Write the vision and make it plain. Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV

When a dream comes from God and you commit yourself to it, it will 'surely' be fulfilled.  Yes, you will stumble, be stretched to new limits and maybe even stagger across the finish line, but you will make it.  You will get to the Promised Land.

Look at Moses: he had a history-changing message to deliver to Pharaoh, yet he was a poor speaker.  He had marriage problems.  He was a 'sole trader' who had to reach his breaking point before he learned to delegate responsibility to others.  He had a problem with his temper, as a result God said, 'This is the land I promised, I have let you see it, but you will not cross over into it." (Deuteronomy 34:4 NIV).  But Moses finally got there! 1,400 years later he stood with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration: right in the middle of it!

You say, 'I have failed so badly.'  David committed adultery, yet his psalms bring strength to multitudes and he's quoted in pulpits around the world.  God didn't excuse David, but he forgave him and used him.  'David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God  was buried'  (Acts 13:36 NKJV).

The Bible describes God as, 'ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness' (Nehemiah 9:17 NKJV).  Notice the words 'ready to pardon.'  God is ready when you are, all you have to do is turn to Him.  Before Habakkuk wrote about his vision, he said, 'I will watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected' (Habakkuk 2:1NKJV).  Corrected but not discarded!  Isn't that wonderful? That's how God's grace works!

He restoreth my soul [peace of mind]. Psalm 23:3

When life overwhelms us we usually look for one of two things.  We may look for somebody with all the answers. The trouble is, when you look to someone for that which only God can provide, you set that person up to fail and yourself up to be disappointed.  Alternatively, we may look for somewhere with fewer problems.  Paul Harvey wrote, 'After Hurricane Andrew devastated South Florida, Patricia Christy vowed she was going to leave on the first plane.  She was determined to get as far away from the horror of hurricane damage as she possibly could and have a restful vacation.'  Harvey said, 'I just heard from Patricia Christy.  She was standing in line for fresh water on the Hawaiian Island Kauai, having just gone through Hurricane Iniki!'

Sheep get anxious when storms come, predators roar, or they are forced to move to unfamiliar territory. How do they handle such times?  By moving closer to the shepherd!  Have you lost your peace of mind today?  Read the following Scriptures; they will help you move closer to your Shepherd:

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them.  (Psalm 5:11 NKJV).

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.  (Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV).

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.  (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV).

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him.  (Nahum 1:7 NKJV).

For the Lord remembers us and will bless us.  (Psalm 115:12 NIV).

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23:5 NKJV

To protect his sheep the shepherd must constantly be on the lookout for a small, brown snake called the adder that can pop up out of its hole, bite the sheep and kill them.  And that is what the Lord has done for us!  He has dealt with Satan, the old serpent, and has prepared for us 'a table in the presence of our enemies'. He has done for us what He did for Peter after his infamous chapter of denial: invited us back into fellowship with Him. Three days after Jesus rose from the dead, the angel said, 'Go, tell His disciples  and Peter, that He is going before you into Galilee' (Mark 16:7 NKJV).  The biggest failure was the only one Jesus singled out by name.  When Peter reached the shore that morning beaten and weary, the fire was burning, the meal was prepared, and Jesus was saying, 'Come and dine' (John 21:12).  Have you failed badly?  Jesus invites you to come, be fed, be healed and restored to fellowship with Him.  But a word of caution: Peter didn't think he would fail, but he did.  And so can you.

St Augustine said, 'The devil is like a mad dog that's chained up.  He is powerless to harm us when we are outside his reach, but once we enter his circle we expose ourselves again to injury or harm.' You are no match for the enemy!  But God has given you a strategy for dealing with him: 'Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you' (James 4:7 NIV).

Write the vision and make it plain. Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV

Notice two important things about vision:

(1) Your vision must come from God.  There is a difference between setting your own goals and having a God-given vision.  When your vision is of God, 'it will surely come' (Habakkuk 2:3).  You won't have to orchestrate events; God will provide the resources and open doors at the right time.  Your steps will be directed by Him.  Here's an interesting Scripture: 'time and chance happen to them all.  For man also does not know his time: like fish taken in a cruel net, like birds caught in a snare, so the sons of men are snared in an evil time' (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 NKJV).  God will reveal to you your destiny and give you an opportunity to fulfil it.  But you can resist it, or postpone it, or give your life to other things and end up missing your 'time' and 'chance.'  Don't get caught in that net or trapped in that snare and forfeit what God has for you.

(2) Your vision will be connected to a certain field.  Joseph's dream started with a field of wheat (Genesis 37:6-7).  What's your field?  Whether God calls you to the field of medicine, education, finance, real estate, or some other field, it's to be a blessing to others.  God told Abraham, 'I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing' (Genesis 12:2 NIV).

Don't seek fame, seek to serve others.  If you do, your impact will be greater than your image and your eternal reward greater than anything you can drive, wear, live in, or hang on a wall.

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. James 5:16 AMP

In the Old Testament Abraham journeyed south.  When he reached Gerar we read that he
'said of his wife Sarah, "She is my sister."  Then Abimelech king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her' (Genesis 20:2 NIV).

Can you imagine how Sarah felt, trapped and alone in the palace, contemplating what lay ahead at the hands of her captor?  And what's worse, her husband, the man she trusted with her life, let it happen!  We are not privy to how Sarah prayed that night.  But she must have touched the heart of God because He 'came to Abimelech in a dream and said, "the woman you have taken is married, return the man's wife and you will live, if not, you will die'' (Genesis 20:3-7 NIV).

God's directives are always clear; there is never any ambivalence about what He says.  'The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it wherever he pleases' (Proverbs 21:1 NIV).  That means authority figures who don't even know you exist, have to stop and listen when God speaks, because to Him 'one man is not different from another' (Romans 2:11 AMP).

So what can you do when you are helpless to change a situation you didn't create?  Or when someone you loved and trusted lets you down?  Pray!  Instead of giving in to bitterness or fear, cry out to God.  He will hear you like He heard Sarah.  How can you be sure?  Because His Word says, 'The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.'

No matter how bad things may look right now, and they looked pretty bad for Sarah that night, your prayers carry weight with God.

My cup runs over. Psalm 23:5 NKJV

Paul writes, 'Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20 NKJV).  Our God is a God of abundance!  In Scripture, the overflowing cup is a powerful symbol.  As long as your cup was kept full you were welcome.  But if it sat empty, the host was hinting that it was time to go.  If he really enjoyed your company he kept filling it until it ran over the edge and down onto the table. Is your cup overflowing today?  That means you are welcome at God's table, your seat is guaranteed, nobody can take your place, and your needs will be abundantly supplied.

Whatever the blessing in your cup, it's sure to run over.  With God the calf is always the fatted calf, the robe is always the best robe, the joy is unspeakable, the peace passeth understanding.  God's way is always characterized by overflowing bounty.  So the last thing on earth we need to worry about is 'making ends meet'.  Our cup overflows.  Take grace, for example: 'The more we see our sinfulness, the more we see God's abounding grace forgiving us' (Romans 5:20 TLB).  To abound is to have a surplus!  The cup God gives overflows with mercy.  Are you afraid it will run dry?  That your warranty will expire?  That your mistakes are too great?  No way!

Before Paul became a Christian he went around persecuting, imprisoning and killing Christians. Yet he wrote, 'grace was poured out on me abundantly' (1 Timothy 1:14 NIV). Whatever you need today, God has in abundance.  So ask, and believe Him for it!

The lips of the godly speak helpful words. Proverbs 10:32 NLT

A World War II poster reads, 'Careless words cost lives'.  So when you hear something negative about someone, ask yourself four questions.

First, is it true?  'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor' (Exodus 20:16 NKJV).  That's one of the Ten Commandments, not the ten suggestions!  Until you are certain it's true, say nothing.  Wait; time always reveals the truth.

Second, is it confidential?  Did you hear it as a result of someone else's having broken a confidence?  If you speak it, will you be contributing to the violation of a confidence? Remember, 'Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered' (Proverbs 11:13 ESV).  Your usefulness to God requires that you don't sacrifice your integrity by betraying trust.

Third, is it helpful?  Will it tear others down or build them up?  Satan is devoted to pulling down, discouraging and defeating; don't be his accomplice.  '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).  Will it be beneficial and encouraging to those who hear it?

Finally, is it necessary?  Stop and ask yourself, 'What do others gain by my saying it, or lose by my not saying it?'  Always keep this in mind: you are more likely to regret the things you said than the things you didn't.  'A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards' (Proverbs 29:11 KJV).  Be wise, be careful what you say.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical!  But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back a thought struck him.  It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!  This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself.  No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well!  What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

That's life!  If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity, the adversities that come along to bury us usually have within them the potential to benefit and bless us!  Remember that forgiveness, faith, prayer, love, praise and hope, all are excellent ways to "SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP" out of the wells in which we find ourselves!

The lips of the godly speak helpful words. Proverbs 10:32 NLT

Your tongue can be a source of great blessing because it can provide people with two things they need.

First, it gives wisdom. 'The mouth of the godly person gives wise advice.  The lips of the godly speak helpful words' (vv. 31-32 NLT).  Paul told Timothy, 'You have heard me teach [many] things, teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others' (2 Timothy 2:2 NLT).  Pass on what God has taught you to those who need guidance and are hungry for knowledge.  Don't be pushy, but don't be timid; share with them what God has shared with you.  If you give a hungry man a fish he will live for a day; if you teach him how to fish he will live for a lifetime.

Second, your tongue can give correction. Nobody enjoys being corrected.  But if you 'Listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise, reject discipline, you only harm yourself, listen to correction grow in understanding, humility precedes honor' (Proverbs 15:31-33 NLT). Nobody likes to risk rejection by being the truth-teller, but 'You can trust a friend who corrects you' (Proverbs 27:6 CEV).

Three important principles apply here. First, you speak truth on the basis of friendship.  If you haven't proven yourself, leave the truth telling to someone who has.  You have to earn that right.  Second, truth telling isn't a licence to go hunting.  A true friend cares about others' feelings, and speaks the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).  Third, appreciation will come, but be prepared, it may be delayed!  'In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery' (Proverbs 28:23 NLT).

These commandments, impress them on your children. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV

Teach your child the importance of standing up for what is right.  Our children gravitate towards whatever pleases the important people in their lives, right or wrong out of their need for acceptance.  If their peers are doing it, peer approval will be a powerful influence on them.  It's not always about good kids versus bad, or about morality versus immorality, it's about being kids!

Solomon, recalling his own youthful tendencies, counseled, 'My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.  If they say, "Come along with us" do not go along with them' (Proverbs 1:10-15 NIV).

We become like the company we keep, and if our kids are to stand for God against destructive influences they need instruction in several areas.

First, the qualities of true friendship.  Teach them that true friends seek each other's best interests, and whoever leads them into danger or sin is not a friend.

Second, the inevitable law of consequences. 'A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit will reap eternal life' (Galatians 6:7-8 NIV).  And reinforce your teaching by refusing to rescue them from their consequences.

Finally, the right kind of heroes.  Instead of rock stars or sports celebrities of questionable character, introduce your children to Bible heroes who modeled godliness, righteousness and courage under pressure!

Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart; who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors... Those who do these things shall never be moved. (Psalm 15:2-3,5 NRSV Bible)

How do we find the truth about God and Jesus Christ? How can we discern who is teaching the truth about the Christian faith and who is not?

Remember, actions speak louder than words. Look at the example of Jesus. He valued people and little children and life itself. Jesus was concerned about truth and honesty. Even when Jesus was confronted by the people who opposed him, he treated them with respect and wisdom. Jesus' actions proved that he cared about people and their human situation. He healed people, fed people, gave people hope, and forgave people. Jesus also took a lot of time for prayer to discern God's will. Jesus humbled himself, as he relied on God and not on himself.

The most important truth test is the Bible, God's word to all of humanity. When we study and know God's truth from the Bible, then we can use that knowledge to test those who teach and share our Christian beliefs. There's a story about a woman who was a new Christian. And as a new Christian, she listened to any person who proclaimed to be a Christian. Over time, though, she realized that not all people who claimed to be Christian offered a true message from God. As she matured in her faith, she had to learn to discern between those who spoke the truth and those who didn't.

Childlike Faith? by Darren Hewer

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”

Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Matthew 18:1-4

What does Jesus mean when He says we are to “become as little children”? Jesus has been misunderstood as promoting a naive or simplistic “childlike faith”. And if that’s true, aren’t all these Bible studies, sermons, and discipleship a waste of time? While we’re at it, if naiveness is so important, why waste time reading devotionals?

However, I don’t think that’s quite what Jesus had in mind. The Bible often encourages us to increase in wisdom and understanding; for example: “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding” (Proverbs 3:13, TNIV) Paul tells us that in Jesus we may find “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3) So if Jesus didn’t we should “become as little children” in the sense of naivete or simplicity, what did He really mean?

Reading a verse in context will usually clarify its meaning. Jesus’ admonition to “become as little children”in verse 3 relates, in context, to entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Then He says: “Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (v4)

Jesus is not speaking about childlike faith, He is speaking about our attitudes towards entering the Kingdom. Jesus clarifies that we become “childlike” by being humble. A child in the first century had lower social status than his or her parents; thus they were ascribed a certain sort of humility. Jesus is admonishing us to become humble … not naive.

Why is humility important? Jesus urges us to be humble (ex. Luke 14:11) because “True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life” (Proverbs 22:4) Humility is the opposite of pride, but it certainly doesn’t mean feeling bad about yourself! Instead, being humble means recognizing our own strengths and failures, submitting to God alone, and treating others with respect and dignity … even as better than ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

This, I think, is what Jesus had in mind by becoming like “little children”. Even as we increase in knowledge and wisdom, we still must recognize our limits, and like a child trusting and following their father, so too must we try to remain humble as we follow our Father in Heaven.

We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. (Romans 12:6 NRSV Bible)

It is important for us to understand that each of us have different gifts, and it is important that we use well the gifts God has given to us. There are no superstars in God's work. In God's perfect plan for the world each of us has different talents, interests and abilities. Not all of us can be teachers. Who would feed or clothe us? Whom would we teach? Not all of us can be farmers. Who would bandage our wounds when we are hurt? Our world functions as smoothly as it does because God has gifted us in unique ways.
So it is with the work of the Kingdom. Each of us has a different spiritual gift. When we all use our gifts as God intends, then the world is blessed and our own lives are enriched.
All great leaders have recognized that to be effective, we must use the gifts God has given us. Grady Wilson for years handled evangelist Billy Graham's business affairs. We are told that some time back Wilson was faced with a decision about whether to move the Billy Graham organization to larger quarters. Unable to arrive at a decision, he called Dr. Graham for advice. Graham answered kindly but firmly. "I don't call you and ask you what I should preach," he said. "Don't call me about what you should do with buildings."
One of the secrets of Billy Graham's success has been in locating people with gifts and entrusting them to use those gifts. Each of us has different gifts. The key to successful living is not to grieve over the gifts we do not have, but to take those we do have and use them in honoring God.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

A young seminary graduate came to see me while he was investigating various possibilities of Christian service. In particular, he had come to discuss the ministry of Campus Crusade.

“In what way do you expect God to reveal His place of service for you?” I asked him.

“I’m following the ‘closed-door policy,’” he replied.” A few months ago I began to investigate several opportunities for Christian service. The Lord has now closed the door on all but two, one of which is Campus Crusade. If the door to accept a call to a particular church closes, I’ll know that God wants me in Campus Crusade.”

Many sincere Christians follow this method – often with most unsatisfactory and frustrating results. God does sometimes use closed doors in the life of a Spirit-controlled Christian, as the apostle Paul experienced on different occasions, but generally one does not discover God’s perfect will through a careless “hit-or-miss” attitude that ignores a careful evaluation of all the issues.

Such an approach is illogical because it allows elements of chance to influence a decision rather than a careful, intelligent, prayerful evaluation of all the factors involved. It is unscriptural in that it fails to employ the God-given faculties of reason that are controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Why not follow the “open-door policy” of Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting God for His clear direction? This is God’s provision for supernatural living.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. Psalm 23:2

Are you like the man who said, 'The devil never takes a vacation, so why should I?'  Since when did the devil become your role model?  The words 'He maketh me to lie down in green pastures' teach us that only the shepherd can choose the path, prepare the pasture, and protect us.  Our role is simply to follow, feed and fellowship with Him.  Getting the idea?

Of the Ten Commandments God gave to Moses, which one do you think required the most words?  Adultery?  No, that only took five words.  Murder?  No, that only took four words. The longest of the Ten Commandments is about taking a day off: 96 words! (Exodus 20:8-11).  God knows us so well: He knew the store owner would say, 'Somebody's got to work that day; if I can't my son will.' So God says, 'Nor thy son.' 'Then my daughter will.' 'Nor thy daughter.' 'Then an employee.' 'Nor thy manservant.'  God says, 'One day a week you will say no to work and yes to worship.  You will slow down, sit down, lie down and rest. After all, I rested on the seventh day and the world didn't crash.  So repeat after me, "It's not my job to run the world."'  Charles Spurgeon said, 'Even the sea pauses at ebb and flood; earth keeps the Sabbath of the wintery months, and man must rest or faint, trim his lamp or let it burn low.  In the long term we shall do more, by sometimes doing less.'  The bottom line is that if you honor God's principles you will find rest for your body, mind and emotions.

Make allowance for each other's faults. Colossians 3:13 NLT

C S Lewis said, 'Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive.'

Author Mac Anderson writes, 'A few times in my life I have been wronged.  My first reaction  was anger and resentment.  I felt my stomach tie up in knots, my appetite wane, and the joy slip out of my life like I had played the first half of a basketball game in steel shoes.  In the locker room the coach said, "Try these new Nikes in the second half."  Multiply that by ten and you will understand how it feels to unload your emotional baggage through the power of forgiveness.'

Jesus dismissed the myth that love is based on feelings.  It is an act of your will, and if you love God you will keep His commandments.  It's that simple.  If you are struggling to forgive someone who has hurt you, here are some scriptural guidelines to help you.

Don't seek retribution.  Instead, 'overcome evil with good' (Romans 12:21).  God said, 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay' (Romans 12:19).

Don't rush to judgment.  That is not always easy when you are the injured party, but the ultimate Judge said, 'With what judgment you judge, you will be judged' (Matthew 7:2 NKJV).  Make things right.  Jesus said, 'be reconciled to your brother' (Matthew 5:24 NIV).

Don't wait for the other person to make the first move, you do it.  Paul says, 'Make every effort to live in peace with all men' (Hebrews 12:14 NIV).  Pray for the offender.  As much as it goes against your grain, when you 'pray for those who mistreat you' (Luke 6:28 NIV), God gives you the grace to forgive and see them through His eyes.

“Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49)

These are the words spoken by Jesus to His Mother, after she had anxiously been looking for Him. It was their custom to go to Jerusalem at the Feast of the Passover every year.  At that time, Jesus was only twelve years old.  His parents, not knowing that Jesus had stayed behind, began their journey back home.

An entire day went by, when they discovered He wasn’t with them.  When their own relatives and acquaintances also didn’t know where he was, they went back. After seeking Him for three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

I can only imagine the look on Mary’s face, when she finally found Him, and asked, (I’m sure with a stern voice) “Son, why have You done this to us?  Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously”.

Jesus answered her and with words they couldn’t understand. His words held a profound truth. If we can understand and take it to heart it will have a great impact on us.

When Jesus said “I must be about My Father’s business”, He was not referring to Joseph, but to His Heavenly Father.  In John 5:19 Jesus said that He can do nothing by himself but only what he sees His Father doing.  Again, in John 6:38 He says that He came down from heaven, not to do His will, but to do the will of the One who sent Him.

Jesus did nothing apart from His Father and longed only to live the purpose His Heavenly Father had for Him.  Only He truly knew what it entailed and all He was called too, likewise, only you know your Father’s purpose for your own life.

Do you know that God created you with purpose? You are His Workmanship and He prepared works for you even before the foundation of the earth was laid. I believe that if we take the stance Jesus took – living out of a heavenly perspective, being aligned with the will of God our Father, knowing His thoughts towards us for our lives – His purpose will prevail and succeed through us, giving Him glory!

Nothing could stop Jesus from fulfilling His purpose to destroy the works of the devil, set the captives free, bring good news to the people and heal all those who were oppressed by the devil.   No, not even His own earthly parents.

We must be about our Father’s business.  We must ask Him what it is He created us for and be obedient walking into His perfectly chosen destiny for our lives.

Having believed, you were marked with a seal. Ephesians 1:13 NIV

If you are having doubts about your salvation, understand this clearly: the moment you trusted in Christ as your Saviour, His blood cleansed you from all sin.  At that point 'you were marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit guaranteeing [your] redemption' (vv. 13-14 NIV).  The Bible says, 'You are not to be like cowering fearful slaves.  You should behave instead like God's very own children, adopted into his family calling him, "Father, dear Father!"  For the Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us we are God's children.  And since we are his children, we will share his treasures for everything God gives to his son, Christ, is ours too' ( Romans 8:15-16 NLT).

In the book of Ruth we read that 'the custom in Israel concerning redeeming [was] one man took off his sandal, gave it to the other, and this was a confirmation' (Ruth 4:7 NKJV). Notice, the 'redeemer' put on another man's sandal, signifying his willingness to stand in his place.  That's what Jesus did for us at the cross.  He stood in our shoes so we could stand before God in His redeemed and righteous!  Don't let doubt steal your joy.  Refuse to go by your feelings.  Make up your mind to believe what God says, for until you do you will be plagued by uncertainty.  Study God's Word until you can say with assurance, 'I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day' (2 Timothy 1:12 NKJV).

Are you trusting in Christ as your Saviour? Then your salvation is not in doubt. The deal is sealed!

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”(Psalms 20:7)

Save Me from my Successes

Written by Bill Strom

A few weeks ago I was flipping through the New Year’s edition of a popular sports magazine and came across a list of famous athletes and coaches who died in 2010. Even if one isn’t a big sports fan, it would be hard not to recognize names such as John Wooden, George Steinbrenner, Don Meredith, and Manute Bol. Most of the deceased were mature in years and died of natural causes.

Yet other young personalities passed away under more grievous conditions. Some fell to heart attack—an irony among people committed to excellent physical conditioning. Yet MLB pitcher Jose Lima, NBA guard Quintin Dailey (49), and NFL defenseman Gaines Adams (26) died when their hearts gave out.
Still others took their lives when life’s problems seemed insurmountable. NBA player Mel Turpin (49), sprinter Antonio Pettigrew (42), and boxer Edwin Valero (28) did so. Most sobering was seeing that LPGA golfer Erica Glasberg (25) had once been named NCAA freshman of the year in college, and was twice All-American took her own life. The article said she “struggled to adapt to life on the LPGA tour.”

What many of us would give to be Freshman of the Year in any sport, or All-American even once. And yet success can breed expectations for ourselves, and from others, which, if we don’t live up to, might lead us to think we are less than we should be.

But it’s more than just expectations. Success can also bring wealth, and with wealth may come the burden of privilege and entitlement. When life doesn’t continue to deliver in spades, we can become anxious, or worse, embittered.

My sense is that our successes can lead us to place our skills and smarts and achievements above God so we begin to trust ourselves more and Him less.

The prophet Isaiah may have had this in mind when he warned the Israelites not to run to or depend on the wealth and technology of the Egyptians, their neighbors to the south. He wrote:

“Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD.” (Isaiah 31:1-3)

Whether someone else’s horses or chariots, or our own accomplishments and success, the warning still holds. God save us from our successes.

“Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God’s Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 (TEV)

The Bible tells us that there is a God-shaped vacuum in our hearts. There is a hole in our hearts that only God can fill.  We were made to be connected to our Creator.  We were made to know Him and to be plugged into His power.

Your heart is designed to contain God.  God wants to live inside of you but when your life is filled with other things, there’s no room in your heart for God. This means you’re not plugged into God’s power and that’s why you’re tired all the time. And that’s why you’re stressed out all the time and that’s why you worry all the time.

And that’s why the Bible says the unspiritual person has no room for the gifts that come from God’s Spirit. It’s not that God doesn’t want to give them to you; it’s that you can’t handle the gifts because your heart is filled with so many other things.

It’s like this: How many people do you know who cannot park a car in their garage? Garages are made for cars.  That’s how they are designed.  That’s what gives the garage its purpose. But we fill them up with all kinds of other stuff that they were never designed to hold.

The same thing is true in our hearts. Your heart was made to contain God, but when you fill it with worry and stress and guilt, you have no room for God.

Your heart may be crowded with good things, work or sports or hobbies, but they were never designed to take first place in your heart. In fact, you can be serving God and working for God and still miss God. Even good things do not have the power to hold your life together when the heat is on. And that’s why your life starts falling apart.

Now is the time to de-clutter your life. What things have a greater priority than God in your life? Let me help you get started – What do you think about the most? The answer to that reveals who or what has first place in your heart.

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13

Many people have the misconception that being “called” by God is something only missionaries, pastors, nuns, and other church leaders experience. But the Bible says everyone is called to serve God by serving others.

We are not saved by serving, but we are saved for serving. The Apostle Paul gives three insights related to this:

First, the basis for serving others is salvation. Paul says, “You were called to be free.” You cannot serve God until you’ve been set free by Jesus. It’s the prerequisite for serving.

Until you experience the transforming power of God’s grace in your life, you’re too enslaved by your own hurts, habits, and hang-ups to think much about others.

Without the freedom of forgiveness, you’ll end up serving for the wrong reasons: trying to earn the approval of others, trying to run away from your pain, trying to remedy your guilt, trying to impress God. Service motivated by these illegitimate reasons is bound to leave you burned out and bitter in the end.

Second, the barrier to serving others is selfishness. Paul warns, “Do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature.” The No. 1 reason we don’t have the time or energy to serve others is that we’re preoccupied with our own agendas, dreams, and pleasures.

Only a small minority of people use their lives to serve others, but Jesus said, “If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” (Mark 8:35, LB)

Third, the motive for serving is love. Paul says, “Serve one another in love.” This is an important key to building community: 1 Corinthians 13:3 records, “No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.” (The Message)

God is far more interested in why you serve others than in how well you serve them. He’s always looking at your heart, serving willingly and eagerly out of love for Jesus and gratitude for all he’s done for you.

You are most like Jesus when you’re serving others. After washing his disciples’ feet, Jesus said, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15, NLT)

What now?

- How can I help? – Consider your response to this Scripture verse: “Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, ‘How can I help?’” (Romans 15:2, The Message)

- Who will you serve this week? Ask God to bring to mind someone you should serve this week, and ask him what you should do for that person. Then do it!

“Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not just feasting for yourselves?’” (Zechariah 7:5, 6)

Going Through the Motions

Written by Suzanne Benner

God was challenging the people and the priests of that day. In essence, He was asking, “Are you really serving Me or are you just going through the motions?”  There are lots of religious things we do: tithing our money, attending church, caring for the poor, praying for the sick, celebrating holy days. Therefore, the same question hangs in the air for us.

Are we doing these things for God or just to make ourselves feel better? Are our activities merely religious duty or have our hearts been changed? Are we just going through the motions? Let us search our hearts and ask God’s Holy Spirit to reveal our attitudes and motivations. Then we can humbly seek His will and His way.

When we are truly seeking God, instead of simply participating in activities that look good, He will enable us to love unconditionally, to forgive those who have hurt us, to be unselfish and show compassion.

As Zechariah continues, “This is what the LORD Almighty says: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.” (Zechariah 7:9, 10)

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23, 24)

“Lord, every morning you hear my voice. Every morning, I tell you what I need, and I wait for your answer.” Psalm 5:3 (NCV)

Any doctor will tell you the most important meal of the day is breakfast because the way you start your day influences the rest of your day. That’s true not just physically, but spiritually.

That’s why the most important part of your day is your time alone with God. Setting aside time in the morning to be alone with God will set the pattern of your attitude and response to every event and person for the rest of your day.

Whether it takes five minutes or thirty, there are four things you need to do in this time alone with God that will set your spiritual thermostat for the day.

1. Read God’s Word. You don’t have to read a lot, just enough until God speaks to you. It’s amazing how God will use his Word in your life. As the prophet Isaiah said, “The sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom” (Isaiah 50:4). I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read something in my morning quiet time that was exactly what I needed to share with someone later in the day.

2. Be quiet before God. Noise is one of the major sources of stress in peoples’ lives. Your body needs a certain amount of quiet, and you need to carve out time in your life for this quietness. You will be less stressed if you start your day with quiet time before God.

“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15 NIV). The worst thing you can do in the morning is get up and immediately check your e-mail or turn on the news. You need time to meditate on God’s good news before you fill your mind with bad news.

3. Talk with God. Notice it says “talk with God,” not “talk to God.” Prayer is a conversation, not a one-way street. And it’s not the amount of words you say in prayer that make it effective. It’s about sharing what’s on your heart with God – your feelings, concerns, thoughts, and adoration. Just talk with God and then wait on him to respond.

4. Review your day and goals with God. Take time to go over your schedule, your goals and your day’s to-do list with God. There are dozens of verses in Proverbs that talk about planning with God and teaching you to number your days, which means looking at your time and pondering where you are going.

It’s easy to set goals, but if you don’t look at your goals every day, you will never accomplish them. Or as I like to say, “Without review, I lose my view.” Make sure you allocate part of your quiet time to review the vision God wants you to have.

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15)

Jesus explained to His disciples that in the parable of the sower (Luke 8:4-15), the seed represented the word of God. In order for God’s word to do its work in our hearts, we must first hear it.

We can hear God’s word each week by going to a Bible-believing church.  We hear the word through the hymns and worship songs we sing and through the sermon. More than that, we hear God’s word every time we read the Bible and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to us. This involves not only listening with our ears, but having a heart willing to receive instruction.

Yet hearing the word isn’t enough, because, as shown in the parable, many heard the word but only a few produced a crop. Only a few showed evidence in their lives that they had been changed. The next essential step is to retain the word.

As any teacher will tell you, the best way to retain information is to put it into practice. Later in the same chapter, Jesus says, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” (Luke 8:21)  Not only must we put into practice what we hear from God’s word, but we need to persevere. Troubles will come, as will times of success; joyful events and seasons of heartbreak. Through it all, we need to continue to listen to God’s word and put it into practice.

“But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”” 1 Samuel 15:22

God wants you to be successful. This does not mean He has an automatic plan for you to become rich or famous, although either of these may be included in His ultimate design for your life.

God’s idea of success begins at the Cross where Jesus died. Success is not measured by what you do in life or what you gain financially. Your love and devotion to Jesus Christ measure your success.

In 1 Samuel 15, we read how Saul decided he would offer a sacrifice that only God’s anointed priest was commissioned to offer. Since Samuel was not present, Saul felt justified in his actions and made the sacrifice himself.

This one act of disobedience cost Saul the kingdom. Here is a lesson we need to learn if we are going to be successful. God anoints certain people to do certain things. He has placed leaders in our lives for a reason. If we want to lead, we must first learn to follow.

If you fail to submit to your God-given authority, then success from God’s perspective will be difficult to achieve.

A successful person has learned humility to the point that he no longer thinks about whether he has gained it or not.

We are called to do the will of God, but this only can be done at the feet of Christ.

Are Circumstances Out of Control?

"And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory."  Romans 8:26-30 NLT

There are numerous situations where we are overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness and despair. We find ourselves beset by unmanageable circumstances that are totally beyond our control. In our weakness and dismay, we become so fretful and fearful that we even lose sight of the promises of God. We cry to Him for help and cling to the hope that He will change our outward circumstances. Even in our groaning and supplications, we hardly know what to request because our vision is so limited.

In times like this, it is a great comfort to remember that we have a Guide, a Governor, a Caretaker who sees what we really need. His timely interventions are usually inward instead of outward. That is, while we want to see circumstances change, He wants us to change. In our weakness, we cry out for relief, while the Holy Spirit is sifting our groanings through the will of God. As our advocate, He is committed to interceding with the Father on our behalf. And His petitions are always heard because they perfectly fit with God’s great purposes for our lives.

That is why the apostle Paul was so certain about all things working together for good to those who love God. He said, “we know,” not “we hope.” He spoke with assurance, not in terms like “maybe,” “if,” or “but.” Moreover, this certainty takes in “all things,” not just some things. What confidence we should all have! Our heavenly Father, the sovereign God of this universe, is exercising supervisory control over every single affair in our life.

Lessons from a Man on the Run

"O Lord, you have examined my heart
      and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
      You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.
You see me when I travel
      and when I rest at home.
      You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
      even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
      You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
      too great for me to understand!

I can never escape from your Spirit!
      I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
      if I go down to the grave,you are there.If I ride the wings of the morning,
      if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
      and your strength will support me."  

Psalm 139:1-10

In the light of God’s omniscience and omnipresence, it is easy to wonder why Christians still attempt to run from Him. Jonah certainly demonstrated that it could not be done, and yet people insist on trying. Why?

Sometimes they act out of pure selfishness. It seems that we have an unlimited capacity to believe we know what is best for us, no matter what God thinks or says. Sometimes we balk out of simple fear: we are afraid that we might not succeed; we are concerned that others will be critical of our efforts; or perhaps we fear obedience might be too costly. What we often fail to recognize is the high price of turning aside and fleeing from the Lord.

Jonah paid dearly for his rebellion. Not only did he suffer embarrassment, terror, and guilt, but he also jeopardized the lives of innocent men. You cannot run from the Lord without inflicting heavy punishment on innocent people. How many fathers and mothers walk away from their children and say, “I can do what I want. It’s my own life.” No, it is not. You cannot leave little children fatherless or motherless without reaping lifelong pain and suffering. Nor can you sin against the Lord without paying a terrible price yourself and hurting others in the process.

In spite of this awful reality, it is also true that God is forgiving – He offers a second or third or fortieth or millionth chance. (Jonah 3:1) He kept after Jonah as long as it was necessary, and He will be faithful to you as well.

Write the vision and make it plain. Habakkuk 2:2 NKJV

Habakkuk describes his vision as, 'The burden which the prophet saw' (Habakkuk 1:1 NKJV). He 'saw' it wherever he went.  It drove him to his knees.  He prayed, 'O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear?  Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble?  The law is powerless, and justice never goes forth.  For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore perverse judgment proceeds' (Habakkuk 1:2-4 NKJV).  Before God blesses you with a plan of action He will burden you with the problem you have been called to help solve.

Lewis Braille wanted to read and write.  But at three years of age he was blinded in a tragic accident while playing in his father's harness shop.  Refusing to settle for a world of darkness he said, 'I will make a system so that the blind can read and write.'  As a result, millions of sight-impaired people have been blessed by the Braille system.

The Psalmist cried:  'The zeal for [my Father's] house has consumed me' (Psalm 69:9 NAS). What's your all-consuming desire?  What are you passionate about?  What has God called and gifted you to do?  Paul's burning desire was to reach the world for Christ.  And he succeeded.  When his enemies imprisoned him, instead of giving in to defeat he turned his cell into a writer's retreat and penned thirteen epistles that would change more lives after he left the world than he could ever hope to touch while he was in it.

What are you willing to give your life to, and for?  If your vision is truly of God, you will 'feel' it.

“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

Perseverance

Written by John Grant

The cleaning product Formula 409 didn’t get its name from the area code where it was developed. And it’s not the birth date of the creator’s daughter. Formula 409 got its name from perseverance. The two persistent scientists didn’t get the formula right on the 101st, or even the 401st try. Only when they created the 409th formula were they satisfied that they’d created the ultimate cleaner. Perseverance pays off in life.

What does the Bible say about perseverance? The Bible teaches that we must trust God and persevere in difficult times. God is faithful He will never leave us or forsake us. The Bible offers comfort and hope when we go through hardships and trials. We must remain in Christ stand firm and continue to do the work that God has called us to do. God loves us and He will always be with us. Continue to trust in God and in His will for your life.

The writer of Hebrews tells us (12:1-2) to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Life is more like a long run than a short sprint. Christians can run the race of life well only by laying aside any impediment that hinders one from putting forward their best effort.

People who persevere undertake their tasks in spite of difficulty and refusing to give up or give in.

Think about what aspects of life do you persevere in? Lowering your handicap? Increasing your income? Winning an election?

What about perseverance in your spiritual life? Do you press on for spiritual growth and maturity with the same zeal as you pursue the secular goals and focus of your life? Only when we keep persevering in our quest to be closer to God do we really come to understand that He is faithful to deliver on all of His promises.

As you run the race of life, remember to persevere and never give up or give in.

The fear of the Lord adds length to life. Proverbs 10:27 [3] NIV

The secret of ageing well is staying young at heart, staying close to God, 
and staying fully engaged with life.  The mirror isn't your problem; how you 
see yourself is.  Have you noticed how 'young' some older people are, and how 
'old' their peers seem?  Seeking the elusive fountain of youth isn't the 
answer, nor is surrendering to time and fate.  Rather, do these two things.
 
First, be realistic!  Nothing is sillier than a woman made up to recreate what 
she hasn't been for decades except an older man in an unbuttoned shirt 
flashing jewelry intended to recreate the macho image of a lost youth.  When 
you are comfortable with your age and stage of life, others will be too.
 
Solomon points out that age decreases vigor, dims vision, slackens muscles, 
stiffens joints, whitens hair, and so on (Ecclesiastes 12:1-5 [4] TM). 
Vitamins, exercise and a good attitude help, but you must be realistic in 
order to handle ageing with dignity.

Second, keep giving. 'Be generous; invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high
returns.  Don't hoard your  goods; spread them around. Be a blessing to others'
(Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 [5] TM).  Don't stop investing your energy and resources into
God's kingdom because you think it's time for the young folk to take over.  If you
do that loneliness and depression will set in, and illness and death soon follow.
 
When you shut the door, draw the curtains and isolate yourself, you're old at 
any age. But when you stay in the mainstream, give yourself to God and 
others, you'll stay young all your life!

He leadeth me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2

Faith means trusting in advance, what will only make sense in reverse.  If you fear the future, look back and see how God took care of you in the past.  This call to mind and 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.  The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him (Lamentations 3:21-25 NIV).  You say, 'I don't know what I will do if my loved one dies.'  You will when the time comes.  You say, 'I don't know how I will pay these bills.'  Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides, will be there when the time comes.  You say, 'I am not qualified to handle this, there is too much I don't know.' Maybe you want to know everything too soon.  God will give you wisdom when the time comes.  The key is to meet today's problems with today's strength, and leave tomorrow in God's hands.

During World War II, Arthur Sulzberger, publisher of The New York Times, found it hard to sleep or rid his mind of fear until he adopted these words from the hymn 'Lead, Kindly Light': 'I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step is enough for me.'  And God isn't going to let you see the distant scene either.  No, He promises a lamp for your feet, not a crystal ball for your future.  'He leadeth me' and that is enough for today.  And tomorrow?
'we will find grace to help us when we need it' (Hebrews 4:16 NLT).

God is the controller of all things. 1 Timothy 6:15 PHPS

We all worry from time to time, but wise people have learned to avoid over-anxiety by following these guidelines.

(1) Define the situation clearly.  What exactly is it you are worrying about?  Be specific. Often when we take time to clarify the problem, a way to solve it will present itself.

(2) Face the worst that can happen. Would you lose your job?  Your relationship?  Your investment?  In most cases even if the worst did happen, chances are it would not ruin you.  It may be inconvenient or painful, but does it really warrant all the anxiety you are giving it?

(3) Resolve to accept the outcome, whatever it is.  Most of the stress of worry comes from denial, from not being willing to face the worst that could happen.  Once you make up your mind to accept whatever happens, you will find worry loses its power over you.

(4) Work to improve the situation.  Renowned neurologist James H Austin said, 'Chance favours those in motion.'  Do all you can to ensure the best possible outcome, and 'after you have done everything, stand' (Ephesians 6:13 NIV).  Stand on God's promises!

(5) Give the problem to God.  He is 'the controller of all things'.  The Psalmist said, 'Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you' (Psalm 9:10 NIV).  Remember, nothing can happen to you today, or any other day, that God is not aware of, in control of, and able to bring you through.

In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Genesis 12:3 NKJV

In order to bless all the families of the earth, Abraham had to start with his own family.

Before a man could qualify for leadership in the New Testament church, they examined his home life (1 Timothy 3:5).  Their thinking was, 'If he doesn't succeed there, don't enlarge his territory.'  But if you are going to enjoy God's blessing as a family you must learn to cope with difficulties.  So:

(1) Try to remember that you are all on the same team.  Don't take your frustrations out on your loved ones.  Too often, home is where we go when we are tired of being 'nice.'

(2) Before you speak, get the facts.  Nothing is more damaging than jumping to conclusions.  'Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything' (Proverbs 13:3 NLT).

(3) Handle it with wisdom.  List all your options and you will be more objective.  That's how you would handle a problem at work; why not do the same with your family?

(4) Find something good in the situation.  It's only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually.  It's through the pain of confronting them that we learn.  No matter how bad things seem, every situation holds something positive, look for it.

(5) Make sure they know you love them.  It's okay to express how you feel so long as you do it graciously.  But make sure your family knows you love them.  When people feel loved they can weather almost any crisis.

Think: when do you need God's love most?  When you deserve it least!  Try to follow suit.

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1 NKJV

In Greece there is a place tourists seldom visit.  The writer of Hebrews may have had it in mind when he wrote, 'lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and  run with endurance' (Hebrews 12:1 NJKV).  It is where the Isthmian Games, a forerunner to the Olympics, were held: a place where athletes were hailed as heroes.  To develop muscle they trained with weights strapped to their legs, but on the day of the race they stripped off anything that wasn't essential.  There is a lesson here.  We think what we are clinging to is important.  If we didn't, letting go wouldn't be a struggle; we would simply set it down.

The Christian life is a race that starts the day you accept Christ and ends when you meet Him face-to-face.

In order to cross the finish line as a winner you must eliminate:

(1) Anything that slows you down.  In other words, anything that hinders your spiritual progress.  In and of itself, it may not be wrong, but it becomes a 'weight' when it stops you from living for God to the fullest.

(2) Anything that causes you to stumble short of the finish line.  You must constantly monitor the level of your commitment to Christ, the growth of your faith, your home life, your relationships, your integrity, your work ethic, your thought life and your habits.

Make up your mind to stay focused on the prize.  Greek athletes who won received a garland that eventually withered, but 'you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade' (1 Peter 5:4 NIV).

Isn't that a race worth running?

Why are we sitting here until we die? 2 Kings 7:3 NKJV

The armies of Syria had besieged Samaria and the people were dying of starvation.  Four lepers, whose disease forced them to live outside the city walls, had got used to living on scraps of bread people threw over the wall each day.  But now no more scraps were coming their way.  So they said to themselves, 'Why are we sitting here until we die?'  So they took action.  'They rose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians, to their surprise no one was there.  For the Lord had caused the Syrians to hear the noise of a great army.  Therefore, they arose and fled and left their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, these lepers went into one tent and ate and drank, and carried from it silver and gold and clothing.  Then they said to one another, 'We are not doing right.  This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent, let us go and tell the king's household' (2 Kings 7:3-9 NKJV).

This story teaches us three important truths.

First, that crisis becomes our friend when it moves us to take action.  Only when we are sick and tired of being sick and tired, will things begin to change for the better.

Second, that once we take a step of faith, God will move on our behalf.  The only thing that can limit Him is our doubt, our stubbornness and our complacency.  His Word says, 'Therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you' (Isaiah 30:18 KJV).

Finally, it teaches us that when God blesses us, we can't keep it to ourselves.  Others need what God has given us, and we must get it to them on time.

You should follow His steps. 1 Peter 2:21 NKJV

If you want to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, observe the following things about Him:

(1) He never acted in haste.  He didn't make decisions in response to the pressure tactics of others.  Skilled negotiators know that waiting is a weapon; whoever is the most hurried usually ends up with the short end of the deal.  Waiting reveals the weakness in any plan, plus the motives of those around you.  Your greatest mistakes will often happen because of impatience, so think long term.

(2) He knew when to work and when to rest.  In the storm on the Sea of Galilee the disciples sweated, but Jesus slept.  In the garden of Gethsemane the disciples slept, but Jesus sweated.  That's because He knew when to work and when to rest.  Knowing when to act and when to trust, what to give your attention to and what to leave in God's hands, is a secret you must learn if you are to do God's will and not burn out.  Nobody was busier than Jesus.  Everybody wanted something from Him.  The more successful you are the more people will reach for you.  Jesus separated Himself in order to receive.  He understood that you can't give what you don't have.  Work means giving; rest means receiving.  Jesus understood the balance; that is why He accomplished so much in three short years.

When you are rested you think more clearly, you make better decisions, you see life through confident eyes, you accomplish more in less time, and what you build is built to last.  So stop your frantic rush.  Following in the footsteps of Jesus means being led, not driven!

The Lord is my shepherd. Psalm 23:1

Abraham Lincoln wrote, 'I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go.  My wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.'

All of us feel that way at times.  That is because we are all sheep in need of a shepherd.  Of all God's creatures, sheep seem the least able to care for themselves. They are directionless: they will walk off a cliff or wander into a river and drown.  They are defenseless: they have no claws so they can't fight, run fast or climb a tree to safety. They are dirty: your cat and dog can clean themselves, but sheep get dirty and stay that way. You say, 'I don't like being compared to sheep.' All right, then answer these questions.

How well do you control your impulses?
Do you ever play the victim?
Can you relate to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?
Are you always upbeat and upright?
Do you add to the conflict and confusion, or do you always make peace?
Do you truly love people, or do you just use them for your own ends?
Are you generous, or do you mostly give to those who have something to give back to you?
On a scale of one to ten, how do you score when it comes to the fear of people, or failure, or sickness, or death, or rejection or risk?
Is your life an open book?
How often do you fail and need forgiveness: weekly? daily? hourly?

It sounds like you need a shepherd! So instead of saying, 'The Lord is my shepherd', try saying, 'Because I need a shepherd, I make You Lord of my life'.

You anoint my head with oil. Psalm 23:5 NKJV

The shepherd anoints his sheep with oil for two purposes.  First, to repel insects.  If allowed to deposit their eggs into the soft membrane of a sheep's nose they can drive the sheep insane; the ewes stop giving milk and the lambs stop growing.  So the shepherd anoints his sheep with an oil-like repellent that keeps the enemy at bay and the flock at peace.  Second, to heal wounds.  Most wounds result from living with the flock.  So the shepherd regularly inspects his sheep because he doesn't want today's wound to become tomorrow's infection.

Whether circumstances are driving you crazy, or you have just been wounded as a result of living with the flock, always go to the Shepherd.  Before you go to anybody else, go to God because 'He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds' (Psalm 147:3 NIV). Then, bow before Him.

In order to be anointed the sheep must lower their heads and let the shepherd apply the oil.  Humble yourself, call on the Lord.  'God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him, he will not be slow to answer them' (Luke 18:7 NCV).  David writes, 'I shall be anointed with fresh oil' (Psalm 92:10).  Yesterday's oil is quickly contaminated by the dirt and grime of the journey, so you must go to God daily and ask Him to empower you with His Spirit.  A sheep doesn't understand how the oil works, but it doesn't have to.  It is enough to know that something happens in the presence of its shepherd that happens nowhere else.

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 NIV

Sometimes we may let the actions of another cause us to lose control of our temper.  Before we do, it is important to remember that;  An angry man stirs up dissension, and
a hot-tempered one commits many sins (Proverbs 29:22).  For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger
produces strife.  Proverbs 30:33

Understand [this], my beloved brethren.  Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.  For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires].  James 1:19-20 AMP

So the next time that someone treats you wrongly turn it over to God to handle, and do   not lose your temper or try to get even with them.  For we know him who said, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," and again, "The Lord will judge His people." Hebrews 10:30

Therefore, try your best to keep your words soft and sweet.  For we never know from day to day which words we will have to eat!  Also remember; Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  1 Peter 4:8

For his name's sake. Psalm 23:3

Have you ever asked, 'How could God use someone like me?'  The Psalmist answers, 'For his name's sake'! Only one name counts and it's not yours!  With the same intensity that God hates pride, He loves humility.  His Word says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble' (James 4:6 NIV).  So here are a few tips on staying humble.

First, evaluate yourself honestly.  Don't be like the beaver who told the rabbit as they stared up at the immense wall of Hoover Dam, 'No, I didn't actually build it myself.  But it was based on an idea of mine.'  The Bible says, 'Don't cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself,  but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities' (Romans 12:3-4 PHPS).

Second, learn to celebrate others.  Paul writes, 'don't try to impress others.  Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves' (Philippians 2:3 NLT).  Every goal scored in life is usually a team effort.  Be like the little boy who came home from the auditions for the school play and announced, 'Mommy, I got the part.  I have been chosen to sit in the audience and cheer.'  When you can do that, your head finally fits your hat size.

Finally, don't announce your success before it occurs. 'One who puts on his armour should not boast like one who takes it off' (1 Kings 20:11 NIV).  When one of Charles Spurgeon's students proudly stepped up to preach, but came back down having failed miserably, Spurgeon supposedly said something like, 'If you had gone up the way you came down, you would have come down the way you went up.'

God blesses our efforts only when they are done 'for his name's sake'.