“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.