysterious ways. And that's why we surrender to Him. He's greater than we can think or imagine and will work in strange ways—ways we can't even think of or imagine.
"I have felt His hand upon me in great trials and submitted to His guidance, and I trust that as He shall further open the way, I will be ready to walk therein, relying on His help and trusting in His goodness and wisdom. " - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
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Clarity Versus Trust
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. - Isaiah 50:10
When the philosopher and professor of ethics, John Kavanaugh, went to work for three months at the "house of the dying" in Calcutta, he was seeking an answer about how to spend the rest of his life. His first morning there he met Mother Teresa. She asked, "And what can I do for you?" Kavanaugh asked her to pray for him. "What do you want me to pray for?" she inquired.
He voiced his pressing burden: "Pray that I have clarity." Mother Teresa firmly refused! When the bewildered Kavanaugh asked why, she said, "Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of."
When Kavanaugh commented that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for, she laughed and said, "I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God."
Are things in your life so clear that there's no room to trust God?
"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. " - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Confession
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6:12
In the Bible, the word "confess" means "to speak the same thing." So when it tells us to confess, it means we're to say the same thing God says—to agree with Him—about the attitudes and actions of our lives.
As you can see, then, confession has two aspects: speaking the truth about ourselves and the truth about God.
For example, if we're confessing greed, we can also confess God's promise to supply our needs. The Bible says the same God who takes care of you will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to you in Christ Jesus.
"We own up to minor failings, but only so as to convince others that we have no major ones." - La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)
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Learning Through Suffering
Now if we are children, then we are heirs–heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17
Like many other Christians, my parents thought that if they honored God and dedicated their children to the Lord, they'd somehow be shielded from pain, suffering, and life's difficult realities. Learning that their son—my brother Jerry—was dying of AIDS helped them to see that this belief was false.
My parents wrestled not only with losing Jerry but also with their own feelings of guilt. They wondered what they could've done differently to keep their son from a homosexual lifestyle. Sorrow and regret consumed them.
Yet God used that terrible incident to mold and deepen my parents' faith. Suffering brought them face-to-face with change they'd never anticipated. It was in that dark and painful crucible that my parents learned about compassion, courage, forgiveness, and repentance. Their hearts were truly broken, but they were also truly changed.
You, too, can and should learn from suffering. Don't be angered by it. Don't come out the other side a bitter person. Look at your suffering as an intimacy with Christ—a time to sense his love and compassion, and to grow to trust Him and grow closer to Him.
"Complete success alienates a man from his fellows, but suffering makes kinsmen of us all. " - Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
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Living a Positive Legacy
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2
Did you know the Nobel Peace Prize is named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite? How did this come to be?
When Alfred's brother died, a newspaper mistook him for Alfred. It printed his obituary with the headline, "The Merchant of Death Is Dead," describing Alfred as a man who made his fortune helping people kill one another.
He was cut to the heart and vowed to change his legacy. When Alfred really died eight years later, he left $9 million to fund awards for people whose work benefited humanity—thus, the birth of Nobel Peace Prizes.
Alfred Nobel was given a rare gift: the opportunity to read his own obituary, and make changes before it was too late. What might you do if given the same opportunity?
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. - Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
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Lonely Souls
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:11-12
In his lifetime Vincent Van Gogh sold only one painting. Today he's known for his passion and artistic genius. And he's remembered as a lonely soul. In a letter to his beloved brother, Theo, Vincent wrote:
"Our inward thoughts, do they ever show outwardly? There may be a great fire in our soul, and no one ever comes to warm himself at it; the passers-by see only a little bit of smoke coming through the chimney, and pass on their way. Now, look you, what must be done? Must one tend that inward fire, have salt in oneself, wait patiently yet with how much impatience for the hour when somebody will come and sit down near it—to stay there maybe?"
What great fire has God impressed upon your soul? Do passers-by see more than just a little bit of smoke? Are you tending the fire?
Van Gogh expressed his passion in his art. Look for the best expression of your passion that will honor and glorify God.
"The passions are the winds that fill the ship's sails. Sometimes they submerge the ship, but without them the ship could not sail." - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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On the Defense
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9
When my friend was in college he walked right-of-way property for a gas pipeline company one summer. In many ways, it was a great job. Lots of sunshine and exercise, walking through the countryside over a large buried pipeline. There were, however, the inevitable bulls, bees. . . and a few ornery farmers.
One day his journey took him through the field of a farmer who didn't like anyone on his land, right-of-way or no right-of-way. After testing an electrical fence to make sure it was disarmed, my friend prepared to step over the barrier. While he was straddling the wire, he saw out of the corner of his eye the farmer running for the barn. The farmer was running for the power switch!
Are you sometimes like the farmer? Quick to turn up the power and heat when someone's in a vulnerable position? It's not what Jesus did—remember the woman caught in adultery? Jesus extended grace. You should, too.
"Hot heads and cold hearts never solved anything." - Billy Graham (1918- )
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Size Doesn't Matter
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. - Ephesians 5:1
We live in a culture that values things that are large, extravagant, and impossible to miss. For this reason, we're tempted to look at the struggles in our rather ordinary lives, and consider our victories insignificant if they're not acknowledged or recognized by others.
But that's just not true. Victor Hugo, the great French playwright who penned Les Miserables, rightly said our "greatest actions are performed in minor struggles. Life, misfortune, isolation, abandonment and poverty are battlefields which have their heroes–obscure heroes who are at times greater than illustrious heroes."
It's not the size of the audience, or the amount of applause, that determines the value of your achievements. Live your life before the one true God. And live it with faith, hope, and love even though you're not getting accolades for it. Remember, your true character is what you do when no one is looking.
"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." - Will Rogers (1879-1935)
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Today's Word for Pastors...
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
Isaiah 46:9-10
Today's Preaching Insight...
The View of the Church from Starbucks
Rick Richardson, professor and writer, tells about a pastor named Dan, who realized he was getting stale. So with the approval of his pastoral team, he took a part-time job at a Starbucks coffee shop.
To his surprise, "All 21 people he worked with believed in God. Not one was an atheist ... They were all very positive toward God and spirituality."
Richardson goes on to report:
A second surprise was that all were interested in spiritual things, but not in Christians, Christianity, or the church. No one wanted to hear Dan's proofs for God or invitations to come to church or ideas about salvation. Almost everyone thought they knew what Christianity was about and had decided they didn't want it. They were post Christian. At some point along the way, each of them had experienced a breach in trust related to Christianity. Maybe a Christian friend had been hypocritical or pushy. Maybe when they were young they had attended church and found it boring and irrelevant. Maybe they had watched TV preachers and been turned off. Or maybe they had experienced a tragedy—death or sexual abuse or some other trauma—and felt that God had been distant and uncaring.
Richardson said, "Dan wasn't starting at ground zero, but rather at minus-three or four. ... The biggest thing Dan learned is that people in this generation have a prior question of trust that must be addressed before we can have meaningful spiritual conversations with them."
Pastor Dan had discovered the outside understanding of how the church was viewed by some people.
(To read the entire article, "What Starbucks, Harry and You All Have in Common" by John A. Huffman Jr. at Preaching.com, click here)
Today's Extra...
Conviction
Anne Rice made her name writing very popular books about vampires and other occult themes. Some of them were made into movies. Recently some of her fans were shocked that she had returned to the Catholic faith of her childhood. This has prompted Anne to write books about the life of Jesus.
On Rice's Web site she says, "After years of pondering and searching, the great gift of Faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ as Our Savior came back to me on a December afternoon; and I went home to the church of my childhood, becoming a member and supporter of it with my whole soul." She also reports that while sitting in church she became convicted she needed to use her talent as a storyteller for Jesus. As a result of studying the Bible for these books she said, "I am a believer in every word of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John."
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Youth
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. - Mark10:14
When June Cleaver said, "Ward, I'm worried about the Beaver," her primary concern was probably that he'd turn out to be as obnoxious as Eddie Haskell. Boy, have times changed!
Kids today face a harder world, and are seriously threatened with a premature loss of innocence.
For instance, within the next 30 minutes at least:
29 kids will attempt suicide.
57 adolescents will run away from home.
14 teenager girls will give birth out of wedlock.
22 girls will get abortions.
686 kids will use one of many illegal drugs.
And 188 will abuse alcohol.
This picture of the struggles America's kids now face is a long way from the struggles within the Cleaver household. The beginning of change is to acknowledge the problem. Pray for the kids of today and for their parents. The changes we need must come from the inside out if they're to be real and lasting.
"How paramount the future is to the present when one is surrounded by children." - Charles Darwin (1809-1882)
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Tribute to Jackie Robinson
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. - Ephesians 4:22-24
In 1948 Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play Major League Baseball. He faced stiff opposition. Pitchers threw at him. Base runners dug their spikes into his shins. Fans mocked him and some even wrote death threats.
To endure this mistreatment, you'd have to be a scrapper. Robinson was certainly no exception.
He was proud and competitive. But he also knew the right way to fight—and that's what set him apart. Before being allowed to play, Jackie was asked what he'd do if another player hit him on the cheek. He answered, "Sir, I have two cheeks." Robinson knew that real strength—the kind necessary to accomplish truly great things—is demonstrated in meekness and forbearance. With that strength, he changed the face of America's favorite pastime, and in the process, helped change the face of America.
We can learn from his example—an inner strength in adversity; not striking back when we're wronged; keeping focus on the task before us. He had a rather Christ-like attitude and example, wouldn't you say?
"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. - Martha Washington (1732 - 1802)
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Delay and Distract
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak. - Matthew 26:41
Have you ever noticed that no matter how strong the struggles with our appetites may be, most of them only last a few minutes? It's true. And so I want to talk with you about a tactic that'll help you make good choices in these times: distraction and delay.
When facing temptation, try to delay your decision to act upon the desire you're experiencing for fifteen to thirty minutes. What you'll find is that you've gained a great deal of perspective and resolve in that relatively short but very important interval.
But while you're delaying, make sure to use some kind of distraction or diversion—one that will allow you to think clearly about the choice you must make, while at the same time allowing you to distance yourself a bit from the temptations that cloud your decision. If you don't join distraction or diversion with your delay, you'll probably find yourself just watching the clock and thinking about how much longer you have before you get to indulge.
Get involved with something else. If your desire has passed, then great—you've successfully avoided something you didn't really want and probably didn't need! But if thirty minutes passes and you still want whatever it is you're desiring—and that something isn't destructive—then go ahead and enjoy it, in moderation!
"A delay is better than a disaster." - Unknown
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Fellowship with God
Come nearer to God and he will come near to you. - James 4:8
When you have an appetite that asks to be fed, you have a choice as to how you're going to feed it. At almost every point of decision, you'll be tempted to satisfy your appetites in a way that does little more than nourishes your sinful desires and strengthens your resistance to God. However, you have another choice: you can choose to feed your soul and strengthen yourself from the inside out.
There are many skills and strategies that can help you fight temptation and control your appetites—and you would be wise to learn them all well. But none are more important, more effective, or more rewarding than fellowship with God!
As we spend time with our heavenly Father, we gain wisdom and understanding. We grow stronger spiritually. As a result, we become more able to utilize the resources He makes available to us. Through this growth, we become better equipped and better prepared to fight the good fight of faith by standing firm against the temptations that assail us.
It's through fellowship with God that we open ourselves to the fulfillment we were designed for—a fulfillment that satisfies our cravings and our desires better and longer than any other alternative.
As you fellowship with God—through time spent in His Word, through relationships with other believers, and through loving service to others; you gain the accountability, the structure, and the support you need to control and redirect your appetites for redemptive ends.
"Man's love of God is identical with his knowledge of Him." - Moses Maimonides (1135-1204)
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Self-Monitoring
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? - 1 Corinthians 2:16
Our contemporary culture desires things to happen as quickly and conveniently as possible. Yet when it comes to knowing others, and knowing ourselves, "quick and convenient" breeds superficiality. Our love for expediency is making us strangers to one another, and strangers to ourselves.
A wise man long ago said that an unexamined life is not worth living. I would add: an unexamined life is impossible to live faithfully and well. One reason for this is that controlling our desires has everything to do with getting to know ourselves better—that is, understanding what people, situations, and substances give us problems, and what responses are effective in countering them.
A good way to begin practicing the examined life is to ask yourself what you're feeling before you indulge your cravings. Our cravings are often the result of—and a superficial way of dealing with—some negative emotion. . . anger, depression, anxiety, boredom, loneliness, etc. Once you've identified the feeling behind the drive, you can more appropriately express or deal with it, instead of engaging in some appetite you think will make the feeling disappear.
When you learn to know yourself and express your feelings appropriately, your appetites can stop being emotional buffers and once again serve the purposes God intended them to serve.
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind." - William James (1842-1910)
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Self-Talk
Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation. - 1 Peter 2:1-2
Go ahead and admit it, you talk to yourself. It's not something to be embarrassed about—self-talk can be used to your benefit in order to greatly improve your success in controlling your desires.
One way to use it is to constructively direct the anger you feel when you're tempted by an unhealthy or inappropriate desire. Instead of getting angry with yourself, get angry at the offense, and at the stumbling block it poses. This will help you resist it.
Another way self-talk can be used is to confront yourself and your appetites in order to bring rationality back into play when temptation threatens to confuse and disorient you. When you actively engage your mind by talking to yourself, you'll be less likely to act without thinking, and you'll reinforce what you believe to be true, right, and good.
Make no mistake about it. Self-talk can be a very spiritually wise thing to do. Listen to what the master theologian, J. I. Packer says on this topic in his book, A Quest For Godliness: "Richard Baxter convinced me long ago that regular discursive meditation, in which as he quaintly put it you 'imitate the most powerful preacher you ever heard' in applying spiritual truth to yourself, as well as turning that truth into praise, is a vital discipline for spiritual health. This unanimous Puritan view is now mine too."
"If you hear a voice within you saying you are a painter, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." -Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890)
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The Key to Success!
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God - Romans 5:3-5
Looking for an edge in life? Consider this: God is the key to any success you may have in learning to control your desires. He must be your strength, your counselor, and your sure foundation.
Why is God so important? Because He's the source and fulfillment of all human life, including yours. In other words, you were created by God as well as for God. We often forget the latter.
St. Augustine made this beautiful confession nearly seventeen centuries ago: "Our hearts are restless until they find rest in You, O Lord." It was true for him then, and it's true for you now.
"My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." (Psalm 84:2)
"Whoever drinks the water I give Him," said Jesus, "will never thirst...[it] will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 14:4)
"I am the bread of life," said Jesus, "He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35)
Behind all your cravings is a craving for God. And this craving can only be filled through a relationship with Jesus Christ—your true food and drink.
"I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free." - Michelangelo (1475-1564)
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Believing God's Promises
For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. They will be protected forever. - Psalm 37:28
I read and study God's Word because it's a map—an instruction manual—for my life. As the psalmist said, Scripture's a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths. Yet there's an important discipline to consider when we spend time in Scripture: and that is believing God's promises. Listen to a few:
God is always near and will never forsake you.
God has good plans for you.
God listens to you when you pray.
God will forgive you when you fail.
From first to last, Scripture is filled with God's promises to us. These promises of God fill us with hope and love, and they give you courage to live in the world, but not of the world. Believe God's promises to us.
"How can I believe in God when just last week I got my tongue caught in the roller of an electric typewriter." - Woody Allen (1935- )
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Cultivating a Divine Appetite
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. - Isaiah 55:2
Unlike physical hunger, our appetite for God is never fully satisfied. Once we've satisfied our physical hunger we no longer want to eat, at least until we become hungry again. In fact, the sight, smell, or even the thought of food can repulse us after we've eaten our fill. Proverbs 27:7 describes the phenomenon like this: "He who is full loathes honey, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet."
But the opposite is true with regard to our appetite for God. In the very act of satisfying it, the appetite intensifies. This may be something new and different for you, so let me explain.
If you've never tasted cheesecake, gone to a professional football game, or watched the sun set over the ocean, you can't really know what you're missing. Consequently, you probably don't have much of an appetite for those things. It's only when you've experienced something that you realize you want more of it.
That's what Psalm 34:8 is telling us: "Taste and see that the Lord is good." Experience for yourself that He's good, and that He satisfies completely. And when you do, something wonderful and life changing will happen–you will find yourself wanting more and more of Him, and less and less of the world's cheap substitutes for Him.
"Life is as a jelly roll. When you think you have it eaten, it comes out the other end. " - Christopher P. Buonanno
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Delight in the Lord
Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. - Deuteronomy 11:18
Psalm 37:4 tells us to delight in the Lord and He'll give us the desires of our hearts. What does that mean? It sounds like some magic formula, like rubbing the genie's lamp to get what we want. That's not the way it works.
It's hard to believe until you've experienced it, but if you're desiring something sinful, destructive, or something you can't afford, and you're truly delighting yourself in the Lord, He'll change those desires and replace them with new ones. Don't get trapped into thinking of God as a magician who provides things that would only distract you from Him.
So then, what does it mean to "delight in the Lord?" Consider what it means to delight in a friend's company. Whenever you have opportunity you spend time with that person. You talk openly and honestly with him or her; you look forward to your time together; you seek ways of knowing that person more fully and intimately; and you guard yourself from doing anything that would hurt, disappoint, or bring open shame upon your friend.
Well, that's very much what it's like for us to delight in the Lord. We delight in Him by reading His Word; by trusting what He says is true, by spending time in prayer and meditation; and by seeking to honor Him in every area of our life.
"A Brother may not be a Friend, but a Friend will always be a Brother." - Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
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Prayer and Meditation
But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. - Habakkuk 2:20
Although we don't think about it much, our communication with God consists of two equally important parts: prayer and meditation. Prayer is talking to God. Most of us have this aspect down. Meditation is listening to God. And it's here that most of us need a bit of work.
Have you ever been in a relationship where the other person does all the talking? It gets old fast, doesn't it? The one up side is you become a good listener while the other person gets everything off his/her chest. But there's a down side too: always listening and never talking leads you to begin to feel unknown, a little unloved, and sometimes, even used.
Now, think about how this applies to your relationship with God. Are you doing all the talking, without ever taking the time to listen? If you're sharing with Him from the depths of your heart, that's fantastic! By all means, keep it up. Just make sure, that you also take the time to use the ears of your heart to listen to God as well.
Remember, God tends to speak with a still, small voice; He very rarely shouts at His children. I heard it explained this way once, "God is a gentleman." That's why meditation is such an important aspect of prayer. It teaches you to develop a quiet, patient heart and an open, attentive ear. These are essential components to growing in your walk with the Lord.
"Silence is deep as eternity; speech is shallow as time." - Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)
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Studying God's Word
Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. - Isaiah 2:5
When I receive a letter from a close friend I usually find myself doing two things: first, I read the letter with interest—hanging on every word; and second, I read the letter a second and in some cases a third time—hoping each time to gain insight or catch something I might have missed previously.
Who wants to be closer to us than God? The same should be true with regard to God's Word, and by reading that message intently and repeatedly, we can get to know Him truly and more accurately.
In Psalm 119, David likens Scripture to a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. You need to keep God's Word close by and read it often. Otherwise, you'll find yourself walking in darkness. And if that happens, you're sure to stumble and fall.
Remember, God's Word, the Bible, is a series of letters from your closest friend. Read them closely. Read them often. And after you read it once, read it again!
"You can't have a light without a dark to stick it in." - Arlo Guthrie (1947- )
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A Better Way
I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. - Malachi 3:6
Let me be honest. Too many of you travel through life basing every decision you make upon how you feel and what you experience. You don't study God's Word, and you spend very little time talking and listening to the Lord. Consequently, you don't know much about the Good Shepherd who is expecting you to follow Him, no matter how you feel and regardless of your circumstances.
Now let me give you some encouragement. If you place your focus squarely upon Christ and you try to see things around you as He would, it will become second nature to look to Him and depend upon Him rather than yourself. And you won't get lost when you walk through dark seasons of life. Jesus will be your unshakable strength. And your focused gaze upon Him will keep you from altering your direction due to momentary discomfort–and from drifting off into spiritual shipwreck!
In a world that is endlessly fickle and fleeting, God is an immovable Rock.
Our faith, when focused on the true God, will not be shaken by adversity or unexpected turbulence. As long as we hold tightly to Him by faith—trusting in His goodness and love—we can come through pain and struggle with a deeper and richer relationship with Jesus, rather than a strained faith resulting from a prolonged failure to seek the one true God.
"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens." - J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
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Maintaining Focus
Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. - Hebrews 3:1
Has it ever been easier than now for a believer to become distracted and lose focus on God? If the apostle Paul found himself "greatly distressed" that Athens was "full of idols" (Acts 17:16), what would he think after checking out today's culture–the internet, TV, movies, DVD's, video games, radio, faxes, email, cell phones, etc.?
A recent Wall Street Journal article quotes an Internet guru who plugged the word "God" into a popular search engine. He received 600,000 responses—remarkably close to the 775,000 sites listed for "sex." Yahoo lists 17,000 sites devoted to religion and spirituality, compared with 12,000 about movies.
And these figures are expanding exponentially. We're only a mouse click away from countless links, Web pages, and chat rooms, that attempt to define God, recast Him into our own image, or explain Him away altogether.
With all this at your fingertips, it's more important than ever to stay connected to and focused on the true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Don't allow yourself to be sidetracked by things that aren't true. In other words, hold onto God's Son for dear life! Even when the distractions of the world are tugging at your sleeve to let go.
"We can tell from our experience that His light is more powerful than the deepest darkness. . . How wonderful that the reality of His presence is greater than the reality of the hell about us. - Betsie ten Boom, to her sister, Corrie (1930-1944)
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Narrow and Healthy
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6
A friend of mine once wrote a children's book about heaven. When checking out the reviews of his book, he came across a reviewer who said she was attracted by the book's title and artwork. Then she noted how her excitement was replaced by dismay when the author claimed the only way to heaven was through Jesus Christ. The reviewer was deeply offended by what she called the book's "obvious bias against non-Christians."
We live in times where tolerance and diversity are the buzz words—particularly in the world of religion. How could any faith be called "healthy" that claimed only one way to God?
But have you listened to the advocates of this thought? Their message is that the way to salvation is through our moral virtue. "Be good, do good, and it'll all work out."
My problem with that is this: I'm not that good a person—certainly not good enough to stand before God on the basis of my own feeble virtue. What about you?
As unpopular as it might be, the truth is, we are all sinners. But thankfully God made a way for us to come to Him and not be seen as such—through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus. Maybe it's narrow—but it's true!
"Jesus came to raise the dead. He did not come to teach the teachable. He did not come to improve the improvable; He did not come to reform the reformable. None of those things works." - Robert Farrerr Capon (1925- )
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The "Nubbies"
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. - Romans 5:1
A psychologist friend recently told me about Cliff—a client he described as "a believer after God's own heart."
After years of service to The Lord, Cliff's wife developed aggressive cancer. Many people joined Cliff in prayer for his wife, but she declined rapidly and died. Through it all, Cliff didn't break his determined gaze upon Christ. Instead of allowing the tragedy to shake his faith, he allowed his experience of pain, suffering, confusion, and grief to push him deeper into the arms of the living God.
Cliff knew two things, and held to them tenaciously. The first was that God was good. He didn't understand the circumstances surrounding his wife's sickness, or why she had to suffer and die. But he knew a reason resided with God, and that he would come to understand in the light of eternity. The second thing Cliff held to was his certainty that God loved him—in spite of everything, no matter what, and through it all.
When you're in severe pain or distress, life becomes pretty simple. You're in survival mode, and you have neither the heart nor the strength to spread your emotional energy around. As Chuck Swindoll might say, "Life gets boiled down to the nubbies."
When pain or distress boils your life down to the "nubbies," do what Cliff did. Keep it simple. Grab hold of what you know is true about the living God, and hold on like a pit bull.
"The nearer the dawn the darker the night." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882
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Habits That Strangle
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
A strange species of vine known as the matador grows in South America. Roughly translated, the Spanish word matador means "killer." This plant has certainly earned its name. The matador begins its life growing at the foot of a tree. At first, it looks like a harmless little plant. But as it grows, the matador relentlessly winds its way around the tree, makes its way to the top, and slowly strangles the tree. When the matador reaches the tree's top, it bursts forth in flower—as if celebrating its kill and crowning itself victor.
Many habits in our lives are like the matador. They seem harmless at first and grow slowly. But left unchecked, they're dangerous.
Is there a matador-like habit winding its way around your life right now?
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Work Ethic
Are you feeling worn out? An editor of the Atlantic Monthly once told the story of a Harvard University freshman who was late handing in an assignment. He came to his professor's office to explain.
"I'm sorry, sir," he said, "but I wasn't feeling well."
The Dean replied, "Young man, please bear in mind that by far the greater part of the world's work is carried on by people who are not feeling very well."
Isn't that the truth? Children are raised because parents are willing to exert enormous amounts of energy. Companies are built because people are willing to work hard. And communities are forged through long hours and persistent dedication.
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Out Of Control In America
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life moment.
Do you think life in America is out of control?
Economists have repeatedly warned that Americans have become addicted to spending and crushed by debt trying to attain lifestyles beyond their means. Doctors and nutritionists speak regularly of the rising obesity rate and the danger it represents. Educators, pastors, and child professional have long testified that generations of over-indulged American kids are growing up seriously lacking in discipline, direction, and conviction.
The common denominator here is excess. It's become an American way of life, and to be brutally honest, it's destroying us.
I don't think the question can any longer be: do we know? We must ask ourselves an even tougher question: do we care?
If you're struggling with excess, or trying to help a loved one who is, you're certainly not alone. I care and I'd like to help you.
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Overcoming Criticism
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life Moment.
Who amongst us enjoys criticism? I know I don't! In fact, even when criticism is constructive, it's usually about as welcomed as an IRS audit.
But there's something even worse than criticism: and that's critical people. We all know someone like this. You know who I'm talking about—that person who meets every plan with some version of "That's impossible!" It's that person who challenges your enthusiasm or conviction to tackle a big project with a smirk or a head-wag.
But remember: nearly every advance, discovery, or act of courage is precipitated by criticism. There's really only one sure way to avoid it: by doing nothing. And what kind of choice is that—especially for people of faith. If you expect to be praised you must be willing to be criticized.
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Praying For Kids
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life Moment.
Being a responsible, faithful, and spiritually wise adult isn't easy.. But here's something we often overlook: it's not easy being a kid either. Sure, the issues kids face are proportionate to their age. But let's not fail to give them their proper due. Children's issues appear every bit as daunting to them as ours do to us.
The kids that God has put in our lives—whether they're children, grandchildren, extended family, neighbors, or students—need every bit of wisdom and guidance we can offer. But wisdom and guidance never stand alone. Our efforts to bring these to the children in our lives must be soaked in prayer. That's when our wisdom and guidance will become more than practical, but powerful; because it is from the Holy Spirit.
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Raising Kids
I'm Steve Arterburn with a New Life Moment.
Looking for an alternative approach to adult education? Try raising kids! You'll learn important like this:
· A king size waterbed contains enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house about 4 inches deep.
· When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh," it's already too late.
· A ceiling fan isn't strong enough to rotate a 42-pound-boy clad in Batman underwear and Superman cape hanging by a dog leash. It is able, however, to spin a paint can quickly enough to splash paint on all four walls of a room.
· Super glue is forever.
· VCR's don't eject "Peanut butter and jelly" sandwiches, and.
· Garbage bags don't make good parachutes.
If you're a parent, or have kids in your life, enjoy the daily adventures, even if it means time and energy you didn't budget for the moment.
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A Good Name
A good name is more desirable than great riches; To be esteemed is better than silver or gold. - Proverbs 22:1
How important is your name? Sports columnist Skip Bayless reported this interesting story:
Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, offered sports-talk host David Kaplan $50,000 to have his name legally changed to "Dallas Maverick." When Kaplan declined, Cuban responded by offering to pay Kaplan $100,000 and donate $100,000 to Kaplan's favorite charity if he took the name for one year.
Kaplan did some soul searching, but held firm. "I'd be saying I'd do anything for money," he explained, "and that bothers me. My name is my birthright. I'd like to preserve my integrity and credibility."
Building a reputation of integrity and reliability happens by establishing a consistent track record of sound decisions and hard work. And no amount of money or fleeting temptation is worth its undoing.
"There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity." - Tom Peters (1942 - )
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Broken Dreams
"We both had dreams," they answered, "but there is no one to interpret them." Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams." - Genesis 40:8
Do you have dreams that never came true?
• Maybe you were you told you had great talent—that you should go for it and make it to the top.
• Was your dream to be a star of stage or screen?
• Maybe your dream was to live a peaceful life teaching at a university with the security of tenure, writing a few bestsellers.
• Maybe you believed that you'd grow up, easily discover the person God chose for you, marry that person, make a lot of money, have great kids who were never a problem, and continue to live happily ever after?
Think about your great dreams that haven't come true—we all have some. Yet our broken dreams are by no means the end of the story, because they hold important lessons within them.
If you have faith in Christ, your final destination is secure. Our life here on earth is a character-building journey full of opportunities—to dream, to connect, and to love one another, and when there is brokenness, to adjust your dream, to re-connect, and to continue loving one another.
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved." - Helen Keller (1880-1968)
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Building A Team
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
Way up on the top of the Spanish Pyrenees Mountains lives the beautiful but elusive mountain goat. Mature mountain goats are often hunted for their coats, but it's extremely difficult to get within shooting range. Why? Because the mature goat has a companion: a young goat with good eyesight, good hearing and a good sense of smell follows it wherever it goes and sounds the warning if enemies emerge.
The rhinoceros is another magnificent animal. It can run at remarkable speeds and despite its poor eyesight, is fearless in charging its enemies. But the rhino gets help. The rhino's skin is infested with ticks, which are a delicacy to a little bird that rides on its back. The birds have keen eyesight, and when they sense danger they sound the alarm, alerting the rhino.
If you'd like to live your life in Christ to the fullest, you need to team up with others too! We weren't meant to go it alone! Choose to connect and to relate to others.
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." - Michael Jordan (1963- )
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Calling
With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. - 2 Thessalonians 1:11
My friend was an English teacher at a Christian high school. One day while talking to her students about what they want to do in life, she asked what considerations might motivate their career selection. Money was the top answer, followed by talent, ability, and a general liking for the type of work. "Are you saying," she asked her class, "that none of you have considered your future occupation in light of what God would have you do?"
Sadly, many people think that unless they've received "a calling" to become a minister or missionary, God can pretty much stay out of the career picture. But God calls dentists, salesclerks, insurance salesmen, truck drivers, moms, and corporate executives. Whatever your occupation might be, see it as a calling from God. And recognize that our main calling in life is to be Christ-like, no matter what we do, who we're with, or where we are.
"God does not call those that are equipped. He equips those whom He has called." - Smith Wigglesworth (1859-1947)
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Our Only Real Hope
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
He remembers his covenant forever. - Psalm 111:4-5
Donna and her husband had two babies and barely got by on the tiny pension he received from the Navy. It took more than half their income just to pay the rent. Needless to say, the money often ran out before the month did.
One month, their financial situation was so bad Donna had no money left to buy laundry soap. She got on her knees and prayed, "God, I've never needed you like I need you now. I have nothing, and I need you to provide soap to wash these diapers."
Hearing a noise at the front door, Donna got up to see who it was. Someone had left a promotional sample of soap on her doorstep. Some would call the provision a coincidence, but Donna knew it was an act of God – a "divine" coincidence.
Are you dealing with difficult circumstances? Have you talked to God about your challenges, and your needs? God wants you to come to Him and to rely upon Him.
"Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there." - Old saying
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Perseverance
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12
Soon after making a decision to follow Christ, a young Nigerian named Daniel returned to his Muslim village. He was excited about his new faith. . . the people of his village were not. Furious at him, the women of the village beat him and left him for dead.
When he regained consciousness the following day, he decided he must not have been clear in explaining his new faith. So he went back to the village and witnessed again. The women beat him and left him for dead again. This time he remained unconscious for two days.
When he awoke, he again assumed he hadn't expressed himself well. So he returned a third time. This time the village women broke into tears at his perseverance, and eventually the good news of Christ gained a foothold in that place.
If you're weary in sharing the good news of Jesus with friends, family, or your kids—take heart. And remember, we share Christ by our actions and how we conduct our lives—as much as we do with our words.
"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
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Struggle
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17
Either outright or subtly many people who follow Jesus and walk with God think they shouldn't struggle. We think God will give us lives of ease and comfort once we decide to follow Christ. The idea is: If we're good Christians, we'll have it all together. If we have enough faith, our conflicts and problems would resolve themselves. When you come to Christ, your problems disappear. In fact, many churches will communicate that very message week in and week out. As a result, those who attend those churches hide their struggles, because they mistakenly equate struggles with a lack of faith.
But the Christian walk wasn't meant to be a stroll through the park. Following Jesus won't remove struggles from your life; in fact it often adds to the struggle. Some of the most committed Christians have lived some of the most difficult lives. The Bible goes so far as to tell us to expect trials and difficulties, and to be joyful when we face them.
With Christ, you can do that. On your own, you're destined to fail.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
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The Fall
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:26
Adam and Eve's fall – when they took the bite of that apple—wasn't like falling off a stepladder; it was like falling off Mount Everest. It was mankind's fall, and we weren't just dented; we were demolished.
Once we realize that all of our thoughts and desires are twisted, and all of our strength is diverted away from God; then we'll begin realizing how dangerous it is to rely solely on our own strength, desire, and wisdom.
Human strength fails when you don't see any results. Human motivation ends when applause and affirmation fade. And human wisdom tells us to get ahead and then quit.
But God's strength becomes perfect when we're weak. His approval comes when we stop trying to please the crowd. And His wisdom tells us to stop trying to lead the way and to follow Him instead.
Remember, God's grace is greater than our ability to mess up.
"Above all, believe confidently that Jesus delights in maintaining that new nature within you, and imparting to it His strength and wisdom for its work."- Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
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Thin Ice
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:7-8
When I was a boy, I fell into freezing water while trying to cross some thin ice. A while later, my brothers took me to a frozen pond—where I wasn't in jeopardy of falling through. It was frozen thick and solid.
Yet even when my brothers ran out onto the ice to demonstrate its sturdiness, they had a difficult time convincing me it would support my weight. I'd been fooled by solid-looking ice before. Finally, they dragged me onto the ice. At first, I tested it nervously. Then slowly and hesitantly I began to trust the ice.
My experiences with ice remind me of the philosophies and teachings in which we put our faith. We have to test them to make sure they're trustworthy.
Are you trusting in thin ice? Or in something thick and solid? Put your faith in Christ!
"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine (354-430)
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What's Wrong With Grownups
Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged. - Colossians 3:21
"What's wrong with grownups?" This was a question posed by a Sunday school teacher to a class of ten-year-olds. See if you recognize yourself in any of these complaints.
1. Grownups make promises, then forget them, or say it wasn't a promise, just a "maybe."
2. Grownups don't do the things they tell their children to do—like pick up their things or always tell the truth.
3. Grownups don't listen. They decide ahead of time what they're going to answer.
4. Grownups make mistakes, but won't admit them. They pretend they weren't mistakes at all—or that somebody else made them.
5. Grownups always talk about what they did and what they knew when they were ten-years-old, but they don't try to think what it's like to be ten-years-old right now.
If you're like me, right now you're thinking, "Ouch!" Children are perceptive, and they are much more pure in heart than we give them credit for. Take time for them, be honest with them, don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry".
"Nothing you ever do for a child is wasted." - Garrison Keillor (1942- )
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Bad Coffee
Bear with each other and forgive grievances. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. - Colossians 3:13-14
Karin ruled her family with her explosive, irrational anger. Her children and grandchildren never knew what would set her off. Being around her was like being in a minefield. You knew you had to get out, but you were too afraid to take a step.
Yet every time Karin had one of these outbursts, she'd blame it on bad coffee. "I just got a hold of some bad coffee and just wasn't myself," she'd say.
Do you have some "bad coffee?"—some excuse you're using for out-of-line behaviors? Are you rationalizing behaviors because you say you're "tired," "under stress," or some other unique yet unacceptable excuse?
The best thing to do is confess. Confess to God, and confess to others.
"It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution." - Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
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Growing in Christ
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. - Isaiah 55:8
People today are striving for personal improvement, self-empowerment, and inner strength. Yet, Christianity has a completely opposite way of thinking; it's full of paradoxes. We die to live; we lose to find; and we surrender to gain strength.
When Jesus overcame death, he defeated the worst enemy of all. Today we're left to battle with far lesser foes, knowing that He's already won the war.
When we stop trying to control the outcome of every situation and stop demanding that God resolve our problems according to our dictates, we unlock the door for God to show us his redemptive purpose.
Praying, "Your will be done" gets us out of God's way and removes our ideas as to how things are supposed to work out in our lives, and allows God's ideas to take control
Are you struggling to be a better follower of Jesus? Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus. A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly without knowing what's around the corner.
"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith." - Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)
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Perfect-Mate Myth
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Do you believe the Perfect-Mate Myth? It goes something like this: "If I just had the right mate, then my life would be all right." This belief is profoundly off base. First, it assumes that we are good and our spouse is the real problem. Second, it implies that there is such a thing as a "perfect" spouse, one who is beyond the reach of sin.
This delusion keeps couples from growing the way God wants them to grow. If you're in a difficult marriage, believing this myth will prevent you from the hard work and commitment necessary to repair the relationship. To keep your relationship stable and growing you must concentrate on building your relationship with God—as a couple and as individuals. If you do that, your marriage will be strengthened and your soul will be fed.
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." - Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
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False gods
O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, "Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. - Jeremiah 16:19
We like to call ourselves sophisticated. We trust in scientific theory and read the Wall Street Journal. We subscribe to the theory, secretly or not, that mankind has evolved intellectually and that we are far superior to our simple-minded, superstitious ancestors. We smirk when we read how they worshipped man-made gods—those deaf, dumb, and blind pieces of wood and gold.
Yet at the same time, we're on our knees worshipping more subtle, but just as tangible, false gods—the "isms" of our day: workaholism, as if the fruit of endless labors will finally bring satisfaction; legalism, as if being good and performing flawlessly will secure peace; intellectualism, as if we could get so smart that we would finally feel fulfilled; and materialism, as if some possession could bring us joy.
The first step in the worship of false gods is exchanging truth for lies. "You will not surely die," was the serpent's lie to Eve in the garden. Cling to the truth. Once it's discarded, you'll believe anything.
The truth of the Bible doesn't change with our circumstances of life; rather, it defines and weeds out all falsehood. Remember Jesus' words, "...the truth will set you free."
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
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Guilty or Not Guilty
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." - Hebrews 10:22
When I was twenty years old I fell into a deep depression. I began taking antidepressants and felt as old as a grandfather. My doctor diagnosed me with eighty-three ulcers and said I would have to make some serious life-style changes or have part of my intestines or colon removed. At the time I had no idea what was causing me such misery. Then I learned that guilt was literally eating away at me.
My guilt was a merciful wake-up call from God, showing me that I'd strayed into dangerous territory—my decisions we're not only hurting me but they were hurting others.
Guilt can be a merciless taskmaster, that drives us far from God, or it can gently lead us back to a right relationship with Him.
Do you struggle with guilt? Don't ignore it, but respond to the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
"Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the fiend, Th' avenging fiend, that follows us behind, with whips and stings" - Nicholas Rowe (1966 - )
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Humor
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. - Job 8:21
I'm always looking for humor in every situation. No matter where I'm ministering, I like to find something funny in a given set of circumstances and talk about that.
When I first came to faith in Christ, however, I was under the impression that I had to give up humor and become very solemn and serious. Soon the part of me that loved to smile and laugh began to wither.
But I didn't want that aspect of my personality to die. It was a unique part of me that God had created. In reality, it was one of my best strengths. So, over time, I began to let my humor come out again, and I discovered its strength in communicating truth and grace to others.
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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Service
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
Finding a way to help others is an expression of faith. It shows that we believe in the sovereignty of God. We don't' have to wait until the pain in our life is gone, because we know God can use it for good.
Finding a way to help others requires that you ask two questions: What is God doing? and How can I get into the flow of his activity? When we ask these questions, ideas will come. And once we begin doing this, the 'why is this happening' question, which once seemed so important, becomes irrelevant.
The best answer to why is always what. When we stop asking, "Why has God allowed this?" And begin asking, "What does he want me to do with it?", we're ready for God to start his work in us, and that prepares us for service, and that prepares us for service.
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
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Male Visual Stimulation
Men tend to be highly visual. Consequently, they also tend to be very susceptible to sexual temptation when it's presented visually. Put bluntly: most men have eyes that follow every short skirt that walks by. This presents a huge obstacle to marital intimacy. One disgruntled wife put it simply: "Men are pigs." And to the extent we choose our own way rather than purifying our eyes and submitting out behaviors to God, it's an apt indictment.
Consider this letter I received from a reader of my book, Every Man's Battle:
"My husband has bought into the lie that 'all men look' because they're so visual. He read your book Every Man's Battle, but he still says it's impossible for any real man to avoid looking at a babe in a string bikini. This bothers me, but he's threatened me with divorce if I don't stop 'nagging' him about this...I'm sick to my stomach to think that for the rest of my life, I'll be robbed of fullness in my marriage. Because this bothers me so much, and because my husband is so sick of being reminded of it, he does it even more now! Can you imagine? Everywhere I go with my husband I know I can't keep his attention. NOWHERE!"
Note her pain, men. The lust of your eyes hardens your heart and blinds you to your own wife. This dishonors both your wife and the God who so graciously gave her to you.
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Purifying Your Branch
Let's be honest: most of our family trees aren't very pretty. In fact, for most of us, those branches are filled with adultery, pornography, divorce, substance abuse, addiction, physical violence, and more. And even if your family hasn't been affected by one of these, your family history hasn't failed to affect you in one way or another.
At some point, then, every man must decide: will I purify my branch of the family tree, or will I allow this poison to seep through another generations?
Purifying your branch of the family tree begins with driving a stake into the ground with the decision that you and your family will follow Him.
When you do this, you transition your family from a pattern of sickness to the possibility of living for God. For generations to come, people will look at your family tree and see that under your leadership, life was influenced for good rather than for evil.
Going against the trends of past generations isn't easy to do. But it's worth the effort to blaze a new path—a path that's honorable; a path that's worth following; and a path that will show God's grace and goodness to future generations
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Shouldering Her Weaknesses
What baggage does your wife carry? She's surely no more immune than you. Therefore, she may be burdened from any number of traumatic events in her past.
Are you allowing for your wife's weakness, loving her for who she is today, and not for who she might be at some point down the line? Sure, you may be shocked and dismayed at the weaknesses in your wife that were hidden until marriage exposed them. Maybe she comes from an abusive and dysfunctional background. Maybe she isn't a very strong Christian. Maybe she was even promiscuous before she met you.
Any of these things may be true. But some other important things are true as well. Your wife did forsake her individual freedom in taking you as her husband, believing you would provide love and strength for her. Your wife is still God's little lamb, regardless of the pain she's been through and the wounds she carries. Don't forget: God has entrusted her to you. Will you resent her? Or does your heart warm at the task of restoration? Is there any nobler act than pouring out your mercy on your precious bride?
Men, relate with your spouse based upon who she is today. Not upon what you want her to be. So what if she isn't who she should be today? Are you? Besides, it's not important that she becomes everything you expect. It's important that she becomes like Christ. Impart to her the same grace, mercy and strength that Christ imparts to you.
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USS Matrimony
Marital adjustment is a simple matter. Before marriage, you command your ship of life based upon the personal convictions of one person—you.After marriage you board the USS Matrimony. You are now dealing with the personal convictions of two people. It's something you must quickly learn to deal with.
Humility is essential to create and maintain unity on board. It requires a mind-set that honors your partner.
So, what's riding on this? Quite a lot—namely, oneness and intimacy. If you learn the art of servant-leadership, the sailing on the USS Matrimony will be much smoother.
Yes, you may have a compliant spouse who'll tolerate your less than humble ways. But in such cases, outer calmness is usually the result of an inner deadness in the marital relationship, not oneness and intimacy.
Without a humble spirit and a willingness to serve one another, you may have peace, you may have marital longevity, and you may even appear to have a marriage made in heaven. But you won't have a relationship based on intimacy, there will be road-side wounded, if not casualties, along the way.
I can't urge you strongly enough in your marriage to commit yourselves to a life of humbly serving your spouse.
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A Sober Request!
I'll never forget the night I was listening to Chuck Swindoll address about ten thousand Christians. Right in the middle of his message, I heard a statement that virtually sucked the air right out of the room.
He proclaimed, "I know some of you are having sex with your children. And I'm telling you to stop it. I'm asking you to stop it. You must consider the impact on your child. You must stop having sex with your children."
Why on earth would he say that? Because he was the pastor of a church and heard the confessions of people who'd been involved in incestuous relationships.
It is reported that the trauma of child abuse actually rewires parts of the brain in both function and structure. The effects are quite serious. The abnormalities can last right through adulthood, leaving the victim with such problems as aggression, poor emotional control, memory and attention disorders, and serious mood and personality disorders.
The nature of this sin is such that all of us would rather leave it in silence. But we simply cannot. Therefore, I repeat what Chuck Swindoll said that night: "You must stop having sex with your children." And I would add, I beg you to get the help you need.
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Finding Their Voices
As its founder, I've participated in several focus groups, surveys, and brainstorming sessions associated with the Women of Faith Conferences. Their objective? To identify and address areas where women felt they needed help becoming all God desires of them.
Perhaps the most common theme is that women need to "find their voices." In other words, Christian women today must discover who they are in Jesus Christ, and express that in their lives in such a way that glorifies God.
One of the reasons so many women need this kind of help is that so many men pressure and push women to be silent—to neglect their voice. Sadly, many men secure their own position by stifling or ignoring the identity, and unique gifting of women. Consequently, many women sense that their role is perceived as insignificant; they feel that their voice isn't recognized, valued, or welcomed.
It's the challenge of every man to help the woman in his life find her voice, and then, be respectful and receptive when that voice speaks. Men, I challenge each of you: guard the voice God's given to the woman in your life, whether it's your wife, your daughter, your sister or your mother. Stop and listen to her.
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Proverbs 31 Husband
Pastors often preach about the woman depicted in Proverbs 31 as what a wife should be. Godly, faithful, diligent, virtuous—she's the entire package. Now, I don't know about you, but I've never heard a sermon on what the husband of that woman must've been like. And I could stand to learn a few things from him—and probably some of you could too.
Look closely at Proverbs 31. The character and accomplishments of the wife imply many things about the husband standing silently in the background. He must've granted her a great deal of latitude to make important decisions about the home and the family budget. Furthermore, he must've encouraged and respected her—two ingredients crucial to her operation of the thriving business discussed in the Proverb.
If a wife is to be free to succeed in her multifaceted role, the husband must hear, respect, and support her. Otherwise, her gifts will be blocked, and she won't be the woman God called her to be.
Husbands and wives complement one another's weaknesses. It's ultimately, God's way of blessing each of you! The only things Proverbs 31 does say about the husband is that he's respected at the city gate, and that he rises to call his wife blessed.
:angel:
Romance
Men tend to be less romantically inclined than women. In itself, that's fine. However, we shouldn't let that tendency cause us to fall short when it comes to stoking the fires of our marriage.
It's easy to think, "Okay, now I've got a wife. What's next on the agenda?" But men, that's a big mistake. Romance lies at the heart of the female essence. Most wives are incurable romantics, and it's highly unlikely that your wife's an exception.
Bring her flowers on your anniversary, or sometimes for no particular reason at all. Take her to eat at your old haunts; drive by your old homes and apartments; skip a Monday night football game to take her to dinner; walk together at dusk holding hands; and give the gift of your time generously.
Romance tends to become less a priority after marriage. To make matters worse, many of us tend to confuse sex for romantic intimacy. One married woman put it like this:
"I love the romantic intimacy of a hug and extra attention, but any little hug and kiss I give...seems to suggest that I want to make love. How exasperating! I just want him to know that I love him, and I just want the same response back without feeling that I have to jump into bed. I just want him to hold me and talk to me; I just want to be near him."
Men, being mindful and responsive to your wives' need for romance is one of the most practical and powerful ways to love and honor her.
:angel:
Snuffing Her Out?
When you were courting your wife, she was worthy of speaking to yous on any topic at every level, wasn't she? Think back to those heady days of dating. You couldn't drink in enough conversation from the young woman you knew you were going to marry. You loved hearing every thought, every hope, and all her deepest dreams. You were learning her, and it was a thrilling, rewarding experience. Every opinion was a lovely thread in the tapestry she wove around your heart. But that was then; this is now. Somehow, somewhere, and at some nebulous point in time, things changed...
No guy would ever envision tuning out his lover before the wedding day. But in marriages all across the fruited plain, countless men snuff out the voices of their wives seeking to express themselves.
What this does to marital oneness isn't pretty. Snuffing out your wife's voice is a sin against her. It's also a sin against God, because it discards and hinders His purposes for her voice in His kingdom.
Relationships, like people, go through stages of development. Therefore, I'd no sooner suggest that you recreate the first months of dating than I would for you to try becoming a teenager again. I'm simply suggesting that, somewhere along the way, most of us have lost sight of something wonderful—something worthy of being reclaimed: an eager excitement to learn our wives. Men, our wives are precious jewels – don't overlook and fail to appreciate them!
:angel:
Building Her Prestige
In Proverbs 31:29-31, the husband grants his wife her proper prestige with these words:
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."
Men, we'll not only draw prestige from the success of our marriage relationship, but we must also be sure to build up the prestige of our wife. Of course, this begins in the home.
"Building up" begins with words, but must be verified and reinforced with actions. The Bible says in 1 Peter 3, "Husbands...be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as...heirs with you." Acknowledging that your wife is your fellow heir establishes that she's entitled to the same honor and respect as you. By contrast, you have no right to rob her of what you ought to give, and what God promised she'd have. Oneness isn't merely a feeling; it's built on actions.
Moreover, building up the prestige of our wives doesn't end in the home. What begins there must be carried out into the community. Here again, actions speak louder than words.
Gentlemen, can we justify placing our wives anywhere but in the highest place of prestige in our lives? We must set ourselves to the task of building up our wives—both inside and outside our homes.
:angel:
Sacrificial Love
If we're to love and serve our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers in the manner God desires, we must understand the following three things:
First, sacrifice doesn't mean giving that other person everything he or she wants. But it does mean you consider the other person's thoughts and concerns are honored equally alongside yours; in the same way the white stripe is expressed equally with the red on a candy cane. You can't tell if it's red with a white stripe or white with a red stripe.
Second, sacrifice is more than taking another's thoughts into consideration. It's taking those thoughts and putting them into play with as much emphasis and care as you give your own thoughts—even if the thought processes of that other person may not make sense to you.
Third, you must develop your own style of carrying out this sacrificial love—a style that's customized to the character and needs of your relationship. You may not always agree with the other person. That's fine. Agreement is nearly as important as the way of coming to an agreement. You are different people, and even siblings brought up in the same hone with the same parents and surroundings come up with different opinions and answers to life. But, the use of the servant mind-set must always be consistent among all of us if we wish to love others as ourselves.
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The Fragile Male Ego
Our fragile male egos can easily present a barrier to oneness and intimacy with our wives. One woman made this candid comment that makes my point: "Most things in our marriage are his plans and desires.[He never shows me any of his deep feelings, and I can't say that I've ever felt one with him. He once said, 'If I let you in and show you my feelings, I'd be vulnerable to becoming hurt.'"
A husband's refusal to be emotionally vulnerable is a sure sign that his fragile male ego is presenting an obstacle to marital health.
Another sure sign that the fragile male ego is at work is when a woman's gifts and talents are perceived by her husband as a threat to his competency. This is an issue I've seen come up time and again in marital counseling.
My point, men, is that an overly sensitive male ego undercuts our ability to be vulnerable and humble—two necessary characteristics for strong and growing marriages.
One of the church's great theologians was fond of referring to marriage as "the school of character." That's because marriage, by its very design, will teach us things like vulnerability and humility—that is, if we'll only commit ourselves to becoming attentive and teachable students.
The lessons we need to learn aren't always easy. Yet they're profoundly rewarding.
:angel:
The "Why" Of Romance
Guys, if there's any area in which we need to study our wives in order to serve them better, it's in the department of romance. Romance inspires her and brings feelings of marital intimacy to the surface.
Yet ask most guys what romance is and he'll begrudgingly mumble something about candlelight dinners and roses. But it's more than that. In fact, for some men, it might not be candlelight dinners and roses at all. That's because the chief ingredient of romance is knowing what special thing sparks her romantic motor.
But why is romance so important to our wives? Perhaps the best way to answer this is by considering a different question: why is respect so important to us? The answer to both questions: it's how we're made. It's what makes us tick.
Therefore, for the vast majority of women, going through marriage without romance is the equivalent to how a man would feel having to go through life without respect. In other words, much of the color of life disappears, and everything turns to gray.
Guys, that's why it's so important for us to study how to cultivate romance with our wives; and in particular, how to do this in a way that is according to each of our wives' own personality and liking. This is an important aspect of giving our wives the sacrificial love we're called to offer, and that they deserve to receive.
:angel:
Working Toward A Career
More and more women are now working outside the home. Therefore, a growing number of men are being called upon to help their wives prepare for and manage this aspect of her role. This, of course, constitutes an important area where husbands must learn to think and act sacrificially for the good of their marriages and families.
Listen to this testimony by Joanne, a wife and mother in her third year of graduate school: "I couldn't succeed in this challenge if it weren't for my husband's constant support when I'm in class and when I have to barricade myself in my room to do homework. He feeds the kids, helps with their homework, and runs them where they need to go. I can't explain the relief I feel when I know he's stepping in...He never ever pouts or acts put out that he has to do more. I feel so responsible for my family that if he did these things for me grudgingly, I would feel defeated very quickly. Because he helps me with a cheerful attitude, I feel a lightness inside that help me get through the day."
Joanne's husband is a wise leader. They've made a decision that, in their particular situation, her return to school is in the best interest of their family. And this decision requires him to think and act sacrificially. He knows his family's needs, and his wife's insecurities, and tends to them accordingly. That's a real man.
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Bucking The Trend
The current trend in our society is that more and more wives and mothers are reentering the workplace. Different families have different needs. And many have decided this is what best serves them.
Yet at the same time, some families are bucking this societal trend. They've decided it's not in their family's best interest to have mom working outside the home. And while this is a great decision for many families, it's not a decision that comes free from difficulties.
Anytime you buck a societal trend, there's a price to pay. For mothers who stay home to raise their children, one price they pay is a drop in social status. This is sad because stay-at-home moms work so hard and sacrifice so much. Current characterizations of stay-at-home moms tend to be patronizing at best, and at worst, downright derogatory.
As a result, guys, the choice to stay home with the kids can be hard on your wife's self-esteem—even if it's a decision she believes in and is thrilled about.
So if you and your wife have chosen to buck the trend, I encourage you to ask yourself the following three questions:
What can I do to lighten her load?
How can I encourage her and affirm the great value of what she's doing?
What practical steps can I take to make staying home with our children less physically and emotionally draining on my wife?
:angel:
Students Of God's Word
When looking for ways to serve our wives, many of us would rather lay tile, or fertilize the lawn, than lead her spiritually. Why is that? Simple. We like to function within areas where we're competent and comfortable. Unfortunately, providing spiritual leadership often isn't one of those areas. Yet the fact remains: providing spiritual leadership is a vital aspect of our calling as husbands.
So where do you begin? How about developing a deeper understanding of God's word. Men, as you become committed and competent students of Scripture, it'll help establish two important things in your wife's heart—both of which are crucial for your effective leadership.
First, your knowledge of Scripture will create a sense of security in your wife's heart. She'll be able to live in peace knowing you have the ability to bring the light of Scripture to bear upon those areas of life that are confusing, difficult, and scary.
Second, your understanding God's word will raise your wife's level of respect for you. As you wrestle with scripture, and demonstrate your commitment to bring God's truth to bear upon the life of your family, your wife will have reason to respect and rest in your leadership. She'll know she can trust you to do the best possible thing for her and your children.
Men, resources abound to help in this endeavor. Your pastor and local Christian bookstore will get you started, and Bible study groups can help you persevere.
:angel:
The "How" Of Romance
Guys, when you're romancing your wife, it must be on her terms in order to be effective. You have to do what she considers fun, what she considers romantic. That's what shows your wife that you've listened to her, learned her, and you're attentive to her desires and needs. This demonstrates love.
But there's another—often overlooked—side of romantic expression: doing things for her that she hates doing herself. For instance, I know a woman who absolutely hates washing silverware after meals. Her husband knows this about her, and often steps in to wash silverware for her—even if he doesn't have time to wash the sink full of dishes.
So why is doing for your wife what she hates doing romantic to her? Once again, it shows that you've taken the time to know her, and that you have the desire to serve her. In other words, it shows her your relationship's an intimate one.
One woman named Cheryl shared this story: "Sometimes I don't want to do the mundane things like grocery shopping alone. It's not one of Rod's favorite things either. But he goes with me if I ask, and he makes it fun just because we're together. And there's been more than one classical concert he's suffered through with me."
Do you sense that Cheryl feels romance in her marriage? I certainly do.
:angel:
Thinking Things Through
Is your marriage a delight to you—or is your career or your hobby what really charges your engines? Do you exist in marriage for your wife, or does she exist to serve and further your interests and desires? Where do your greatest passions lie?
Guys, these are important questions you must ask yourself from time to time. But truth be told, you're not always as skilled as you could be about examining your life. Furthermore, you're not always as honest as you should be about the difference between what you formally profess to be true and the values you affirm by our day-to-day decisions and actions.
Therefore, I want to pose several questions for you to ponder over the next several days to help you discern the health of your marriage. My hope is that they'll help you identify any areas and issues that need your attention.
Does your wife's face brighten when you enter the room? Does she rise to kiss you?
Does your wife long for your embrace? Does she love to chat with you, even about the so-called little things of life?
When her feelings have been hurt, or her dreams have been shattered, is it you that she seeks or does she turn elsewhere?
Do you guard her honor and preserve the integrity of your marriage, even when she's out of sight?
Men, your wife's a gift from God—a true treasure. Love and honor her accordingly!
:angel:
Weighing Your Options
Okay, men, imagine that God offered you these two following options:
Option 1: Working twelve hours a day for two years in the business of your dreams, a commitment that would quadruple your income.
Or...
Option 2: Working twelve hours a day for two years to passionately live out the heart of a servant-leader when you're at home, an effort that would quadruple your wife's joy.
Be honest—or at least willing to consider each option. If you're chasing after the next rung up the corporate ladder, then you've misappropriated your passion. If you're willing to become a bondservant to your wife, then you're worthy of your Lord's daughter.
Let's face it. If the passion's not there in your marriage, you won't find much oneness. Sure, you may be comfortable with your wife. As a mother, you may think she's matchless. She may still knock your socks off when she slips into a sundress. Perhaps you can't even imagine living without her.
But what do these feelings show? Many men feel them, but be very careful in your assessment of them: such sentiments don't necessarily reveal that you've actually done anything more than love yourself in the marriage.
Men, it's your passion for oneness and your passion for service that demonstrate that you love her. That's what brings her joy on your journey together. If that passion's not there, you must find it. But if it is, your motives for serving your wife will be true.
:angel:
Consistency In Spiritual Leadership
Men, not only should you be comfortable in leading your family in worship, you should be the most consistent among them when it comes to cultivating your own personal life of worship. Remember, the character and quality of our public leadership is a direct by-product of the character and quality of our private discipleship. You simply can't give your family what you don't possess yourself.
Men, consistency in private discipleship brings intimacy with the Lord; and intimacy with the Lord puts you in the position to bring life and truth to your family. Without it, you'll have little fresh understanding with which to guide them.
How consistent are you when it comes to praying? How consistently do you lead your family in Bible study and prayer? Sure, no one's busier than you. I know that, and I share your predicament. But the simple reality remains: each of us must make it a top priority to carve out time in our day-to-day lives to lead our families in this area.
Remember guys, many of the most important issues in our children's lives will be caught rather than taught. They're watching your example. If you're not praying together as a family, then all your talk about God's being the center of your marriage and family is just that—talk.
Make family worship or devotional time a priority. Be disciplined about following through. Model your faith with action. It'll give your family someone to respect and someone to emulate.
:angel:
Leading Worship At Home
Men, we were created for worship. It enhances and expresses intimacy with the Lord, and brings both Him and us great pleasure. Yet many men tighten up just saying grace before dinner. Public worship—even if it's only in front of your family may cause you to feel as nervous as a third baseman charging a short-hopper with the game on the line in the bottom of the ninth.
Most of us have been there. And most of us have also blamed it on our lack of experience praying in public. Yet for the vast majority of men, that's not really the issue. The real issue is that you don't have enough experience praying in private! Deepening your private life of worship will naturally embolden your public life of worship. And the first place it'll bring benefit is in your ability to provide better spiritual leadership in your home.
Guys, no one in your home should be more comfortable with worship and prayer than you. Your family absolutely needs you to lead them. Feeling funny about it is no excuse.
Start small, but be courageous and committed to growth. You simply cannot and must not "chicken out" when your family looks to you for spiritual leadership. The Holy Spirit is waiting for you to step up to the plate, and He'll meet you there. That's a promise from God.
:angel:
Parental Teamwork
Ephesians 6:4
Men, as the father in the home, you shoulder a great responsibility in raising your children. How will you and your wife go about it? What standards will you choose? How will you discipline? What values will you teach and demonstrate?
These questions are crucial; and whether it's intentional or merely by default, they're all communicated to your children. Intentionality is the key; and it's a huge help when you and your wife are on the same page.
You and your wife can provide two basic elements in your home that are invaluable to helping your children become the individuals God wants them to be. One is consistency. There are few things worse than one parent operating off one set of values while the other confuses, and ultimately, sabotages those principles with a competing set of values. Parents must strive to agree on core values—living them and passing them on in a unified front to their kids.
The second important concept in raising kids is teamwork. Guys, surrender your individual rights and the blatant exertion of authority and be your wife's teammate. Help her. Share duties. Pitch in. And never undermine your wife's position by making yourself appear more important in the eyes of your children.
Instead, help your children learn to honor their mother and to appreciate the value of a woman. This bedrock principle will have a tremendous impact on your kids' future.
:angel:
Rebooting Your Marriage
I host a weekday call-in radio show with five other counselors called New Life Live! Since we handle many calls each day, it's easy to spot common themes that arise.
One common theme is the one about blaming and judging a wife who "just isn't enough" for a man. It's amazing the mental gyrations some men will go through not to take responsibility. One day we commented that the worst-selling T-shirt we could market would say, "It was my fault." No guys would buy it!
Here's an idea for another T-shirt message: "You're not to blame for my problems." But let's not wait for that T-shirt to land in stores to own that truth. Because when we own this, we're humbled and ready to do what needs doing: asking for forgiveness.
Every computer has a reboot key that allows for fresh starts. Everything cranks up as if it were doing it for the first time. For individuals, the reboot key is called confession. Confession realigns the person with God and removes the stain of denial. The reboot key for a relationship is asking for forgiveness. It places the relationship back at ground zero. It doesn't ensure that forgiveness will be granted, but at least from the point of forgiveness the relationship has an opportunity to flourish. Men, if you and your marriage are stuck, consider the most humbling thing you can do: Ask your wife to forgive you.
:angel:
Submitting To Scripture
Men, no one in your home should be better and quicker at submitting to what Scripture teaches than you. In a recent marriage class several women were asked, "What's the one thing that impresses you most about your husband?" One woman responded, "[My husband] is much quicker to submit to the teaching of Scripture than I am. He's quick to fix anything in his life that he feels doesn't line up with Scripture. He has always been submissive to God's ways, and this makes me trust him and feel one with him."
This woman's husband leads by example. What could possibly be more fitting or effective? And did you pick up on the security this woman feels because her husband is receptive and responsive to God's word? Guys, this woman's not the exception; she's the norm. When you submit to Scripture, it fortifies your wife's trust and respect for you. And note the irony here: even though Scripture exposes your flaws, your wife's trust and respect grows—as does her willingness to give you the benefit of the doubt when needed. So long, that is, as you're submitting to God.
On the other hand, your failure to submit to Scripture invites disorder, confusion, and fear into your home. It puts a formidable stumbling block in your pathway to oneness—not only with your wife, but with all members of your family. To put is plainly, men, God is not pleased with spiritual leaders who harbor sin.
:angel:
A Peculiarly Male Problem
Although pornographic consumption is on the rise among females, it's still considered—and has historically been—a male problem. But because consumption of pornography is recognized as largely a male issue, and because it usually begins in adolescence, many adults have become increasingly inclined to tell boys that what they're doing is normal. That satisfying their curiosity with pornography, and gratifying their hormonal urges, is a natural right of passage to manhood. This is exceedingly dangerous counsel.
Based upon my counseling experience, I believe the pornography has trapped more young men, and haunted them throughout their adult lives, than any other problem.
Don't misunderstand me. Not all men who struggle with pornography are sexual addicts. However, that's no cause whatsoever to minimize the issue. If you become accustomed to the world of pornographic fantasy you're at great risk to do great damage.
Eventually it will ruin your relationship with God, your feeling of self-worth, your ability to relate to women, and it can potentially destroy your marriage. But even if your marriage does stay intact, pornography steadily and surely steals the potential for true intimacy with your wife. True, you're present in body, but your mind is somewhere else—entertaining thoughts and fantasies of other women who, in their own tragic way, have also been victimized by the pornographic industry. Wake up, men: fantasizing over pornographic images is neither natural nor trivial.
:angel:
Giving Thanks Through Everything
Thanksgiving goes deep into our national heritage. In fact, the newly formed United States first recognized Thanksgiving as a national holiday during the administration of our country's first president: George Washington. These are words in which President Washington introduced it:
"Whereas, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor;
[Therefore], both the houses of Congress have...requested me 'to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God...Now, therefore, I do recommend next, to be devoted by the people of the states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be, that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country."
But men, the call to give thanks goes even deeper into our identity and responsibility as disciples of Jesus Christ. Giving thanks is an essential aspect of worship; and worship is the very reason for our existence. Therefore, men, take the time to reflect on and respond to this question: what has God done in your life that calls for thanksgiving today?
:angel:
It's Big Business
Guys, when you think of big business in America, what comes to mind? Computers, oil, professional sports, the automotive industry? How about pornography? If it doesn't, it should.
That's because pornography is now considered to be more than a $10 billion-a-year business in America. Yes, you heard me correctly; I said billion! This isn't exactly a new development either. As far back as 1985, the Ladies Home Journal gave an excellent exposé regarding the extent of that industry's sprawling empire. Listen to these findings:
· Americans spent far more on pornographic material than the $6.2 billion grossed by all three major television networks—ABC, NBC, and CBS—combined.
· More than 20 million Americans buy sexually oriented magazines every month.
· Fifteen percent of all videos sold in the United States are sexually explicit in nature.
The problem's not getting better either. In fact, between 1985 and now, pornography's become more accepted by mainstream culture, and more easily accessible to a wider audience—largely through growing mediums like cable and satellite television, and the internet. In other words, pornography possesses a large and ever-growing claim upon the inner lives, the leisure time, and the discretionary income of multiplied millions of Americans.
If you're one of these people, you need to find a way to stop. This isn't a harmless pastime. You're destroying yourself, your loved ones, and contributing to our society's undoing. Seek and secure whatever help you need, like our Every Man's Battle workshop, but please stop!
:angel:
Portrait Of A Son
There once lived a wealthy widower who shared a passion for collecting art with his son. Priceless works adorned the family estate.
Then the war came. The son enlisted, and after only a few weeks, the father's worst fears were realized: his son was killed in action.
Months later the old man, still grieving, answered a knock on the door. "I was a friend of your son," said the stranger at the door, "He was rescuing me when he died. I have something I want to give you." And he gave the father a portrait he had painted of the man's son! It wasn't a masterpiece, but precious nonetheless. The old man was overcome with emotion and gratitude.
When the old man died, his paintings were slated for auction. The event began with a painting that wasn't on the docket—the painting of the man's son.
Bidding opened at $100. Silence. "Who cares about that painting?" someone cried, "Let's get to the good stuff." Voices clamored in agreement.
Finally, an elderly gentleman asked, "Will you take $10? That's all I have, but I knew the lad and would love to have the portrait." After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone."
Then to everyone's surprise, the auctioneer closed the auction! Stunned disbelief filled the room. "What do you mean?" voices demanded, "There's still millions of dollars of art here!"
The auctioneer replied, "It's really quite simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes his son gets it all."
It's the same with us . . . whoever takes the Son in faith receives all the Father's benefits!
:angel:
Who Buys Pornography?
The United States Advisory Board for Social Concerns reports that minors read over 70 percent of all pornographic magazines. Further estimates indicate that most hard-core porn viewers are under twenty years of age. To a large extent, then, our nation's young people are financing the pornographic industry.
Further still, adults who seek treatment for pornography addiction almost always attest to exposure during childhood. Whether these adults are involved in multiple affairs, self-gratification, or prostitution, they usually share the experience of getting started years earlier with what seemed to be harmless magazines containing nude photographs.
My point is this: if you have a teenager, he or she is a target for the pornography industry. Therefore, be observant of their behavior, and prepared to take immediate and decisive action if pornography is discovered.
If you discover evidence of porn usage—a phone bill, a book, a magazine, a video—don't simply take the child's word that it was a one-time experience. In most cases, it's the tip of the iceberg.
Adolescents caught up in this problem are usually much too ashamed to ask for help, and too emotionally immature to realize there may be a problem. So even if your child has a history of honesty, it's much wiser to at least consider that your child may be trying to hide a bigger problem.
If you ignore the evidence, you may be ignoring you child's subconscious attempt to get help.
:angel:
No Other Gods
Exodus 20
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Even if we don't practice a particular religion, we do worship something. Our hearts, souls, and minds can't exist in a vacuum. We're all under allegiance to some set of beliefs. Our love and need to be loved drive us to the feet of some god. Part of our inventory needs to include looking to see who or what brings us to our knees.
The first commandment God gave says, "You must not have any other god but me" (Exodus 20:3). He repeated the same command after the children of Israel had wandered forty years in the wilderness, adding some explanations: "I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me" (Deuteronomy 5:6-7). Once when Jesus was talking with some people, "An expert in religious law tried to trap him with this question: 'Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?' Jesus replied, '"You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment'_" (Matthew 22:35-38).
If we want to reorder our lives according to God's design, it is helpful to start with the standard he set up-the Ten Commandments. He begins by simply asking that we recognize him as God. Are we willing to admit that our Creator and Rescuer is fully deserving of our wholehearted love and commitment? Are we willing to turn away from our other gods to worship him alone?
If we give God the proper place in our lives, all of his commandments should follow naturally.
:angel:
False Images
1 Corinthians 10:12-14
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
We may find that our imaginations are held captive by an image or ideal that makes demands of us. We may be focused on the image of "the perfect body" and find ourselves swept into compulsive eating disorders, depression, or sexual addictions. We may be focused on the image of "the good life" and find ourselves swept into workaholism, stealing, or lying to try to appease the image we worship. We may have an image of ourselves as "the black sheep of the family" and slavishly live our lives playing out that role.
We don't talk much about idol worship in our culture, except perhaps when we talk of celebrities. Idolatry can be defined as image worship; it may involve becoming a slave to the ideas an image represents. This is the second commandment: "You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods" (Exodus 20:4-5). The apostle Paul warned, "So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols" (1 Corinthians 10:14).
In his protective love, God warns us not to let devotion to an image enslave our lives. The images we worship are more likely to come through television or other media than from an idol carved from stone. But we need to ask ourselves, What are the images and ideas that drive our compulsive behaviors?
Taking inventory of the things we consider important may alert us to the false gods in our lives.
:angel:
The Strangeness of God
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9
Disruptive peace; majestic meekness; unsettling comfort - these phrases don't seem to make sense. But anyone who's had a personal encounter with God understands that these apparent paradoxes come together in Him.
The Dean of the Chapel of Calvin College, wrote, "The faithful evangelical preacher of God ought to say not only that God is great and God is good, but also that God is elusive and God is strange...because spiritual health depends upon it."
It's dangerous to think we know God's mind, God's will, or God's intentions. In fact, to fear God is, in part, to recognize that His ways are not our ways. For certain, He's revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and He revealed Himself in how He moved and worked through the lives and stories recorded in the Bible. But He hasn't revealed Himself exhaustively. He hasn't ceased to work in mysterious ways. And that's why we surrender to Him. He's greater than we can think or imagine and will work in strange ways—ways we can't even think of or imagine.
"I have felt His hand upon me in great trials and submitted to His guidance, and I trust that as He shall further open the way, I will be ready to walk therein, relying on His help and trusting in His goodness and wisdom. " Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
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Being, Not Doing
Exodus 20:8-11
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Some of us become addicted to our work and our accomplishments. It's not that we're just hardworking people; we use our activities to help us feel worthwhile. It's as though we believe deep inside that we are worthless, so we work and take care of others to earn the right to be loved. When our work is at the heart of our self-esteem, we have a hard time stopping whatever it is that gives us a feeling of value. We become slaves to what we do and can never do enough.
The fourth commandment says, "Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy" (Exodus 20:8-11).
God gave the Hebrews this command when he brought them out of Egypt after four hundred years of slavery. The only value they had known had been measured by constant work. God reminds us with this command that he cares about who we are as well as about what we do.
God's command that we spend a day resting is clear evidence that he loves us.
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Clarity Versus Trust
Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.
Isaiah 50:10
When the philosopher and professor of ethics, John Kavanaugh, went to work for three months at the "house of the dying" in Calcutta, he was seeking an answer about how to spend the rest of his life. His first morning there he met Mother Teresa. She asked, "And what can I do for you?" Kavanaugh asked her to pray for him. "What do you want me to pray for?" she inquired.
He voiced his pressing burden: "Pray that I have clarity." Mother Teresa firmly refused! When the bewildered Kavanaugh asked why, she said, "Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of."
When Kavanaugh commented that she always seemed to have the clarity he longed for, she laughed and said, "I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God."
Are things in your life so clear that there's no room to trust God?
"All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. " - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Confession
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6:12
In the Bible, the word "confess" means "to speak the same thing." So when it tells us to confess, it means we're to say the same thing God says—to agree with Him—about the attitudes and actions of our lives.
As you can see, then, confession has two aspects: speaking the truth about ourselves and the truth about God.
For example, if we're confessing greed, we can also confess God's promise to supply our needs. The Bible says the same God who takes care of you will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to you in Christ Jesus.
"We own up to minor failings, but only so as to convince others that we have no major ones." - La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)
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Learning Through Suffering
Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Romans 8:17
Like many other Christians, my parents thought that if they honored God and dedicated their children to the Lord, they'd somehow be shielded from pain, suffering, and life's difficult realities. Learning that their son—my brother Jerry—was dying of AIDS helped them to see that this belief was false.
My parents wrestled not only with losing Jerry but also with their own feelings of guilt. They wondered what they could've done differently to keep their son from a homosexual lifestyle. Sorrow and regret consumed them.
Yet God used that terrible incident to mold and deepen my parents' faith. Suffering brought them face-to-face with change they'd never anticipated. It was in that dark and painful crucible that my parents learned about compassion, courage, forgiveness, and repentance. Their hearts were truly broken, but they were also truly changed.
You, too, can and should learn from suffering. Don't be angered by it. Don't come out the other side a bitter person. Look at your suffering as an intimacy with Christ—a time to sense his love and compassion, and to grow to trust Him and grow closer to Him.
"Complete success alienates a man from his fellows, but suffering makes kinsmen of us all. " - Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915)
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Living a Positive Legacy
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2
Did you know the Nobel Peace Prize is named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite? How did this come to be?
When Alfred's brother died, a newspaper mistook him for Alfred. It printed his obituary with the headline, "The Merchant of Death Is Dead," describing Alfred as a man who made his fortune helping people kill one another.
He was cut to the heart and vowed to change his legacy. When Alfred really died eight years later, he left $9 million to fund awards for people whose work benefited humanity—thus, the birth of Nobel Peace Prizes.
Alfred Nobel was given a rare gift: the opportunity to read his own obituary, and make changes before it was too late. What might you do if given the same opportunity?
"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. -Booker T. Washington (1856-1915)
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Handling Anger
Matthew 5:20-22
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Some of us realize that all that's kept us from committing murder was the lack of opportunity at the moment we were in touch with the depth of our rage. Maybe we can stuff our ugly emotions down deep most of the time, only venting them when we're caught off guard or under the influence.
The law of Moses clearly says, "You must not murder" (Exodus 20:13). Moses went on to explain, "If someone hates another person and pushes him or throws a dangerous object at him and he dies, it is murder. Or if someone hates another person and hits him with a fist and he dies, it is murder. . . . But suppose someone pushes another person without having shown previous hostility, or throws something that unintentionally hits another person, or accidentally drops a huge stone on someone, though they were not enemies, and the person dies. If this should happen, the community must follow these regulations in making a judgment" (Numbers 35:20-24). Jesus taught, "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment" (Matthew 5:21-22).
If we took the time to think about it, we may realize that we're still in danger because of the rage burning beneath the surface. In order for our recovery to be complete, we must dig up the anger, vent it appropriately, and let it go. This is a vital part of our recovery process, which we dare not neglect.
Unresolved anger becomes a violation of God's command to love.
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Overcoming Envy
Hebrews 13:5-6
We made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
A major part of recovery deals with our tendency to create and live in a fantasy world. We escape the painful realities of our lives momentarily and trade them in for experiences that feel good. The pathway that leads to our addiction is paved with desires for the things, relationships, and experiences that we see in the lives of others and don't have ourselves.
One of the lesser known of the Ten Commandments says, "You must not covet your neighbor's house. You must not covet your neighbor's wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor" (Exodus 20:17; see also Deuteronomy 5:21). Jesus also warned, "Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own" (Luke 12:15). The writer of Hebrews said, "Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you'" (Hebrews 13:5).
Modern society and commercial advertising are designed to breed discontent. This is a threat to our recovery because it leads us into an emotional fantasy world. We need to make an inventory of the greed and covetousness lodged in our hearts and minds. Then we must treat these problems like a poison that will hurt us if allowed to remain in our lives.
Since only God can meet all our needs, true contentment can only be found in him.
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God, Our Friend
Hebrews 4:14-16
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Going to God can be scary. We may associate God with a condemning judge, a brutal father, or some other frightful image. Before we will be able to admit our wrongs to God, we'll need to feel confident that he is on our side.
In ancient times, people could not approach God on their own. The high priest would offer a sacrifice to cover their sin and then bring them before God. The high priest was on their side, even though he had to acknowledge and deal with their sins. We have someone on our side, too. "Since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most" (Hebrews 4:14-16). "Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested" (Hebrews 2:18).
We don't have to fear admitting our wrongs to God. In him we have a friend who understands our struggles and our suffering. When we go to him we won't have to flee from his condemnation. We will be welcome to stay at the throne of God to receive mercy. He will give us the grace we need in our struggle to recover.
When we face our wrongs, God understands and is able to help us.
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Overcoming Denial
Genesis 38
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Admitting our wrongs to ourselves can be the most difficult part of Step Five. Denial can be blinding! How can we be expected to admit to ourselves those things we are blind to? Here's a clue that can help us. We will often condemn in others the wrongs most deeply hidden within ourselves.
According to ancient Jewish law, a widow was entitled to marry the surviving brother of her husband in order to produce children. Tamar had been married successively to two brothers who died without giving her children. Her father-in-law, Judah, promised to give her his younger son also, but he never did. This left her alone and destitute. In an effort to protect herself, she disguised herself as a prostitute and became pregnant by Judah himself. And she kept his identification seal (Genesis 38:1-23).
When Judah heard that Tamar was pregnant and unmarried, he demanded her execution. "But as they were taking her out to kill her, she sent this message to her father-in-law: 'The man who owns these things made me pregnant. . . . Whose seal and cord and walking stick are these?' Judah recognized them immediately and said, 'She is more righteous than I am'" (Genesis 38:25-26).
It won't be easy to be honest with ourselves. "The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9). However, we can look at those things we condemn in others as a clue to what may be lurking within ourselves.
It takes great courage to be honest with ourselves about ourselves.
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Healing through Confession
James 5:16-18
We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
Most of us resist the thought of admitting our wrongs to another person. We may think, Isn't it enough to admit my faults to myself and to God? Why should I humiliate myself before another person who is no better than I am?
It seems that there is healing power in the act of telling another person. James wrote, "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results" (James 5:16). The apostle Paul also commented on this: "Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself " (Galatians 6:2-3).
We may laugh at the thought of finding a "righteous person" to confide in. We needn't worry; the word James uses doesn't mean self-righteous. He is referring to someone who is right in fulfilling duties both with God and man. This kind of person will be just and without prejudice, already made right with God through personal confession. Someone with this kind of righteousness won't be prejudiced against us.
When we find someone who has already dealt honestly with his struggle, our burden can be made lighter by sharing our own. Our confessor will also be able to pray for us in an understanding way. Such prayer can really make a positive impact on our recovery.
Confessing our faults opens up our lives to God's healing power.
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Cultivating a Thankful Heart
Be joyful always. Pray continually; give thanks in all
circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
The great English writer G. K. Chesterton once wrote, "You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swim¬ming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing, and grace before I dip the pen in the ink."
Wow! What a reminder! There's no doubt in my mind that I could give thanks more often. We set aside meal time, Sunday mornings, and my favorite holiday; Thanksgiving. But, don't let an hour go by without giving thanks . . . for your work, school, kids, health, your spouse, your blessings and your challenges.
When you have a God-awareness about life and when you see and sense Him in your day (in the big things and the little things), it's hard not to be thankful.
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." -William Arthur Ward (1921-1994)
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Humility at Its Best
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. - James 3:13
Though often overlooked, the Old Testament character Jonathan is one of the most remarkable men in the Bible. Being the oldest son of King Saul, he was the heir to the throne of Israel. He was an experienced soldier, distinguished for his courage in battle.
The Old Testament character, David, was a shepherd boy . . . probably 15 years younger than Jonathan. Despite their differences, however, Jonathan and David formed a remarkable friendship, in part due to Jonathan's humility.
When David was anointed to succeed King Saul, Jonathan didn't claim his right to the throne. David wasn't in line for this honor. He wasn't the king's son. Jonathan was. But Jonathan defended and protected David, the one taking his place. He even defended him against his own father. Saul repeatedly tried to kill David, but Jona¬than risked his life to protect and encourage his friend.
Are you willing to give up your rights or position? Or do you dig in your heels and arrogantly proclaim your entitlement? Surrender what's due you and see God's grace unfold in ways you couldn't imagine.
"To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness." -Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
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A Glimpse of Glory
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. - Colossians 3:1
Praise is the outward expression of your deep joy! We praise God in worship on Sunday morning. We praise our team when they do well at sporting events. We praise our kids when they achieve a goal or do something special.
Isn't cheering someone's success and accomplishments an invigorating experience? You'll find the same energy within your spiritual life when you consider the mighty acts of God in history, as well as His acts in your own life. It will allow you to celebrate the joy and wonder of your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Praise not only is an expression of your joy in the Lord, but it also gives you a taste of what heaven will be like. If you read the last book of the Bible, Revelation, you'll see what I mean. There's a lot of praise and worship going on. I think God wants us to learn that praiseful attitude in this life, in preparation for the next.
Few things will strengthen your faith more than when you cultivate a rich understanding of God through worship. Praise him by remembering his faithfulness to you throughout your years and by looking forward to his promises. When you worship him, your faith will be strengthened, your heart encouraged, and your vision of who God is and how he works will grow.
"Praise now is one of the great duties of the redeemed. It will be their employment forever." -Albert Barnes (1798-1870)
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Confronting Wrong
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. - Galatians 6:1
God has given us the responsibility to honestly confront those who do wrong. For most of us, confrontation is a difficult task. For a few, it's much too easy. I hope you don't delight in finding fault in others. If you do, stop and consider if you do this as a way of over¬looking your own faults.
God does call you, however, to help others see the truth. In es¬sence, you can hold up a mirror to your good friends, and they hopefully will do the same for you.
Jude, the brother of Jesus, reminds us that we are to deal honestly and directly with those who do wrong, while showing them mercy (Jude 22-23). Help others see their faults but with great humility. You're not responsible for the behavior of others, but you are re¬sponsible to gently and tactfully point out areas of misbehavior that may cause them to stumble, fall, or lose their way.
Are you avoiding some tough conversations? If you have kids, are you confronting them? And when you do are you doing it with gentleness and humility? Check yourself. Is your tone respectful? Is your word choice uplifting or condescending? God calls you to show courage by addressing wrong. But remember the goal is al¬ways to see the other person restored, not belittled. Help that per¬son turn back to God.
"I don't need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better." - Plutarch (46-120)
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Relinquishing Debts Owed Us
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. - Luke 6:37
Do you tend to keep a mental list of the wrongs that have been done against you . . . an accounting of what you think others owe you? You may feel they owe you an apology, a favor, a sum of money, or something else. If every time you're hurt, you're mentally adding to the ledger of debt that others owe you, I want to help you see how and why to let go and erase that ledger of debt.
Jesus told this story to address what I'm talking about: "A king decided to bring his accounts up to date . . . In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars." The man begged for forgiveness. "Then the king was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thou¬sand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment." This was reported to the king. "Then the king called in the man he'd forgiven and said, 'You evil servant. I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?'" (Matthew 18:23-35)
When you look at the enormous moral debt God has forgiven you and the price Jesus paid for us to be forgiven, you should be com¬pelled to forgive others. Forgiveness will free you from the torture of festering resentment. You can't change what others have done to you, but you can write off their debts by handing the accounting process over to God.
"Forgiveness is the economy of the heart . . . forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits." -Hannah More (1745-1833)
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Two Changed Men
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. - 1 Peter 1:22
What words would your friends or family use to describe you? Jesus referred to two brothers, James and John, as Sons of Thunder. Why? We're given a glimpse of their fiery personalities in the book of Luke. After the Samaritan people rejected them, James and John asked Jesus if they should call down fire from heaven to consume the village. Jesus rebuked them for their impulse to retaliate.
Yet that's not the end of their story. Jesus worked in these brothers' lives so that they became known not for anger and revenge, but for love and forgiveness. James was the first of the twelve disciples to give his life for his faith. He was killed in Jerusalem by the order of Herod Agrippa. John is referred to as the "disciple Jesus loved." He went on to write powerful words on the importance of love and became an important leader of the church.
Though the two brothers had once been ambitious for their own personal gain, they ended up ambitiously sharing God's love with others for their spiritual gain. The brothers discovered that when you understand and experience God's love, you are free to live and grow. And as you grow and share with others, you will be used by God to touch the lives of many in need of God's healing help.
Can you relate to the anger and selfish ambition of these men? If so, be encouraged by God's work in their lives. He wants to do the same in you!
"For every minute you are angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind." -Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Relinquishing Prejudice
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. - 1 Peter 3:8
Have you allowed your upbringing or experiences to prejudice you against a particular group of people? Women? Men? The poor? The rich? Asians? Jews? Black or White?
Prejudice leads to hatred and a lack of compassion toward others. To the contrary, God's people are to be known for their love and compassion. Surrendering your life to God means recognizing and relinquishing your prejudices.
Take a look at the Old Testament figure, Jonah. He hated the peo¬ple of Nineveh for their cruelty toward his people, the Israelites. He would've loved to have gone to Nineveh and declare God's judg¬ment against them. But God told Jonah to go and warn them of de¬struction so they might avert God's wrath. Jonah wanted no part in this mission of mercy. He tried to run away, but God placed him in difficult circumstances. When he reluctantly obeyed and preached to the Ninevites, they changed their ways. And not surprisingly, Jonah was upset at God's mercy on the Ninevites.
God practically had to force Jonah to let go of his prejudice and hatred. This was necessary so he could share God's mercy with the people he hated. Your spiritual transformation will be stunted until you let go of your prejudices toward any people group. Seeing your own prejudices doesn't come easy. You need to ask God and those close to you to help you see areas of prejudice in your life. Once you see them, confess them and ask God to change your heart.
"I'm free of all prejudices. I hate everyone equally." - W. C. Fields (1880-1946)
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Freedom Through Confession
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord" and you forgave the guilt of my sin. - Psalm 32:5
Most of us have the bad habit of rationalizing our sin and our er¬rors. We all struggle with our consciences, with our goal to make peace within our own hearts. In order to gain peace, you may deny what you've done, find excuses, or try to squirm out from under the responsibility and consequences of your wrongdoing. You may work hard to be "good" in order to compensate for your mistakes. Are you doing everything you can to even the score? Until you confess your faults, you'll get nowhere.
God holds everyone accountable. We're like people who've com¬mitted crimes but who refuse to accept the charges brought against them. You may have spent years constructing alibis, coming up with excuses, and trying to plea-bargain. But if you're sincerely seeking spiritual renewal, now is the time to come clean. It's time to admit what you know deep down inside to be true: "I'm guilty as charged."
By speaking this truth, you stop fighting and admit that you're wrong. Without confession, there's no real freedom. And what a relief it is to finally release the burden of your lies and excuses by admitting them to God. This is the very reason Jesus came. Remem¬ber he died not because we were good people, but because we'd gone our own way. Come back to him. When you do confess, you'll regain internal peace, and your broken spirit will be renewed.
"Hearing nun's confessions is like being stoned to death with popcorn." - Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979)
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Forgiving Ourselves
The Lord will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste . . . - Nahum 2:2
For most of the wrongs you've done, you're probably grateful and eager to accept God's forgiveness. But sometimes we're so shocked or ashamed or heartbroken over our sin that we find it hard to believe that God could really forgive us. Yet God does forgive and he desires to restore you. He wants to redirect your course, and to redeem your life for his service. But this restoration can't begin until you receive God's forgiveness and forgive yourself.
Peter had once sworn his love for Jesus. He pledged even to die with Jesus if necessary. Yet that same night after Jesus was arrested, Peter sheepishly denied that he even knew Jesus. Jesus wasn't sur¬prised; he had already told Peter that Peter would deny knowing him three times. Jesus was ready to forgive Peter before he even betrayed Jesus. But Peter had a hard time forgiving himself.
After Jesus rose from the dead he asked Peter three times if Peter loved him. Peter had denied him three times, and so Jesus gave him the chance to reaffirm his love three times. Jesus reached out to Peter.
When you're disheartened by the things you've done, it can be difficult to receive God's forgiveness. But God reaches out to us through his Son. Once you confess your sins, you need to let go of them. Find encouragement through your brother Peter. Once he accepted forgiveness, God was able to build him up and use him for His great purposes.
"People can be more forgiving than you can imagine. But you have to forgive yourself. Let go of what's bitter and move on." - Bill Cosby (1937- )
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Responsible Brad
This is my command: Love each other. - John 15:17
Brad, a policeman and a terrific guy, is honest, full of integrity, and everything you'd want in a cop. He's a loving husband and a father who's made great decisions for his family. If you knew him, you'd respect him as much as I do. And you'd be happy that he was pro¬tecting your neighborhood.
But what if my friend was irresponsible and just wanted to have an easy shift or a desk job? All he'd have to do is drink coffee, stay in one place, and not police the neighborhood. Then he wouldn't get involved with conflict or have to go to the trouble of filling out a lot of paperwork because he gave a ticket or arrested someone.
Many of us go through our lives just like that. We look the other way. We don't get involved. We don't trouble ourselves to do the difficult things we maybe ought to be doing.
Don't isolate. Connect. Get involved. Don't think of yourself. In¬stead, live your life and make your priorities thinking of others first. Jesus commanded us to love one another, and one of the bet¬ter definitions of love I heard is: Love is making your problem my problem.
Make someone else's problem your problem.
"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." -Bernard Melzer
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Stubborn Resistance
Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. - Proverbs 19:20
Some of my best childhood memories were generated in the lake house built by my grandfather and his five sons. When we outgrew the cabin, a new addition was built. It, however, had one major flaw. My grandfather hadn't calculated into the ceiling height the fact that the new addition had a foundation that was about twelve inches higher than the original cabin. So the ceiling in the new area was a foot shorter than it was supposed to be.
You felt like you needed to hunch over. And if you weren't looking, you'd walk right into the ceiling fan and injure yourself for life. All this because my stubborn grandfather wouldn't listen to his boys who told him from the beginning that something was very wrong with the plans.
Is stubbornness affecting your relationships? Do you get angry when someone challenges you, shares a thought contrary to your belief, or when you're required to do something you weren't plan¬ning to do? If so, stubborn resistance might be the diagnosis.
The prescription? Surrender. Surrender your will and your ways to God, and often that means to that of others.
"If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments." -Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001)
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Who's the Boss
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. - Romans 13:1
Jane's five-year-old neighbor must've seen Jane giving her kids treats because he was over in a flash. "My mom said I can have a Popsicle," he bellowed. And that reminds me of the story of an¬other little boy who would show up on his neighbor's doorstep at 9 o'clock in the morning and say, "My mom said I can stay until dinner."
As we grow up we hopefully grow in our understanding of au¬thority. For instance. you wouldn't walk into your boss's office and declare, "My wife said I can have a raise." But sometimes we try to usurp God's authority. There are many people out there who know the truth, but in order to achieve their own selfish desires, they will use the truth or present the truth in an untruthful way.
It's not all that difficult to understand that God has and God is the ultimate authority in life. How that plays out in life can be confusing, unless you're willing to surrender your will to His.
"The man or woman who is wholly or joyously surrendered to Christ can't make a wrong choice. Any choice will be the right one." - A. W. Tozer (1897-1963)
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A Promise in the Pain
When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stout hearted. - Psalm 138:3
About five seconds outside the womb I think we all discover that this life isn't easy. And it seems that the older we get the tougher it becomes. Some people have problems or are attracted to difficul¬ties like fleas to a dog. Others make it through life with relatively little difficulty.
But most likely, you'll face some tough times in life, and it's not im¬portant how your challenges stack up to the challenges of others. Sometimes you might wonder if you are going to be able to make it through, and you will if you hold onto God. He's promised to see you through.
Are you weighed down? Do you feel overcome with grief or alone in your struggle?
You can choose to take steps to walk through your challenges and come through them a stronger person.
Remember, believing in God and in Jesus Christ doesn't mean you won't have problems. But it does mean you have resources, people, and God's Spirit who will see you through your problems. What could be better?
"Adversity causes some men to break; others to break records." - William A. Ward (1921-1994)
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Begger or Prince
Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, he gave the right to become children of God. - John 1:12
Are you a beggar or a prince? Some religious people will tell you that you're despicable and worthless. Others will say that you're the pinnacle of creation or the center of the universe.
I think the words of C. S. Lewis from his great work The Chronicles of Narnia communicates the division between beggar and prince well. The voice of the lion, Aslan, is a respresentation of Jesus Christ says in the book Prince Caspian, "You come from the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve. And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content."
Friend, you were made in the image of God. That image, however, has been tragically marred and gracefully corrected. It was marred when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. It was grace¬fully corrected when Christ bore our sins on the cross . . . when he gave His life to pay the price for our sin.
Erect your head in honor of being a child of God. At the same time, bow in fear and respect to the King of Kings.
"You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure about you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us." - Nelson Rockefeller (1908-1979)
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God Is In Control
And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." - Isaiah 6:3
Did you know there is now a modern day version of the Golden Rule? It says that "He who has the gold sets the rules".
Who sets the rules for you? Your supervisor? The company president? The government? Whoever sets the rules has great power. Sometimes we feel like that particular person has too much power and control over our lives. We long to be that person who has the gold and sets the rules.
On the highest level, God is the one who sets the rules and has the greatest power over us. We make choices in life, but He is the ul¬timate boss. Through the prophet Isaiah, God told us to "maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the man who keeps his hand from doing any evil."
It's good to know that God is kind and just. In our daily decisions, we need to follow God's rules that are found in the Bible. Hopefully, you follow those rules in grateful response to Christ and what He's done for you, not in an effort to earn your way into heaven.
Sometimes when people around us are flaunting their power, it's easy to forget who is ultimately in control. I challenge you today to obey God's rules for your life. Turn your situation over to God. He is in control.
"There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, 'Thy will be done,' and those to whom God says, 'All right, then, have it your way.'" -C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
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The Grandness of God
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." - Revelation 1:8
Recently a team of astronomers announced they have conclusive proof that a powerful black hole is 50 million light years away. Since the early 1900's Albert Einstein predicted there were black holes as a part of his theory of relativity. At first black holes were only a theory and based on math formulas. For many years as¬tronomers have been trying to prove the existence of these black holes in space. Now with the help of the Hubble Space Telescope, scientists can prove the existence of these black holes.
Fifty million light years. As I thought about that distance, it was more than my mind could imagine. We usually talk about size with words like big, large, extra large, and huge. A black hole is bigger than big . . . it defies our comprehension.
This science news also gave me a new appreciation for how big and how grand God is. The opening line of the Bible says "God created the heavens and the earth". Yet despite the grandness of the heavens, God cares about the intimate details of my life. In the New Testament book of Matthew, Jesus says that God knows when a sparrow falls to the ground and that even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
I challenge you today to consider how big the world is, but also realize that we can have an intimate relationship with the God who created it.
"People see God every day, they just don't recognize him." -Pearl Baily (1918-1988)
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Nothing Is Impossible
Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." - Mark 10:27
Are you facing a situation that looks impossible to fix?
In 1969, the pollution was terrible along the Cuyahoga River near Cleveland, Ohio. It was unimaginable that it could ever be cleaned up. The river was so polluted that it actually caught fire and burned. Now, years later, this river is one of the outstanding examples of environmental cleanup.
But the river wasn't changed in a few days or a few months. It took years of work to build new sewage plants and reduce the industrial pollution. Eventually that hard work paid off and now the water in the river is cleaner than ever.
Maybe you are facing an impossible situation. Maybe you have a habit that is driving your family crazy. Possibly you drink too much or don't know how to control your credit card use. When you face such an impossible situation, don't you want a quick fix and some¬thing to change immediately?
While God can perform miracles and instantly remove your desire for drugs or alcohol, for most of us the changes are gradual and in¬volve a lot of effort and work . . . like cleaning up a polluted river.
I challenge you today as you are facing your difficulties to put them in God's hands and trust in his timing.
"As the poet said, 'Only God can make a tree' probably because it's so hard to figure out how to get the bark on." -Woody Allen (1935- )
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Finding the Balance
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." But wisdom is proved right by her actions. - Matthew 11:19
Have you ever flirted with danger? Recently six officials in the White House were told by their doctors that their "stress levels were so high, they were flirting with danger unless they slowed down." While actual people were not named, it reminded me that each of us flirts with danger at times.
Like when driving your car, you step on the gas and fly down the highway towards your next meeting risking your safety and risking that you won't have a tire blow out, let alone see a policeman with a radar gun. Or maybe you put your money in some volatile invest¬ment, or you keep piling on the work and don't know how to say "no", and risk burnout.
One of the key ingredients to lowering our stress level is finding the proper balance in our life. It keeps us from flirting with danger. In the Bible, wisdom and folly are described as two different women. Folly calls out, "Let all who are simple come in here! Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But little do they know that her guests are in the depths of the grave." On the other hand, Wisdom says, "Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still."
Each day, we choose whether to flirt with danger by living in an imbalanced state or to walk in wisdom. I challenge you today to think about what you are doing and to walk in wisdom.
"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony." - Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
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Riches of Grace
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? - James 2:5
Have you ever wanted to instantly be a millionaire?
It happened one day to Howard Jenkins. One day Jenkins checked his account through an automated teller and discovered that his account had over $88 million dollars in it. To double check the amazing number, Jenkins went into the bank and asked the teller for his balance. When she wrote eight zeros on the piece of paper, he almost fainted.
Although he knew that it was an error, Jenkins asked to withdraw $4 million and they handed it to him without batting an eye. He showed the money to his girlfriend, and her first reaction was, "Where are we going?" But then she said, "We can't keep this money." Jenkins already knew it. He just wanted to be a millionaire for the afternoon. He returned the cash.
You may strike it rich or work your way to be a millionaire. But if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you have available incredible riches . . . riches of grace.
I challenge you today, to celebrate the riches of God's grace in your life.
"The riches of His free grace cause me to daily triumph over all the temptations of the wicked one, who is very vigilant, and seeks all occasions to disturb me." - George Whitefield (1714-1770)
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Trust God Each Day
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." - Psalm 31:14
Do you recall an ad that captured your attention?
No matter which medium . . . television, radio, print, or the web, ads are made to catch attention. Recently I was caught off guard with a newspaper ad. It pictured a gray-haired senior citizen in a wet suit. The woman was holding up her surf board along the edge of the beach. The ad began, "No matter where life takes you, your health care coverage goes along."
The ad was designed to have you think about your future. No one knows what crisis tomorrow may bring. The life of faith involves living each day trusting God to guide and direct your future. That doesn't mean that you are naïve and ignore things like health care coverage. But for the bigger picture of life, you can trust God. In the unexpected events of life, you can trust God. The Bible de¬scribes faith as "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
You may not know where your life is taking you. But you can be sure that tomorrow, God has something prepared for you that you can't see or imagine. That's why we need to learn to trust God each day, no matter what the day holds.
"God's promises are like the stars; the darker the night the brighter they shine." - David Nicholas (1705-1769)
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Peace or Worry?
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15
Doesn't the world look pretty safe sometimes?
Peace accords are signed. Cold wars end. The wall comes down. Just when my fears began to calm, I ran across an article about nuclear weapons in Russia. Organized crime is trying to steal nuclear material in Russia and sell it on the black market. And while the FBI can't confirm that material has been stolen, Interpol reported that highly enriched uranium disappeared near St. Petersburg.
When I learn about the threat of nuclear weapons falling into the wrong hands, it's easy for me to feel anxious. But this is when I can turn to the truth from the Bible and learn from the words of Jesus.
In the Bible, the disciples of Jesus were anxious about their future. Jesus was telling them that he would soon die on a cross and be raised from the dead on the third day. They began to worry about their future. Then Jesus told them, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:26).
It's easy to worry about the future but it's not what God wants for us. I challenge you today to rest in God's peace.
"Peace is more the product of our day-to-day living than of a spectacular program, intermittently executed."
-Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969)
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Will You Have a Ride?
What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? - Mark 8:36
Have you ever desired something so much that you didn't realize what you would be giving up in order to gain this prize?
In Des Moines, Iowa, a group of young men were arrested for trespassing and attempted burglary. The foursome had driven to a car lot late at night and removed a set of tires from a vehicle there. Unbeknownst to them, the owner of the lot had seen them on a closed circuit camera. So, while they were busy trying to steal his tires . . . he picked up their vehicle with his forklift and hid it inside a building. When they had finished their dirty work and were ready to leave; they had no transportation.
In much the same way, many people spend their lives striving to get all of the things that should make them happy, but they never develop a personal relationship with God. And it's that relationship which will provide the transportation when the time comes to leave this life.
I challenge you to evaluate your personal relationship with God. Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior? Someday, you will have to leave this earth. When that day comes, will you have a ride?
"I don't believe people are looking for the meaning of life as much as they are looking for the experience of being alive."
- Joseph Campbell (1904-1987)
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Corruptible Pride
His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful. But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. - 2 Chronicles 26:15-16
Have you personally witnessed the destruction that pride can cause?
The Nagasaki, Japan Police Department launched an investigation to get to the bottom of how one of their prisoners got a gun while in police custody. What the investigators found was a group of officers, who in the hopes of obtaining a coveted "Weapons Charge" commendation on their employment record, arranged the whole thing.
The corruption caused by pride is nothing new. In the Old Testament book of 2 Chronicles, the Bible tells us of 16-year-old Uzziah, King of Judah, who had every blessing from God; and his pride led to losing his reign to his son, Jotham.
We must always be on guard to keep pride from creeping into our lives.
I challenge you today, to take an honest look at yourself. Have you become proud or haughty? If so, ask the Lord's forgiveness and His help in keeping pride out of your life.
"A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you." -C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
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Do Your Homework
Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. - Proverbs 20:11
When is the last time you made a bad decision because you didn't do your homework?
Over a three year period, thousands of criminals escaped from a Los Angeles County Sheriffs Work-Release program. A large number of these men were hardened criminals, incarcerated for violent crimes. It was reported that most of the men in the program had been asked if they would prefer work-release to doing prison time, and that their criminal record had no bearing on the offer.
God expects us to be wise in our association with others. He doesn't want us to fall prey to smooth talkers. If a person says one thing but his life speaks differently, beware! You can be sure that what you see is what you will get.
I challenge you today to seek wisdom from God in all that you do. Before putting your trust in another, look at his actions. Ask the Lord to give you the discernment necessary to avoid making the wrong decisions when it comes to relationships with others, both in your business life and your personal life.
"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence."
- St. Augustine ( 354-430)
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Secret Kindness
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:3
Has someone ever done something special for you anonymously? Didn't it make you feel wonderful?
There was a doctor who had been practicing medicine for over 30 years in a small Arkansas town. He was called before the State Medical Board because it had been reported that the doctor kept no written records of his patients' medical histories. The doctor admitted that he kept all patient information in his head but avoided having his license revoked when it was discovered that he was the only doctor in the small town and treated most of his patients at no charge.
When was the last time you did something special for someone else without taking credit for the effort? You would be amazed at how something simple can be such a blessing, not only to the receiver, but also to you.
Make a habit of doing a secret kindness for someone each and every day. Not only will you be able to shed happiness on others, but you, too, will surely be blessed!
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." - John Wooden (1910- )
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Do Your Homework
Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. - Proverbs 20:11
When is the last time you made a bad decision because you didn't do your homework?
Over a three year period, thousands of criminals escaped from a Los Angeles County Sheriffs Work-Release program. A large num¬ber of these men were hardened criminals, incarcerated for violent crimes. It was reported that most of the men in the program had been asked if they would prefer work-release to doing prison time, and that their criminal record had no bearing on the offer.
God expects us to be wise in our association with others. He doesn't want us to fall prey to smooth talkers. If a person says one thing but his life speaks differently, beware! You can be sure that what you see is what you will get.
I challenge you today to seek wisdom from God in all that you do. Before putting your trust in another, look at his actions. Ask the Lord to give you the discernment necessary to avoid making the wrong decisions when it comes to relationships with others, both in your business life and your personal life.
"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine ( 354-430)
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Don't Get Stuck
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. - Psalm 25:8-9
Have you ever strayed from the Lord and wandered down the wrong path? John O'Neil of Huntington, New York has.
The 73 year-old man left a bar late one night in February and walked down a very narrow opening between two buildings. Un¬fortunately for Mr. O'Neil, there wasn't enough space to accom¬modate him and he got stuck. He was wedged so tightly between the buildings that he could not move and spent the night waiting for help. In the morning, the Fire Department was summoned and had to pluck Mr. O'Neil from above.
When we take our eyes off the Lord, we can very easily get our¬selves stuck in a place where we don't want to be. That is why it is so important that God is the focus of all we do.
I challenge you today to assess your direction. Is God at the center of your life and are you allowing Him to direct your path? If you are not, I urge you to do so before you get yourself stuck in a very undesirable place.
"Every day, I find countless opportunities to decide whether I will obey God and demonstrate my love for Him or try to please myself or the world system. God is waiting for my choices." -Bill Bright (1921-2003)
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It's Nice to be Anywhere
No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. - Ecclesiastes 8:8
When it comes to the length of your life, what do you consider long enough?
On March 9, 1996 comedian and actor George Burns passed away at the age of 100. He was still performing live comedy, until just a few years before his death. At his 98th birthday celebration, he addressed his guest in true "George Burns style", saying "It's nice to be here . . . at 98, it's nice to be anywhere."
At 98 years-old, George Burns considered every day a gift and he was right! Whether you're twenty-two years old or ninety-two, life is precious and should never be taken for granted. None of us are born with a guaranteed number of days on this earth. We have no promise that we will be here tomorrow and should realize that each moment is priceless. In acknowledging each day as an irreplaceable gift, we will be more likely to make the most of the time that we are given.
Start each morning by thanking the Lord for the day He has given you. Then spend that day, as if you meant what you said.
"When I was a boy the Dead Sea was only sick." - George Burns (1896-1996)
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Earning Your Way
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 6:23
How many things can you think of in this world, that are "Free of Charge" . . . no strings attached? Not many! Perhaps that's why there are so many people trying to work their way into the King¬dom of God.
At a "Celebrity Roast" in Beverly Hills, California, long time come¬dian and actor Bob Hope was put on the "Hot Seat". Among the nearly 1,000 people in attendance, were many of Hope's long time friends and fellow entertainers from Hollywood's early days.
Bob Hope's wife, Delores, while reflecting upon the recent passing of two Hollywood legends, Gene Kelly and George Burns, said, "God must want us around for something. So many other wonder¬ful people have gone and we are here. I guess maybe we haven't earned heaven yet." How many mistakenly believe that they can earn their way into heaven?
Accept the "Free Gift" of Salvation by asking Jesus to come into your heart and forgive you and your sins. If you've already taken that step, I challenge you to serve the Lord out of love and appre¬ciation for the gift that he has given you.
"There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind, and one of the most important is faith, which cannot be acquired without prayer." - John Wooden (1910- )
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You're a Child of God
For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. - Matthew 7:8
Have you ever been in the uncomfortable position of having to defend your rights or your personal property?
A 47 year-old woman conceived by artificial insemination after the death of her father was awarded Social Security "survivor's" benefits. This ended a seven year battle between the woman's mother and the Social Security Administration over the woman's rights as a child of the deceased. The Social Security Administration never conceded that she was legally entitled to the benefits, but rather stated that they did not want to spend the time and money necessary to fight the issue in a court of law.
When you ask Jesus into your heart, you are re-born into the family of God. From that point forward, there is no question that you are His child. You don't have to prove that He is your Father or that you are entitled to receive support from him.
As a child of God, you are given a promise, that all of your needs will be met. No one can deny you that benefit.
Live life with the assurance that you are a child of the King. God is your Father and you will never have to fight for your inheritance.
"Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
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The Danger of Rationalizing
The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. - Proverbs 10:7
Beware when you find yourself rationalizing your actions. Ultimately, you will be trapped by your own deceit and unable to receive any direction from the Lord.
Most of us, at one time or another, have found ourselves rationalizing something we're not quite comfortable with. It's not so much the act of rationalizing, as it is the refusal to receive correction in this area that will get you in trouble.
In Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, a man by the name of Mark Spotz was put on trial for the murder of his brother. Spotz adamantly denied killing his brother, saying, 'He didn't die until he got to the hospital. In my mind, killing someone is taking a life willfully. I didn't do that. I shot my brother and he died. I didn't kill him."
Do you see how clouded your mind can become when you give in to what you know is wrong, and then allow yourself to justify it?
Rationalization is a ticking "time bomb". If you rationalize inappropriate actions, at some point you may find yourself as deluded as this poor fellow in Texas.
"O what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive!" - Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)
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The "R" Word . . . Repentence
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. - Proverbs 28:13
What does the word "repentance" mean to you? Some mistakenly believe that "repentance" is just another word for "Really SORRY!" That definition is incomplete at best, and there are some people who just have to find out the hard way.
Consider the case of a Texas man, convicted of armed bank robbery. Incredible as it may seem, this man was able to cut a deal with the state prosecutor. Instead of doing any prison time, he was allowed to pay a hefty fine as complete recompense for the wrong he had done. Grateful and relieved, the convicted felon made his way down the hall of the Court Clerk's office where he paid his $10,000 fine. He presented the clerk with a check for the full amount, and regained his freedom.
This story could have had a wonderful ending except for one thing; the man had not repented! Shortly after his release, this man found himself standing before the same court, charged with yet another felony. The check he had presented to pay his fine had been forged. This time he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Search your heart and see if there are sins in your life, for which you have not truly repented. Repenting means to do a 180 and walk in the opposite direction. If you find that there are sins in your life, ask the Lord for forgiveness and then turn away from that sin and RUN in the opposite direction.
"Some often repent, yet never reform; they resemble a man traveling in a dangerous path, who frequently starts and stops, but never turns back." - Bonnell Thornton (1725-1768)
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Troubled Comparisons
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. - 1 Timothy 4:4
Why is it that we don't accept who we are? I don't know about you, but I look at others around me (friends, people in the news, in movies, athletes, co-workers) and compare how I look . . . my clothes, my physical features, my sense of humor, my speaking ability, my communication skills, my car, my cell phone, my glasses, the color, length and fullness of my hair, and my experiences.
If you're like me, you always come up short and feel intimidated. You never measure up so you clam up. You don't offer to use your gifts and talents because you're feeling inferior. So your gifts and talents die inside you. You stop living, stop loving, and stop feeling. Some of you may have turned to things to numb the pain and shut down the lying, hounding voices of your past hurts, mistakes, disappointments, and your failure to measure up to others.
But it's all a lie. God created you just as you are. Satan wants to shut you down. He doesn't want the uniqueness of you to shine forth. When you stifle who you are, you're giving Satan a victory. When you allow your personality, your experience, your gifts and skills to shine forth, you're giving God a chance to use you just as he made you. It's only then that you'll grow more and more into who he created you to be.
Accept who you are in Christ. He accepts you. Why don't you accept you? There's no reason good enough. Work through your insecurities and let God use you, starting today, just as you are.
"What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)
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Blind Spots
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel. - Proverbs 27:9
Samuel was one of the great men of faith and one of the great lead¬ers in Israel's history. He served as priest, prophet, and Israel's last judge. Look at what the Bible says about him. "As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said was wise and helpful. All the people of Israel from one end of the land to the other knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord." (1 Samuel 3:19-20)
But Samuel was human, and he had blind spots. Samuel appointed his sons as judges in his place. The problem was that his sons were not the men of character that he was. Scripture tells us they "were greedy for money, accepted bribes and perverted justice." The peo¬ple tried to tell Samuel, but for whatever reason he had a blind spot when it came to his family.
We often develop blind spots with regard to someone we love and want to protect. If Samuel had heard the people's complaints with openness, he may have seen the truth before it was too late. Then he could have corrected the problem and held his sons accountable for their actions. If others around you are telling you things you don't want to hear, maybe you should stop and evaluate carefully what's being said.
Do you need to be honest about someone in your life: a friend, child, a family member? Take your blinders off.
"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly. - Jim Rohn
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Samson
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. - Proverbs 18:24
As a child, Samson was dedicated to God, and God gifted him with supernatural strength. But Samson had a lifetime weakness . . . his desire for women. If you know the story, then you know that Samson was blinded to the dangers he faced in his relationship with Delilah. His enemies paid Delilah to discover the secret of his strength. Three times she begged him to let her in on his secret, and each time she tried to use this information to hand him over to his enemies. All three times, Samson lied to her and was able to escape, but each time he got closer to telling her the truth. In the end, Samson revealed his secret, was taken captive, and died a slave in the hands of his enemies.
Samson's real problem can be found in his wayward passions, which his enemies took advantage of. His disobedience to God caused him to gradually inch his way toward destruction and a violent death.
What do we learn from the story of Samson? Though our choices may not lead to a violent death, they can lead to the destruction of our families, jobs, or reputation. You can protect yourself by developing relationships with those who love you and are devoted to God's truth. It will help you choose obedience when you might have been tempted to choose otherwise. Unlike Delilah, safe, trust¬worthy friends will prove to be a source of strength, encourage¬ment and wisdom.
"Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after." - Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001)
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Nehemiah
So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. - Romans 14:12
Nehemiah, the great rebuilder of Jerusalem, is a great example in the Bible of leadership, faith, and unshakable commitment. He didn't let the huge task of the long-delayed restoration of Jerusalem discourage him. He realized that it was never too late for God's people to begin the process. He took direct and forceful action. His faith, wisdom, and courage kept him focused on his goal. He was determined to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. He faced foreign opposition and discord amongst his own people, but the wall was completed in just fifty-two days. An incredible feat!
Soon after this victory, Nehemiah directed the people toward a sec¬ond phase of restoration. He called upon the great teacher Ezra to lead the people in a study of the Scriptures. Confronted by God's word, they were soon in tears because they could see the truth of how far they'd strayed from God's law. They confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They accepted responsibility for generations of unfaithfulness on the part of their people and grieved openly before God.
When Nehemiah returned to Babylon, however, the people re¬turned to their sinful ways. Nehemiah found himself once again putting the Jews back on a right path. This example of short-term restoration shows how prone we are to drifting away from what's right if we're not held accountable. The encouragement: it wasn't too late to rebuild the wall, and it's not too late to rebuild your life. Begin by doing the next right thing!
"Heroes may not be braver than anyone else. They're just braver five minutes longer." - Ronald Reagan (1911-2004)
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It's Not About You!
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. - Hebrews 10:24
The first sentence of Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life is this: "It's not about you!" Do you believe that? Does your life reflect that? It's a struggle for me, and I bet it's a struggle for you. Consider these situations:
You're in the checkout line and the older gentleman in front of you wants to write a check, but can't find his checkbook. He locates his checkbook, but now he has no pen. Finally pen in hand, he inquires about the date. The clerk noticing his out-of-state check calls for approval. This short "in-and-out" errand adds 6 or 7 additional minutes to your packed schedule. It was probably the most inconvenient experience you've gone through. There ought to be a law! Or in the words of my mother, "It's always something!"
Or what about your restaurant experience with the hamburger and no ketchup because the waitress forgot. She is off talking, ignoring your request, and crying about something. The serving station has ketchup but it is her job. So you sit, tap your fingers on the table, and shoot darts at the lady crying at the back of the restaurant.
Did you think to say a kind word to the gentleman to help settle his nerves, or tell the waitress that you hope things get better. You might even leave a bigger tip or offer to pray for her. It's not about you! Look outside yourself. It's what we're called to do. Try it. See if God doesn't affirm you for it.
"Anyone bored these days is not paying attention. May you enjoy the horn of plenty without blowing it." - Bill Copeland (1929- )
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Walk With a Limp
When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. - Genesis 32:25
There's a story in the Bible about Jacob wrestling with God, and as a result, God touched Jacob's hip resulting in Jacob walking the rest of his days with a limp.
Have you wrestled with God? What's your limp? Do you have a scar or a wound that you have hidden from the world? Note that God gave Jacob a limp. Unlike a scar or a wound, you can't hide a limp. It shows whenever you get up and move around. I think God wanted Jacob to limp with pride. It was his battle scar.
What's your battle scar? Have you accepted them for what they are and for the person they have made you? Have you allowed the pain of your wrestling match to grow you into a better, more compas¬sionate person? Let God unfold more of His beauty and grace and love in your life. Would you have it any other way?
God will take the lowest of all and raise him up. He'll take the weakest one and strengthen him. He'll take the most insecure and fill him with courage. He'll take the least and make him the most. All you have to do is let him.
So, whatever your limp is, walk with it and don't deny it. It is who you are, and He is molding you into a masterpiece. You are who you are because of your painful past. God accepts you right where you are, limp and all. I hope you do, too.
"Comfort and prosperity have never enriched the world as much as adversity has." - Billy Graham (1918- )
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A Daddy Vacuum
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God . . . - Psalm 68:5
I grew up in a family where my father was always there for me. He was a good man. A funny man. A bedrock of faith with a compassionate heart. I was truly blessed to be born into his family. Some of you weren't so fortunate. Your father wasn't a positive role model for you. Or, your father deserted your family or died young. You grew up without a father, and just hearing someone refer to "dad" or "daddy" is painful for you. The void of that all important person in your life left an insatiable void within you.
The role of your father is so important that it can effect how you perceive God as your heavenly father. I hope that no matter how bad your experience was with your father, that you won't be afraid to see God as your father. Consider and take solace in the words of Psalm 68 promising that God will be a father to the fatherless.
A friend of mine who grew up without a dad says that she has a daddy vacuum. Is that where you are today? Do you have a vacuum of your dad, or your mom, or maybe your entire family? If so, cling to God's promise that he'll be a father to the fatherless. How that looks will be different in each situation. Some of you will take solace directly in and with your heavenly father. To others, God will bring a father-figure into your life to begin to fill that void.
If you have a daddy vacuum, pray for God to fill that void within you, however He chooses. If you don't have that vacuum, and you're a man who was blessed like I was to have a dad that loved me and was there for me, look to see if God might be calling you to be a father to the fatherless on His behalf.
"It is much easier to become a father than to be one." - Kent Nerburn (1946-
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Lesson From Jonah
But Jonah ran away from the Lord . . . - Jonah 1:3
I'm sure you're familiar with the story of Jonah and the whale (big fish!). The book of Jonah in the Old Testament is a short book with just four chapters. If you have ten or fifteen minutes, stop and read it through. It's a great story with a lot of lessons for us.
The thing that stood out to me about this story was that Jonah was bold enough, after hearing exactly from God what he was supposed to do, to intentionally do just the opposite. He got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord.
That stood out at first because I thought to myself, "What a fool! Who would do such a thing?" Then I realized that is what I've done time and time again in my own life. Haven't you?
Look back at the choices you've made to try to do things your way. Think about the nights you've laid awake with a knot in your stomach, full of fear and anxiety about things that most likely weren't going to happen anyway. Think about the times you've chosen to numb yourself with food, alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, or something else that wasn't really the answer you were looking for or needed. When you "sobered up" you felt a little more empty than the day before.
What Jonah needed to do; what you and I need to do, is to humble yourself and surrender our wills to God. It's a daily task that will grow a little easier the more you do it. Start today. Don't go through what Jonah went through. Learn from him.
"Humility is a strange thing. The minute you think you've got it, you've lost it." - E. D. Hulse
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A Small, Brown Spot
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Luke 12:34
I was sitting in a meeting one morning last week when I glanced down and something captured my eye. It was a small brown coffee spot on my clean, white shirt. I couldn't believe it. I was bothered by it but really couldn't do anything about it. But my ADD mind was racing. "What if someone sees this?" "Will the stain come out?" "Do I have another shirt somewhere around here I could change into?" "Why didn't I wear a brown shirt?"
It was ridiculous to be consumed with such thoughts. Looking back I laugh at it, but at the time, I wasn't. It's kind of sad the way my mind can obsess over things like this, and a rather sad example of what can be so important to us at times. Why do we focus on the negative aspects of life? How many of us compare ourselves to others and worry we don't measure up? How many times do we walk into a group setting and worry about what we are wearing and how we look, so concerned that it's the way others think it should be?
What is more important? That my desk is organized and neat, or that I set aside time to be with the Lord? To make a purchase to fill a void inside, or to support the kingdom of God with that money? Would God rather I memorize Scripture, or apply it to my life?
What is your focus on today? Are you working to do a better job than the person in the next cubicle because you want to look better to the boss, or are you working to show them God's love in some way for their benefit? Is it on kingdom living, or on a small, brown spot?
"Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow." - Aesop
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David
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth - Psalm 145:18
We know more about the spiritual life of David than probably any other person in the Bible. The extensive record of his life and the Psalms he wrote show us that he studied and meditated on God's word, he fasted, and that his entire life was yielded to God's service. Two things he did stand out to me: he worshiped and he prayed. These spiritual exercises renewed his spirit over and over again.
For example, David's first role in the king's court was as a musi¬cian. His ministry of worship touched Saul's heart, as it has untold millions of others since David lived. His worship is so powerful because it's a natural, unforced mixture of David's heart (when he is up and when he's down) with an unwavering faith in a gracious, almighty God.
His prayers often begin with an honest confession of anger, despair, or frustration. He didn't hide his feelings from God and he didn't pretend that he was "super-spiritual." Spiritual renewal flows from the freedom to be totally honest with God. Read Psalm 145 and you will see David's progression from anxiety and distress to faith filled assurance and confidence.
When you consider the worship and prayer in David's life, you soon recognize that being someone after God's own heart doesn't mean you never fall . . . it means when you fall, you look to God to restore your spirit, and you fall to your knees in worship and prayer.
"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." - C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)
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Wise Counsel
But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the Lord" - 1 Kings 22:5
If you desire spiritual growth, then you'll need wise counselors in your life. Even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, recognized the need for wise and godly counsel. Turning to trustworthy counselors in times of confusion or uncertainty can help you preserve your spiritual strength.
In the book of Proverbs, Solomon gave this advice, "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors, bring success." (15:22) He also said, ". . . with many counselors there is safety."(Proverbs 11:14)
Where else can you look for wise counsel? Solomon's father David looked to God's Word, saying, "Your decrees please me; they give me wise advice." (Psalm 119:24) And the prophet Isaiah made it clear that the Messiah himself would be our great counselor when he came. He said, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)
Jesus is the one who grants wisdom, hope, and purpose to life, even and especially in times of confusion or trouble. Good counsel comes from God's word and from godly people. It can come from professionally trained pastors, counselors, or from people who understand your specific issues and care for you. Whatever the case, don't isolate. You'll do yourself a great service if you seek wise counsel.
"Counsel woven into the fabric of real life is wisdom." – Walter Benjamin (1892-1940)
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Be a Joshua
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9
All through the Old Testament book of Joshua, the Lord says, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid." What a message for us!
As I read through the book I was amazed at how when the Lord spoke to Joshua, Joshua never stood before the Lord with excuses. He didn't attempt to refute why he couldn't capture the territory the Lord had already given him. He never grumbled and complained about his childhood or his feelings of inadequacy or his anxiety or anything else you can think of. He simply moved forward in faith. As a consequence he led the entire nation of Israel to conquer and settle in the Promised Land.
If you would arise each day with the same simple faith of Joshua, a faith that simply trusted the Lord as shown by your actions and behavior, just think about what area of your life you could capture. You could turn the tables on the enemies of your past . . . on the abuse and neglect and fear and hurt. You can capture that enemy territory.
The Lord has already captured that area of your life for you. He wants to hand it over to you so you can obtain victory!
In what area of your life do you need to see the walls come tum¬bling down?
"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway." - John Wayne (1907-1979)
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Accepting Yourself
Oh Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. - Psalm 130:8
Many people seem to go about life with a kind of bravado . . . bold confidence and self-assurance. The truth, however, is that most of us wish we were different somehow. If only you were as outgoing as Jack . . . if you were as physically fit as Mary . . . if you had the financial sense of Tom . . . a full head of hair like John . . . or the quick wit of Connie. While it's okay to admire good traits in others, often this desire to be like someone else is actually a form of covetousness, or envy. So, how about learning to accept yourself as God has made you.
Before you can truly accept yourself, however, you need to see the truth about yourself, recognizing both the gifts and the limitations that God's given you. If you don't, you will constantly struggle to be someone you're not.
One way to appreciate how God has made you is to read Psalm 139. The psalmist rejoices, "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it." (139:14)
Each of us is unique and special . . . embraced and accepted by God himself . . . even though not one of us is perfect. Spiritual renewal cannot begin until you're willing to accept yourself as God made you. Once you accept the truth about yourself your focus can change . . . and you can bring great glory to God himself. He, after all, is the one who made you, and He is the reason we live.
"I am somebody. I am me. I like being me. And I need nobody to make me somebody." - Louis L'Amour (1908-1988)
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When Tragedy Strikes
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. - Psalm 46:1, 11
Knowing how to respond to tragedy is never easy. Maybe it's the terrible sense of loss you feel. Perhaps it's the desire to know why the tragic event happened that leaves you feeling alienated and alone. Was it something you did? Was it someone else's fault? Why did God allow it to happen? These questions usually go unanswered because "Why?" is almost always the wrong question.
Remember Job? The Bible tells us Job was a godly man. Yet, he lost everything . . . his wealth, family, and his health. Why did all of this happen, especially to such a good man? When you read the story of Job, you'll discover his suffering was the result of spiritual warfare. Yet, Job didn't know this. His friends accused him of secret sin. And as time passed Job grew increasingly upset and confused. He even began to question God's sense of justice.
In the end, however, Job's arguments were silenced before God. While God never explained fully to Job why the disasters had befallen him, he did bring Job to a place of humble surrender. This increased Job's understanding of God and gave him the proper perspective to continue life. Neither Job nor any other man who has suffered a serious loss can ever fully understand why a catastrophe has happened. But if you're willing to seek God and surrender your life and your situation into his powerful hands, he'll do a work in you and through you that will restore your spirit and bring Him honor and glory.
"Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven." - Henry Ward Beecher (1830-1887)
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Equipping the Called
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. - Ephesians 3:20
When God called Moses to go before Pharaoh, Moses basically told God that He was making a mistake choosing him. God became angry, but Moses made an impact. God understood the fear Moses was experiencing and provided him with an assistant.
You often think that God can't or wouldn't use you because of your past mistakes, or because you're not worthy. Do you think you're going to limit God and His power to use the most unlikely people in the most unlikely situations? I don't think so. I heard a pastor say, "God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called!" I love that, because it means that God works through people like me who are the underdogs . . . the outcasts . . . the defeated.
Remember the story of Balaam . . . how God spoke through his donkey? If he can use a donkey, he can use you, or even me! The Bible shows example after example of God using the least likely people to accomplish His will. David to slay Goliath. Moses to speak to Pharaoh. Gideon and a band of three hundred men to defeat the Midianites. A ragtag team of fishermen to turn the world on its heels with the good news of Jesus.
They all had in common a willingness to be used by God. He just wants you to make yourself available to Him. You don't have to have it all together. If you wait for that, you'll never be ready. And don't get caught in the paralysis of analysis. Just express your will¬ingness to be used by God for His purpose, and take the first step to do something today. Don't limit yourself. God doesn't!
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney (1901-1966)
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Jesus Didn't Hurry
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. - Ecclesiastes 3:1
One of my staff members has a habit of reminding me that Jesus was never in a hurry. I'm always in a hurry, hoping for quick answers and looking for motion in the direction I want to go. But then I hear him say it again . . . "Jesus was never in a hurry."
I've thought about that and it makes me think of using a crock pot. The most tender, juicy meat you can fix is in a slow cooker. And, that's how it is with healing. Healing is a process that won't be hurried. It's a slow cooker experience. And if you accept that, it will take the pressure off you to finish it up.
God desires for you to pay attention to Him and his creation in your life each day. When you race through life doing everything as fast as you can, you miss some pretty awesome things along the way. Every challenge, every growth opportunity, every surprise that comes your way is an opportunity for your to look for God.
Healing can be slow, but it doesn't mean you're not growing. Allow it to slow cook and you'll have a tastier recovery filled with some mouth watering nuggets of wisdom. Let the Master Chef do His job with you.
Jesus was never in a hurry. Why are you?
"Don't count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count." - unknown
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Letting Go and Moving On
When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. - 1 Corinthians 13:11
When was the last time you tried to break a habit, an old idea, a negative behavior pattern, or an unhealthy emotional recording from the past? It's not easy! Even though you know you need to, even though you know it would be a good thing to do and will result in a healthier or happier state, it's just a pain. And you'd rather live in the comfort of your misery, or so you think.
We often react like two year-olds whose parents are taking the bottle away. Tantrums, meltdowns, and tears always seem to be a part of the process.
What are you holding on to? What from the past are you hanging on to that you need to let go of? You know the things that tear you down and keep you from emotional health, but you just hang on to.
How many times has God given you the opportunity to give those things up because they keep you isolated and stuck, even poisoning your spirits? But it means letting go. That "S" word again . . . surrender.
It takes a willing spirit. But you can walk in the victory that the Lord has already given you, if you choose it. Choose it today!
"Faith, as Paul saw it, was a living, flaming thing leading to surrender and obedience to the commandments of Christ." -A.W. Tozer (1897-1963)
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Not Too Broken to Fix
Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. - Jeremiah 29:12
I've had times in my life where I felt I was too broken to fix. Have you had those times? Are you in one of those times now? Do you know someone in one of those times?
I say, "one of those times," because that's what it is.
None of us are ever too broken to fix. But we've all been in a spot where we felt so stuck that we thought we'd be there forever. Haven't you felt that you were going to die in that spot because you were stuck there so long, and you couldn't see a way out, and you were getting comfortable being stuck?
Healing and recovery can be a long road. But if you take the first step, the road is one step shorter. And if you take the second step, it's two steps shorter. And you keep taking steps and the hope in¬creases and you don't worry any more that you'll be swallowed up with fear and you won't be paralyzed by the long road ahead.
You'll get to a point that you'll look back and see how far you've come. You'll recognize that God honored your decision to take a step toward healing. He honored your decision to connect with others.
"Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find the right road." - Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961)
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Honestly Admitting Our Needs
Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in Heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him. - Matthew 7:9-11
Are you reluctant to ask for help? You're definitely not alone. Too many of us are unwilling to admit we need help. We think it's a sign of weakness. But it's really a sign of pride and self-sufficiency, both which go against the grain of a healthy dependence upon God and the power of His Holy Spirit in our lives.
God wants to give you good things. He's hoping you'll humbly admit that you have needs. Don't be afraid to ask others for help. Remember, God made us to relate to one another, to love one an¬other. We weren't made to live life alone. If you're "the strong" one that is always lending a hand and seeing to it that others are taken care of, it's hard for you to let someone know you need help, but it's important that you do.
We need more two way streets in our Christian community.
"Refusing to ask for help when you need it is refusing someone the chance to be helpful." - Ric Ocasek (1949- )
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Recovery is Like an Onion
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. - Galatians 5:25
Someone smarter than me said it: "Recovery is like an onion. All the layers that exist have to be peeled away." Well, if you're a connoisseur of onions, you know that there are different varieties. Some are really powerful and when you barely touch them they produce tears. Others are pretty sweet and they barely affect you when you chop them up.
And so it is with your peeling the layers in your healing process. Some layers will affect you more than others. But, if you realize that it's a process, and that God is with you every step of the way, you can face the pain of your past so that you can move beyond it and heal. Also, consider this: You are in the present. You lived through the reality, whatever and whenever it was, so you can certainly live through the feelings and memories of the reality today.
Make your one desire to be made whole and to be as much like Christ as you can be. When you do, you'll find God putting on your heart the desire and the courage to carry the message of hope and healing to those who are stuck in their pain.
Embrace the pain of the recovery and healing process. It will remind you that God is in control and you're being held in his arms, tight and secure as He walks you through it. It's means you'll take some steps of faith, and that will be pleasing to God and healing to you.
"We are all broken and wounded in this world. Some choose to grow strong at the broken places." - Harold J. Duarte-Bernhardt (1950- )
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Reframing
The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. - Psalm 98:2
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing was going your way, and you just felt like God was against you? I know it's an over-inflated ego thing to think that way. But that's partly why I wrote my book, Reframe you Life. In that book I try to outline how you can change the way you view your life.
Have you ever sat in the doctor's office waiting for the doctor, and he's running late. You become irritated at the doctor and his lack of consideration for other people's schedules. But instead of getting irritated, have you ever thought to use that time to think through more carefully what issues you want to discuss with the doctor, or to stop and think about your day, your week, or the things you want to do and people you want to call, or stop and use the quiet moment to spend some time praying for your friends and family.
That's just a small example of reframing your thinking. Reframing will keep you from asking the "why" questions in life and just accept those things that don't have answer and move on. Yes, there's still pain to work through, but it helps to realize that everything in life hasn't been targeted to you. God is not your abuse. He is not your past. He is not all the bad and hurtful things that happened to you. He is a loving God who wants the very best for you and who went to great lengths to let you know how valuable you are. So valuable that he allowed his Son to go to the cross for you.
Learn to reframe your thinking and you'll see life differently than you ever have.
"I'm not funny. What I am is brave." - Lucille Ball (1911-1989)
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Overconfidence/Self-Assurance
The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. - Habakkuk 3:19
Overconfidence is usually viewed as a negative personality trait. The story of Joseph in the Old Testament is a good example.His youthful boasting to his brothers got him in trouble. Based on a dream, he claimed that the others would someday bow down to him. This, coupled with his father's favoritism, led to jealousy and broken family relationships. In the end, his brothers sold him into slavery, cutting him off from his family altogether.
Through years of difficulties and suffering, however, Joseph's over¬confidence was developed by God into a mature self-assurance. This self-assurance made Joseph capable of tackling and succeed¬ing when most other men would have run away. His integrity, took him from being a prisoner to being second only to Pharaoh. And, as only God could orchestrate, Joseph was in a position to save the young nation Israel during a time of terrible famine.
Overconfidence without God's perspective will invariably lead you down the pathway to other personal problems and mistakes. On the other hand, self-assurance based on a strong faith will enable you to overcome incredible obstacles and see God's hand in your life.
Are you overconfident and relying on your strength or intelligence to succeed? Or are you self-assured, knowing that God is the source of any strength, favor, or success? One way leads to trouble while the other God will use for his plans and his glory.
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss (1904-1991)
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Reading God's Mind
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness," and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." - 1 Corinthians 3:19-20
Have you ever said to yourself, "if only I knew God's thoughts?" Some people seem presumptuous to think that they do know God's thoughts. They're full of advice and act as if they understand exactly what God thinks and what he would do in every situation. Too often such people fail to recognize that God's thoughts and ways are far beyond our ability to understand. His ways are typically not our ways.
On the other hand, God's Word does give a glimpse into his thoughts and desires. He calls you to forsake your worldly thought patterns and learn his principles for life because conventional, worldly wisdom is often the exact opposite of God's ways. By saturating your mind with God's Word you begin to see both God's message and His method. You'll see how He worked in history. If you pause and reflect on your own life you'll see how he has worked in your life. And you'll see that it wasn't how you would have designed it in either case.
God's words to the prophet Isaiah give great hope. "The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." (55:10-11)
Get to know God, but don't try to be His mind-reader.
"A glimpse of God will save you. To gaze at Him will sanctify you." - Manley Beasley
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Hope in God
And for this we labor and strive, that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. - 1 Timothy 4:10
The one thing I need more than anything is hope; we all want something to hope for and someone we can trust. God alone is able to perfectly fulfill both needs. You'll never regret placing your hope and confidence in Him.
Jeremiah 17:5-8 tells us how enemies threatened the nation of Judah, and many turned to Egypt and other human powers for deliverance. But the Lord said, "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they go right on producing delicious fruit."
Placing your hope in programs, the government, your job, or the economy (anything but God) is like expecting a tree to flourish in the barren desert. Your thirst continues because these things or people are unable to satisfy your deepest needs. But placing your hope in the Lord changes everything. Jesus said, "The water I give them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life." (John 4:14) Where is your hope? Is it in things, which will come and go, or is your hope in the living God?
"I still believe in Hope - mostly because there's no such place as Fingers Crossed, Arkansas." - Molly Ivins (1944-2007)
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The Beauty of Pain
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and paralyzed, and he healed them. - Matthew 4:24
Pain is something most of us try to avoid, at all costs. It's the reason some of us are trapped in addictions and hate the thought of each new day. But pain is also one of the best things that God allows in our lives. Pain is a great motivator. It lets you know that there is something that you need to pay attention to. It lets you know when doing things your way no longer works. It's a tool that when used to your benefit will redirect your life.
But in that redirection, you have a choice. You can chose to cover the pain to treat the symptom and never treat the cause. Or you can do a little work, find the cause, and deal with it once and for all.
You might continue in life with the pain, like a pointed stick poking at your spirit, but never doing anything about it. But that pain is telling you to back up, take an inventory of your actions and attitudes, to make amends with someone, to seek help from someone who's been there before or has experience you don't have. It's also telling you that God is in charge, and you're not.
So, accept pain as your friend. Make the choice to deal with the root issue, and not just the resulting pain. When the issue is dealt with, the pain will subside. Pain is part of your healing, but if you deal with it wisely, it will lead to a road of freedom and a pathway of lasting joy.
"Pain is short and joy is eternal." -J. C. F. Von Schiller (1759-1805)
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The Deserts of Life
Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. - Hosea 2:14
The Old Testament book of Hosea is a beautiful story of the depths of God's love for His people. The short version is this: Hosea was directed by God to marry a prostitute named Gomer. Even though Hosea knew before hand that she would be unfaithful, he won her back with unconditional love.
It was a picture of the nation Israel, who time and time again prostituted itself in disobedience to God. But each time, God would love her and bring her back into the fold. But more importantly to us today, it's a picture of each of us. We run from God. We sell ourselves for the pleasures of the flesh. We prostitute ourselves spiritually. Yet God still loves us and takes us back each and every time. It's amazing, but it's true . . . God is a God of second chances.
The above passage in Hosea refers to leading her into the desert to speak tenderly to her there. Boy did that jump out at me! When I have an experience that leads me into the desert, it's a feeling of desolation and desertion. I start to believe that Jesus isn't there, that he just left the building. But the reality of it is that God put me there at that exact place and time so I can hear from him. Sometimes God wants us all to Himself, with no distractions, so he can talk to us . . . speak tenderly to us.
In order to listen to someone speaking tenderly to you, you have to be quiet . . . you have to be still. If it takes leading you to the desert, God will do that. When he does, listen!
"Gentlemen, listen to me slowly." - Samuel Goldwyn (1882-1974)
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The Eyes of Your Heart
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints. - Ephesians 1:18
Going through difficult times, if it does nothing else for you and to you, will open the eyes of your heart. Walking through troubled waters is one way that God has of shifting your vision. When your heart breaks, there's an avenue for God's compassion to trickle in and envelop your heart with His. You'll begin to look at others through the eyes of your heart and not through the eyes of quick judgment, harsh conclusions, or self-interest.
Your trip to the grocery store, to church, to Wal-Mart or Starbucks will take on a new hue. You'll look at people and wonder what their story is; what their childhood was like; what caused them to be so happy or unhappy, why they seem this way or that.
Their job titles will be less important, their type of car won't impress you, what kind of clothes they wear, or whether they're wrinkled or stylish won't matter any more. You're more likely to understand that they are in some pain and trying to run from it or trying to hide. Or, you'll see their smile and demeanor and wonder if they're truly happy or masking some inner, silent suffering or anger.
Now, you won't get answers to all that you wonder about people and their stories, but your heart will be softened. You'll find that you have a level of compassion that most people don't have. If your heart is broken, let his compassion trickle in to your heart through the brokenness. Let him open the eyes of your heart today.
"What value has compassion that does not take its object in its arms." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900-1944)
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The Solitary Role
But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship as we walked with the throng at the house of God. - Psalm 55:13-14
Evan owns a small business with one employee. He prides himself on his precision craftsmanship that keeps a steady stream of customers lined up and waiting. He's been urged to expand his shop and hire more employees, but Evan likes things small and controllable. He doesn't want to grow, because he doesn't want to get in a position where he needs his customers more than they need him.
Evan has the same attitude about his relationship with his wife. He keeps his thoughts and feelings well hidden because he feels he must act as if he doesn't need anything from her. His wife and children don't feel they know Evan, because he never shares anything from his heart. In addition, he has no close friends.
Evan learned in his upbringing that it's not manly to need anyone. He picked up early in life that his father didn't need him. And by spending more time on his career than with his family, Evan's father conveyed the idea that Evan shouldn't need him either. So Evan grew up feeling that he must face life without any help.
Are you living a solitary life like Evan? Is it okay to be needed by others, but you can't commit to need anyone else? Your choice for solitude and distance are depriving you of your basic needs for love, relationship, and intimacy. The longer you play the solitary role, the greater your loss. You were made to need and be needed. Don't be afraid to connect.
"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself."- Henry Ford (1863-1947)
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The Detached Role
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. - Romans 12:9
Tom's a clerk in a hectic government office. In the midst of all the daily pressures, he's regarded as one of the most even-tempered workers in the department. He's quiet, efficient, and never seems to get riled at his impatient coworkers or those visiting his office.
Tom spends his energy herding his emotions because he feels they're his enemy. Deep inside he believes that his father didn't like him as a boy because he was too much of a crybaby and a "fraidy-cat." Since he perceives that he lost his father by being too much of a sissy, Tom isn't about to expose his emotions as an adult. His controlled emotional detachment also keeps him aloof from his wife. In the past, whenever Tom showed any signs of being troubled, angry, or fearful, she'd ask him what was wrong. But his usual response was a curt, "Nothing!" So, she learned not to ask.
Detached people like Tom find it difficult to live out the values they profess because they ignore their heart, which is the center from which values come. Often a detached person will become addicted to work, money, football, alcohol, or drugs.
Are you like Tom? Do you stuff your sense of defeat inside, thinking you should be able to "take it?" Are you emotionally frozen? Perhaps you're so dead inside you have little to give a relation-ship. Is your spouse enduring a frustrating relationship because you insist on suffering your losses alone? You can change. Start by connecting with others. Find a safe person that you can talk to. We were meant for connection, not detachment!
"Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." -Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
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Meaning Beyond Accomplishments
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. - 2 Corinthians 5:5
Rod felt that his life had real meaning when he was an assembly line foreman for an automobile manufacturing plant. Sixteen people on his shift depended on him, and he felt that his work was significant. Without the hoods and trunk lids his team installed, the cars would be incomplete. He was confident that there were few men in the plant who could do his job as skillfully as he did. He knew that if he died suddenly his superiors, coworkers, and family would sorely miss him.
But Rod is now sixty-six. He's retired from the plant and someone just as competent as he was is running the crew. Rod realizes that he's no longer needed on the assembly line. What's more, Rod realizes that his family doesn't need him either. His children are grown and gone. He hears from them briefly on holidays. His wife is in poor health, but a home-care nurse tends to her needs three times a week. And he wonders if anybody will show up at his funeral or miss him when he's gone.
Someone older without a mission in life feels empty, and can eventually feel despondent. If this sounds like you, then you need to find another outlet for your gifts, your skills, your abilities . . . that will give you a sense of purpose. The stability and maturity of a senior adult is often preferred and needed. How can you be of help in your city, neighborhood, church or even abroad? Check your passions and see how and where you can continue to serve God.
"It is always in season for old men to learn." - Aeschylus ( 525-456 BC)
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Doubt
Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief. - Mark 9:24
Distrust or wavering faith is a reality for most of us. But how would you like to be labeled a "doubting Thomas?" Do you ever wonder what it was like for Thomas, Jesus' disciple who became known for his lack of faith? Thomas simply didn't believe that Jesus had risen from the dead. But that's not the end of his story.
Thomas didn't doubt Jesus' resurrection out of fear. He continued to meet with the followers of Jesus in the upper room. He just happened to be absent when the risen Jesus first appeared to them. He wanted some kind of proof that his companions had not just been seeing things. Thomas was given the undeniable evidence he asked for when Jesus appeared a second time, dispelling all his doubts.
Undeniable evidence, however, isn't necessary to begin a life of faith. As a matter of fact, it makes faith unnecessary. Jesus said to Thomas, "You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway." You too have evidence of the Resurrection. You can experience God's transforming power in your own life. You can overcome your troubling doubts as you continue to trust God to show you his power in your life.
When Thomas overcame his doubts, he set out on a ministry that exhibited extraordinary faith. As you experience God's deliverance, it will motivate you to minister to others as well. Do you have doubts? If faced honestly, doubt can lead to deeper faith.
"Doubt can only be removed by action." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)
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Priorities
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. - Psalm 1:1
"I really don't know what's wrong with me," said forty-two-year-old Tyrone to his counselor. "I've attained many of my personal and business goals. But I'm still breeding ulcers, trying to climb up the ladder. With all my success, I'm still bummed out when someone else beats me to a big sale or a new account. I have a wonderful wife and two great kids, but I kind of feel like an outsider when I'm with them. I'm often around people and have lots of friends. But I don't enjoy it, and I don't think they're really enjoying me. I'm afraid my dark moods are distancing me from the ones I love. But I don't know what to do about it."
Tyrone looks and acts like the American Dream personified. By all outward appearances he's succeeded in the areas of life that really matter in our society: family, friends, career, finance. But like so many men, Tyrone's warm smile and confident exterior mask a deep sadness and uncertainty. He often wonders what's really worthwhile in life. Despite all the trophies he's accumulated indicating he's a winner, he always feels defeated.
Can you relate to Tyrone? The pursuit of the American Dream has left many feeling alone and angry. Why? Because prosperity cannot be measured by money or even family. Who does the Bible teach is prosperous or blessed? Only when you seek to find joy in your Creator and not in His creation, will your soul begin to find significance and true happiness. Stop and assess where you seek your joy.
"God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there." - Billy Graham (1918- )
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Surrender or Fight
But if serving the Lord seems undesireable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. - Joshua 24:15
Saul was the first king of the Israelites. He was a man with great potential for leadership. Unfortunately he failed miserably. He allowed his fearfulness, disobedience, and self-sufficiency to come between him and God's plan for his life. I think we can all resonate with Saul's struggles, so why not learn from him.
At the beginning of his career, Saul was a shy and reluctant leader. He was found hiding in the baggage when Samuel called the people together to publicly anoint him as king. Saul's humble, restrained style worked well in the early days of his rule, but he came to a point that many of us come to: he had to decide to either follow or fight against God's authority in his life. Unfortunately, Saul made the wrong choice.
During his reign, Saul had great successes when he obeyed God. His greatest failures resulted when he acted on his own. Even his weaknesses, though, could have been used by God if Saul would've confessed them and left them in God's hands.
Just like Saul, you're faced with the choice of surrendering your life and will to God or continuing to fight God's plan for your life. Saul was a people-pleaser. He surrendered to outside pressure rather than surrendering to God and it cost him his kingdom.Today, you are faced with the same choice. Will you surrender to God or go your own way? Just like Saul, your answer to that question will set the course of your life.
"In any project the important factor is your belief. Without belief there can be no successful outcome." - William James (1842-1910)
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Build a New Life
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Your past sometimes gets in the way of your vision for the future, doesn't it? If you allow yourself to dwell on the areas where you've failed or on losses and disappointments that hurt you, you might find it difficult to look forward to the future God has for you.
King David is a man who dreamed of building a magnificent temple. When he commissioned his son Solomon to do the work he said, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don't be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the Lord God, my God is with you." (1 Chronicles 28:20) Many years later the apostle Paul said, "We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a holy temple for the Lord." (Ephesians 2:21)
Just as David dreamed of building a magnificent temple, you can dare to dream of building a new life. God has the blueprint already drawn up: just follow it by faith. You may be afraid that you will start and fail, but in the words of David, "be strong and courageous, and do the work." As someone once said: Beginning is half done. In other words, take the first step, it's the toughest.
What dreams have you been quietly suppressing? Dreams of becoming a missionary? Maybe you have dreams of adopting. Or dreams of starting a new career. Maybe you've been dreaming about building deep friendships or making an impact on your community. Don't be frightened. When God begins a good work, He is faithful to complete it.
"It's a shallow life that doesn't give a person a few scars." -Garrison Keillor (1942- )
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Restoring Relationships
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. - 2 Corinthians 5:18
Are you living with a strained relationship? Restoration of human relationships doesn't happen instantaneously. If you've broken someone's heart or trust, you have a responsibility to face your failures. And you also have the tough responsibility of avoiding the urge to blame others for the problems you've caused. It may take some time before you're able to face up to your failures. Expect the process of restoration and regaining trust to take time.
The prophet Hosea was a remarkable man. He was told by God to marry a prostitute. His marriage was to be a living example to the nation of Israel of her infidelity toward God. It must have hurt Hosea deeply when his wife returned to her life of prostitution. Hosea said, "Then the Lord said to me, 'Go and get your wife again. Bring her back to you and love her, even though she loves adultery. For the Lord still loves Israel even though the people have turned to other gods, offering them choice gifts.'" (Hosea 3:1) Hosea needed some time before he could be close to his wife again, for such deep restoration takes time.
It's your responsibility to wait patiently while God helps you restore your broken relationships and the hearts you may have broken. God can give those you've hurt love when love has been lost; he can help you trust and become trustworthy again, but these things take time.
"When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves." - William Ward (1921-1994)
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Overcoming Expectations
He went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. - Matthew 14:23
One of the subtlest enemies of spiritual life and growth is the influence of other's expectations of you. The world expects you to continually seek possessions and prestige. It expects you to fill your time with busy activity, whether meaningful or not.
Are you allowing the world's expectations to dictate your life? How often do you act in order to please others rather than because you want to please God? Sometimes pleasing God may actually require that you disappoint others because you can't fulfill their demands on you.
What do people expect of you? What do you do when the world's demands are pressing in on you? Solitude can help you break free from other's expectations. When you spend some time quietly alone you can see more clearly what the world is asking of you. In solitude you're more able to evaluate these expectations in relation to God's desires for you and then decide which demands should or should not be fulfilled.
Following one of the busiest days - and nights - of his ministry, the book of Mark tells us that Jesus "awoke long before daybreak and went out alone into the wilderness to pray." Is your life busy? Are you feeling pressure from your work, your spouse, your friends, or your kids? Follow the example of Jesus. Make solitude a priority in your life today. You'll be better for it.
"In solitude, where we are least alone." -Lord Byron (1788-1824)
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Rest for the Weary Soul
My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. - Psalm 38:4
There are plenty of roads in life that promise joy, health, peace, or transformation. Most of them, however, don't lead in that direction. You can literally exhaust yourself seeking spiritual refresh-ment. And that doesn't make any sense.
We work hard at building a good life, but instead of joy on the journey, we often feel weighed down by life. Have you grown weary going down one wrong road after another?
Proverbs tells us, "There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death." (Proverbs 14:12) The fact that a way looks right at first glance doesn't mean it's leading toward spiritual renewal . . . it could be leading to a dead end. If you're someone who has taken many paths but still finds yourself weary, turn to Jesus. He said these words for you: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Any spiritual path that doesn't lead to Jesus Christ won't lead to true spiritual renewal . . . no matter how right it seems at first. In fact, Jesus Christ himself is our way. Remember, the burden he calls you to bear on your journey is light, and the yoke of his expectation fits you perfectly. When you do this, he promises rest for your soul.
"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it." - Sidney J. Harris (1917-1986))
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Regret and Restoration
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. - 3 John 4
"If only . . ." is a haunting phrase. It implies that you failed and that you wish you could go back and do things differently.
When you dare to see the truth and accept responsibility for your life, you may feel sad and ashamed. You may regret your irresponsibility and destructive behavior, and wish to erase the past. The Bible is full of stories of regret. Take for example the Old Testament book of Zephaniah. The prophet Zephaniah condemned the idol worship and self-center living of the nation Judah. If only they had obeyed and trusted God instead of going their own way!
This book shows us how many of our troubles are a direct consequence of our irresponsibility. The nation Judah was irresponsible in her relationship with God. She worshipped false gods and ignored God's laws, which were intended for her own good. But Zephaniah made it clear that their irresponsibility would carry heavy consequences.
With the help of Zephaniah and King Josiah the people confessed their sins, took responsibility for their lives, and turned back to God. As a result, they received substantial healing and restoration. When you are irresponsible in your relationship with God and others, your situation will grow progressively worse. The process of your spiritual renewal may start out painfully. When you confess the truth about yourself, it hurts. But as you begin to see the truth, speak the truth, and accept responsibility for your life, you'll discover the great relief and hope that God offers.
"My one regret in life is that I'm not someone else." -Woody Allen (1935- )
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True Forgiveness
God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. - Acts 5:31
Without true forgiveness, bitterness will inevitably tear our relationships apart. No relationship or family will hold together for long if the people involved are unable to grant forgiveness. I don't just mean saying the words "I forgive you" but actually relating to your spouse, child, parent, or friend with your actions that display forgiveness. Giving voice to forgiveness might create peace temporarily, but when that forgiveness isn't evidenced by the way you live, true reconciliation will never result.
Let's learn from a man who went before us. Absalom, the third son of King David, suffered much and also caused much suffering because forgiveness wasn't a part of his life. When Absalom discovered that his sister had been raped by his half brother, anger and hatred built up in him for two years until he finally killed him. Then to avoid the wrath of his father, he was on the run for a period of three years. And even after he returned he and his father, David, didn't speak to one another for two more years. And you thought your family had issues!
Well, Absalom never regained the love he had for his father. In fact, Absalom spent the rest of his life scheming against his father, King David. His life ended while he led a rebellion against his father. Absalom is an example of the wasted years and broken hearts that can result when we harbor bitterness and are unwilling to forgive.
"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." - Robert Muller (1923- )
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Expressing Grief
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27
Grief is the process that helps you release your pain and losses to God. In your grief, you come to terms with your past and you find freedom to live in the reality of the present. On the other side of grief, you'll find hope for the future. So if you harden your heart and refuse to grieve, you're likely to get stuck both emotionally and spiritually.
The prophet Jeremiah shared his grief and tears with God. Jeremiah lived with God's people and pleaded with them to return to God. But his pleas fell on deaf ears, and his heart was broken. So in his grief, the prophet penned the words of the Old Testament book, Lamentations. When you read it, you'll find that Jeremiah didn't mince his words or hide his pain. He weeps openly and fully, releasing his emotions to God. It's a great example for us when we grieve our own losses.
Lamentations doesn't provide pat answers for the suffering you'll experience. If you'll read it, you'll discover that it's all right to be real, to be angry, to be disappointed with life, and to be concerned about what tomorrow holds for you. God accepted Jeremiah being angry, tired, and discouraged, and he will accept you as well. Just as God honored the tears of Jeremiah, he'll honor yours if you share your pain and sorrow with him. It's likely to be the first step to bring healing for the present and hope for the future.
"Grief is itself a medicine." - William Cowper (1731-1800)
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Welcome Back
As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their wicked ways and live. - Ezekiel 33:11
The Bible tells us that all have sinned and gone their own way. No matter how far you've gone in the wrong direction, when you turn around God always welcomes you back. Are you living beyond your means? Have you given in to the world of Internet pornography? Maybe you're failing your spouse and kids, crushing them with your anger or solitude. Is your free time filled with television or email?
God is ready to welcome you back. His arms are open, and his promises are sure. He will transform your worst failures into a blessed future, if you'll ask him to.
There is hope for you. God is gracious and will forgive you no matter what you've done or failed to do. He will even turn your past around and create a new life . . . a life of hope, peace, and an ongoing relationship with him. But you have to take the first step. It's a paradox of our faith: seek God and He will find you! Whether it's the first time you've sought Him or you have strayed over and over . . . He's there with His arms wide open!
"We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are.'' - Oprah Winfrey (1954- )
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No Excuses
Praise be to the name of God . . . wisdom and power are His. - Daniel 2:20
Innocent bystanders often get hurt by the mistakes and poor decisions of others. Disasters happen that haunt us for life even though we have no direct responsibility. Often the best way to handle these things is to accept them and to make the best of the situation.
Daniel and his friends were innocent bystanders who suffered a lifelong exile to Babylon because of their country's prolonged disobedience to God. But they didn't let their misfortune destroy their relationship with God. With courage and faith, they faced the realities of exile and lived successful lives. Their lives gives us insight into how to deal with tragedy.
After being taken from Jerusalem to Babylon, Daniel and his three friends were trained for service in the Babylonian government. Their captors often demanded that they do things that stood in opposition to God. To protect their relationship with God, Daniel and his friends set clear boundaries for their behavior. They followed God's plan for their lives, despite its conflict with the command of their captors. And God protected these faithful men from the foreign laws and unstable tyrants they lived under.
Although Daniel and his friends were exiled to Babylon for the sins of their ancestors, they didn't use that as an excuse for continued failure. Instead, they trusted God to redeem their lives, and they were determined to live according to God's precepts and teachings. You can do the same.
"We get so focused on micromanaging God and His Kingdom that we forget to realize that He is more than capable of handling things on His own." - Bridget Willard (1973- )
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Learning from Amos
Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you. Hate evil, love good; maintain justice in the courts. - Amos 5:14-15
When life is going smoothly, you need to be careful. You're ripe for complacency and a downfall. In the day of the prophet Amos, the people of Israel were prosperous and began to think they could make it without God. We all slip into that dangerous place without really thinking at times. This led them down a steep path toward destruction.
Another problem with the people during Amos' time is that they acted as if they didn't need other people. They exploited the weak and poor. They were indifferent to the pain of those around them. They enslaved the helpless through extortion and heavy taxation. God created us to live in relationships, not in isolation. Are you recognizing your need for others and doing what you can to make restitution to those you hurt?
A final similarity between the Israelites and our culture is that many of them kept up outward appearances of religion even though they had abandoned their faith in God. I think we can agree that you and I are in danger of falling into the same trap. Are you performing to get the approval of your boss or friends? Are you hiding your failures from your wife, pretending you're faithfully following God's way when you're not? God is not so concerned with how you appear on the surface; he sees through your false appearances even if others don't. God cares about the attitude of your heart.
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." - Winston Churchhill (1874-1965)
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Today Is a New Beginning
You are being renewed in the spirit of your minds;
you put on the new man, the one created according to
God's likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.
Ephesians 4:23-24
Each new day offers countless opportunities to serve God, to seek His will, and to obey His teachings. But each day also offers countless opportunities to stray from God's commandments and to wander far from His path.
Sometimes, we wander aimlessly in a wilderness of our own making, but God has better plans of us. And, whenever we ask Him to renew our strength and guide our steps, He does so.
Consider this day a new beginning. Consider it a fresh start, a renewed opportunity to serve your Creator with willing hands and a loving heart. Ask God to renew your sense of purpose as He guides your steps. Today is a glorious opportunity to serve God. Seize that opportunity while you can; tomorrow may indeed be too late.
When you're through changing, you're through! - John Maxwell
No matter how badly we have failed, we can always get up and begin again. Our God is the God of new beginnings. - Warren Wiersbe
No man need stay the way he is. - Harry Emerson Fosdick
More often than not, when something looks like it's the absolute end, it is really the beginning. - Charles Swindoll
When we focus on God, the scene changes. He's in control of our lives; nothing lies outside the realm of His redemptive grace. Even when we make mistakes, fail in relationships, or deliberately make bad choices, God can redeem us. - Penelope J. Stokes
Today's Prayer
O Lord, my Creator, conform me to Your image. Create in me a clean heart, a new heart that reflects Your love for me. When I need to change, change me, Lord, and make me new. Amen
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Defeating Procrastination
When you make a vow to God, don't delay fulfilling it,
because He does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow.
Ecclesiastes 5:4
When turbulent times arrive, it's easy (and tempting) to avoid those hard-to-do tasks that you would prefer to avoid altogether. But the habit of procrastination takes a double toll: First, important work goes unfinished, and second, valuable energy is wasted in the process of putting off the things that remain undone.
If you find yourself bound by the chains of procrastination, ask yourself what you're waiting for—or more accurately what you're afraid of—and why. As you examine the emotional roadblocks that have, heretofore, blocked your path, you may discover that you're waiting for the "perfect" moment, that instant in time when you feel neither afraid nor anxious. But in truth, perfect moments like these are few and far between.
So stop waiting for the perfect moment and focus, instead, on finding the right moment to do what needs to be done. Then, trust God and get busy. When you do, you'll discover that you and the Father, working together, can accomplish great things . . . and that you can accomplish them sooner rather than later.
Once you acquire the habit of doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done, you will avoid untold trouble, worry, and stress. So learn to defeat procrastination by paying less attention to your fears and more attention to your responsibilities. God has created a world that punishes procrastinators and rewards men and women who "do it now." In other words, life doesn't procrastinate. Neither should you.
Not now becomes never. - Martin Luther
Do noble things, do not dream them all day long. - Charles Kingsley
Do the unpleasant work first and enjoy the rest of the day. - Marie T. Freeman
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, when I am confronted with things that need to be done, give me the courage and the wisdom to do them now, not later. Amen
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Beating Stress One Day at a Time
This is the day the LORD has made;
we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NKJV
Face facts: just getting by in these turbulent times can be stressful . . . very stressful. You live in a world that is brimming with demands, distractions, and deadlines (not to mention temptations, timetables, requirements, and responsibilities). Whew! No wonder you may be stressed.
What can you do in response to the stressors of everyday life? A wonderful place to start is by turning things over to God.
Psalm 118:24 reminds us that this day, like every other, is a glorious gift from the Father. How will you use that gift? Will you celebrate it and use it for His purposes? If so, you'll discover that when you turn things over to Him—when you allow God to rule over every corner of your life—He will calm your fears and guide your steps.
So today, make sure that you focus on God and upon His will for your life. Then, ask for His help. And remember: No challenge is too great for Him. Not even yours.
Life is strenuous. See that your clock does not run down. - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
There are very few certainties that touch us all in this mortal experience, but one of the absolutes is that we will experience hardship and stress at some point. - James Dobson
If you're willing to repair your life, God is willing to help. If you're not willing to repair your life, God is willing to wait. - Marie T. Freeman
Prescription for a happier and healthier life: resolve to slow down your pace; learn to say no gracefully; resist the temptation to chase after more pleasure, more hobbies, and more social entanglements. - James Dobson
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, You never leave or forsake me. Even when I am troubled by the demands of the day, You are always with me, protecting me and encouraging me. Whatever today may bring, I thank You for Your love and Your strength. Let me lean upon You, Father, this day and forever. Amen
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The Morning Watch
Every morning he wakes me. He teaches me to listen
like a student. The Lord God helps me learn . . . .
Isaiah 50:4-5 NCV
Each new day is a gift from God, and if you are wise, you will spend a few quiet moments each morning thanking the Giver. When you do, you'll discover that time spent with God can lift your spirits and relieve your stress.
Warren Wiersbe writes, "Surrender your mind to the Lord at the beginning of each day." And that's sound advice. When you begin each day with your head bowed and your heart lifted, you are reminded of God's love, His protection, and His commandments. Then, you can align your priorities for the coming day with the teachings and commandments that God has placed upon your heart.
So, if you've acquired the unfortunate habit of trying to "squeeze" God into the corners of your life, it's time to reshuffle the items on your to-do list by placing God first. And if you haven't already done so, form the habit of spending quality time with your Father in heaven. He deserves it . . . and so do you.
How paltry must be the devotions of those who are always in a hurry. - William Law
How motivating it has been for me to view my early morning devotions as time of retreat alone with Jesus, who desires that I "come with Him by myself to a quiet place" in order to pray, read His Word, listen for His voice, and be renewed in my spirit. - Anne Graham Lotz
I suggest you discipline yourself to spend time daily in a systematic reading of God's Word. Make this "quiet time" a priority that nobody can change. - Warren Wiersbe
Every day has its own particular brand of holiness to discover and worship appropriately. - Annie Dillard
Today's Prayer
Lord, help me to hear Your direction for my life in the quiet moments when I study Your Holy Word. And as I go about my daily activities, let everything that I say and do be pleasing to You. Amen
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The Right Priorities
We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about!
Romans 13:13-14 MSG
Have you fervently asked God to help prioritize Your life? Have you asked Him for guidance and for the courage to do the things that you know need to be done? If so, then you're continually inviting your Creator to reveal Himself in a variety of ways. As a follower of Christ, you must do no less.
When you make God's priorities your priorities, you will receive God's abundance and His peace. When you make God a full partner in every aspect of your life, He will lead you along the proper path: His path. When you allow God to reign over your heart, He will honor you with spiritual blessings that are simply too numerous to count. So, as you plan for the day ahead, make God's will your ultimate priority. When you do, every other priority will have a tendency to fall neatly into place.
There were endless demands on Jesus' time. Still He was able to make that amazing claim of "completing the work you gave me to do." (John 17:4 NIV) - Elisabeth Elliot
Getting things accomplished isn't nearly as important as taking time for love. - Janette Oke
Have you prayed about your resources lately? Find out how God wants you to use your time and your money. No matter what it costs, forsake all that is not of God. - Kay Arthur
Forgetting your mission leads, inevitably, to getting tangled up in details—details that can take you completely off your path. - Laurie Beth Jones
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, make me a person of unwavering commitment to You. Guide me away from the temptations and distractions of this world, so that I might honor You with my thoughts, my actions, and my prayers. Amen
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Real
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under His control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like His glorious body. - Philippians 3: 20-21
What does it mean to be real?
Being "real" is the result of being transformed by the love of God. It's not about wealth, or beauty, or power. Heck, most of the time it's suffering, failing, and waiting. Maybe that's why we sometimes miss it. I think the wise old horse in the classic children's story The Velveteen Rabbit says it well. As he explained to the stuffed bunny:
'It doesn't happen all at once...You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't often happen to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.'
Be real. Open yourself up to God and His transforming power.
"Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one." -Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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Anger
Better a patient man than a warrior. A man who controls his temper than one who takes a city. - Proverbs 16:32
Let's look at a few popular, but sad, bumper stickers:
My kid beat up your honor student.
Welcome to America, now learn English!
Keep honking, I'm reloading.
All men are idiots, and I married their King.
What do these bumper stickers have in common? The messages are dressed in humor but they're actually about anger. While some people struggle with anger, these people are flaunting it, celebrating it, and inviting you to join in.
This type of anger--aimed at hurting or ridiculing--is obviously wrong. Yet not all anger is wrong. Anger can also be an appropriate and good response.
If You're Not Outraged, You're Not Paying Attention is another bumper sticker I've seen. Injustice, cruelty, and greed should evoke anger because they contradict what the Bible teaches. William Wilberforce, sickened with anger over the slave trade in England, devoted himself to ending slavery there. If you don't ever feel anger, you need to worry about your heart.
"Anger is never without a Reason, but seldom with a good One." – Ben Franklin (1706-1790)
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Embracing Life
So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. - Zechariah 4:6
Embracing life means embracing all of it, including the people who make it difficult. I call these people "character builders." You may hate the fact they're in your life, but without them you'd never come close to what God wants for you. These people that are so tough are actually a gift from God. Like me, you can probably look at the character you've developed and see it didn't get there from people being nice to you. It's there because of some very tough treatment by people who didn't have your best interest in mind.
Remember the story of David and Goliath? If David had taken on a third grader I don't think we'd have heard much about it. Or what about Daniel and the pit of lions? If it were a pit of hamsters no one would be talking about that today! The bigger the challenge the more God can do with it. Its difficult things and people that make up the stories of our lives in a way that brings honor to God.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
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Excuses
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
There are so many excuses I could've used to hold back and not serve God, but none of them were good enough to miss God's best. Just the fact that I paid for an abortion could've kept me on the sidelines rather than preaching God's truth. Despite that horrific ordeal, God has allowed me to speak at Crisis Pregnancy centers and help them raise millions of dollars during the past ten years. What a blessing it's been for me to be used in that way.
Because I have failed in so many ways, God gets all the glory for anything that comes out of my life that's worth mentioning. So no matter what comes my way, if God can still use me, as embarrassing and humbling as it might be, I want to be used for Him. I want the same for you. God can use you...imperfections and all.
"Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle." - James Russell Lowell (1819-1891)
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God Plus One
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
Andy was struggling to scan the purchases—but was also determined to get it done. His customer recognized he'd been through a serious trauma.
She said, "...that must be hard to do with one arm."
"Yes, but you do what you have to, and I guess that's what I get for riding motorcycles."
"God must really have a plan for you since you're still alive" she responded.
"You have no idea. I died four times at the hospital, and they had to revive me. The doctors told my mom the first night, 'Sorry, there's not much hope for him.' Yes, God has a plan for me. The doctors didn't know who they were dealing with. It wasn't just me, but my mom and her prayers—my mom plus God—you don't mess with that!"
Wow! Mom plus God. Plus means addition. Think about adding God to the equation of
your life. "You plus God" has a pretty good ring to it.
"Prayer may not change things for you, but it for sure changes you for things." - Samuel M. Shoemaker (1893-1963)
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God Redeeming Us
God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. - Matthew 6:34
The day Martha Stewart went to jail, I mentioned to a group that we should pray for her as she entered her new "gated community", and the group laughed at that. But seriously, jail can indeed be a gift. We prayed for her because good things can happen when people go to jail.
In the Bible there's a story about a man named Joseph who refused to sleep with the queen and was imprisoned for more than 13 years. That was a huge chunk of his life, but it must have been the chunk that prepared him to later be in charge of the entire nation.
Then there was Chuck Colson. While imprisoned for crimes committed during the Watergate scandal he came to trust in God, and when released from prison, Chuck founded what has grown into an international prison ministry that has touched the lives of thousands upon thousands of prisoners.
Your situation might be just as humiliating as Martha Stewart going to jail, but God can redeem it. He makes the best come out of the worst, if you'll trust him to do so.
"You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that? Come up with a smiling face. It's nothing against you to fall down flat but to lie there—that's disgrace." - Edmund Vance Cook (1867-1933)
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Lights Flashing
The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. - Hosea 14:9
John Smith was pulled over for driving erratically, but just as officers began administering a breath test, there was an accident on the other side of the freeway. The policeman ordered John to wait and ran across the street, but John immediately drove home.
A few hours later, Mrs. Smith found two officers at her door. John came out of the bedroom faking a cough. When asked if he'd been pulled over for a highway citation, he replied, "Oh, no I've been home sick all day."
When they asked to see his car, John confidently walked out to the garage thinking, "It's been hours, the engine is cool, and I'm totally going to get away with this!"
He threw open the garage door, and there in the garage was the patrol car with the lights still flashing!
Tell me, friend, what lights are flashing in your garage?
"We are not creatures of circumstance; we are creators of circumstance." - Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)
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Promises
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - 2 Corinthians 9:7
A poor man vowed to give God a certain percentage of his income. From his first week's pay he gave one dollar. But before long, prosperity raised the sum of the gift to one hundred dollars a week, and in time, to five hundred dollars.
Initially his offerings brought intense joy. But over time, he began feeling entitled to his prosperity. He explained to a close friend that when he made the promise he only had to give a dollar, but now that it was five hundred he didn't feel he could afford such extravagant giving.
His wise friend said, "I'm afraid you cannot get a release from the promise, but there is something we can do. We can kneel down and ask God to shrink your income so that you can afford to give a dollar again."
God deserves our best. Has he blessed you? Ask Him how he might use you to bless others.
"The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it." -William James (1842-1910)
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Treasures
If I have put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, "You are my security" if I have rejoiced over my great wealth, the fortune my hands had gained, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high. - Job 31:24, 25, 28
A rich man prayed, "I've worked so hard and I want to take my fortune to heaven."
"We don't do that," God said.
"Please," he begged, "let me bring it so my children will be spared from an indulgent life."
"Okay," God amended "you may bring one suitcase."
Weeks later, the man found himself at heaven's gates with a suitcase full of gold bricks.
"A suitcase?" the angel guarding the gates questioned. "You can't bring anything with you!"
"Oh, I have a special arrangement with God."
The angel looked into the suitcase and lifted his head, "Lord, I've got a man here who says he's made a
special arrangement with you."
The heavens rumbled, "What sort of arrangement?"
"For some reason he wants to bring in a suitcase full of paving material."
In God's economy, your gold will be worth less than the pavement under your feet! But the things often overlooked—our children, the poor, the underprivileged, our relationships with others—are priceless.
"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile." - Sir Wilfred Grenfell (1865-1940)
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Renoir and Matisse
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:13
Renoir and Matisse were friends with a common bond; they loved color, beauty, and painting. Renoir, however, developed a very serious case of arthritis ...so debilitating that he was almost completely paralyzed by it. He winced and jerked in pain as he applied each stroke of color to the canvas. But no matter how severe the pain, no matter how difficult the brushstroke, he continued to paint.
Matisse watched his friend with great concern and passion, mystified at the dedication that led to creating his artwork at such a painful level of personal sacrifice. When he asked Renoir why he continued to paint, Renoir replied, "Because the beauty remains: the pain passes."
Are you struggling through painful times? If so, please don't give up. Don't believe the lie that there's no hope for you. Surrender and persevere. Hang on to Christ. Make the healing choice to persevere and do whatever necessary to hang on one more day. The pain passes; the beauty God brings through perseverance remains.
"Austere perseverance, harsh and continuous, may be employed by the least of us and rarely fails of its purpose, for its silent power grows irresistibly greater with time." - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749-1832)
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Defective Mind
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have wandered from the faith. - (1 Timothy 6: 20 – 21)
The other day I spoke with a very bright thirty-five-year-old man. . . a microbiologist, nuclear physicist. . . well, he has the degree to be a microbiologist, nuclear physicist. Instead, he's a postal worker who comes home to an empty house everyday. This man suffers from social anxiety. He's uncomfortable every moment he's around others. And he's miserable.
Now, I'm all for us feeling good about ourselves and being grateful for the gifts that God's given us. But in the midst of our happy talk, we need to accept that to some degree or another, we each have a sick mind. So sick that microbiologists end up delivering mail. Wealthy people shoplift. Healthy people gain 180 pounds. And counselors end up in inappropriate relationships with those they wanted to help.
Our sick minds won't lead us to a place of health and wholeness. You have to reach beyond what's in your head and reach out for the help you need. Reach out to God. Reach out to others. Be attentive to what the Holy Spirit is saying—in your thought life and in the circumstances of your life. Be responsible and do something!
"Of all the needs (there are none imaginary) a lonely child has, the one that must be satisfied, if there is going to be a hope of wholeness, is the unshaken need for an unshakable God." - Maya Angelou (1928- )
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His Hands
Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. - Matthew 14:19b-21
Have you ever noticed how ordinary items become extraordinary in the right hands?
• A basketball in my hands is worth about $19. In Kobe Bryant's hands its worth over $136 million.
• A paintbrush in my hands is useless. In Monet's hands, a paintbrush produces masterpieces.
• Two fish and five loaves in my hands make a couple of fish sandwiches. In Jesus' hands, they feed thousands.
• A nail stuck in my hand would produce needless pain and a resolve never to get in over my head with home maintenance again. But the nails piercing Christ's hands are an expression of the wisdom of God and His infinite ability to use suffering to redeem the world's pain.
As with everything else, whose hand the object is in makes all the difference.
What are you holding on to and afraid to give up? Give what you're holding onto to the One who transforms the ordinary—there's no telling what He'll do with it.
"A miracle is an event which creates faith. That is the purpose and nature of miracles. Frauds deceive. An event which creates faith does not deceive; therefore it is not a fraud, but a miracle." - George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
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Balanced View of Jesus
Then one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals." - Revelation 5:5
The following observation by author Philip Yancey is well-worth meditating upon. "As I studied the life of Christ," he said, "one impression about Jesus struck me more forcefully than any other. We have tamed him. The Jesus I learned about as a child was sweet and inoffensive, the kind of person whose lap you'd want to climb on. Mister Rogers with a beard. Indeed, Jesus did have qualities of gentleness and compassion that attracted little children. Mister Rogers, however, he assuredly was not. Not even the Romans would have crucified Mister Rogers."
How balanced is your view of Jesus? Have you come to the crucial conclusion that His grace is bigger than anything we can possibly comprehend? And, I hope that conclusion doesn't come at the expense of His strength. The biblical picture of Jesus is that of a tenderhearted Lion. And conceptions that fall on either side of this picture are caricatures and incomplete.
"Jesus is the God whom we can approach without pride and before whom we can humble ourselves without despair." - Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)
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Giving the Best Answer
We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.- 1 John 5:20
A college philosophy professor asked just one question on his final exam. He picked up a chair, put it on his desk, and wrote on the blackboard, "Using everything we have learned this semester, prove that this chair does not exist."
Most students wrote feverishly for the entire hour, some of them churning out twenty pages of heady philosophical logic. But one student turned in her paper after less than a minute—and she was the only one to get an A. What did she write? Two simple words: "What chair?"
Engaging people in a gentle, respectful, yet influential manner is an art. There are numerous ideological and emotional pitfalls to avoid with balanced decision-making skills and alert reasoning. But this young philosophy student has learned something that we too must learn: sometimes the wisest argument is no argument at all.
"Faith is not being sure where you're going but going anyway." - Frederick Buechner (1926- )
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Gloom
But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. - Psalm 68:3
A recent edition of the New York Times featured news of a new toy—a plush "Ask Me More Eeyore," modeled after the gloomy donkey from Winnie the Pooh. The toy is designed for children aged three to seven. The paper remarked that these are just the right ages, apparently, to learn about undaunted pessimism.
Eeyore responds to children's questions with comments like, "Don't' count on it," "Doesn't look good," "Outcome looks sort of gloomy," "You can't win them all," and "Looks good for you, must be nice."
Sometimes Eeyore will even ask the child, "You wouldn't want me for a friend, would you?"
As if life isn't tough enough for some kids.
Do you have a gloomy Eeyore in your life? Perhaps you've taken on that role for yourself!
If you're busy looking for all the things that can go wrong, you're sure to miss the blessings God has prepared for you.
"It is not fitting when one is in God's service, to have a gloomy face or a chilling look." - St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226)
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Persevering Amidst Hardship
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. - Romans 5:3-5
In 1741 George Frideric Handel wrote Messiah, one of the finest and most inspiring musical scores ever composed. In the time leading up to his greatest accomplishment, Handel's health and fortunes had reached a low ebb. A stroke had left the right side of his body paralyzed; and he worked under the threat of imprisonment on account of crushing financial debt.
I can't help but wonder whether Handel would've chosen the tenuous life of a composer had he known ahead of time the suffering he'd endure. If not, the world would've missed the blessing of this timeless and beautiful composition of praise.
Like Handel, we don't know what our future holds. But we can be confident that God does, and that He uses every hardship to mold our character and accomplish a plan that remains perfect despite our inability to comprehend it. I pray that today you persevere in that certain hope.
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." - John Quincy Adams (1767-1848)
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Folly of Bitterness
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger ,brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. - Ephesians 4:31
Two shopkeepers owned stores directly across the street from each other. Each spent his days tracking the other's business, and gloating triumphantly each time a customer chose his own store. Over time, they became bitter rivals.
One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers and said, "I'll give you anything you request, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive double. Would you be rich? You can be very rich indeed, but he'll be twice as wealthy. Do you desire a long and healthy life? Request it, but his life will be longer and healthier. What's your desire?"
The man thought for a moment, and with a sly grin, stated, "Strike me blind in one eye!"
Bitterness is relentless and dangerous when allowed to take root in our hearts. It destroys decision-making abilities and compromises otherwise focused and productive lives. Its only remedy is forgiveness—given freely by Jesus Christ. And if you believe the Bible, we are to dispense it generously to others.
Take a step out of bitterness into forgiveness today. Forgive the unforgivable. You can do it!
"We forgive to the extent that we love." - La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)
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Overcoming Criticism
Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you" and their sight was restored. - Matthew 9:29
When Samuel Morse was requesting Congressional support for a telegraph line from Baltimore to Washington, he endured the press' sustained criticism for more than eleven years.
In 1842, when Adam Thompson set up the first bathtub in America, the newspapers said his vision—now a staple of convenient cleanliness in every home—was "going to spoil the democratic simplicity of the republic."
And when Cyrus Field was attempting to lay the first cable across the Atlantic, he was denounced as "a mad freak of stubborn ignorance."
Sometimes a wise and well-placed word of caution is just what we need, but not always. Often the criticism people heap upon the new or the uncommon is motivated by fear. Having the discernment to know the difference is crucial to knowing when to rethink and when to press on. And as Samuel Morse, Adam Thompson, and Cyrus Field demonstrate; God honors people of vision who take steps of faith.
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal." - Henry Ford (1863-1947)
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Wolves in the Dark
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. - Isaiah 41:10
When Lord Mountbatten, a British naval commander, was five years old, he disliked sleeping in the dark. He confided in his father that his concern wasn't the dark itself, but rather the wolves inhabiting the darkness. His father tried to assure him that there weren't wolves in their house, but his boy responded, "I daresay there aren't. But I think there are."
Aren't we good at conjuring up beasts? Even though our brains know there aren't wolves in the attic or monsters under the bed, we still lie awake with our fingers and toes tucked beneath the blankets.
Friend, God doesn't intend for you to live a life of fear. Like a protective father, He is there to comfort and assure us that we are not alone. Chase the wolves from your darkness. God will help you. It might be as simple as a prayer, or it might entail the help of a pastor or a professional counselor. Take a step toward chasing your wolves today.
"Every morning I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God; and so there's no room left for worry thoughts." - Howard Chandler Christy (1873-1952)
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Quenched Thirst
But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. - John 4:14
In this touching excerpt from C.S. Lewis' series of children's books, The Chronicles of Narnia, the Lion represents Jesus:
"Are you not thirsty?" said the Lion.
"I'm dying of thirst," said Jill.
"Then drink," said the Lion...
"Will you promise not to do anything to me...?" said Jill.
"I make no promise," said the Lion.
Jill was so thirsty now that ... she had gone a step nearer.
"Do you eat girls?" she asked.
"I have swallowed up girls and boys, women and men, kings and emperors, cities and realms," said the Lion. . .
"I daren't come and drink," said Jill.
"Then you will die of thirst," said the Lion.
"Oh dear!" said Jill, coming another step nearer. "I suppose I must go and look for another stream then."
"There is no other stream," said the Lion.
If you're thirsty, there is no other stream than the living water offered to us in Jesus. Drink of the living water He offers to you.
"When by the Spirit of God, I understood these words, 'The just shall live by faith,' I felt born again like a new man. I entered through the open doors into the very paradise of God!" - Martin Luther (1483-1546)
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Close the Gate
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32
My friend grew up on a farm, and she once told me that her sole responsibility was to close the gate behind her. That way the livestock couldn't backtrack into a field of alfalfa. All she had to do was close the gate behind her.
Back then she thought gate closing was boring work—just a whole lot of waiting, then something happened. She discovered that while gate closing isn't prestigious or exciting, it's vitally important.
On the path to wellness and wholeness, there are many gates to close. Closing the gate means not leaving loose ends hanging.
Are there people with whom you have loose ends? Do you need to return something you "borrowed?" Is there restitution or an overdue apology that might renew a relationship?
My friend's mom used to tell her, "Close the gates behind you." Most often she was talking about more than the field gate—she was talking about all the gates of life. What gates do you need to close?
The closing of a door can bring blessed privacy and comfort—the opening terror. Conversely, the closing of a door can be a sad and final thing—the opening a wonderfully joyous moment." - Andy Rononey (1919 -
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Control
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will help you." - Isaiah 41:13
When Napoleon was a young boy, he'd stand brave and unflinching while the soldiers fired off their cannons, yet he seemed afraid of the nearby ocean. Determined to help the child overcome his fears, one of the royal attendants picked the boy up and tossed him into the waves. After struggling onto dry land, the young prince ran away shrieking in terror.
Later, someone asked why he was afraid of the sea and not the loud cannonade of the soldiers. The boy considered the question for a moment, then answered, "Because I'm in command of the soldiers, but I'm not in command of the sea."
Aren't most of us afraid of the things we can't control? What should we do to counter our fears? Norman Vincent Peale once said, "...Let faith, hope and courage enter your thinking. Fear is strong, but faith is stronger yet."
"Keep your fears to yourself but share your courage." - Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1994)
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Fools and Liars
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." - Psalms 14:1
Desperate for gambling money, mom took a crowbar to her husband's locked desk drawer. Her search for the family's emergency funds also led her to the children's savings bonds, which she promptly cashed in for less than their value and gambled away.
Dad explained to Brian and Kelly that Mom had spent all the money—again. Kelly was in tears. Brian simply said, "How could you, Mom? How can we eat? How can I play football? How can we pay the bills if you keep doing this? Don't you love us enough to stop? You promised! You promised, you liar!"
Tired of living like a fool, mom finally got help.
It's hard to admit when I've been a fool . . . to be honest about how my foolishness has hurt others. But Jesus came for fools and liars. I'm thankful for that, aren't you?
"The trouble ain't that there is too many fools, but that the lightning ain't distributed right." - Mark Twain (1835-1910)
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Parenthood
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4
When parents don't spend meaningful time with their kids, a credibility gap develops. In fact, one of the most common errors parents make is expecting respect without relationship. Children might live with this contradiction for years; but if you're cultivating hurried, superficial relationships with your kids now, the odds are extremely high that, in time, they won't respect your opinions, invite your wisdom, or respond to your warnings when they need to most. Inevitably, as author Josh McDowell poignantly observed, "Rules without relationship leads to rebellion."
The rich experience of parenthood resists short, tidy definitions. But never forget —despite whatever else parenthood may be—it's a battleground for the well-being of your kids. Therefore, it's imperative that you learn to fight effectively for your children, and it all starts with relationship—just like it does for us with God.
"Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing."
- Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965)
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Fear or Fear Not
Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you."
Isaiah 35:4
Most of us tend to think too highly of ourselves. Our love for having the right answers, solving our own problems, and feeling in control of every aspect of our lives demonstrates our inclination to think we possess personal sovereignty. Consequently, we spend a lot of time worrying.
A businessman once constructed a "Worry Chart" to keep a record of his fears. He discovered that 40 percent of his worries involved things that probably wouldn't happen, 30 percent involved past decisions that he couldn't unmake, 12 percent regarded other people's criticisms, and 10 percent involved his health. He concluded that only 8 percent of his worries were really legitimate (if there is such a thing)—that is, things he could actually do something about.
So how do we overcome our fears? How do we rid ourselves of worry and anxiety, most of which is unfounded anyway. The Bible says that perfect love cast out all fear. So maybe we should focus on God's love, not on our fear.
"Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength."
- Charles Spurgeon (1834 -1892)
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Humor
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them."
Psalm 126:2
I'm grateful for people who bring laughter to our lives. Former New York Yankee baseball great Yogi Berra's wry humor has left us laughing for decades. Consider these "Yogi-isms:"
· "Never answer an anonymous letter."
· "I usually take a two-hour nap from one to four."
· "When you come to a fork in the road...take it." ...and
· "I really didn't say everything I said."
Laughter's a great gift. And doctors are finding the Bible is right: laughter truly is good medicine. Not only are there emotional benefits to laughing, but there are physical benefits as well. Bill Cosby said, "If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it." He's right. Humor can actually be an agent of healing. So look for opportunities to laugh, and don't take things to seriously. God has a sense of humor, and so should we.
"From the moment I picked your book up until I laid it down, I convulsed with laughter. Someday I intend on reading it."
- Groucho Marx (1890-1977)
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Necessity of Boundaries
And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. - Deuteronomy 10:12
Skiing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is risky business. It's not for the weak hearted. The runs are dangerous and steep. They are tested by the ski patrol, dozens of warning signs are posted, and yellow tape block paths that lead to avalanche danger, loose rocks, or cliffs.
The Christian life is much like the terrain at Jackson Hole. There are plenty of marked runs and rugged terrain to keep the most adventuresome entertained and challenged, but there are also hazardous areas to avoid if we don't want to get hurt.
That's why the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit provide us with boundaries. They protect us by identifying life's harmful out-of-bounds areas; and provide freedom by keeping us unencumbered from sin and its consequences. That's truly what God was providing when he gave us the 10 Commandments. Open your Bible to Exodus 20 and re-read those with the concept of 'boundaries" in mind.
"I now realize that the small hills you see on ski slopes are formed around the bodies of forty-seven year olds who tried to learn snowboarding." - Dave Barry (1947- )
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Pursuing Your Dreams
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. - 1 Timothy 6:10-11
Are you postponing your dreams in hopes that Aunt Gertie will remember you in her will? Are you waiting to win the lottery? Or are you waiting until you lose thirty pounds, or your spouse gets his/her act together?
If the Lord has placed a dream in your heart, don't wait for external events to grant you "permission." Don't allow yourself to be hampered by fear, but do take a look at your motives.
The most important thing you can do with your dreams is to examine them in light of who gets the glory in the process... you or God? Cultivate the dreams born of the Spirit. You're happiest and most fulfilled when you're doing what God has designed you to do. He knows your frame, talents, skills, and desires. If you pursue the dreams He plants in your heart, I can promise you'll find more abundant life than you ever thought possible.
"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God." – William Carey (1761-1834)
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Reframing Our Work
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31
Too often we view our work as a curse rather than a divine calling. Renowned author Dorothy Sayers is precisely right in observing that we need "a thoroughgoing revolution in our whole attitude to work." Namely, that our work should be viewed not as a necessary drudgery to be undergone for the purpose of making money, but as a way of life in which we find personal delight and magnify God's glory. Sayer's believes work, "should be thought of as a creative activity undertaken for the love of the work itself; and that. . . [men and women], made in God's image, should make things, as God makes them, for the sake of doing well a thing that is well worth doing."
With the right attitude your work can be a source of personal blessing and a vehicle for glorifying God.
"Train yourself to recognize the hand of God in everything that happens to you." - Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
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Time in the Cocoon
I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. - Psalm 27:13-14
If you tear open a cocoon to set a butterfly free, the creature's wings will be severely underdeveloped. This is because the very act of struggling to leave the cocoon strengthens the butterfly's wings, preparing it for flight.
We too have times of transition and metamorphosis, yet our remedy is not unlike the butterfly's. If we try escaping God's cocoon before He's done transforming us, we risk undermining and delaying what He's trying to do. So when you're experiencing time in the cocoon, relax! In the stillness, you hear God. In the waiting, your character is formed. If you wait upon God and allow Him to release you from the cocoon, you'll be strong and prepared to fly in ways you never could have if you'd left the cocoon too soon.
"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly." - Richard Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983)
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He Is Risen
When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. - John 2:22
I recently stumbled upon a great Easter story told by Dr. George Sweeting regarding an incident in the early 1920s. Communist leader Nikolai Bukharin was sent from Moscow to Kiev to address an anti-God rally. For an hour he abused and ridiculed the Christian faith until it seemed as if the whole structure of belief was in ruins.
Then questions were invited. An Eastern Orthodox priest rose and asked to speak. He turned, faced the people, and gave the Easter greeting, "He is risen!" Instantly the assembly rose to its feet and the reply came back loud and clear, "He is risen indeed!"
Aren't those just the best words you could ever hear? News, movies, books, and people of influence may attempt to discredit Christianity, but they'll never thwart the truth, He is risen indeed!
What does Christ's resurrection mean for you?
"I believe in the sun even when it is not shining.
I believe in love even when not feeling it.
I believe in God even when He is silent."
- Anonymous
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Easter in Narnia
He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The Lord has spoken. - Isaiah 25:8
In C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the lion, Aslan, offers himself as a sacrifice for a little boy—a traitor named Edmund. When the lion rises from the dead he says:
". . . [the Witch's] knowledge goes back only to the dawn of time. But if she could have looked a little further back, into the stillness and the darkness before Time dawned, she would have read there a different incantation. She would have known that when a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward."
Does that story sound familiar? It should; it's the story of Easter. Jesus Christ gave his life for traitors whom he loved, was raised from the dead, and therefore broke the curse of death.
"Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection,
not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime." - Martin Luther (1483-1546)
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The Big One
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul. - Deuteronomy 4:29
When I was three years old, I went on an Easter egg hunt. Being so young, my mom let me watch the organizers hide the eggs. Before long, I'd spotted the man with the Big One—a jumbo sized, cream-filled chocolate egg wrapped in golden foil.
The moment I heard ,"Go!" I raced to the shallow hole where I'd seen him hide the egg. But my hand found nothing. I tried my other hand. Still nothing. I started digging and pulling grass. Then a loud scream broke my concentration. My prized egg had been moved to the oak tree and discovered by Lesely Waters. What had begun as a calculated victory ended in bitter defeat. Yet, I did learn a valuable lesson: What promises to bring happiness and fulfillment often leaves us empty.
Do you find yourself searching for the Big One? If the Big One is Christ, you're on the right path and need to look no further. If it's anything other than Jesus, you'll not be satisfied until you find Him.
"There will come a time when you believe everything is finished. That will be the beginning." - Louis L'Amour (1908-1988)
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Serving
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. - Colossians 3:23-24
At the heart of the Civil War was a large portion of free people who concluded that slavery shouldn't be. Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain was one of those men. In the movie Gettysburg he says, "This is a different kind of army. If you look back through history, you'll see men fighting for pay, for women, for some other kind of loot. They fight for land, power, because a king leads them, or just because they like killing. But we are here for something new. This has not happened much in the history of the world. We are an army out to set other men free."
Throughout history, God has been calling men and women to give of themselves so others can be free. Are you willing to make sacrifices for others?
"For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice — no paper currency, no promises to pay, but the gold of real service." - John Burroughs (1837-1921)
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The Hunt for Pleasure
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. - Philippians 4:12
Society says, "Just do it!" Friends say, "If it feels good, do it." And our flesh says, "More, more, more!" Our appetite for pleasure fuels our lives.
Is this a bad thing? Actually, you were designed for pleasure—but the pleasure that you were designed to seek—the pleasure that will truly satisfy—is finding pleasure in God.
Far too often, however, we set our sights too low, seeking satisfaction from power, food, status, money, or things. C.S. Lewis wisely reflected that we're like ignorant children who want to go on making mud pies in a slum because we cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. "We are far too easily pleased," he concluded.
Maybe you're dissatisfied in your hunt for pleasure, or maybe you're satisfied right where you are and you shouldn't be. Pause and reflect on the source of your pleasure. Only one source is lasting—seek God.
"Pleasure can be supported by an illusion; but happiness rests upon truth." - Sébastien-Roch Nicolas De Chamfort (1741-1794)
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Loneliness
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. - Proverbs 15:22
A recent study reported that the loneliest people in America are college students. Surprising? Other groups showing high levels of loneliness were the divorced, welfare recipients, single moms, housewives, and the elderly. This covers the majority of our culture, indicating that loneliness is an American epidemic.
To illustrate just how lonely many people are, Chuck Swindoll tells the story of a Kansas newspaper ad, which read, "I'll listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5." Swindoll said, "Sounds like a hoax, doesn't it? But the person was serious. Did anybody call? You bet. It wasn't long before this individual was receiving 10 to 20 calls a day. The pain of loneliness was so sharp that people were willing to pay to talk to a complete stranger for a half hour of companionship."
We were created for relationships. Don't go through life solo. Connect with someone today.
"Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for." - Dag Hammarskjold (1905-1961)
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Longing for Glory
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
In 1997, Sports Illustrated published a survey of 198 Olympic athletes.
They were asked if they would take a banned performance-enhancing substance if they were guaranteed they wouldn't be caught and they would win their competition. One hundred and ninety-five athletes said yes; three said no.
They were then asked if they'd take the substance if they were guaranteed they wouldn't be caught, would win every competition for the next five years, but would then die from the side effects of the substance. More than half the athletes said yes. This is both shocking and very sad.
O.K., sports fans, the Olympics take place every two years. Can you name five gold medalists at the most recent Olympics? (Can you even remember where they were held?)
We all have a longing for recognition and honor. But immortality and glory belong to God.
"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend." - J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973)
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Marriage
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. - Genesis 2:24
How can a stranger tell if two people are married? When eight-year old Derrick was asked this question he stopped to think for a minute. Then he replied most seriously, "You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids."
Kids really have a way of making us laugh, reflect, and, yes. . . sometimes yell, don't they? But young Derrick hit upon a very important fact: marriage can be tough—and that's true regardless of whether or not you have kids.
Finances, communication, intimacy, and sometimes-even kids can become sources of tension in your relationship with your spouse. Nevertheless, God's intention for marriage is that it be a source of joy, encouragement, comfort, and grace that gives richness to life.
"Marriage is the state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a mistress and two slaves, making in all, two." - Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)
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The Marshmallow Test
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23
They call it the marshmallow test. Researchers at Stanford University ran a test in the 1960s. A researcher would say to four-year-olds: "I am leaving for a few minutes to run an errand, and you can have this marshmallow while I am gone, but if you wait until I return, you can have two marshmallows."
A dozen years later, the researchers restudied the same children and found that those who'd grabbed the single marshmallow tended to be more troubled as adolescents, and they scored an average of 210 points less on SAT tests.
We teach our children to say their ABCs, to say please and thank you, their Bible verses, hymns, and how to tie their shoes...and all these are great things. But never underestimate the value of instilling self-control and delayed gratification.
Self control and delayed gratification are often missing in our training. Usually we fail because we lean on our own power. Remember, self-control is a fruit of the spirit—so if you truly seek to operate under the power of the Holy Spirit, self control will be evident in your life.
"What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)
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Materialism
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2
Even when I've sincerely turned to God in faith, the pursuit of things has tripped me up.
My first house was a great investment: Only $10,000 with a monthly mortgage payment of $100. I congratulated myself on being so financially astute.
But a door-to-door carpet salesman changed all that. Carpet was my house's only real deficiency. And upon showing me a sample of sea-foam green, stain resistant carpet, I was hooked. I simply had to have it. I didn't have the money to pay for it, so the salesman arranged for me to have credit.
But after I had the new carpet installed, I noticed how ratty my furniture looked. Before I knew it, I was lost in the tide of materialism.
What I thought would bring me respect and comfort made me a slave. Be careful about what becomes important in your life.
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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Perfectionism
If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come — one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?
Hebrews 7:11
Are you a person who's never quite satisfied because you can't attain perfection? I have good news for you! Perfection is unattainable, so you can rest from your efforts. Yes, excellence is a worthy goal, but perfection is nothing but pure fiction! You're not perfect, and neither is your spouse, your children, your boss, or your co-workers. Not even your dog is perfect.
Nevertheless, if you're a perfectionist, you'll be quicker to judge rather than show mercy. Most perfectionists end up correcting other people rather than connecting with other people.
If you struggle with this, remember—relationships are always more important than regulation, so be careful not to push yourself and the people in your life toward perfection. Lay down your spears, tear down those walls, and step forward to discover that it's perfectly fine to be human in every area of life.
"Perfection consists in one thing only: doing the will of God."
- St Vincent de Paul (1581-1660)
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Teen Anger
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 3: 17-18
When Benjamin Carson was a teenager he had a terrible temper. One day he got into a scuffle with another youth, drew a knife, and stabbed at the other boy. The blade, however, caught on the boy's belt buckle.
That moment was a flashpoint experience for Carson. He went home and fell to his knees, praying for three hours for the Lord to take his temper away.
So, what happened to that boy? Today Benjamin Carson is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, known all over the world for his surgical skills and care for his young patients.
But if God hadn't prevented his blade from striking or Carson hadn't conquered his temper that day, hundreds of patients would've been deprived of his compassionate care.
Aren't you glad God is in control and watches over every detail of your life?
"Don't lose your temper, use it."
- Dolly Parton (1946- )
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The Blame Game
Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Proverbs 12:19
When Mary and Emma's mom saw the chewed up book, she confronted her girls. Mary quickly pointed the finger to her little sister Emma. Emma immediately replied that her cousin Jacob did it. Now to appreciate Emma's response you must understand that cousin Jacob lived over 2,200 miles away and was still a baby without teeth! As you can imagine, mom had a hard time concealing a smile.
The blame game has a long history. Adam blamed Eve—she was the one who gave him the fruit. And he even blamed God. He basically said, "If you wouldn't have put this woman here, this wouldn't have happened!" Eve, of course, blamed the snake.
Do you find yourself often trying to shift blame? Blaming is easy, but there's honor and redemption when you take responsibility for your faults.
"I praise loudly, I blame softly."
- Catherine the Great (1729-1796)
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The Saddest Word
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 62: 5-6
Several famous people were asked what they felt was the saddest word in the English language. Listen to what some of them said:
· "But," said Lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II.
· Writer John Dos Passos quoted John Keats: "Forlorn! The very word is like a bell."
· Statesman Bernard M. Baruch said: "Hopeless."
· President Harry Truman quoted John Greenleaf Whittier: "For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'"
"But", "forlorn", "hopeless", "it might have been"...together these words describe the heart of a person without Christ. What a contrast these sad words make to the promises of God.
In Jesus Christ, a forlorn, hopeless heart haunted by 'buts' and 'it might have beens' is transformed into a heart of hope and purpose. Be encouraged by God's specific promises of joy and hope of transformation for your life.
"When hope is taken away from the people, moral degeneration follows swiftly after."
- Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973)
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A Good Name
A good name is more desirable than great riches;
To be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
- Proverbs 22:1
How important is your name? Sports columnist Skip Bayless reported this interesting story:
Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, offered sports-talk host David Kaplan $50,000 to have his name legally changed to "Dallas Maverick." When Kaplan declined, Cuban responded by offering to pay Kaplan $100,000 and donate $100,000 to Kaplan's favorite charity if he took the name for one year.
Kaplan did some soul searching, but held firm. "I'd be saying I'd do anything for money," he explained, "and that bothers me. My name is my birthright. I'd like to preserve my integrity and credibility."
Building a reputation of integrity and reliability happens by establishing a consistent track record of sound decisions and hard work. And no amount of money or fleeting temptation is worth its undoing.
"There is no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity." - Tom Peters (1942 - )
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Broken Dreams
"We both had dreams," they answered, "but there is no one to interpret them." Then Joseph said to them, "Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams." - Genesis 40:8
Do you have dreams that never came true?
• Maybe you were you told you had great talent—that you should go for it and make it to the top.
• Was your dream to be a star of stage or screen?
• Maybe your dream was to live a peaceful life teaching at a university with the security of tenure, writing a few bestsellers.
• Maybe you believed that you'd grow up, easily discover the person God chose for you, marry that person, make a lot of money, have great kids who were never a problem, and continue to live happily ever after?
Think about your great dreams that haven't come true—we all have some. Yet our broken dreams are by no means the end of the story, because they hold important lessons within them.
If you have faith in Christ, your final destination is secure. Our life here on earth is a character-building journey full of opportunities—to dream, to connect, and to love one another, and when there is brokenness, to adjust your dream, to re-connect, and to continue loving one another.
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved." - Helen Keller (1880-1968)
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Building A Team
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Galatians 6:2
Way up on the top of the Spanish Pyrenees Mountains lives the beautiful but elusive mountain goat. Mature mountain goats are often hunted for their coats, but it's extremely difficult to get within shooting range. Why? Because the mature goat has a companion: a young goat with good eyesight, good hearing and a good sense of smell follows it wherever it goes and sounds the warning if enemies emerge.
The rhinoceros is another magnificent animal. It can run at remarkable speeds and despite its poor eyesight, is fearless in charging its enemies. But the rhino gets help. The rhino's skin is infested with ticks, which are a delicacy to a little bird that rides on its back. The birds have keen eyesight, and when they sense danger they sound the alarm, alerting the rhino.
If you'd like to live your life in Christ to the fullest, you need to team up with others too! We weren't meant to go it alone! Choose to connect and to relate to others.
"Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships." - Michael Jordan (1963- )
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Our Only Real Hope
He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
The Lord is gracious and compassionate.
He provides food for those who fear him;
He remembers his covenant forever.
Psalm 111:4-5
Donna and her husband had two babies and barely got by on the tiny pension he received from the Navy. It took more than half their income just to pay the rent. Needless to say, the money often ran out before the month did.
One month, their financial situation was so bad Donna had no money left to buy laundry soap. She got on her knees and prayed, "God, I've never needed you like I need you now. I have nothing, and I need you to provide soap to wash these diapers."
Hearing a noise at the front door, Donna got up to see who it was. Someone had left a promotional sample of soap on her doorstep. Some would call the provision a coincidence, but Donna knew it was an act of God – a "divine" coincidence.
Are you dealing with difficult circumstances? Have you talked to God about your challenges, and your needs? God wants you to come to Him and to rely upon Him.
"Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there." - Old saying
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Perseverance
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12
Soon after making a decision to follow Christ, a young Nigerian named Daniel returned to his Muslim village. He was excited about his new faith. . . the people of his village were not. Furious at him, the women of the village beat him and left him for dead.
When he regained consciousness the following day, he decided he must not have been clear in explaining his new faith. So he went back to the village and witnessed again. The women beat him and left him for dead again. This time he remained unconscious for two days.
When he awoke, he again assumed he hadn't expressed himself well. So he returned a third time. This time the village women broke into tears at his perseverance, and eventually the good news of Christ gained a foothold in that place.
If you're weary in sharing the good news of Jesus with friends, family, or your kids—take heart. And remember, we share Christ by our actions and how we conduct our lives—as much as we do with our words.
"Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody." - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882)
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Struggle
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17
Either outright or subtly many people who follow Jesus and walk with God think they shouldn't struggle. We think God will give us lives of ease and comfort once we decide to follow Christ. The idea is: If we're good Christians, we'll have it all together. If we have enough faith, our conflicts and problems would resolve themselves. When you come to Christ, your problems disappear. In fact, many churches will communicate that very message week in and week out. As a result, those who attend those churches hide their struggles, because they mistakenly equate struggles with a lack of faith.
But the Christian walk wasn't meant to be a stroll through the park. Following Jesus won't remove struggles from your life; in fact it often adds to the struggle. Some of the most committed Christians have lived some of the most difficult lives. The Bible goes so far as to tell us to expect trials and difficulties, and to be joyful when we face them.
With Christ, you can do that. On your own, you're destined to fail.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
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The Fall
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73:26
Adam and Eve's fall – when they took the bite of that apple—wasn't like falling off a stepladder; it was like falling off Mount Everest. It was mankind's fall, and we weren't just dented; we were demolished.
Once we realize that all of our thoughts and desires are twisted, and all of our strength is diverted away from God; then we'll begin realizing how dangerous it is to rely solely on our own strength, desire, and wisdom.
Human strength fails when you don't see any results. Human motivation ends when applause and affirmation fade. And human wisdom tells us to get ahead and then quit.
But God's strength becomes perfect when we're weak. His approval comes when we stop trying to please the crowd. And His wisdom tells us to stop trying to lead the way and to follow Him instead.
Remember, God's grace is greater than our ability to mess up.
"Above all, believe confidently that Jesus delights in maintaining that new nature within you, and imparting to it His strength and wisdom for its work." - Andrew Murray (1828-1917)
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Thin Ice
But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:7-8
When I was a boy, I fell into freezing water while trying to cross some thin ice. A while later, my brothers took me to a frozen pond—where I wasn't in jeopardy of falling through. It was frozen thick and solid.
Yet even when my brothers ran out onto the ice to demonstrate its sturdiness, they had a difficult time convincing me it would support my weight. I'd been fooled by solid-looking ice before. Finally, they dragged me onto the ice. At first, I tested it nervously. Then slowly and hesitantly I began to trust the ice.
My experiences with ice remind me of the philosophies and teachings in which we put our faith. We have to test them to make sure they're trustworthy.
Are you trusting in thin ice? Or in something thick and solid? Put your faith in Christ!
"Trust the past to God's mercy, the present to God's love, and the future to God's providence." - St. Augustine (354-430)
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What's Wrong With Grownups
Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged. - Colossians 3:21
"What's wrong with grownups?" This was a question posed by a Sunday school teacher to a class of ten-year-olds. See if you recognize yourself in any of these complaints.
1. Grownups make promises, then forget them, or say it wasn't a promise, just a "maybe."
2. Grownups don't do the things they tell their children to do—like pick up their things or always tell the truth.
3. Grownups don't listen. They decide ahead of time what they're going to answer.
4. Grownups make mistakes, but won't admit them. They pretend they weren't mistakes at all—or that somebody else made them.
5. Grownups always talk about what they did and what they knew when they were ten-years-old, but they don't try to think what it's like to be ten-years-old right now.
If you're like me, right now you're thinking, "Ouch!" Children are perceptive, and they are much more pure in heart than we give them credit for. Take time for them, be honest with them, don't be afraid to say, "I'm sorry".
"Nothing you ever do for a child is wasted." - Garrison Keillor (1942- )
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Growing in Christ
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. - Isaiah 55:8
People today are striving for personal improvement, self-empowerment, and inner strength. Yet, Christianity has a completely opposite way of thinking; it's full of paradoxes. We die to live; we lose to find; and we surrender to gain strength.
When Jesus overcame death, he defeated the worst enemy of all. Today we're left to battle with far lesser foes, knowing that He's already won the war.
When we stop trying to control the outcome of every situation and stop demanding that God resolve our problems according to our dictates, we unlock the door for God to show us his redemptive purpose.
Praying, "Your will be done" gets us out of God's way and removes our ideas as to how things are supposed to work out in our lives, and allows God's ideas to take control
Are you struggling to be a better follower of Jesus? Spiritual growth results from trusting Jesus. A life of faith will enable you to trust God increasingly without knowing what's around the corner.
"Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith." - Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887)
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Perfect-Mate Myth
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrong. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Do you believe the Perfect-Mate Myth? It goes something like this: "If I just had the right mate, then my life would be all right." This belief is profoundly off base. First, it assumes that we are good and our spouse is the real problem. Second, it implies that there is such a thing as a "perfect" spouse, one who is beyond the reach of sin.
This delusion keeps couples from growing the way God wants them to grow. If you're in a difficult marriage, believing this myth will prevent you from the hard work and commitment necessary to repair the relationship. To keep your relationship stable and growing you must concentrate on building your relationship with God—as a couple and as individuals. If you do that, your marriage will be strengthened and your soul will be fed.
"If you judge people, you have
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False gods
O Lord, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in time of distress, to you the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, "Our fathers possessed nothing but false gods, worthless idols that did them no good. - Jeremiah 16:19
We like to call ourselves sophisticated. We trust in scientific theory and read the Wall Street Journal. We subscribe to the theory, secretly or not, that mankind has evolved intellectually and that we are far superior to our simple-minded, superstitious ancestors. We smirk when we read how they worshipped man-made gods—those deaf, dumb, and blind pieces of wood and gold.
Yet at the same time, we're on our knees worshipping more subtle, but just as tangible, false gods—the "isms" of our day: workaholism, as if the fruit of endless labors will finally bring satisfaction; legalism, as if being good and performing flawlessly will secure peace; intellectualism, as if we could get so smart that we would finally feel fulfilled; and materialism, as if some possession could bring us joy.
The first step in the worship of false gods is exchanging truth for lies. "You will not surely die," was the serpent's lie to Eve in the garden. Cling to the truth. Once it's discarded, you'll believe anything.
The truth of the Bible doesn't change with our circumstances of life; rather, it defines and weeds out all falsehood. Remember Jesus' words, "...the truth will set you free."
"A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on." - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
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Guilty or Not Guilty
"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water." - Hebrews 10:22
When I was twenty years old I fell into a deep depression. I began taking antidepressants and felt as old as a grandfather. My doctor diagnosed me with eighty-three ulcers and said I would have to make some serious life-style changes or have part of my intestines or colon removed. At the time I had no idea what was causing me such misery. Then I learned that guilt was literally eating away at me.
My guilt was a merciful wake-up call from God, showing me that I'd strayed into dangerous territory—my decisions we're not only hurting me but they were hurting others.
Guilt can be a merciless taskmaster, that drives us far from God, or it can gently lead us back to a right relationship with Him.
Do you struggle with guilt? Don't ignore it, but respond to the inner witness of the Holy Spirit.
"Guilt is the source of sorrow, 'tis the fiend, Th' avenging fiend, that follows us behind, with whips and stings" - Nicholas Rowe (1966 - )
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Humor
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. - Job 8:21
I'm always looking for humor in every situation. No matter where I'm ministering, I like to find something funny in a given set of circumstances and talk about that.
When I first came to faith in Christ, however, I was under the impression that I had to give up humor and become very solemn and serious. Soon the part of me that loved to smile and laugh began to wither.
But I didn't want that aspect of my personality to die. It was a unique part of me that God had created. In reality, it was one of my best strengths. So, over time, I began to let my humor come out again, and I discovered its strength in communicating truth and grace to others.
"God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh." - Voltaire (1694-1778)
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Service
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. - 1 Peter 4:10
Finding a way to help others is an expression of faith. It shows that we believe in the sovereignty of God. We don't' have to wait until the pain in our life is gone, because we know God can use it for good.
Finding a way to help others requires that you ask two questions: What is God doing? and How can I get into the flow of his activity? When we ask these questions, ideas will come. And once we begin doing this, the 'why is this happening' question, which once seemed so important, becomes irrelevant.
The best answer to why is always what. When we stop asking, "Why has God allowed this?" And begin asking, "What does he want me to do with it?", we're ready for God to start his work in us, and that prepares us for service, and that prepares us for service.
"I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use." - Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
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Relying upon Him
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you at the proper time,
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB
Do the demands of this day threaten to overwhelm you? If so, you must rely not only upon your own resources but also upon the promises of your Father in heaven. God is a never-ending source of support and courage for those of us who call upon Him. When we are weary, He gives us strength. When we see no hope, God reminds us of His promises. When we grieve, God wipes away our tears. God will hold your hand and walk with you every day of your life if you let Him. So even if your circumstances are difficult, trust the Father. His love is eternal, and His goodness endures forever.
Faith is not merely you holding on to God—it is God holding on to you. - E. Stanley Jones, 100 Days of Prayer
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Honoring God
Honor GOD with everything you own;
give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.
Proverbs 3:9-10 MSG
At times, your life is probably hectic, demanding, and complicated. When the demands of life leave you rushing from place to place with scarcely a moment to spare, you may fail to pause and thank your Creator for the blessings He has bestowed upon you. But that's a big mistake. Whom will you choose to honor today? If you honor God and place Him at the center of your life, every day is a cause for celebration. But if you fail to honor your Heavenly Father, you're asking for trouble, and lots of it. So honor God for who He is and for what He has done for you. And don't just honor Him on Sunday morning. Praise Him all day long, every day, for as long as you live . . . and then for all eternity.
God shows unbridled delight when He sees people acting in ways that honor Him. - Bill Hybels, 100 Days of Prayer
We honor God by asking for great things when they are a part of His promise. We dishonor Him and cheat ourselves when we ask for molehills where He has promised mountains. - Vance Havner
What lessons about honor did you learn from your childhood? Are you living what you learned today? - Dennis Swanberg
Happiness is to be found only in the home where God is loved and honored, where each one loves, and helps, and cares for the others. - St. Theophane Venard
Today's Prayer
I praise You, Lord, from the depths of my heart, and I give thanks for Your goodness, for Your mercy, and for Your Son. Let me honor You every day of my life through my words and my deeds. Let me honor You, Father, with all that I am. Amen
Beyond Guilt
There is therefore now no condemnation to those
who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh,
but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1 NKJV
All of us have sinned. Sometimes our sins result from our own stubborn rebellion against God's commandments. And sometimes, we are swept up in events that are beyond our abilities to control. Under either set of circumstances, we may experience intense feelings of guilt. But God has an answer for the guilt that we feel. That answer, of course, is His forgiveness. When we confess our wrongdoings and repent from them, we are forgiven by the One who created us.
Are you troubled by feelings of guilt or regret? If so, you must repent from your misdeeds, and you must ask your Heavenly Father for His forgiveness. When you do so, He will forgive you completely and without reservation. Then, you must forgive yourself just as God has forgiven you: thoroughly and unconditionally.
Prayer is essential when a believer is stuck in the pits of unresolved guilt. - Charles Stanley, 100 Days of Prayer
Let's take Jesus at this word. When he says we're forgiven, let's unload the guilt. When he says we're valuable, let's believe him. When he says we're eternal, let's bury our fear. When he says we're provided for, let's stop worrying. - Max Lucado
Spiritual life without guilt would be like physical life without pain. Guilt is a defense mechanism; it's like an alarm that goes off to lead you to confession when you sin. - John MacArthur
Stop blaming yourself and feeling guilty, unworthy, and unloved. Instead begin to say, "If God is for me, who can be against me? God loves me, and I love myself. Praise the Lord, I am free in Jesus' name, amen!" - Joyce Meyer
Today's Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the guilt that I feel when I disobey You. Help me confess my wrongdoings, help me accept Your forgiveness, and help me renew my passion to serve You. Amen
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An Examined Life
He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'" - Luke 8:10
One day a nearsighted elderly man who considered himself an art expert visited a museum. He'd forgotten his glasses and couldn't see clearly, but that didn't stop him from airing his opinions.
What he thought was a full-length portrait soon caught his attention. He gazed at it a moment, then began his criticism. "The frame is altogether out of keeping with the picture," he complained, "The man is too homely and shabbily dressed. In fact, it was a great mistake for the artist to select such a shoddy subject for his portrait."
He continued until his wife managed to discretely pull him aside. "My dear," she whispered, "you're looking in a mirror."
It's important to examine your life, but be sure you're using the only mirror able to both diagnose and heal–the life and Word of Jesus.
The best mirror is an old friend. -George Herbert (1593-1633)
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Consumed by Lust
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. - Titus 3:4-5
Radio personality Paul Harvey once told of how an Eskimo kills a wolf. The Eskimo coats his knife with animal blood and lets it freeze. Another layer of blood is added, then another, until the blade is completely concealed. The hunter then fixes his knife in the ground with the blade up. A wolf follows the scent, finds the source, and begins licking. Aroused by the taste, it licks the blood-covered blade progressively faster and harder.
Amidst the wolf's frenzy, it doesn't notice the eventual sting of the exposed blade on its own tongue, nor that it's now consuming its own warm blood. The wolf simply craves more–until it falls dead in the snow.
It's a grisly story, but a poignant illustration of how we too stand in danger of being consumed by our own lusts.
"My will was perverse and lust had grown from it; and when I gave in to lust, habit was born; and when I did not resist the habit it became a necessity. These were the links which together formed what I have called my chain, and it held me fast in the duress of servitude." -St. Augustine (354-430)
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Trust
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. - Psalm 62:8
Some people say there are times when we need to forgive God. This implies that God does wrong, which is never true. However, we may find it hard to place faith in God if we're convinced that He's let us down.
God is trustworthy, but we don't always know His mind, His reasons, or His ultimate intentions. We're prone to misinterpreting His actions in our lives.
Friends, our problem with trusting God doesn't stem from His untrustworthiness. It stems from our willful, misplaced determination to stand as judges over God Himself—determining right from wrong, good from bad, and better from best.
Yet one thing remains certain: You can trust God infinitely more than you trust yourself. So surrender to His wisdom, love, and mercy, and stop demanding that He act as we see fit.
"It is impossible to go through life without trust; that is to be imprisoned in the worst cell of all, oneself." -Graham Greene (1904-1991)
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God's Grace
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' - Matthew 15:18
A retired pastor, was returning home around midnight when he came upon a motorist covered in oil and red-faced with anger. Upon stopping his car, the pastor asked how he could help. The man asked for a ride and immediately let loose with a barrage of profanity. When he finished he asked the pastor what he was doing out so late. When he told him he was a pastor returning home from some evangelistic meetings, the embarrassed man asked the pastor why he didn't stop him. The pastor replied, "Your problem isn't your mouth. It's your heart." And he proceeded to share with the man who Jesus was and what it means to be one of his followers.
Sometime later, when the pastor told this story, he asked, "How else should we have expected him to speak?" adding, "Would it be better for a man to sing hymns all the way to hell?"
Remember, what comes out of your mouth is a reflection of the condition of your heart.
The heart of a good man is the sanctuary of God in this world. -Madame Necker (1766-1841)
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Healthy Grieving
But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. - 2 Timothy 1:10
The flight was headed for Los Angeles, and everything was going smoothly. Then, all of the sudden, a woman jumped to her feet, let out a pained and terrified shriek, and collapsed to her death in the aisle of the aircraft.
Death is always unsettling. But even more so when it's unexpected, and happens in a situation where others feel rather vulnerable themselves—like at 30,000 feet! The emotional intensity in that aircraft was unsettling, to say the least.
Sensing an opportunity to help, a pastor onboard stopped a flight attendant on her way down the aisle. He offered his services to anyone wanting to talk about the tragedy that just transpired. The attendant replied, "Sir, that won't be necessary. We'll be serving free drinks to all passengers."
Are you settling for a drink when Jesus who offers the only water to quench your thirst is available to you? In the quiet of where you are right now, you can ask Him to help you, to come into your heart and life as Lord and Savior. Or he's available to you through your connection with others who are His followers. Don't settle for anything less.
"In the night of death hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing." -Robert Ingersoll (1833-1899)
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Living with Limitations
"If you can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." - Mark 9:23
It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything. In other words, be honest about your limitations, but don't exaggerate them, or use them as an excuse to keep from being a productive person.
Joni Erikson Tada embodies this truth well. Paralyzed below the neck as a result of a diving accident, she has ministered to millions through her speaking, singing, and painting (she holds a paintbrush in her mouth!) What an inspiration she is!
Helen Keller who also embodied this truth expressed such an attitude in this beautiful statement: "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do."
Be hopeful of a man whose limitations are not yet known; maybe he won't reach them - Unknown
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Scary Truth vs. Deadly Denial
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32
Truth is a scary thing. Sometimes it frightens us into a "see no evil" way of life. Why? Well, for some of you life's been incredibly difficult. You've survived what you hope is the worst and have no interest in further suffering. Denial may be the only coping mechanism you know, and you'd rather endure miserable circumstances than the painful discomfort of change that acknowledging the truth will require.
Ending denial brings with it the threat of loss. And people sometimes resist seeing the truth and accepting reality because of it. Accepting the consequences of truth may cause the loss of income, possessions, family, friends, or prestige.
What people seldom recognize, however, is that denial has even worse consequences, like the loss of life–emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes, even physically. Friends, truth is scary. But its alternative–denial–is worse than scary, it's deadly.
Remember, Christ told us that once we hold to His teaching, the truth will set us free!
Truth–is as old as God–
His Twin identity
And will endure as long as He
A Co-Eternity. -Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)
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Small Slits Sink Ships
He must become greater; I must become less. - John 3:30
Did you know scientists now believe a series of slits, not a giant gash, sank the Titanic? The supposedly invincible cruise liner went down in 1912 on its first voyage. Fifteen hundred people perished, making it the worst maritime disaster of its time.
Until recently, the most widely held theory was that the ship hit an iceberg, opening a huge gash in the vessel's side. But an international team of divers and scientists has used sound waves to probe the wreckage, buried in the mud under two-and-a-half miles of water. The damage was surprisingly small. Instead of a huge gash, they found only six, relatively narrow, slits across the watertight holds.
Small slits can sink great ships. What are the small slits in your life that might have serious consequences? Is some shoring up in order? If you don't know what exactly needs shoring up, or you do know but don't know how—seek some help—from a friend, your pastor, or a professional counselor.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." -Unknown
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The More the Better
Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. - Proverbs 25:28
Webster's Dictionary defines the word "excess" as "Action that goes beyond a reasonable limit. An amount greater than is necessary." If you live in the United States, this concept isn't very difficult to grasp. Our new American motto seems to be "the more, the better"—no matter what it's more of. Listen to these statistics:
- Obesity, time spent watching television, and consumer credit debt are at all-time highs.
- About one in five Americans has a sexually transmitted disease.
- Addictions now affect over 30 percent of American families.
- There were over 1.5 million personal bankruptcies filed last year.
- The average American household wields more than16 credit cards, and carries credit-card balances of almost $9,000 per household.
- There are now more registered cars on our roads than there are licensed drivers.
Jesus said he came that we might have an abundant life, not an excessive life. There is a difference!
"Where there is too much, something is missing." - Jewish saying
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The Strangeness of God
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9
Disruptive peace; majestic meekness; unsettling comfort – these phrases don't seem to make sense. But anyone who's had a personal encounter with God understands that these apparent paradoxes come together in Him.
The Dean of the Chapel of Calvin College, wrote, "The faithful evangelical preacher of God ought to say not only that God is great and God is good, but also that God is elusive and God is strange...because spiritual health depends upon it."
It's dangerous to think we know God's mind, God's will, or God's intentions. In fact, to fear God is, in part, to recognize that His ways are not our ways. For certain, He's revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and He revealed Himself in how He moved and worked through the lives and stories recorded in the Bible. But He hasn't revealed Himself exhaustively. He hasn't ceased to work in mysterious ways. And that's why we surrender to Him. He's greater than we can think or imagine and will work in strange ways—ways we can't even think of or imagine.
"I have felt His hand upon me in great trials and submitted to His guidance, and I trust that as He shall further open the way, I will be ready to walk therein, relying on His help and trusting in His goodness and wisdom. " - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865)
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