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).
Monday, October 31, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
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.
(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.
Friday, October 21, 2011
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.
'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.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, October 7, 2011
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).
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).
Thursday, October 6, 2011
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
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
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
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.
Monday, October 3, 2011
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)