20 November 2007
'What more could have been done to My vineyard ,That I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, Did it bring forth wild grapes?' Isa 5:4
The prophet Isaiah told the story of a man with a vineyard on a fertile hill. The man cultivated the ground and removed the stones so that nothing would hinder the vines’ growth. He planted only the best quality vines. He built a tower in the middle of the vineyard so he could watch for wild animals and intruders. He constructed a wine vat so that he would be ready for the ripe grapes.
Then he waited. Rather than producing good grapes, however, the vineyard produced worthless ones. The story illustrates the relationship between God and His people. God has done everything necessary for us to produce an abundance of spiritual fruit in our lives. He saved us when we were without hope. He gave us His Holy Spirit to produce fruit in our lives (Ga 5:22-23). He removed our sin so that we are free to serve Him. We have the Bible in numerous translations. We have access to more Christian books, music, videos, conferences, schools, radio and television stations, magazines, and seminars than ever before. There are churches of every kind and size. We have teachers and pastors to instruct us and encourage us. Most of all, we have direct access to God through prayer. Jesus said that to whom much is given, much is expected (Lk 12:48).
One day God will hold us accountable for all that He has done for us. He will ask us to show Him the fruit of all of His bountiful provision for our lives. What will He find?
Wait on the Lord
19 November 2007
'Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Ps 27:14
Waiting is one of the hardest things to do. We want to be people of action. We feel better if we are doing something to address our need, but waiting forces us to rely on God. David learned what it meant to wait. He was chosen by God to be the next king of Israel, then spent years waiting for the day God's Word would come to pass in his life. As he waited, a paranoid, egocentric king occupied the throne that had been promised to him. David spent his time hiding in caves and living among his enemies. As he waited he saw good friends murdered and his family and possessions taken. He saw Israel's enemies wreak havoc on his nation. Perhaps no one ever faced greater adversity while waiting upon God's promise than David did. He certainly understood what it meant to become discouraged and fearful.
But David also enjoyed the reward for waiting upon the Lord. He became the greatest king in Israel's history, and, more importantly, through his trials he became a man after God's own heart. The psalms David wrote during his days as a fugitive have been cherished words of encouragement for millions of people through the ages. Through David's descendants came the Messiah. David's willingness to wait has blessed us all.
Times of waiting on the Lord can be some of the most precious moments in your life (Jn 11:1-6). If you are waiting on God for something, read Isa 40:31 and find encouragement as you wait for Him to fulfill His promises to you.
'Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Ps 27:14
Waiting is one of the hardest things to do. We want to be people of action. We feel better if we are doing something to address our need, but waiting forces us to rely on God. David learned what it meant to wait. He was chosen by God to be the next king of Israel, then spent years waiting for the day God's Word would come to pass in his life. As he waited, a paranoid, egocentric king occupied the throne that had been promised to him. David spent his time hiding in caves and living among his enemies. As he waited he saw good friends murdered and his family and possessions taken. He saw Israel's enemies wreak havoc on his nation. Perhaps no one ever faced greater adversity while waiting upon God's promise than David did. He certainly understood what it meant to become discouraged and fearful.
But David also enjoyed the reward for waiting upon the Lord. He became the greatest king in Israel's history, and, more importantly, through his trials he became a man after God's own heart. The psalms David wrote during his days as a fugitive have been cherished words of encouragement for millions of people through the ages. Through David's descendants came the Messiah. David's willingness to wait has blessed us all.
Times of waiting on the Lord can be some of the most precious moments in your life (Jn 11:1-6). If you are waiting on God for something, read Isa 40:31 and find encouragement as you wait for Him to fulfill His promises to you.
Knowing God
17 November 2007
'And God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them.” Ex 6:2-3
As God has walked with His people through the generations, He has progressively revealed His nature according to His purposes and the needs of His people. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew Him as God Almighty, because they needed His mighty power to protect them from their enemies. Moses and the Israelites learned that God was Lord, Master over every nation and every thing. God not only delivered them from the most powerful ruler in the world, but also brought them into the Promised Land. They came to experience Him as Lord, preeminently powerful over the pagan gods of their day.
God will continue to reveal His character to you according to your needs and according to His purposes. You will come to know more and more about Him as you obey Him. When you grieve, He will come to you as Comforter. When you are in need, He will demonstrate that He is the Provider. When you face a serious challenge, He will reveal that He is God Almighty.
Your understanding of God's character ought to be greater now than when you first became a Christian. You ought to know Him today better than you did five years ago. Sadly, some Christians continue to live year after year with the same basic knowledge of God that they had when they first began walking with Him.
Whatever your present situation, view it in the light of what God is teaching you, through circumstances, about Himself and you will come to know God in dimensions you have never known Him before.
'And God spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name Lord I was not known to them.” Ex 6:2-3
As God has walked with His people through the generations, He has progressively revealed His nature according to His purposes and the needs of His people. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew Him as God Almighty, because they needed His mighty power to protect them from their enemies. Moses and the Israelites learned that God was Lord, Master over every nation and every thing. God not only delivered them from the most powerful ruler in the world, but also brought them into the Promised Land. They came to experience Him as Lord, preeminently powerful over the pagan gods of their day.
God will continue to reveal His character to you according to your needs and according to His purposes. You will come to know more and more about Him as you obey Him. When you grieve, He will come to you as Comforter. When you are in need, He will demonstrate that He is the Provider. When you face a serious challenge, He will reveal that He is God Almighty.
Your understanding of God's character ought to be greater now than when you first became a Christian. You ought to know Him today better than you did five years ago. Sadly, some Christians continue to live year after year with the same basic knowledge of God that they had when they first began walking with Him.
Whatever your present situation, view it in the light of what God is teaching you, through circumstances, about Himself and you will come to know God in dimensions you have never known Him before.
Obedience
16 November 2007
'Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Ge 22:1-2
Our difficulty is not that we don't know God's will. Our discomfort comes from the fact that we do know His will, but we do not want to do it!
When God first spoke to Abraham, His commands were straightforward. “Go to a land I will show you” (Ge 12:1). Then God led Abraham through a number of tests over the years. Abraham learned patience as he waited on God's promise of a son, which took twenty-five years to be fulfilled. Abraham learned to trust God through battles with kings and through the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The pinnacle of Abraham's walk of faith was when God asked him to sacrifice the one thing that meant more to him than anything else. Abraham's previous obedience indicated that he would have quickly and decisively sacrificed anything else God asked of him, but was he prepared for this?
God did not ask Abraham to make such a significant sacrifice at the beginning of their relationship. This came more than thirty years after Abraham began walking with God.
As the Father progressively reveals His ways to you in your Christian pilgrimage, you, like Abraham, will develop a deeper level of trust in Him. When you first became a Christian, your Master's instructions were probably fundamental, such as being baptized or changing your lifestyle. But as you learn to trust Him more deeply, He will develop your character to match bigger tests, and with the greater test will come a greater love for God and knowledge of His ways. Are you ready for God's next revelation?
'Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” Ge 22:1-2
Our difficulty is not that we don't know God's will. Our discomfort comes from the fact that we do know His will, but we do not want to do it!
When God first spoke to Abraham, His commands were straightforward. “Go to a land I will show you” (Ge 12:1). Then God led Abraham through a number of tests over the years. Abraham learned patience as he waited on God's promise of a son, which took twenty-five years to be fulfilled. Abraham learned to trust God through battles with kings and through the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The pinnacle of Abraham's walk of faith was when God asked him to sacrifice the one thing that meant more to him than anything else. Abraham's previous obedience indicated that he would have quickly and decisively sacrificed anything else God asked of him, but was he prepared for this?
God did not ask Abraham to make such a significant sacrifice at the beginning of their relationship. This came more than thirty years after Abraham began walking with God.
As the Father progressively reveals His ways to you in your Christian pilgrimage, you, like Abraham, will develop a deeper level of trust in Him. When you first became a Christian, your Master's instructions were probably fundamental, such as being baptized or changing your lifestyle. But as you learn to trust Him more deeply, He will develop your character to match bigger tests, and with the greater test will come a greater love for God and knowledge of His ways. Are you ready for God's next revelation?
Dangers of Pride
15 November 2007
'A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.' Pr 29:23
Pride is the great enemy of the Christian. Pride is an overly high opinion of yourself. It motivates you to do things that you know are not Christlike, and it hinders you from doing what brings glory to God.
Pride influenced Adam and Eve to try to become like God (Ge 3:5). Pride motivated Cain to murder his brother (Ge 4:5). Pride provoked Joseph's brothers to sell him into slavery (Ge 37:8). Pride caused King Saul to resent David so deeply that he tried to murder him (1Sa 18:8). Pride led King Hezekiah to foolishly reveal his nation's wealth to his enemies (Isa 39:2). Pride was at the root of the Pharisees’ anger toward Jesus. Pride was the reason the disciples argued over rank in the kingdom (Lk 9:46).
Pride is your relentless enemy. If you succumb to its influence, there will be consequences. You may know that you have offended someone, but pride holds you back from asking forgiveness. You may realize you need to reconcile a broken relationship, but pride will lead you to deny that need. The Spirit may convict you that you are living a sinful lifestyle, but pride will discourage your admitting it. Pride will convince you that you deserve better treatment. Pride will impede your serving others. Instead, pride will have you striving for places of prominence. Pride will have you listen to flatterers and ignore honest counselors. Pride will lead you to isolate yourself so that you are not accountable to others.
Humility, on the other hand, is pleasing to God and places your life in a position where God will honor you. If pride has crept into some areas of your life, ask God to give you victory over it before it robs you of God's will for you.
'A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.' Pr 29:23
Pride is the great enemy of the Christian. Pride is an overly high opinion of yourself. It motivates you to do things that you know are not Christlike, and it hinders you from doing what brings glory to God.
Pride influenced Adam and Eve to try to become like God (Ge 3:5). Pride motivated Cain to murder his brother (Ge 4:5). Pride provoked Joseph's brothers to sell him into slavery (Ge 37:8). Pride caused King Saul to resent David so deeply that he tried to murder him (1Sa 18:8). Pride led King Hezekiah to foolishly reveal his nation's wealth to his enemies (Isa 39:2). Pride was at the root of the Pharisees’ anger toward Jesus. Pride was the reason the disciples argued over rank in the kingdom (Lk 9:46).
Pride is your relentless enemy. If you succumb to its influence, there will be consequences. You may know that you have offended someone, but pride holds you back from asking forgiveness. You may realize you need to reconcile a broken relationship, but pride will lead you to deny that need. The Spirit may convict you that you are living a sinful lifestyle, but pride will discourage your admitting it. Pride will convince you that you deserve better treatment. Pride will impede your serving others. Instead, pride will have you striving for places of prominence. Pride will have you listen to flatterers and ignore honest counselors. Pride will lead you to isolate yourself so that you are not accountable to others.
Humility, on the other hand, is pleasing to God and places your life in a position where God will honor you. If pride has crept into some areas of your life, ask God to give you victory over it before it robs you of God's will for you.
Imperishable Crown
14 November 2007
'Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.'
1Co 9:24-25
Athletes are willing to push themselves harder and longer and farther than anyone else. They strive to bring their bodies and minds completely under control so that they excel and receive a prize. Others go home to relax, but athletes continue to train. While most people protect themselves from any form of discomfort, athletes push themselves to the limits of their endurance. While some remain satisfied with mediocre performance, athletes pay any price for excellence. Paul said that despite their most valiant efforts, the athletes’ successes and prizes are eventually forgotten. Even the greatest athletic achievements have not affected eternity.
If an athlete can be motivated to make incredible sacrifices for a perishable reward, how much more ought Christians to strive for an imperishable one? If an athlete will labor day after day in order to receive glory from others, how much harder ought Christians to work for the “well done” of their Master?
Are you striving to bring your body into subjection for the glory of God? Are you training your mind to think the thoughts of God rather than thoughts of the world? Are you disciplining your life in prayer? When others are sleeping, are you interceding? Have you studied God's Word so diligently that you are prepared to find answers to the challenges you face? Have you equipped yourself in evangelism so that you are ready to share your faith? Have you prepared yourself as a Christian in order to qualify for the imperishable crown that awaits you?
'Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.'
1Co 9:24-25
Athletes are willing to push themselves harder and longer and farther than anyone else. They strive to bring their bodies and minds completely under control so that they excel and receive a prize. Others go home to relax, but athletes continue to train. While most people protect themselves from any form of discomfort, athletes push themselves to the limits of their endurance. While some remain satisfied with mediocre performance, athletes pay any price for excellence. Paul said that despite their most valiant efforts, the athletes’ successes and prizes are eventually forgotten. Even the greatest athletic achievements have not affected eternity.
If an athlete can be motivated to make incredible sacrifices for a perishable reward, how much more ought Christians to strive for an imperishable one? If an athlete will labor day after day in order to receive glory from others, how much harder ought Christians to work for the “well done” of their Master?
Are you striving to bring your body into subjection for the glory of God? Are you training your mind to think the thoughts of God rather than thoughts of the world? Are you disciplining your life in prayer? When others are sleeping, are you interceding? Have you studied God's Word so diligently that you are prepared to find answers to the challenges you face? Have you equipped yourself in evangelism so that you are ready to share your faith? Have you prepared yourself as a Christian in order to qualify for the imperishable crown that awaits you?
God is Speaking to us
13 November 2007
'God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son'.
Heb 1:1
Our generation is preoccupied with methods. When we find a program that works in one business, we immediately want to package and distribute it so that it will work for others. This attitude carries over into the spiritual life as well. We spend much energy looking for spiritual disciplines, books, seminars, or conferences that “work” in order to feel satisfied with our Christian life. God does not want us to trust in methods. He wants us to trust in Him.
Trusting in methods rather than in a Person seriously limits the way we experience God. When we expect Him to speak to us only in predictable ways, we forget that God is much more complex than our perception of Him. In times past, God spoke in dreams and visions. He used nature; miraculous signs; prophets; a still, small voice; fire; trumpets; fleece; the casting of lots; and angels. He spoke in the middle of the night, during worship services, at mealtimes, during funerals, while people were walking along the road, through sermons, in the middle of a storm, and through His Son.
The important thing was not how God communicated, but that He spoke. If God always spoke to us through dreams, we would remain in our beds awaiting a divine revelation! The means God uses to communicate with us is irrelevant; the fact that He is communicating is what is critical.
Don't limit yourself to a method, expecting only to hear from your Father in predictable ways. Rather, open yourself up to other means by which God wants to commune with you. Allow the Holy Spirit to sensitize you to God's message at all times, in every location, under any circumstance. Then you will experience God in entirely new dimensions as you are receptive to His voice.
'God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son'.
Heb 1:1
Our generation is preoccupied with methods. When we find a program that works in one business, we immediately want to package and distribute it so that it will work for others. This attitude carries over into the spiritual life as well. We spend much energy looking for spiritual disciplines, books, seminars, or conferences that “work” in order to feel satisfied with our Christian life. God does not want us to trust in methods. He wants us to trust in Him.
Trusting in methods rather than in a Person seriously limits the way we experience God. When we expect Him to speak to us only in predictable ways, we forget that God is much more complex than our perception of Him. In times past, God spoke in dreams and visions. He used nature; miraculous signs; prophets; a still, small voice; fire; trumpets; fleece; the casting of lots; and angels. He spoke in the middle of the night, during worship services, at mealtimes, during funerals, while people were walking along the road, through sermons, in the middle of a storm, and through His Son.
The important thing was not how God communicated, but that He spoke. If God always spoke to us through dreams, we would remain in our beds awaiting a divine revelation! The means God uses to communicate with us is irrelevant; the fact that He is communicating is what is critical.
Don't limit yourself to a method, expecting only to hear from your Father in predictable ways. Rather, open yourself up to other means by which God wants to commune with you. Allow the Holy Spirit to sensitize you to God's message at all times, in every location, under any circumstance. Then you will experience God in entirely new dimensions as you are receptive to His voice.
Where your treasure is
12 November 2007
'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' Lk 12:34
What you value most is your treasure. Where you spend your time and your money is your treasure. Whatever dominates your conversation is what you treasure. What others know you for is a good indication of what your treasure is.
Most Christians are quick to claim that God is their first priority. Yet often their actions reveal that their treasure is not God but things of this world. Some Christians find it difficult to discuss their relationship with God, but they can chatter easily about their family, friends, or hobbies.
Some find it impossible to rise early in order to spend time with God, but they willingly get up at dawn to pursue a hobby. Some find it difficult to give an offering to God but readily spend lavishly on recreation. Some boldly approach strangers to sell a product, yet they are painfully timid in telling others about their Savior. Some give hundreds of hours to serve in volunteer organizations but feel they have no time available to serve God.If you are unsure of where your treasure is, examine where you spend your available time and money.
Reflect on what it is you most enjoy thinking about and discussing. Ask your friends to tell you what they think is most important to you. Ask your children to list the things most valuable to you. It may surprise you to know what
'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' Lk 12:34
What you value most is your treasure. Where you spend your time and your money is your treasure. Whatever dominates your conversation is what you treasure. What others know you for is a good indication of what your treasure is.
Most Christians are quick to claim that God is their first priority. Yet often their actions reveal that their treasure is not God but things of this world. Some Christians find it difficult to discuss their relationship with God, but they can chatter easily about their family, friends, or hobbies.
Some find it impossible to rise early in order to spend time with God, but they willingly get up at dawn to pursue a hobby. Some find it difficult to give an offering to God but readily spend lavishly on recreation. Some boldly approach strangers to sell a product, yet they are painfully timid in telling others about their Savior. Some give hundreds of hours to serve in volunteer organizations but feel they have no time available to serve God.If you are unsure of where your treasure is, examine where you spend your available time and money.
Reflect on what it is you most enjoy thinking about and discussing. Ask your friends to tell you what they think is most important to you. Ask your children to list the things most valuable to you. It may surprise you to know what
God Will Complete it for You
10 November 2007
'Look, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.' Dt 1:21
One of the paradoxes of the Christian life is that God's gifts often require labor on our part. God brought the Israelites to the Promised Land and told them He was going to “give” it to them (Nu 13:2). The gift of the Promised Land sounded great to the Israelites until they realized that, with the gift, came battles against giants and fortified cities! Perhaps they assumed God was going to obliterate the inhabitants of the land before they entered. Ideally for the Israelites, they could then have entered a vacant land with houses and cities already built and ready to inhabit.
Instead, God said they would have to fight for it. They would not have to fight in their own strength, however; God would be present to fight for them. God would bring down the walls of cities, give them strategies to defeat their enemies, and empower their warriors to fight. The Israelites would have a divine advantage over anyone they fought, but they would still have to fight.
It would be wonderful if, when we become Christians, God would fill our minds with a complete knowledge of the Bible and with Bible verses already memorized. It would be easy if God would instill in us a delight in spending hours in prayer each day and a fearless desire to share our faith with others. But God doesn't relate to us that way. Instead, He gives us the free gift of His salvation and then tells us to “work out” our salvation in fear and trembling (Phl 2:12b). Are you discouraged because the Christian life is more difficult and challenging than you expected? Don't be. God's gifts to you are perfect because, through them, God makes you perfect as well (Mt 5:48; Jas 1:17).
'Look, the Lord your God has set the land before you; go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has spoken to you; do not fear or be discouraged.' Dt 1:21
One of the paradoxes of the Christian life is that God's gifts often require labor on our part. God brought the Israelites to the Promised Land and told them He was going to “give” it to them (Nu 13:2). The gift of the Promised Land sounded great to the Israelites until they realized that, with the gift, came battles against giants and fortified cities! Perhaps they assumed God was going to obliterate the inhabitants of the land before they entered. Ideally for the Israelites, they could then have entered a vacant land with houses and cities already built and ready to inhabit.
Instead, God said they would have to fight for it. They would not have to fight in their own strength, however; God would be present to fight for them. God would bring down the walls of cities, give them strategies to defeat their enemies, and empower their warriors to fight. The Israelites would have a divine advantage over anyone they fought, but they would still have to fight.
It would be wonderful if, when we become Christians, God would fill our minds with a complete knowledge of the Bible and with Bible verses already memorized. It would be easy if God would instill in us a delight in spending hours in prayer each day and a fearless desire to share our faith with others. But God doesn't relate to us that way. Instead, He gives us the free gift of His salvation and then tells us to “work out” our salvation in fear and trembling (Phl 2:12b). Are you discouraged because the Christian life is more difficult and challenging than you expected? Don't be. God's gifts to you are perfect because, through them, God makes you perfect as well (Mt 5:48; Jas 1:17).
Praying in Faith
9 November 2007
'When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.” Ac 12:14-15
You can say prayers in your mind but doubt in your heart. At times God will answer such prayers as He did when Peter was in prison, scheduled for execution. The believers in Jerusalem were powerless to free him, so they prayed. When God released Peter, their reaction revealed the doubt in their hearts. They argued that Peter could not possibly be free, even as he stood outside knocking on the door!
Is it possible to be a “person of prayer” and yet not have faith? Is it possible to fool yourself into believing that because you ask God for help, you have faith in His ability to meet your needs? Is your faith so weak that you are surprised when God answers your prayer? As a child of God, you ought to expect God to answer your prayers.
Do you ask God to do something without adjusting your life to what you are praying? If you are praying for revival, how are you preparing for its coming? If you are praying for forgiveness, are you still living with guilt? If you have asked God to provide for your needs, do you remain worried and anxious?
Ask God to increase your faith, and then begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in Him. Out of His grace, God may choose to respond to your requests despite your lack of faith, but you will miss the joy of praying in faith.
'When she recognized Peter's voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.” Ac 12:14-15
You can say prayers in your mind but doubt in your heart. At times God will answer such prayers as He did when Peter was in prison, scheduled for execution. The believers in Jerusalem were powerless to free him, so they prayed. When God released Peter, their reaction revealed the doubt in their hearts. They argued that Peter could not possibly be free, even as he stood outside knocking on the door!
Is it possible to be a “person of prayer” and yet not have faith? Is it possible to fool yourself into believing that because you ask God for help, you have faith in His ability to meet your needs? Is your faith so weak that you are surprised when God answers your prayer? As a child of God, you ought to expect God to answer your prayers.
Do you ask God to do something without adjusting your life to what you are praying? If you are praying for revival, how are you preparing for its coming? If you are praying for forgiveness, are you still living with guilt? If you have asked God to provide for your needs, do you remain worried and anxious?
Ask God to increase your faith, and then begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in Him. Out of His grace, God may choose to respond to your requests despite your lack of faith, but you will miss the joy of praying in faith.
Staying Spiritually Hungry
8 November 2007
' Come, all you who are thirsty..listen, listen to me, and eat what is good'
Isa 55:1-2
The person who is hungering and thirsting for righteuosness is someone who empties himself, draws back and avoids everything that has the appearance of unrighteousness - everything that is sinful. They follow Paul's instruction to 'avoid every kind of evil' (1Thess 5:22)
There are many things in life that can prevent us to have a hunger for God and lead us away from God and His righteousness. Those who hunger and thirst for God will avoid anything that will prevent them from coming to the fountain of life to taste of His goodness.
All of us know that in the physical realm, it is easy to spoil our appetites ie. by eating between meals and similarly, we need to be careful in the spiritual realm to indulge in anything that affects our hunger and thirst for God.
' Come, all you who are thirsty..listen, listen to me, and eat what is good'
Isa 55:1-2
The person who is hungering and thirsting for righteuosness is someone who empties himself, draws back and avoids everything that has the appearance of unrighteousness - everything that is sinful. They follow Paul's instruction to 'avoid every kind of evil' (1Thess 5:22)
There are many things in life that can prevent us to have a hunger for God and lead us away from God and His righteousness. Those who hunger and thirst for God will avoid anything that will prevent them from coming to the fountain of life to taste of His goodness.
All of us know that in the physical realm, it is easy to spoil our appetites ie. by eating between meals and similarly, we need to be careful in the spiritual realm to indulge in anything that affects our hunger and thirst for God.
God's Abundance in You
7 November 2007
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2Co 9:8
When you relate to God you always deal with abundance, for God does nothing in half measures! This is true regarding His grace. The Lord is not miserly when it comes to providing grace to His servants. When you seek to perform a good work that God has asked you to do, you will always find an ample supply of God's grace to sustain you.
If you begin to lose heart in the work you are doing, God's grace upholds you and gives you the love for God and His people you require in order to continue. When you face criticism and are misunderstood, God's grace enables you to forgive your accusers and to sense God's pleasure even when others do not understand what you are doing. When you make mistakes in the work God has appointed you to do, God's grace forgives you, sets you back on your feet, and gives you strength to continue the work. When you complete the task God gave you and no one expresses thanks for what you have done, the Father's grace surrounds you, and He reminds you that you have a heavenly reward where everything you have done in the Lord's service will be remembered.
God does not promise to provide all you need for your dreams and projects. He does assure you that, for every good work you attempt, you will never face a shortfall of His grace in order to successfully complete the task God has given you.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2Co 9:8
When you relate to God you always deal with abundance, for God does nothing in half measures! This is true regarding His grace. The Lord is not miserly when it comes to providing grace to His servants. When you seek to perform a good work that God has asked you to do, you will always find an ample supply of God's grace to sustain you.
If you begin to lose heart in the work you are doing, God's grace upholds you and gives you the love for God and His people you require in order to continue. When you face criticism and are misunderstood, God's grace enables you to forgive your accusers and to sense God's pleasure even when others do not understand what you are doing. When you make mistakes in the work God has appointed you to do, God's grace forgives you, sets you back on your feet, and gives you strength to continue the work. When you complete the task God gave you and no one expresses thanks for what you have done, the Father's grace surrounds you, and He reminds you that you have a heavenly reward where everything you have done in the Lord's service will be remembered.
God does not promise to provide all you need for your dreams and projects. He does assure you that, for every good work you attempt, you will never face a shortfall of His grace in order to successfully complete the task God has given you.
He will Accomplish it!
6 November 2007
'Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” Jdg 6:14
In Gideon's mind, victory over the Midianites was an impossibility, and he was absolutely right! The Midianites, along with their allies, overwhelmed the feeble Hebrews. Yet the moment God told Gideon to fight them, victory was no longer an impossibility!
When Jesus commanded His small group of followers to make disciples of all nations, was that possible (Mt 28:19)? Certainly, if Jesus said it was! When Jesus told His disciples to love their enemies, was He being realistic? Of course, because He was the One who would achieve reconciliation through them (2Co 5:19-20).
Do you treat commands like these as unthinkable and impossible? Do you modify God's Word to find an interpretation that seems reasonable to you? Don't discount what is possible with God (Phl 4:13). When God gives an assignment, it is no longer an impossibility, but rather it is an absolute certainty. When God gives you a seemingly impossible task, the only thing preventing it from coming to pass is your disobedience. When God speaks, it can scare you to death! He will lead you to do things that are absolutely impossible in your own strength. But God will grant you victory, step by step, as you obey Him.
How do you respond to assignments that seem impossible? Do you write them off as unattainable? Or do you immediately adjust your life to God's revelation, watching with anticipation to see how He will accomplish His purposes through your obedience? God wants to do the impossible through your life. All He requires is your obedience.
'Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” Jdg 6:14
In Gideon's mind, victory over the Midianites was an impossibility, and he was absolutely right! The Midianites, along with their allies, overwhelmed the feeble Hebrews. Yet the moment God told Gideon to fight them, victory was no longer an impossibility!
When Jesus commanded His small group of followers to make disciples of all nations, was that possible (Mt 28:19)? Certainly, if Jesus said it was! When Jesus told His disciples to love their enemies, was He being realistic? Of course, because He was the One who would achieve reconciliation through them (2Co 5:19-20).
Do you treat commands like these as unthinkable and impossible? Do you modify God's Word to find an interpretation that seems reasonable to you? Don't discount what is possible with God (Phl 4:13). When God gives an assignment, it is no longer an impossibility, but rather it is an absolute certainty. When God gives you a seemingly impossible task, the only thing preventing it from coming to pass is your disobedience. When God speaks, it can scare you to death! He will lead you to do things that are absolutely impossible in your own strength. But God will grant you victory, step by step, as you obey Him.
How do you respond to assignments that seem impossible? Do you write them off as unattainable? Or do you immediately adjust your life to God's revelation, watching with anticipation to see how He will accomplish His purposes through your obedience? God wants to do the impossible through your life. All He requires is your obedience.
Memorials Of Faithfulness
5 November 2007
“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
Mk 14:9
We may assume that our expressions of devotion to God are small and insignificant, but in God's eyes they may hold much meaning. Our love and dedication to Christ may even create memorials to God for future generations.
This woman performed a profound act of love for Jesus. She did not do it to impress His disciples or to gain public attention or to gain praise from Jesus. She simply sought to express her love for Jesus. She did nothing spectacular; she performed no miracles; she preached no sermons. Yet Jesus was so moved by her selfless loyalty that He deemed it worthy of remembrance throughout the remainder of history.
We do not know all that God finds most pleasing, nor do we know what acts of our love He may choose to honor through our children and future generations. Abraham could not have known that the day he demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice his only son would be memorialized and would bless many generations who heard of his obedience. David could not have known that his walk with God would please Him so much that David's example would bless generations who followed him.
God can take your faithfulness and begin a spiritual legacy, making it a blessing to others for generations to come. You will never know until eternity all who received a blessing because of your righteous life. That is why it is so important that you daily express your love and devotion to Jesus. Amen
“Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
Mk 14:9
We may assume that our expressions of devotion to God are small and insignificant, but in God's eyes they may hold much meaning. Our love and dedication to Christ may even create memorials to God for future generations.
This woman performed a profound act of love for Jesus. She did not do it to impress His disciples or to gain public attention or to gain praise from Jesus. She simply sought to express her love for Jesus. She did nothing spectacular; she performed no miracles; she preached no sermons. Yet Jesus was so moved by her selfless loyalty that He deemed it worthy of remembrance throughout the remainder of history.
We do not know all that God finds most pleasing, nor do we know what acts of our love He may choose to honor through our children and future generations. Abraham could not have known that the day he demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice his only son would be memorialized and would bless many generations who heard of his obedience. David could not have known that his walk with God would please Him so much that David's example would bless generations who followed him.
God can take your faithfulness and begin a spiritual legacy, making it a blessing to others for generations to come. You will never know until eternity all who received a blessing because of your righteous life. That is why it is so important that you daily express your love and devotion to Jesus. Amen
Fix your Eyes on Him
4 November 2007
"And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Nu 20:10
It is easy to see why Moses became angry with the Hebrew people. They were so hard-hearted and weak in their faith that Moses lost his patience and became angry with them. Yet every time Moses shifted his focus away from God, it cost him. When he sought to help his people by taking matters into his own hands, he spent the next forty years herding sheep in the wilderness (Ex 2:11-15).
This time his behavior cost him the opportunity to enter the Promised Land (Nu 20:12). In his frustration at the people, Moses committed the very same sin, blatantly disobeying God's instructions. How did this happen? Moses allowed his attention to shift to the behavior of others rather than focusing on the activity of God.
This could happen to you as well. God has put people around you who need your ministry to them. You will never be able to properly help them, however, unless your primary focus is on God. If you concentrate on people, their weaknesses, their disobedience, their lack of faith, and their stubbornness will quickly frustrate you. You may, like Moses, commit the very sins you are condemning. If, however, your eyes are fixed on holy God, you will become more like Him — gracious, forgiving, long-suffering, and righteous.
When a friend's behavior disappoints you, go immediately to the Lord. Seek to discern what God is wanting to do in your friend's life rather than concentrating on your friend's sin. Then you will have the strength, wisdom, and patience you need to help your friend in the way God desires.
"And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Nu 20:10
It is easy to see why Moses became angry with the Hebrew people. They were so hard-hearted and weak in their faith that Moses lost his patience and became angry with them. Yet every time Moses shifted his focus away from God, it cost him. When he sought to help his people by taking matters into his own hands, he spent the next forty years herding sheep in the wilderness (Ex 2:11-15).
This time his behavior cost him the opportunity to enter the Promised Land (Nu 20:12). In his frustration at the people, Moses committed the very same sin, blatantly disobeying God's instructions. How did this happen? Moses allowed his attention to shift to the behavior of others rather than focusing on the activity of God.
This could happen to you as well. God has put people around you who need your ministry to them. You will never be able to properly help them, however, unless your primary focus is on God. If you concentrate on people, their weaknesses, their disobedience, their lack of faith, and their stubbornness will quickly frustrate you. You may, like Moses, commit the very sins you are condemning. If, however, your eyes are fixed on holy God, you will become more like Him — gracious, forgiving, long-suffering, and righteous.
When a friend's behavior disappoints you, go immediately to the Lord. Seek to discern what God is wanting to do in your friend's life rather than concentrating on your friend's sin. Then you will have the strength, wisdom, and patience you need to help your friend in the way God desires.
Excellence in Serving
3 November 2007
'And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.'
Col 3:23
There is an important difference between doing something for people and doing something for God. God always deserves our best effort. People will disappoint us, betray us, neglect us, and mistreat us. Some will constantly ask for what we can give while offering nothing in return.
From our human perspective, these people deserve our minimal effort at best. What then should motivate us to serve people, except our love for God? God deserves our love, and He demands that we love others in the same way He does. We are to love our spouses, not as they deserve, but as God commands (Ep 5:22-33). We are to treat our friends, not as they treat us, but as Christ loves us (Jn 13:14). We are to labor at our jobs, not in proportion to the way our employer treats us, but according to the way God treats us. God is the One we serve (Ep 6:5).
Mediocrity and laziness have no place in the Christian's life. Christians must maintain integrity at home and in the workplace. Working for God, as opposed to working for other people, changes our perspective as we view our endeavors in light of what He has done for us. Our toil then becomes an offering to God. We not only worship God at church on Sunday, but our labor throughout the week is an offering of worship and thanksgiving to the One who has given us everything we have. When people do not measure up to our expectations and we feel our efforts are being wasted, we must keep in mind that we are toiling for holy God. He is worthy of our best effort. Amen
'And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.'
Col 3:23
There is an important difference between doing something for people and doing something for God. God always deserves our best effort. People will disappoint us, betray us, neglect us, and mistreat us. Some will constantly ask for what we can give while offering nothing in return.
From our human perspective, these people deserve our minimal effort at best. What then should motivate us to serve people, except our love for God? God deserves our love, and He demands that we love others in the same way He does. We are to love our spouses, not as they deserve, but as God commands (Ep 5:22-33). We are to treat our friends, not as they treat us, but as Christ loves us (Jn 13:14). We are to labor at our jobs, not in proportion to the way our employer treats us, but according to the way God treats us. God is the One we serve (Ep 6:5).
Mediocrity and laziness have no place in the Christian's life. Christians must maintain integrity at home and in the workplace. Working for God, as opposed to working for other people, changes our perspective as we view our endeavors in light of what He has done for us. Our toil then becomes an offering to God. We not only worship God at church on Sunday, but our labor throughout the week is an offering of worship and thanksgiving to the One who has given us everything we have. When people do not measure up to our expectations and we feel our efforts are being wasted, we must keep in mind that we are toiling for holy God. He is worthy of our best effort. Amen
God's Thoughts
2 November 2007
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Col 2:8
There is a subtle temptation that encourages Christians to be “practical.” That is, they try to do God's work in man's way. “Getting results” becomes the primary focus. It almost seems that we believe that the end justifies the means. Don't be led away by the world's reasoning.
An examination of God's Word shows that the means are sometimes even more important than the results. The world tries to convince you that as long as you can accomplish something for the kingdom of God, that's all that matters. For example, Ananias and Sapphira gave an offering to their church, which was a good thing, but they did it deceitfully. God judged them immediately, not for what they did, but for how they did it (Ac 5:1-11).
Satan tried to trap Jesus with this same temptation. Satan did not question the worthiness of Jesus’ task, but simply offered “practical” solutions to accomplish Jesus’ goal more quickly and at lesser cost. God's ways are not like man's ways. “Efficiency” from man's perspective is not prized by God. It did not seem efficient to have the children of Israel march around Jericho thirteen times and then blow their trumpets, but it brought the walls down (Jos 6). It did not appear wise to select the youngest of Jesse's sons to become the next king, but God saw a man after His own heart (1Sa 16:11).
At first glance, it does not seem logical for Jesus to have picked the twelve disciples He did, yet through them God dramatically affected their world.It is never wise to attempt to do God's work in man's way. It is an age-old temptation that seems to make sense on the surface but often is at variance with the purposes of God.
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. Col 2:8
There is a subtle temptation that encourages Christians to be “practical.” That is, they try to do God's work in man's way. “Getting results” becomes the primary focus. It almost seems that we believe that the end justifies the means. Don't be led away by the world's reasoning.
An examination of God's Word shows that the means are sometimes even more important than the results. The world tries to convince you that as long as you can accomplish something for the kingdom of God, that's all that matters. For example, Ananias and Sapphira gave an offering to their church, which was a good thing, but they did it deceitfully. God judged them immediately, not for what they did, but for how they did it (Ac 5:1-11).
Satan tried to trap Jesus with this same temptation. Satan did not question the worthiness of Jesus’ task, but simply offered “practical” solutions to accomplish Jesus’ goal more quickly and at lesser cost. God's ways are not like man's ways. “Efficiency” from man's perspective is not prized by God. It did not seem efficient to have the children of Israel march around Jericho thirteen times and then blow their trumpets, but it brought the walls down (Jos 6). It did not appear wise to select the youngest of Jesse's sons to become the next king, but God saw a man after His own heart (1Sa 16:11).
At first glance, it does not seem logical for Jesus to have picked the twelve disciples He did, yet through them God dramatically affected their world.It is never wise to attempt to do God's work in man's way. It is an age-old temptation that seems to make sense on the surface but often is at variance with the purposes of God.
Contentment
1 November 2007
'Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.' Phl 4:11
Our world media promotes dissatisfaction with our lives. We are constantly bombarded with newer and better things that will make our lives more complete if only we would obtain them! If we listen to the world, we will always be comparing the lifestyles and possessions of others with our own, and we will always be dissatisfied.
If our contentment comes from possessions, activities, or other people, these can be altered or removed. If our contentment comes from our relationship with Christ, there is absolutely nothing that can take that away.
Paul had enjoyed power and status among his people. He had also been imprisoned and bound in stocks in the depths of a jail cell. He had stood before a king and been stoned almost to death by an angry mob. Paul had enjoyed the benefits and pleasures of life, yet he could give them all up and still be filled with the joy of the Lord. His contentment did not depend on his environment but on his relationship with Christ.
Contentment frees you to enjoy every good thing God has given you. Contentment demonstrates your belief that God loves you and has your best interest in mind. Discontent stems from the sin of ingratitude and a lack of faith that God loves you enough to provide for all that you need. Strive to be grateful for all that God has given you. A grateful heart has no room for envy. Amen
'Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.' Phl 4:11
Our world media promotes dissatisfaction with our lives. We are constantly bombarded with newer and better things that will make our lives more complete if only we would obtain them! If we listen to the world, we will always be comparing the lifestyles and possessions of others with our own, and we will always be dissatisfied.
If our contentment comes from possessions, activities, or other people, these can be altered or removed. If our contentment comes from our relationship with Christ, there is absolutely nothing that can take that away.
Paul had enjoyed power and status among his people. He had also been imprisoned and bound in stocks in the depths of a jail cell. He had stood before a king and been stoned almost to death by an angry mob. Paul had enjoyed the benefits and pleasures of life, yet he could give them all up and still be filled with the joy of the Lord. His contentment did not depend on his environment but on his relationship with Christ.
Contentment frees you to enjoy every good thing God has given you. Contentment demonstrates your belief that God loves you and has your best interest in mind. Discontent stems from the sin of ingratitude and a lack of faith that God loves you enough to provide for all that you need. Strive to be grateful for all that God has given you. A grateful heart has no room for envy. Amen
Stand and Watch
30 October 2007
I will stand my watch, And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.
Hab 2:1
The watchman's job was critical and essential. An approaching army left residents of an ancient city precious little time to flee or to prepare for battle. Everyone's life depended on the alert watchman as what he will see into the horizon for the earliest glimpse of an approaching threat. It was critical that the people be alerted as soon as possible to what was coming.
As a Christian, God places you as a watchman for yourself, your friends, your family, and your church family. It is essential that you be attentive to what God is saying. It may be that a friend is in crisis and needs God's Word. As you study your Bible, God may choose to give you words of encouragement to share with your friend. It may be that as your children face difficult challenges, God will speak to you as you pray and reveal how you can help them. If you are spiritually alert, you may receive a warning from God that addresses specific dangers that those around you are facing.
If you are careless, on the other hand, your family may be struggling, but the answers God has for them will go unheard. If you are oblivious to God's message, those around you may miss the encouraging promise from God that He wanted to share through you. God holds His watchmen accountable for their diligence (Eze 33:6). Strive to be attentive to every word that comes to you from God. Your diligence will benefit you and those around you as you heed God's warnings and follow His commands. Amen
I will stand my watch, And set myself on the rampart, And watch to see what He will say to me, And what I will answer when I am corrected.
Hab 2:1
The watchman's job was critical and essential. An approaching army left residents of an ancient city precious little time to flee or to prepare for battle. Everyone's life depended on the alert watchman as what he will see into the horizon for the earliest glimpse of an approaching threat. It was critical that the people be alerted as soon as possible to what was coming.
As a Christian, God places you as a watchman for yourself, your friends, your family, and your church family. It is essential that you be attentive to what God is saying. It may be that a friend is in crisis and needs God's Word. As you study your Bible, God may choose to give you words of encouragement to share with your friend. It may be that as your children face difficult challenges, God will speak to you as you pray and reveal how you can help them. If you are spiritually alert, you may receive a warning from God that addresses specific dangers that those around you are facing.
If you are careless, on the other hand, your family may be struggling, but the answers God has for them will go unheard. If you are oblivious to God's message, those around you may miss the encouraging promise from God that He wanted to share through you. God holds His watchmen accountable for their diligence (Eze 33:6). Strive to be attentive to every word that comes to you from God. Your diligence will benefit you and those around you as you heed God's warnings and follow His commands. Amen
His Ways are not our Ways
29 October 2007
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isa 55:8-9
Rarely does God do something exactly as we think He will. Our problem is that we try to second-guess God. Moses experienced this as he learned how God was going to deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt. God told him He would harden Pharaoh's heart. Yet, the result was not what Moses anticipated. Rather than allowing the Hebrews to leave, Pharaoh increased their hardship. Rather than becoming a hero among the Hebrews, Moses was despised by them for bringing greater suffering. Moses returned to the Lord and asked, “Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me?”(Ex 5:22).
Much of the frustration we experience as Christians has nothing to do with what God does or doesn't do. It has everything to do, rather, with the false assumptions we make about how we think God will and should act.
Have you ever done the will of God and then things seemed to become worse? Moses completely misunderstood what the results of His obedience to God would be. When things did not turn out as he anticipated, Moses became discouraged. God had told Moses what to do, but He had not told Moses what the consequences would be.
As you look forward to what God may do, be careful you do not try to predict what He will do next. You may find yourself completely off the mark. Whatever the consequences, take heed His Ways are higher than our Ways. He is in charge! Amen
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Isa 55:8-9
Rarely does God do something exactly as we think He will. Our problem is that we try to second-guess God. Moses experienced this as he learned how God was going to deliver the Hebrews out of Egypt. God told him He would harden Pharaoh's heart. Yet, the result was not what Moses anticipated. Rather than allowing the Hebrews to leave, Pharaoh increased their hardship. Rather than becoming a hero among the Hebrews, Moses was despised by them for bringing greater suffering. Moses returned to the Lord and asked, “Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me?”(Ex 5:22).
Much of the frustration we experience as Christians has nothing to do with what God does or doesn't do. It has everything to do, rather, with the false assumptions we make about how we think God will and should act.
Have you ever done the will of God and then things seemed to become worse? Moses completely misunderstood what the results of His obedience to God would be. When things did not turn out as he anticipated, Moses became discouraged. God had told Moses what to do, but He had not told Moses what the consequences would be.
As you look forward to what God may do, be careful you do not try to predict what He will do next. You may find yourself completely off the mark. Whatever the consequences, take heed His Ways are higher than our Ways. He is in charge! Amen
Comfort from the Shepherd
28 October 2007
'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.' Ps 23:4
As a child of God you are never alone! Your Shepherd is with you at all times whether in danger or going through the valley of the shadow of death. You never have to call Him into your situation. You never have to wonder where He is. You never have to fear that if things become too difficult. He will not abandon you. He goes before you; He walks beside you; He comes behind you. He protects you securely.
Just as He sees every sparrow and knows every hair that is on your head, so His gaze is constantly upon you (Lk 12:6-7). Even when you cannot see Him, He always keeps His eyes upon you. He comforts you with His strong presence in times of sorrow and grief. He leads you through the valley of the shadow of death. He does not necessarily lead you around the valley as you might wish.
There are times when your Shepherd knows that the only way to get you where He wants to take you is to lead you down the path that passes through the dark valley. Yet, at those times He walks closely with you, reassuring you throughout the journey that He still loves you and is with you. It is during those times that you experience His love and compassion in a deeper dimension than you ever have before.
You never need to fear evil. As intimidating as evil can be, there is nothing you will ever face that intimidates your Shepherd. He has seen it all and soundly defeated every form of wickedness. Evil never catches Him by surprise. Your Shepherd is always prepared and knows exactly when and where you will experience difficulty.
Place your absolute trust in your Good Shepherd that He will protect you and demonstrate His love for you through the darkest valley. Amen
'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.' Ps 23:4
As a child of God you are never alone! Your Shepherd is with you at all times whether in danger or going through the valley of the shadow of death. You never have to call Him into your situation. You never have to wonder where He is. You never have to fear that if things become too difficult. He will not abandon you. He goes before you; He walks beside you; He comes behind you. He protects you securely.
Just as He sees every sparrow and knows every hair that is on your head, so His gaze is constantly upon you (Lk 12:6-7). Even when you cannot see Him, He always keeps His eyes upon you. He comforts you with His strong presence in times of sorrow and grief. He leads you through the valley of the shadow of death. He does not necessarily lead you around the valley as you might wish.
There are times when your Shepherd knows that the only way to get you where He wants to take you is to lead you down the path that passes through the dark valley. Yet, at those times He walks closely with you, reassuring you throughout the journey that He still loves you and is with you. It is during those times that you experience His love and compassion in a deeper dimension than you ever have before.
You never need to fear evil. As intimidating as evil can be, there is nothing you will ever face that intimidates your Shepherd. He has seen it all and soundly defeated every form of wickedness. Evil never catches Him by surprise. Your Shepherd is always prepared and knows exactly when and where you will experience difficulty.
Place your absolute trust in your Good Shepherd that He will protect you and demonstrate His love for you through the darkest valley. Amen
Life with the Shepherd
27 October 2007
'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.' Ps 23:1-2
The biblical shepherd knew everything about his sheep. He understood what foods were best for them and what would harm them. He knew when they should eat and when they needed their thirst quenched. The shepherd was an expert of the terrain and was aware of the best places for food and water. As long as the sheep trusted and followed their shepherd, they would always have their needs met at the right time. Their shepherd would give them the best that he had.
Do you have absolute trust in your Good Shepherd? Do you value the nourishment that comes from Him more than any you might obtain from the world? Do you ever worry that God might be withholding from you something that you need? The psalmist was convinced that he would “want” for nothing. By his very nature, the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep and would lay down His life for them (Jn 10:11).
Have you allowed your focus to shift from the Shepherd to what the Shepherd gives you? If you find yourself “wanting,” it is not that your Shepherd is unable or unwilling to perfectly meet your needs. It may be that you lack the faith to receive all that He has to give. Could it be that you have become dissatisfied with what your Shepherd has been providing? Are you missing the joy that comes from having a Shepherd who cares for you? Return to Him and trust Him to meet the needs in your life that only He can. Amen
'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.' Ps 23:1-2
The biblical shepherd knew everything about his sheep. He understood what foods were best for them and what would harm them. He knew when they should eat and when they needed their thirst quenched. The shepherd was an expert of the terrain and was aware of the best places for food and water. As long as the sheep trusted and followed their shepherd, they would always have their needs met at the right time. Their shepherd would give them the best that he had.
Do you have absolute trust in your Good Shepherd? Do you value the nourishment that comes from Him more than any you might obtain from the world? Do you ever worry that God might be withholding from you something that you need? The psalmist was convinced that he would “want” for nothing. By his very nature, the Good Shepherd cares for His sheep and would lay down His life for them (Jn 10:11).
Have you allowed your focus to shift from the Shepherd to what the Shepherd gives you? If you find yourself “wanting,” it is not that your Shepherd is unable or unwilling to perfectly meet your needs. It may be that you lack the faith to receive all that He has to give. Could it be that you have become dissatisfied with what your Shepherd has been providing? Are you missing the joy that comes from having a Shepherd who cares for you? Return to Him and trust Him to meet the needs in your life that only He can. Amen
Motivated to Love
26 October 2007
“O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” Jn 17:25-26
You cannot be close to God without being affected by His love. The heavenly Father loved His Son with an everlasting love. Everything in the heart and life of the Father was released to His Son. As the Father expressed His love for a broken and sinful world, this passion was manifested through the life of His Son. The Father initiated His plan to save mankind, and out of a heart of devotion, the Son accepted the assignment that took Him to the cross.
As Jesus walked among people, the Father's love filled His Son. Jesus recognized that no ordinary love could motivate Him to go to the cross. No human love could keep Him perfectly obedient to His Father throughout His life. Only His Father's love was powerful enough to compel Him to commit His life to the saving purpose of His Father.
Jesus prayed that God would place this same love in His disciples. He knew that no other motivation would be sufficient for the assignments God had for them. God's answer was to place His Son in them. It is impossible for a Christian to be filled with this measure of love and not to be on mission with God.
You will be incapable of ministering to everyone God sends you unless you have His love. You cannot forgive others or go the extra mile with others or sacrifice for others unless you have first been filled with the boundless love of God. Seek to know the Father and His immeasurable love; then allow His Son to love others through you! Let His LOVE for you affects you greatly so that YOU will serve Him wholeheartedly! Amen
“O righteous Father! The world has not known You, but I have known You; and these have known that You sent Me. And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” Jn 17:25-26
You cannot be close to God without being affected by His love. The heavenly Father loved His Son with an everlasting love. Everything in the heart and life of the Father was released to His Son. As the Father expressed His love for a broken and sinful world, this passion was manifested through the life of His Son. The Father initiated His plan to save mankind, and out of a heart of devotion, the Son accepted the assignment that took Him to the cross.
As Jesus walked among people, the Father's love filled His Son. Jesus recognized that no ordinary love could motivate Him to go to the cross. No human love could keep Him perfectly obedient to His Father throughout His life. Only His Father's love was powerful enough to compel Him to commit His life to the saving purpose of His Father.
Jesus prayed that God would place this same love in His disciples. He knew that no other motivation would be sufficient for the assignments God had for them. God's answer was to place His Son in them. It is impossible for a Christian to be filled with this measure of love and not to be on mission with God.
You will be incapable of ministering to everyone God sends you unless you have His love. You cannot forgive others or go the extra mile with others or sacrifice for others unless you have first been filled with the boundless love of God. Seek to know the Father and His immeasurable love; then allow His Son to love others through you! Let His LOVE for you affects you greatly so that YOU will serve Him wholeheartedly! Amen
The Potter and the Clay
24 October 2007
“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!” Je 18:6
God looks for those who will allow Him to shape them into the instruments He requires to do His divine work. Clay has no plans of its own, no aspirations for service, nor reluctance to perform its given task. It is just clay. Moldable, totally submissive to the will of its master.
At times we excitedly announce to God: “I've discovered my strengths and gifts, and now I know how I can best serve You!” At other times we inform Him, “I am aware of what my weaknesses are, so I know which tasks I'm not capable of doing for You.” Yet this is not characteristic of clay.
God is not limited to working with our strengths (2Co 12:9-10). He can mold us into whatever kind of instrument He requires. God's assignment demands humility. He finds a servant willing to be humbled. When His work requires zeal, He looks for someone He can fill with His Spirit. God uses holy vessels, so He finds those who will allow Him to remove their impurities.
It is not a noble task, being clay. There is no glamour to it, nothing boastworthy, except that it is exactly what almighty God is looking for. Compliant, moldable, yielded clay.
If your tendency is to tell the Father what you can and cannot do for Him, submit to His agenda and allow Him to shape you into the person He wants you to be. Like clay. Amen
“O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter?” says the Lord. “Look, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel!” Je 18:6
God looks for those who will allow Him to shape them into the instruments He requires to do His divine work. Clay has no plans of its own, no aspirations for service, nor reluctance to perform its given task. It is just clay. Moldable, totally submissive to the will of its master.
At times we excitedly announce to God: “I've discovered my strengths and gifts, and now I know how I can best serve You!” At other times we inform Him, “I am aware of what my weaknesses are, so I know which tasks I'm not capable of doing for You.” Yet this is not characteristic of clay.
God is not limited to working with our strengths (2Co 12:9-10). He can mold us into whatever kind of instrument He requires. God's assignment demands humility. He finds a servant willing to be humbled. When His work requires zeal, He looks for someone He can fill with His Spirit. God uses holy vessels, so He finds those who will allow Him to remove their impurities.
It is not a noble task, being clay. There is no glamour to it, nothing boastworthy, except that it is exactly what almighty God is looking for. Compliant, moldable, yielded clay.
If your tendency is to tell the Father what you can and cannot do for Him, submit to His agenda and allow Him to shape you into the person He wants you to be. Like clay. Amen
Tearful Prayers
23 October 2007
'Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear.' Heb 5:7
The life of Jesus provides the model for our prayer lives. God is seeking to mold us into the image of His Son (Col 1:27-28). If we are to act like Christ, our prayer lives must be conformed to His. Many Christians are unwilling to pay the price that Jesus paid when it comes to interceding with God. Jesus’ prayers came with vehement cries and tears and, “because of His godly fear,” He was heard by the Father.
Why, then, did the Father refuse His request? It was not due to any sin in Jesus’ life, nor was it because the Father did not love His Son. The Father said no, despite the unfathomable love He had for His Son, because He knew He could not spare His Son and save a world. Likewise, the Lord cannot always spare you and your family and complete His redemptive work in those around you.
Are you willing for God to deny your pleadings? Will you intercede with the Father so deeply and intimately that even in the midst of your tears you are able to say, “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done?” The Father will always relate to you out of the context of His love for a lost world. Has God said no to one of your requests recently? Accept His answer. Have you been learning obedience through what you have been suffering (Heb 5:8)? If you have, God may choose to make you a source of salvation to others even as He did with His Son. Amen
'Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear.' Heb 5:7
The life of Jesus provides the model for our prayer lives. God is seeking to mold us into the image of His Son (Col 1:27-28). If we are to act like Christ, our prayer lives must be conformed to His. Many Christians are unwilling to pay the price that Jesus paid when it comes to interceding with God. Jesus’ prayers came with vehement cries and tears and, “because of His godly fear,” He was heard by the Father.
Why, then, did the Father refuse His request? It was not due to any sin in Jesus’ life, nor was it because the Father did not love His Son. The Father said no, despite the unfathomable love He had for His Son, because He knew He could not spare His Son and save a world. Likewise, the Lord cannot always spare you and your family and complete His redemptive work in those around you.
Are you willing for God to deny your pleadings? Will you intercede with the Father so deeply and intimately that even in the midst of your tears you are able to say, “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done?” The Father will always relate to you out of the context of His love for a lost world. Has God said no to one of your requests recently? Accept His answer. Have you been learning obedience through what you have been suffering (Heb 5:8)? If you have, God may choose to make you a source of salvation to others even as He did with His Son. Amen
Denying Self
22 October 2007
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Mt 16:24
Self-centeredness is the result of sin, shifting our hearts from God to self. The essence of salvation is the re-orientation from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. The Christian must spend a lifetime denying self. This was exactly the struggle of Paul who had to engage a constant battle between the Spirit of God and self. Our great temptation will be to affirm ourselves while we follow Jesus. James and John did this when they chose to follow Jesus but asked for the two most prominent positions in Jesus’ kingdom (Mk 10:35-37). James and John wanted a discipleship that would not impede their personal desires and aspirations. Like them, we say, “Lord, I want to be pleasing to you, but I want to stay where I am.”
Self-centered people try to keep their lives unruffled and undisturbed, safe and secure. Our temptation is to give our time and effort to the goals of this world. Then, when we are successful in the world's eyes, we seek to bring God into our world by honoring Him with our success. We may say, “Now that I have succeeded in business [or sports, or politics, or with my family, or even Christian ministry], I want to give God the glory for it!”
God is not interested in receiving secondhand glory from our activity. God receives glory from His activity through our lives.
The world will entice you to adopt its goals and to invest in temporal things. Resist the temptation to pursue your own goals, asking God to bless them. Rather, deny yourself and join the activity of God as He reveals it to you. Amen
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Mt 16:24
Self-centeredness is the result of sin, shifting our hearts from God to self. The essence of salvation is the re-orientation from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. The Christian must spend a lifetime denying self. This was exactly the struggle of Paul who had to engage a constant battle between the Spirit of God and self. Our great temptation will be to affirm ourselves while we follow Jesus. James and John did this when they chose to follow Jesus but asked for the two most prominent positions in Jesus’ kingdom (Mk 10:35-37). James and John wanted a discipleship that would not impede their personal desires and aspirations. Like them, we say, “Lord, I want to be pleasing to you, but I want to stay where I am.”
Self-centered people try to keep their lives unruffled and undisturbed, safe and secure. Our temptation is to give our time and effort to the goals of this world. Then, when we are successful in the world's eyes, we seek to bring God into our world by honoring Him with our success. We may say, “Now that I have succeeded in business [or sports, or politics, or with my family, or even Christian ministry], I want to give God the glory for it!”
God is not interested in receiving secondhand glory from our activity. God receives glory from His activity through our lives.
The world will entice you to adopt its goals and to invest in temporal things. Resist the temptation to pursue your own goals, asking God to bless them. Rather, deny yourself and join the activity of God as He reveals it to you. Amen
He Will Keep HIs Promises
21 October 2007
'For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.' 2Co 1:20
God keeps every promise He makes. When we walk in intimate fellowship with Christ, we have the assurance that every promise God has made in Scripture is available to us. This truth should motivate us to search the Scriptures for each promise in order to meditate upon its potential for our life.
Jesus promised that when you ask for something in His will, He will give you what you ask (Jn 16:23b). This promise is available to every Christian. If you ask God if this promise applies to your life, His answer is yes. If you are not now experiencing this promise, it does not change the fact that God has said it. You may need to seek God's answer for why His promise has not yet reached maturity in you.
Paul claimed he had tested each of these promises in his own life and found them all to be abundantly true. That's why he could speak of the “exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ep 2:7b) and the “unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ep 3:8b). Paul had found a wealth of God's promises and enjoyed them all in abundance.
Don't become discouraged or impatient if you are not experiencing to the fullest all of God's promises in your life. God may want to prepare you to receive some of the great truths He has made available to you. Walk closely with your Lord and, in time, you will see Him bring His promises to fruition in your life. Amen
'For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.' 2Co 1:20
God keeps every promise He makes. When we walk in intimate fellowship with Christ, we have the assurance that every promise God has made in Scripture is available to us. This truth should motivate us to search the Scriptures for each promise in order to meditate upon its potential for our life.
Jesus promised that when you ask for something in His will, He will give you what you ask (Jn 16:23b). This promise is available to every Christian. If you ask God if this promise applies to your life, His answer is yes. If you are not now experiencing this promise, it does not change the fact that God has said it. You may need to seek God's answer for why His promise has not yet reached maturity in you.
Paul claimed he had tested each of these promises in his own life and found them all to be abundantly true. That's why he could speak of the “exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ep 2:7b) and the “unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ep 3:8b). Paul had found a wealth of God's promises and enjoyed them all in abundance.
Don't become discouraged or impatient if you are not experiencing to the fullest all of God's promises in your life. God may want to prepare you to receive some of the great truths He has made available to you. Walk closely with your Lord and, in time, you will see Him bring His promises to fruition in your life. Amen
Preparing for Meeting God
20 October 2007
'Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.” Ex 19:10-11
Meeting with God requires preparation. God is awesome and perfectly holy. When the children of Israel were to meet with Him, God commanded them first to take two full days to prepare. Once the people were ready, however, God spoke to them with thunder and lightning, with fire and smoke and the sound of loud trumpets (Ex 19:16-25). It was through this encounter that God revealed such marvelous truths as the Ten Commandments, establishing the standard by which God expected His people to live.
You cannot spend day after day in the world without its affecting your mind and will and heart. It doesn't take long to become disoriented to the ways of God. The world has a dulling effect on your spiritual sensibilities. God established the Sabbath so His people could take an entire day to refocus on Him and His will for them after spending six days in the world.
How do you prepare for your times of worship? What fills your mind the night before? Genuine worship requires spiritual preparation. Your experiences of worship reflect your spiritual preparation. Prepare yourself now for your next encounter with God. Amen
'Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.” Ex 19:10-11
Meeting with God requires preparation. God is awesome and perfectly holy. When the children of Israel were to meet with Him, God commanded them first to take two full days to prepare. Once the people were ready, however, God spoke to them with thunder and lightning, with fire and smoke and the sound of loud trumpets (Ex 19:16-25). It was through this encounter that God revealed such marvelous truths as the Ten Commandments, establishing the standard by which God expected His people to live.
You cannot spend day after day in the world without its affecting your mind and will and heart. It doesn't take long to become disoriented to the ways of God. The world has a dulling effect on your spiritual sensibilities. God established the Sabbath so His people could take an entire day to refocus on Him and His will for them after spending six days in the world.
How do you prepare for your times of worship? What fills your mind the night before? Genuine worship requires spiritual preparation. Your experiences of worship reflect your spiritual preparation. Prepare yourself now for your next encounter with God. Amen
Jesus Intercedes for You
19 October 2007
'And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Lk 22:31-32
Jesus loved Peter dearly. Jesus spoke to him specifically and said, “Simon! Simon! Satan has made a request to sift all of you (plural) as wheat. But I have prayed for you (singular), that your faith will not fail. And when you (singular) have returned to Me, strengthen your brothers.”
Even as Jesus faced His imminent arrest and crucifixion, He took time to strengthen Peter for what was to come! He assured him that God had set limits on Satan's influence. He expressed His confidence that even though Peter's faith would falter, he would overcome, to the point of strengthening others. Since Jesus Himself was interceding for Peter, Peter might fail for a moment, but his life would ultimately be victorious.
Jesus is fully aware of every temptation and test you will encounter, and He stands ready to deliver you (1Co 10:13). He intercedes for you just as He did for Peter (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:25). Temptation might catch you by surprise, but Jesus is already interceding with the Father on your behalf. Remember that temptation is not a sin. When you are tempted, turn immediately to Jesus. He will take you to the Father, and you will overcome the temptation, for Jesus has overcome everything you can face in the world (1Jn 4:4).
When you are tested and are secure in the intercession of Jesus, you, too, will be able to strengthen others.
If you are grappling with temptation, Jesus is interceding for you with the Father even now. Be steadfast and encouraged! Amen
'And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” Lk 22:31-32
Jesus loved Peter dearly. Jesus spoke to him specifically and said, “Simon! Simon! Satan has made a request to sift all of you (plural) as wheat. But I have prayed for you (singular), that your faith will not fail. And when you (singular) have returned to Me, strengthen your brothers.”
Even as Jesus faced His imminent arrest and crucifixion, He took time to strengthen Peter for what was to come! He assured him that God had set limits on Satan's influence. He expressed His confidence that even though Peter's faith would falter, he would overcome, to the point of strengthening others. Since Jesus Himself was interceding for Peter, Peter might fail for a moment, but his life would ultimately be victorious.
Jesus is fully aware of every temptation and test you will encounter, and He stands ready to deliver you (1Co 10:13). He intercedes for you just as He did for Peter (Ro 8:34; Heb 7:25). Temptation might catch you by surprise, but Jesus is already interceding with the Father on your behalf. Remember that temptation is not a sin. When you are tempted, turn immediately to Jesus. He will take you to the Father, and you will overcome the temptation, for Jesus has overcome everything you can face in the world (1Jn 4:4).
When you are tested and are secure in the intercession of Jesus, you, too, will be able to strengthen others.
If you are grappling with temptation, Jesus is interceding for you with the Father even now. Be steadfast and encouraged! Amen
Do not be Anxious
18 October 2007
'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' Phl 4:6
Don't be anxious! Paul said there is nothing that should cause a child of God to worry. He was well aware of things that cause anxiety. He was writing from prison, where he was being held as a result of false accusations. He was separated from those he loved; his motives had been questioned; and he had been misrepresented. Some were trying to undermine all that he had accomplished in starting churches. He suffered physically and faced imminent execution (2Co 11:23-29). Yet Paul said there would never be a crisis so troubling that God could not bring peace in the midst of it!
God will not necessarily take your problems away, but He will carry the load for you. He wants you to experience His peace, which is beyond human comprehension. You will never fully understand how God could give you peace in some of the situations you face, but you do not have to understand it in order to experience it. This peace is not just for those who “handle stress well”; it is for everyone! You may know that God wants you to experience peace but wonder how this is possible, given what you are presently facing.
Yet, Scripture says to be anxious for nothing. God's Word clearly indicates that there is nothing you can face that is too difficult, too troubling, or too fearful for God. No matter what your circumstances are, turn your anxiety over to God and let His perfect peace guard your heart. Amen
'Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.' Phl 4:6
Don't be anxious! Paul said there is nothing that should cause a child of God to worry. He was well aware of things that cause anxiety. He was writing from prison, where he was being held as a result of false accusations. He was separated from those he loved; his motives had been questioned; and he had been misrepresented. Some were trying to undermine all that he had accomplished in starting churches. He suffered physically and faced imminent execution (2Co 11:23-29). Yet Paul said there would never be a crisis so troubling that God could not bring peace in the midst of it!
God will not necessarily take your problems away, but He will carry the load for you. He wants you to experience His peace, which is beyond human comprehension. You will never fully understand how God could give you peace in some of the situations you face, but you do not have to understand it in order to experience it. This peace is not just for those who “handle stress well”; it is for everyone! You may know that God wants you to experience peace but wonder how this is possible, given what you are presently facing.
Yet, Scripture says to be anxious for nothing. God's Word clearly indicates that there is nothing you can face that is too difficult, too troubling, or too fearful for God. No matter what your circumstances are, turn your anxiety over to God and let His perfect peace guard your heart. Amen
Distractions
17 October 2007
'While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Mt 17:5
Peter and the other disciples were continually disoriented to God. While Jesus was concerned about one thing, it seems that the disciples were always distracted by something else. In order to help his three closest disciples better focus on His imminent sacrifice on the cross, Jesus took them up to the Mount of Transfiguration. There, Jesus was transfigured into a glorious state and was joined by Moses and Elijah, two of history's mightiest men of God.
The disciples, however, were asleep! At one of the most profound moments in history, the disciples were more interested in sleep than they were in praying with the Son of God.
When the disciples awakened, they became distracted again. This time, Peter announced his plans to build three tabernacles. The disciples were more concerned with what they could do for God than the incredible work of redemption God was about to accomplish through His Son.
Finally, God removed everything from the disciples’ sight but Jesus. “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
It is so easy to become spiritually distracted. Do you find yourself focusing on everything else but Christ and the work He is doing around you? Are you so eager to “get to the work” that you have not yet clearly heard what is on God's heart? Does the Father need to remove from your life those things that are proving to be a distraction to you? Do you need to refocus on Jesus?
'While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Mt 17:5
Peter and the other disciples were continually disoriented to God. While Jesus was concerned about one thing, it seems that the disciples were always distracted by something else. In order to help his three closest disciples better focus on His imminent sacrifice on the cross, Jesus took them up to the Mount of Transfiguration. There, Jesus was transfigured into a glorious state and was joined by Moses and Elijah, two of history's mightiest men of God.
The disciples, however, were asleep! At one of the most profound moments in history, the disciples were more interested in sleep than they were in praying with the Son of God.
When the disciples awakened, they became distracted again. This time, Peter announced his plans to build three tabernacles. The disciples were more concerned with what they could do for God than the incredible work of redemption God was about to accomplish through His Son.
Finally, God removed everything from the disciples’ sight but Jesus. “This is My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
It is so easy to become spiritually distracted. Do you find yourself focusing on everything else but Christ and the work He is doing around you? Are you so eager to “get to the work” that you have not yet clearly heard what is on God's heart? Does the Father need to remove from your life those things that are proving to be a distraction to you? Do you need to refocus on Jesus?
Blessed are those who Hunger
16 October 2007
'And the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep: That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I' 1 Sam 3:3-4
One night Eli, the old high priest went to bed, and by that point in his life his eyesight had grown so poor that he could barely see anything and his ears are not hearing well. However, young Samuel said ' I hear something.'
Yes, it is time for us to admit that the lamp of God is flickering but things are not as they should be. We keep on going through the motions and satisfied with the flickering lamp. But when He really speaks, we reject it as we think people are dreaming. But when He really shows up, our dim eyes cannot see Him. We tell young Samuels among us who are spiritually alert to ' go back to sleep. Just keep doing things the way I have taught you.'
Its time for the churches in Malaysia to be sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit and break open the heavens that the manna might fall and start feeding the spiritually hungry of the nation. But the hunger must start from us, the church to flow down through the aisles of our churches.We are like the church at Laodicea, lukewarm, neither hot nor cold.
The way to get more of Him, is to get hungry. The church in Malaysia must start to be hungry for Him.' Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after my righteousness: for they shall be filled' Mt 5:6
Let us pray:
' Father, we pray that a spirit of spiritual violence will grip our hearts , that You will turn us into warriors of worship. We pray that we will not stop until we break through the heavens...until there is an open heaven. We are tired of being satisified with the crumbs of yesterday's bread. Send us fresh bread from Heaven...send us the manna of your presence.
In Jesus Name, Amen'
'And the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep: That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I' 1 Sam 3:3-4
One night Eli, the old high priest went to bed, and by that point in his life his eyesight had grown so poor that he could barely see anything and his ears are not hearing well. However, young Samuel said ' I hear something.'
Yes, it is time for us to admit that the lamp of God is flickering but things are not as they should be. We keep on going through the motions and satisfied with the flickering lamp. But when He really speaks, we reject it as we think people are dreaming. But when He really shows up, our dim eyes cannot see Him. We tell young Samuels among us who are spiritually alert to ' go back to sleep. Just keep doing things the way I have taught you.'
Its time for the churches in Malaysia to be sensitive to the prompting of the Spirit and break open the heavens that the manna might fall and start feeding the spiritually hungry of the nation. But the hunger must start from us, the church to flow down through the aisles of our churches.We are like the church at Laodicea, lukewarm, neither hot nor cold.
The way to get more of Him, is to get hungry. The church in Malaysia must start to be hungry for Him.' Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after my righteousness: for they shall be filled' Mt 5:6
Let us pray:
' Father, we pray that a spirit of spiritual violence will grip our hearts , that You will turn us into warriors of worship. We pray that we will not stop until we break through the heavens...until there is an open heaven. We are tired of being satisified with the crumbs of yesterday's bread. Send us fresh bread from Heaven...send us the manna of your presence.
In Jesus Name, Amen'
God's Will is Unchanging for You
15 October 2007
'But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.' Nu 14:38
God's will for you will never change irrespective of the actions of others. Their actions will affect you, but no one can prevent what God wants to do in and through you. Joshua and Caleb trusted God and yet were forced to wander in a wilderness for forty years because of the fear and disbelief of others.
Have you ever felt that someone was thwarting God's will for you? Perhaps someone kept you from getting a job or earning a promotion. Perhaps the government would not approve your application or a committee disagreed with your recommendation. Do you believe that mere man can stop God from accomplishing His purposes in your life?
God did everything He intended to do in the lives of Joshua and Caleb. His primary assignment for them had not been to enter the Promised Land but rather to serve as godly leaders for their people. Joshua and Caleb could not lead the people if they were in the Promised Land by themselves while the people were still wandering in the wilderness!
God kept these leaders in a position where they could exert a godly influence upon their nation, and, as a result, they became models of spiritual leadership for generations to come. Even so, God ultimately brought Caleb and Joshua into the Promised Land just as He had said. They had been delayed but not thwarted.
Be assured of this: No one can hinder God from carrying out His plans for your life. Once God sets something in motion, no one can stop it (Isa 46:11). Amen
'But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.' Nu 14:38
God's will for you will never change irrespective of the actions of others. Their actions will affect you, but no one can prevent what God wants to do in and through you. Joshua and Caleb trusted God and yet were forced to wander in a wilderness for forty years because of the fear and disbelief of others.
Have you ever felt that someone was thwarting God's will for you? Perhaps someone kept you from getting a job or earning a promotion. Perhaps the government would not approve your application or a committee disagreed with your recommendation. Do you believe that mere man can stop God from accomplishing His purposes in your life?
God did everything He intended to do in the lives of Joshua and Caleb. His primary assignment for them had not been to enter the Promised Land but rather to serve as godly leaders for their people. Joshua and Caleb could not lead the people if they were in the Promised Land by themselves while the people were still wandering in the wilderness!
God kept these leaders in a position where they could exert a godly influence upon their nation, and, as a result, they became models of spiritual leadership for generations to come. Even so, God ultimately brought Caleb and Joshua into the Promised Land just as He had said. They had been delayed but not thwarted.
Be assured of this: No one can hinder God from carrying out His plans for your life. Once God sets something in motion, no one can stop it (Isa 46:11). Amen
Spiritual Famine
14 October 2007
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord.” Am 8:11
There are times that God chooses to remain silent. The people of God during the time of prophet Amos blatantly ignored and rejected God's Word to them, and God had to respond by sending a famine. This famine was far more severe than a shortage of food and water. Instead, they were deprived of His words of life.
God's silence may be hardly noticeable at first. You may still remember times when God spoke to you, but you gradually realize you've not heard His voice for a long time. If you realize you are in a “drought,” immediately seek God and ask Him what adjustments your life requires so you can once again enjoy fellowship with Him.
It may be that you disobeyed His last instructions to you and that He is waiting on your obedience before giving you a new direction. It may be that there is unconfessed sin in your life or that you have a damaged relationship (Isa 1:15; 1Pe 3:7). It is possible that you have done too much talking in your prayer times and that He wants you to listen.
God's silences can be powerful times for Him to communicate with you.
God is God! Because He is God, when He speaks He expects a listening ear and an eager response. He will not be mocked! (Ga 6:7). When we ignore Him, He may withhold His voice until we repent and get right with Him. The prophet Isaiah assured King Asa, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.”
Amen
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “That I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine of bread, Nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the Lord.” Am 8:11
There are times that God chooses to remain silent. The people of God during the time of prophet Amos blatantly ignored and rejected God's Word to them, and God had to respond by sending a famine. This famine was far more severe than a shortage of food and water. Instead, they were deprived of His words of life.
God's silence may be hardly noticeable at first. You may still remember times when God spoke to you, but you gradually realize you've not heard His voice for a long time. If you realize you are in a “drought,” immediately seek God and ask Him what adjustments your life requires so you can once again enjoy fellowship with Him.
It may be that you disobeyed His last instructions to you and that He is waiting on your obedience before giving you a new direction. It may be that there is unconfessed sin in your life or that you have a damaged relationship (Isa 1:15; 1Pe 3:7). It is possible that you have done too much talking in your prayer times and that He wants you to listen.
God's silences can be powerful times for Him to communicate with you.
God is God! Because He is God, when He speaks He expects a listening ear and an eager response. He will not be mocked! (Ga 6:7). When we ignore Him, He may withhold His voice until we repent and get right with Him. The prophet Isaiah assured King Asa, “The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.”
Amen
House of Bread
13 October 2007
' In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem of Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, his wife, and his two sons.' Ruth 1:1
Naomi and her husband and two sons left home and moved to Moab because there was famine in Bethlehem. Bethlehem in Hebrew means ' house of bread' The reason they left the house of bread is because there was no bread in the house. People leave churches because there was no bread. Bread was part of the temple practices and it was a proof of His Presence - the showbread, the bread of the presence (Num 4:7)
The reason why people are flocking to other 'attractions' is because the church has failed them and they find no bread in the spiritual cupboards, except for a few crumbs of yesteryears' revivals. The church can talk about what God has done and where he has been but can say very little about what He is doing among us today. We camouflage of our emptiness like the priesthood in Jesus' day kept the veil in place with no ark of the covenant behind it. Religious spirits, pride in protecting religious traditions, and activities that are used to prevent the congregation of realising that there was no glory behind the veil.
People have come to the house of bread time and again only to find that there was too much of man and too little of God. Over and over, we talk about the Glory of God covering the earth, but how is it going to flow through the streets of our cities if it cannot even flow down the aisles of our churches. It's got to start somewhere, and it's not going to start out there. It must start right at the temple as Exekiel saw ' I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple...' Ezek 47:1
If God's glory cannot flow through the aisles of the church because of seducing spirits and manipulating men, then God will have to turn somewhere else as He did the day Jesus rode past ' the house of bread' (temple) in Jerusalem on a donkey.
Let us pray the church today is filled with God's presence and all walls of religious spirit, manipulative spirit, pride and seducing spirit be broken down and a total restoration of His temple takes place.
Amen
' In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem of Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, his wife, and his two sons.' Ruth 1:1
Naomi and her husband and two sons left home and moved to Moab because there was famine in Bethlehem. Bethlehem in Hebrew means ' house of bread' The reason they left the house of bread is because there was no bread in the house. People leave churches because there was no bread. Bread was part of the temple practices and it was a proof of His Presence - the showbread, the bread of the presence (Num 4:7)
The reason why people are flocking to other 'attractions' is because the church has failed them and they find no bread in the spiritual cupboards, except for a few crumbs of yesteryears' revivals. The church can talk about what God has done and where he has been but can say very little about what He is doing among us today. We camouflage of our emptiness like the priesthood in Jesus' day kept the veil in place with no ark of the covenant behind it. Religious spirits, pride in protecting religious traditions, and activities that are used to prevent the congregation of realising that there was no glory behind the veil.
People have come to the house of bread time and again only to find that there was too much of man and too little of God. Over and over, we talk about the Glory of God covering the earth, but how is it going to flow through the streets of our cities if it cannot even flow down the aisles of our churches. It's got to start somewhere, and it's not going to start out there. It must start right at the temple as Exekiel saw ' I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple...' Ezek 47:1
If God's glory cannot flow through the aisles of the church because of seducing spirits and manipulating men, then God will have to turn somewhere else as He did the day Jesus rode past ' the house of bread' (temple) in Jerusalem on a donkey.
Let us pray the church today is filled with God's presence and all walls of religious spirit, manipulative spirit, pride and seducing spirit be broken down and a total restoration of His temple takes place.
Amen
Tree of Righteousness
12 October 2007
"Blessed is the man,Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper." Ps 1:1-3
It is possible to spend your whole life knowing about the word of God and never experiencing any of them. Simply knowing about the word of God does not mean that they have become a part of your life. Here is the important question: What are you doing with the Word?
Some people allow themselves to come under the influence of ungodly thinking to the point that God's Word makes no difference to them. If you seek your counsel from ungodly persons, you will find yourself moving away from the direction God's Word commands. They will lead you down paths that take you far from God. If you choose to join those who are scornful, you will eventually become cynical.
The righteous man does not find encouragement in the opinions of others but in God's Word. He is not content with a surface knowledge of Scripture but meditates on it day and night until he is satisfied that what he reads reflects his own experience. He becomes like a fruit tree standing firmly on the bank of the river. The tree is well nourished and produces delicious fruit and bountiful leaves.
People come from miles around to sit in its shade and eat its fruit.If you allow God to implement His Word in your life, others will draw encouragement from you. The more you grow in God's righteousness, the stronger you will become. Some people would look in vain to find anyone they were encouraging, but not so the righteous person. A constant stream of people will seek you out because they know that your life will be a blessing Amen
"Blessed is the man,Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper." Ps 1:1-3
It is possible to spend your whole life knowing about the word of God and never experiencing any of them. Simply knowing about the word of God does not mean that they have become a part of your life. Here is the important question: What are you doing with the Word?
Some people allow themselves to come under the influence of ungodly thinking to the point that God's Word makes no difference to them. If you seek your counsel from ungodly persons, you will find yourself moving away from the direction God's Word commands. They will lead you down paths that take you far from God. If you choose to join those who are scornful, you will eventually become cynical.
The righteous man does not find encouragement in the opinions of others but in God's Word. He is not content with a surface knowledge of Scripture but meditates on it day and night until he is satisfied that what he reads reflects his own experience. He becomes like a fruit tree standing firmly on the bank of the river. The tree is well nourished and produces delicious fruit and bountiful leaves.
People come from miles around to sit in its shade and eat its fruit.If you allow God to implement His Word in your life, others will draw encouragement from you. The more you grow in God's righteousness, the stronger you will become. Some people would look in vain to find anyone they were encouraging, but not so the righteous person. A constant stream of people will seek you out because they know that your life will be a blessing Amen
Sowing and Reaping
11 October 2007
'But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.' 2Co 9:6
This is the basic rule in our christian living. You must understand and know how you invest your time in order to experience the fullness of God in every area of your Christian life and never to settle for a shallow, lackadaisical relationship with almighty God. God will bless you according to how you respond to His invitations. If you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. If He finds in you a generous heart that willingly and freely gives what it has to others, then God responds toward you in like manner.
When the apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Corinth to help the Christians in Jerusalem, he promised them that if they would sow generously, they would reap a generous return from God.
This is a life-changing truth for you and you need to embrace this truth in order to see His power and potential He can do in your life. If you invest everything you have in your relationship with God, you will experience the fullest dimension in your spiritual life as children of God. If your desire is to know God more intimately, and if you spend ample time studying His word, God will generously enrich your relationship with Him. If you discipline yourselves to remain in prayer even when praying is difficult, He will reward you with a deeper, more powerful prayer life. If you reconcile any broken relationships and prepare your hearts before worship, and if you participate fully and reverently in every part of worship, God promises that you will meet Him and your lives will be changed.
Why is it that some Christians grow rapidly in their Christian faith and others remain unchanged year after year? Our Christian maturity is deeply affected by what we sow. Let us choose to sow generously in everything we do in our Christian lives. The harvest we reap will be Christlikeness. Amen
'But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.' 2Co 9:6
This is the basic rule in our christian living. You must understand and know how you invest your time in order to experience the fullness of God in every area of your Christian life and never to settle for a shallow, lackadaisical relationship with almighty God. God will bless you according to how you respond to His invitations. If you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. If He finds in you a generous heart that willingly and freely gives what it has to others, then God responds toward you in like manner.
When the apostle Paul encouraged the believers in Corinth to help the Christians in Jerusalem, he promised them that if they would sow generously, they would reap a generous return from God.
This is a life-changing truth for you and you need to embrace this truth in order to see His power and potential He can do in your life. If you invest everything you have in your relationship with God, you will experience the fullest dimension in your spiritual life as children of God. If your desire is to know God more intimately, and if you spend ample time studying His word, God will generously enrich your relationship with Him. If you discipline yourselves to remain in prayer even when praying is difficult, He will reward you with a deeper, more powerful prayer life. If you reconcile any broken relationships and prepare your hearts before worship, and if you participate fully and reverently in every part of worship, God promises that you will meet Him and your lives will be changed.
Why is it that some Christians grow rapidly in their Christian faith and others remain unchanged year after year? Our Christian maturity is deeply affected by what we sow. Let us choose to sow generously in everything we do in our Christian lives. The harvest we reap will be Christlikeness. Amen
God Will Protect
10 October 2007
“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” Jn 17:12
Nothing that Satan can do to you should cause you to fear (2Ti 1:7). Jesus chose the twelve disciples the Father had given Him and then jealously guarded them from the evil one. Jesus sent His disciples into the world where they experienced difficult and dangerous circumstances, but He interceded on their behalf with His Father that they would have His strong protection from the evil one (Jn 17:15).
In the same way, Jesus said that we, as His sheep, are held securely in the Father's strong hand (Jn 10:28). There is no better place to be than safely in the hand of almighty God. Do you believe this, or are you fearful of what Satan or people can do to you?
The apostle John encourages us that we do not need to fear: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1Jn 4:4). This is not merely a theological concept but a profound reality in which you can have absolute confidence. It is not just a truth for meditation in the security of your home; it is a promise you can cling to in the midst of a hostile world.
What you do reveals what you believe. If you are living a fearful, anxiety-filled life, you are proving your lack of confidence in God's protection, regardless of what you may say. Live your life with confidence that Jesus is continually interceding with the Father on your behalf.
Trust Him completely, you will have nothing to fear! Amen
“While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” Jn 17:12
Nothing that Satan can do to you should cause you to fear (2Ti 1:7). Jesus chose the twelve disciples the Father had given Him and then jealously guarded them from the evil one. Jesus sent His disciples into the world where they experienced difficult and dangerous circumstances, but He interceded on their behalf with His Father that they would have His strong protection from the evil one (Jn 17:15).
In the same way, Jesus said that we, as His sheep, are held securely in the Father's strong hand (Jn 10:28). There is no better place to be than safely in the hand of almighty God. Do you believe this, or are you fearful of what Satan or people can do to you?
The apostle John encourages us that we do not need to fear: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1Jn 4:4). This is not merely a theological concept but a profound reality in which you can have absolute confidence. It is not just a truth for meditation in the security of your home; it is a promise you can cling to in the midst of a hostile world.
What you do reveals what you believe. If you are living a fearful, anxiety-filled life, you are proving your lack of confidence in God's protection, regardless of what you may say. Live your life with confidence that Jesus is continually interceding with the Father on your behalf.
Trust Him completely, you will have nothing to fear! Amen
Jealous God
9 October 2007
'For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.' Dt 4:24
Our God is a consuming fire. He is satisfied only when His love totally consumes us. We usually think of a jealous person as someone resentful and suspicious, but the Lord's jealousy on our behalf is something that should be precious to us! He gave us life, and He wants to protect us from anything that could harm us. That is why He has commanded His children to worship no other gods, allowing nothing to distract us from His consuming love.
The Lord opposes anything that hinders our relationship with Him (Dt 6:15). He knows the danger of other gods, how they will lure us away, deceive us, and leave us empty. He will tolerate nothing that takes precedence over our love for Him. Our faithfulness to God assures us of the abundant life He wants to give us. If we reject Him, He will pursue us until we return to Him.
We should not resent the fact that God wants to guard our relationship with Him. Our relationship with God should be our top priority. It should dictate how we spend our time, our money, and our energy. If certain people or our possessions separate us from God, we must reexamine our hearts and give our devotion first to Him, as He commands. God wants each of us to love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mk 12:30). Our love for God should extend to every corner of our lives. God loved us so much that He gave us His own Son.
Let us respond by giving Him our highest devotion in return. Amen
'For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.' Dt 4:24
Our God is a consuming fire. He is satisfied only when His love totally consumes us. We usually think of a jealous person as someone resentful and suspicious, but the Lord's jealousy on our behalf is something that should be precious to us! He gave us life, and He wants to protect us from anything that could harm us. That is why He has commanded His children to worship no other gods, allowing nothing to distract us from His consuming love.
The Lord opposes anything that hinders our relationship with Him (Dt 6:15). He knows the danger of other gods, how they will lure us away, deceive us, and leave us empty. He will tolerate nothing that takes precedence over our love for Him. Our faithfulness to God assures us of the abundant life He wants to give us. If we reject Him, He will pursue us until we return to Him.
We should not resent the fact that God wants to guard our relationship with Him. Our relationship with God should be our top priority. It should dictate how we spend our time, our money, and our energy. If certain people or our possessions separate us from God, we must reexamine our hearts and give our devotion first to Him, as He commands. God wants each of us to love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mk 12:30). Our love for God should extend to every corner of our lives. God loved us so much that He gave us His own Son.
Let us respond by giving Him our highest devotion in return. Amen
Seek the Mountains
8 October 2007
“Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.” Jos 14:12
Caleb's faith in God was unwavering. Everyone around him doubted. Despite God convinced Caleb that the children of Israel should enter the Promised Land, the people were fearful of the giants and fortified cities in front of them. (Nu 13:28-33). Their unbelief forced Caleb to wait forty years in the wilderness before he finally entered the Promised Land.
Even after all those years, Caleb was as confident as ever in God's power.
When God was dividing the land among the Israelites, the people were asking for the lush valleys and grassy plains as they saw from their physical eyes. Caleb asked for a mountain. The Israelites had driven their enemies into the mountains, where they had built fortresses. Caleb's faith in God was steadfast and asked for a challenge! He did not trust in his own strength but in God's presence. Caleb longed to see God work in power, and he knew he would be less likely to rely on God if he dwelt in the easy places. He chose a situation in which he would have to trust in God. Caleb knew his inheritance from God was on the mountain. He refused to allow the difficulty of gaining it to stop him from enjoying all that God had promised him.
If you always choose the easy way, asking for the peaceful valleys, you will never see God's power displayed to enable you to take a mountain. Seek out the mountains, and you will witness God doing things through your life that can be explained only by His mighty presence today!
Amen
“Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.” Jos 14:12
Caleb's faith in God was unwavering. Everyone around him doubted. Despite God convinced Caleb that the children of Israel should enter the Promised Land, the people were fearful of the giants and fortified cities in front of them. (Nu 13:28-33). Their unbelief forced Caleb to wait forty years in the wilderness before he finally entered the Promised Land.
Even after all those years, Caleb was as confident as ever in God's power.
When God was dividing the land among the Israelites, the people were asking for the lush valleys and grassy plains as they saw from their physical eyes. Caleb asked for a mountain. The Israelites had driven their enemies into the mountains, where they had built fortresses. Caleb's faith in God was steadfast and asked for a challenge! He did not trust in his own strength but in God's presence. Caleb longed to see God work in power, and he knew he would be less likely to rely on God if he dwelt in the easy places. He chose a situation in which he would have to trust in God. Caleb knew his inheritance from God was on the mountain. He refused to allow the difficulty of gaining it to stop him from enjoying all that God had promised him.
If you always choose the easy way, asking for the peaceful valleys, you will never see God's power displayed to enable you to take a mountain. Seek out the mountains, and you will witness God doing things through your life that can be explained only by His mighty presence today!
Amen
7 October 2007
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Mt 16:19
The keys of the kingdom represent the access you have to the Father through your relationship to Jesus Christ. The keys of the kingdom have the power to unlock God's intervention and power in practically everything. Whatever and whenever the keys are used, we can bind and loose all things on earth as well as the same will happen in heaven.
With this relationship you have access to everything both in heaven and on earth. However, this special access is not given indiscriminately; Jesus gave the keys to His disciples only after they recognized that He was the Christ. Once the disciples were convinced that Jesus was the Savior, they entered into a unique and personal relationship with Him and have the keys to the kingdom. Likewise, your relationship with Christ opens the door of heaven for you and gives you direct access to the Father. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever is loosed on earth, will be loosed in heaven.
Peter discovered that once he had keys to the kingdom, he could go to the Father in every situation. When he stood to preach before thousands on the day of Pentecost, this simple fisherman opened the door to the kingdom for three thousand people in one day (Ac 2:41). When he encountered a lame man, he used his access to God and His healing power, and the man was healed (Ac 3:6). When he was imprisoned, Peter discovered that the keys of the kingdom could open even the most secure prison door (Ac 12:6-10).
If you are a Christian you, too, have keys to the kingdom of heaven. You do not need an intermediary, for you have a direct access to God. With that access come all the resources you need to face any circumstance. When you are afraid, you have access to God's peace that surpasses comprehension (Phl 4:6). When you have a broken relationship, you have access to the God of reconciliation (2Co 5:18-21). When you meet someone in need, you have access to God's provision for that person. What an incredible privilege to be entrusted with keys to the kingdom of heaven! Let us use and appropriate this for His Glory today
Amen
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Mt 16:19
The keys of the kingdom represent the access you have to the Father through your relationship to Jesus Christ. The keys of the kingdom have the power to unlock God's intervention and power in practically everything. Whatever and whenever the keys are used, we can bind and loose all things on earth as well as the same will happen in heaven.
With this relationship you have access to everything both in heaven and on earth. However, this special access is not given indiscriminately; Jesus gave the keys to His disciples only after they recognized that He was the Christ. Once the disciples were convinced that Jesus was the Savior, they entered into a unique and personal relationship with Him and have the keys to the kingdom. Likewise, your relationship with Christ opens the door of heaven for you and gives you direct access to the Father. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever is loosed on earth, will be loosed in heaven.
Peter discovered that once he had keys to the kingdom, he could go to the Father in every situation. When he stood to preach before thousands on the day of Pentecost, this simple fisherman opened the door to the kingdom for three thousand people in one day (Ac 2:41). When he encountered a lame man, he used his access to God and His healing power, and the man was healed (Ac 3:6). When he was imprisoned, Peter discovered that the keys of the kingdom could open even the most secure prison door (Ac 12:6-10).
If you are a Christian you, too, have keys to the kingdom of heaven. You do not need an intermediary, for you have a direct access to God. With that access come all the resources you need to face any circumstance. When you are afraid, you have access to God's peace that surpasses comprehension (Phl 4:6). When you have a broken relationship, you have access to the God of reconciliation (2Co 5:18-21). When you meet someone in need, you have access to God's provision for that person. What an incredible privilege to be entrusted with keys to the kingdom of heaven! Let us use and appropriate this for His Glory today
Amen
Draw Near to God
6 October 2007
'Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.' Jas 4:8
There may be times when God seems far away. You may feel as if your prayers go unheard. James said there is a simple reason for this and a solution. If you are far from God, it is because your sin has separated you from Him.
God is unchanging. His character stays absolutely holy. His faithfulness remains constant; it is we who change. We allow sin into our lives. We choose our own direction. We spend less and less time with Him in daily devotion and prayer. Then one day we realize that we have gradually grown far away from Him. The solution is straightforward. We are to draw near to God. As we realize our need to be closer to the Father and we begin to return to Him, He meets us even as the father hurried to greet his prodigal son (Lk 15:20).
Drawing near to God requires you to take two actions. First, you must cleanse your hands (Isa 1:15). You must cleanse your way of living. If you have been actively engaged in sin, you must renounce it. If you have done anything to offend or hurt someone, you must make it right.
Second, you are to purify your heart (Ps 51:10). You must make certain your attitudes, thoughts, and motives are right in God's eyes and are in harmony with God's Word. Jesus warned that you cannot serve two masters (Mt 6:24). It is impossible to love anything else as much as you love God and still please Him.
If God seems distant, do what is necessary to cleanse your hands, purify your heart, and draw near to Him.
Amen
'Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.' Jas 4:8
There may be times when God seems far away. You may feel as if your prayers go unheard. James said there is a simple reason for this and a solution. If you are far from God, it is because your sin has separated you from Him.
God is unchanging. His character stays absolutely holy. His faithfulness remains constant; it is we who change. We allow sin into our lives. We choose our own direction. We spend less and less time with Him in daily devotion and prayer. Then one day we realize that we have gradually grown far away from Him. The solution is straightforward. We are to draw near to God. As we realize our need to be closer to the Father and we begin to return to Him, He meets us even as the father hurried to greet his prodigal son (Lk 15:20).
Drawing near to God requires you to take two actions. First, you must cleanse your hands (Isa 1:15). You must cleanse your way of living. If you have been actively engaged in sin, you must renounce it. If you have done anything to offend or hurt someone, you must make it right.
Second, you are to purify your heart (Ps 51:10). You must make certain your attitudes, thoughts, and motives are right in God's eyes and are in harmony with God's Word. Jesus warned that you cannot serve two masters (Mt 6:24). It is impossible to love anything else as much as you love God and still please Him.
If God seems distant, do what is necessary to cleanse your hands, purify your heart, and draw near to Him.
Amen
Walking with a Limp
5 October 2007
' Elijah came near to all the people and said, how long will you halt and limp between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him! But if Baal, then follow him. And the people did not anwer him a word' 1 Kings 18:20
Sometimes in our walk with God we find that we are spiritually limping. Our prayer life dries up. Our fear exceeds our faith; our guilt exceeds our joy. These limps occur when we don't put all our weight on God's grace.
Today's Scripture calls us to take our place with the people of Israel on Mt. Carmel. There we stand in the presence of two imposing altars. The first altar is not in good shape, because it has not been used often. It is the altar where we worship before the Lord God. Standing beside it is the lone prophet Elijah. The second altar is in very good shape, because it's popular and used often. Around it stand the 450 prophets of the idol Baal.
As we stare at these two altars, we realize that a contest is about to begin. It is a contest between the Lord God and Baal that we have forced, because these gods are competing for our hearts.
Suddenly the air is pierced by the voice of Elijah, who screams at us, "How long will you go limping between two opinions? If the Lord is God, then follow him, but if Baal then follow him." A choice. You have to make a choice about who or what is your god. That is how spiritual renewal always begins in a person's life -- by confessing you have been limping between two opinions about God.
At the Sunday morning altar we claim to believe God is our Creator, but all week long we worship before the altars that tell us we can create our own lives. So we bow before the Baals called hard work, achievement, and money. With these idols we think we can recreate life to fit our dreams.
At the Sunday morning altar we claim to believe that God is our Deliverer, but all week long we worship before the altars that tell us we are on our own. Some of you have suffered for years through the long drought of broken bodies and broken hearts, loneliness, bad relationships, devastating hurts between parent and child, and guilt.
On Mt. Carmel, in front of all of us, Elijah set the rules for this great contest. First, the prophets of Baal will prepare a sacrifice on their altar, then he will prepare a sacrifice on the altar of the Lord God. They will call upon the name of their god, and he will call upon the name of the Lord God. And the god who answers by fire ... he is God.
From morning to noon, the prophets of Baal danced in front of their altar, crying out, "O Baal, answer us!" With a hint of irony the text says, "they began to limp about the altar they had made." By noon, Elijah is feeling pretty good about the way this thing is going. He starts to tease the prophets of Baal. "Cry louder. Maybe he has wandered away. Maybe he is on a journey. Oh, I know, maybe he fell asleep. You'd better wake him up." So they cry louder, and cut themselves, and bleed for their god. And the text says, "But there was no voice, no answer, no response." That is the problem with Baal. It doesn't matter how frantically you worship, when you need salvation, there will be no response from any god you have made for yourself.
By 3:00 in the afternoon, Elijah figures that enough is enough. It's his turn. He begins by repairing the altar of the Lord God that has been neglected. The building drama of the text suddenly slows down as it contrasts the crazed activity of the prophets of Baal with Elijah's very deliberate activity of repairing the Lord's altar, one stone at a time. True spirituality can't be rushed. It has nothing to do with how hard you try at life and everything to do with your faithfulness in daily prayer and reading of the Bible. One stone at a time, you build a spiritual life.
After repairing the Lord's altar, Elijah places wood on it, and lays a bull on the wood. Then he douses the sacrifice with 12 great jars of water, which in a drought was a greater sacrifice than the bull. After this he prays, "O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, answer me. Answer me that this people may know that you are God and that you have turned their hearts back."
Then he steps back and throws his arms up to heaven. Suddenly a bolt of fire shot down from the sky and the altar exploded into flames! The fire consumed the bull, the wood, the stones, and licked up all the water. "When all of the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, 'The Lord indeed is God. The Lord indeed is God.'" Revival had just broken out on Mt. Carmel.
Keep us moving, O God, in good times and through the long droughts, keep us moving with all our devotion focused on you who are so devoted to us. Amen.
' Elijah came near to all the people and said, how long will you halt and limp between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him! But if Baal, then follow him. And the people did not anwer him a word' 1 Kings 18:20
Sometimes in our walk with God we find that we are spiritually limping. Our prayer life dries up. Our fear exceeds our faith; our guilt exceeds our joy. These limps occur when we don't put all our weight on God's grace.
Today's Scripture calls us to take our place with the people of Israel on Mt. Carmel. There we stand in the presence of two imposing altars. The first altar is not in good shape, because it has not been used often. It is the altar where we worship before the Lord God. Standing beside it is the lone prophet Elijah. The second altar is in very good shape, because it's popular and used often. Around it stand the 450 prophets of the idol Baal.
As we stare at these two altars, we realize that a contest is about to begin. It is a contest between the Lord God and Baal that we have forced, because these gods are competing for our hearts.
Suddenly the air is pierced by the voice of Elijah, who screams at us, "How long will you go limping between two opinions? If the Lord is God, then follow him, but if Baal then follow him." A choice. You have to make a choice about who or what is your god. That is how spiritual renewal always begins in a person's life -- by confessing you have been limping between two opinions about God.
At the Sunday morning altar we claim to believe God is our Creator, but all week long we worship before the altars that tell us we can create our own lives. So we bow before the Baals called hard work, achievement, and money. With these idols we think we can recreate life to fit our dreams.
At the Sunday morning altar we claim to believe that God is our Deliverer, but all week long we worship before the altars that tell us we are on our own. Some of you have suffered for years through the long drought of broken bodies and broken hearts, loneliness, bad relationships, devastating hurts between parent and child, and guilt.
On Mt. Carmel, in front of all of us, Elijah set the rules for this great contest. First, the prophets of Baal will prepare a sacrifice on their altar, then he will prepare a sacrifice on the altar of the Lord God. They will call upon the name of their god, and he will call upon the name of the Lord God. And the god who answers by fire ... he is God.
From morning to noon, the prophets of Baal danced in front of their altar, crying out, "O Baal, answer us!" With a hint of irony the text says, "they began to limp about the altar they had made." By noon, Elijah is feeling pretty good about the way this thing is going. He starts to tease the prophets of Baal. "Cry louder. Maybe he has wandered away. Maybe he is on a journey. Oh, I know, maybe he fell asleep. You'd better wake him up." So they cry louder, and cut themselves, and bleed for their god. And the text says, "But there was no voice, no answer, no response." That is the problem with Baal. It doesn't matter how frantically you worship, when you need salvation, there will be no response from any god you have made for yourself.
By 3:00 in the afternoon, Elijah figures that enough is enough. It's his turn. He begins by repairing the altar of the Lord God that has been neglected. The building drama of the text suddenly slows down as it contrasts the crazed activity of the prophets of Baal with Elijah's very deliberate activity of repairing the Lord's altar, one stone at a time. True spirituality can't be rushed. It has nothing to do with how hard you try at life and everything to do with your faithfulness in daily prayer and reading of the Bible. One stone at a time, you build a spiritual life.
After repairing the Lord's altar, Elijah places wood on it, and lays a bull on the wood. Then he douses the sacrifice with 12 great jars of water, which in a drought was a greater sacrifice than the bull. After this he prays, "O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, answer me. Answer me that this people may know that you are God and that you have turned their hearts back."
Then he steps back and throws his arms up to heaven. Suddenly a bolt of fire shot down from the sky and the altar exploded into flames! The fire consumed the bull, the wood, the stones, and licked up all the water. "When all of the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, 'The Lord indeed is God. The Lord indeed is God.'" Revival had just broken out on Mt. Carmel.
Keep us moving, O God, in good times and through the long droughts, keep us moving with all our devotion focused on you who are so devoted to us. Amen.
Let God Arise
4 October 2007
For he said, “Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Ex 17:16
The Amalekites were the persistent and relentless enemies of the Israelites. When the Israelites sought to enter the Promised Land, the Amalekites stood in their way (Ex 17:8-16). Once the Israelites were in the Promised Land and seeking to enjoy what God had given them, the Amalekites joined the Midianites to torment them in the days of Gideon (Jdg 6:3). It was an Amalekite that caused the downfall of King Saul (1Sa 15:9,28). The Amalekites continually sought to hinder the progress of God's people and to rob them of God's blessing. Thus God swore His enmity against them for eternity.
As you move forward in your walk with the Lord, there will be “Amalekites” that will seek to distract and defeat you. God is determined to remove anything that keeps you from experiencing Him to the fullest. If your commitment to your job is keeping you from obedience to Him, God will declare war against it. If a relationship, materialism, or a destructive activity is keeping you from obeying God's will, He will wage relentless war against it. You are precious in God's sight and He will not allow anything that keeps you from His will for your life. King Saul mistakenly thought he could associate with Amalekites and still fulfill the will of the Lord (1Sa 15:8-9). You may also be hesitant to rid yourself of that which causes you to compromise your obedience to God. Don't make the same mistake as King Saul. He did not take the Amalekites seriously enough, and it cost him dearly.
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered. Amen
For he said, “Because the Lord has sworn: the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Ex 17:16
The Amalekites were the persistent and relentless enemies of the Israelites. When the Israelites sought to enter the Promised Land, the Amalekites stood in their way (Ex 17:8-16). Once the Israelites were in the Promised Land and seeking to enjoy what God had given them, the Amalekites joined the Midianites to torment them in the days of Gideon (Jdg 6:3). It was an Amalekite that caused the downfall of King Saul (1Sa 15:9,28). The Amalekites continually sought to hinder the progress of God's people and to rob them of God's blessing. Thus God swore His enmity against them for eternity.
As you move forward in your walk with the Lord, there will be “Amalekites” that will seek to distract and defeat you. God is determined to remove anything that keeps you from experiencing Him to the fullest. If your commitment to your job is keeping you from obedience to Him, God will declare war against it. If a relationship, materialism, or a destructive activity is keeping you from obeying God's will, He will wage relentless war against it. You are precious in God's sight and He will not allow anything that keeps you from His will for your life. King Saul mistakenly thought he could associate with Amalekites and still fulfill the will of the Lord (1Sa 15:8-9). You may also be hesitant to rid yourself of that which causes you to compromise your obedience to God. Don't make the same mistake as King Saul. He did not take the Amalekites seriously enough, and it cost him dearly.
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered. Amen
God Remembers
3 October 2007
'Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.'
Isa 49:15
God will never neglect any of His children. God said it would be more likely for a nursing mother to forget the infant at her breast than for Him to forget one of His children! The nursing mother has a keen sensitivity to her baby. Even if the infant is in another room the mother's senses are in tune with her child. The mother knows when it is time to feed and care for the child. The mother never becomes so preoccupied with other things that she neglects the needs of her child.
God chose this fitting imagery to describe how He looks after His people, for He is more sensitive to the needs of His children than even the most loving mother. He anticipates every cry for help. Even before we can call out in need, God is responding with His answer (Isa 65:24). This is one of the most comforting promises God has given to us: that He will never forget us.
Don't let the difficult circumstances you are facing convince you that God has forgotten you. Don't ever assume that God is more concerned with the needs of others....the more significant, more spiritual people than He is with yours. Scripture teaches that God looks upon you with the same love, interest, and concern as a nursing mother would look upon her infant. It should reassure you to know that your Father loves you like that!
Amen
'Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you.'
Isa 49:15
God will never neglect any of His children. God said it would be more likely for a nursing mother to forget the infant at her breast than for Him to forget one of His children! The nursing mother has a keen sensitivity to her baby. Even if the infant is in another room the mother's senses are in tune with her child. The mother knows when it is time to feed and care for the child. The mother never becomes so preoccupied with other things that she neglects the needs of her child.
God chose this fitting imagery to describe how He looks after His people, for He is more sensitive to the needs of His children than even the most loving mother. He anticipates every cry for help. Even before we can call out in need, God is responding with His answer (Isa 65:24). This is one of the most comforting promises God has given to us: that He will never forget us.
Don't let the difficult circumstances you are facing convince you that God has forgotten you. Don't ever assume that God is more concerned with the needs of others....the more significant, more spiritual people than He is with yours. Scripture teaches that God looks upon you with the same love, interest, and concern as a nursing mother would look upon her infant. It should reassure you to know that your Father loves you like that!
Amen
Let God Rule in Our Midst
2 October 2007
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done
In heaven, God's will is the only priority. A word from God brings angels to do His bidding, immediately and without question. Jesus instructed us to pray that God would accomplish His will in our world in the same way. This means that God's purposes would be preeminent in our homes, our businesses, our schools, our churches, and our governments.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray that God's purposes be carried out in the world around them. In modeling how they should pray, Jesus was teaching His disciples how to share God's heart. He demonstrated this again at Gethsemane when He prayed, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Mt 26:39). It is as we seek God's kingdom on earth, and not our own purposes, that we gain the same mind as our heavenly Father. We become co-labourers with God by praying faithfully in agreement with His desires.
As you seek the Lord's will, He will guide your praying. He will invite you not only to pray, but also to become involved in His activity as He answers your prayer. If He places a burden upon you to pray for an individual's salvation, that burden is also His invitation to join His activity in that person's life. Prayer will prepare you to be a servant through whom God can bring about His will on earth. Pray that the Lord's absolute rule on earth will begin in your life. Then watch to see how God uses you to extend His lordship to others.
AmenBe Hungry after Righteouness
1 October 2007
' Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:for they shall be filled' Mt 5:6
Our problem is that we have never really been hungry and thirsty after God's righteouness. We have allowed the things of this present realm to satisfy our lives and our appetite for Him becomes numb. We have come to Him week after week, year after year, just to have Him fill in the little empty spaces available in our agenda. God is tired of being ' second place' to everything in our lives. He is even more tired of being second to the local church programme and church life!
We can be doing a lot things for Him even in our church activities like feeding the poor, going for mission work, teaching Sunday School etc but we can do all these without Him. Like a husband and wife, they can do a lot of things together but never enjoy the high level of intimacy with one another.
We are reminded that we shall be filled with His presence, His Goodness and His presence as we hunger and thirst for Him. And when God showed up, we are prepared to see 'His train fill the temple' and respond to Him like the prophet Isaiah.
Perhaps, you have allowed other things to fill you up and replace that desire for His presence. Let us ask God to awaken that old hunger in you and fill you with His presence.
Amen
' Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:for they shall be filled' Mt 5:6
Our problem is that we have never really been hungry and thirsty after God's righteouness. We have allowed the things of this present realm to satisfy our lives and our appetite for Him becomes numb. We have come to Him week after week, year after year, just to have Him fill in the little empty spaces available in our agenda. God is tired of being ' second place' to everything in our lives. He is even more tired of being second to the local church programme and church life!
We can be doing a lot things for Him even in our church activities like feeding the poor, going for mission work, teaching Sunday School etc but we can do all these without Him. Like a husband and wife, they can do a lot of things together but never enjoy the high level of intimacy with one another.
We are reminded that we shall be filled with His presence, His Goodness and His presence as we hunger and thirst for Him. And when God showed up, we are prepared to see 'His train fill the temple' and respond to Him like the prophet Isaiah.
Perhaps, you have allowed other things to fill you up and replace that desire for His presence. Let us ask God to awaken that old hunger in you and fill you with His presence.
Amen
Greatness in the kingdom of God
30 September 2007
' For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as One who serves.' Lk 22:27
How do we measure greatness? From the perspective of the world, the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, and the athletic are considered great and often idolised even they flaunt their immorality. The world claims that it is demeaning to serve others.
God's kingdom completely rejects the world's measure for esteem, giving the greatest honour to the one who serves most. The person who serves selflessly, lovingly, without complaint, and without seeking recognition is highly regarded in the kingdom of God.
When Jesus and His disciples entered the upper room, the disciples looked for a prominent place to sit; Jesus looked for a place to serve. As they waited to be served, Jesus took a towel and basin and washed their feet (John 13:1-15). We, Christians, like to refer ourselves as servants, but we are seldom content to be treated as servants! We are tempted to adopt the world's evaluation of importance. The world will measure your importance by the number of people serving you. God is more concern with the number of people you are serving.
If you struggle to be a servant, your heart may have shifted away from the heart of God. Ask Jesus to teach you to serve selflessly and hear the heartbeat of God on those who needed to be served. Watch for His invitation to join Him in serving others.
Amen
' For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as One who serves.' Lk 22:27
How do we measure greatness? From the perspective of the world, the rich, the powerful, the beautiful, and the athletic are considered great and often idolised even they flaunt their immorality. The world claims that it is demeaning to serve others.
God's kingdom completely rejects the world's measure for esteem, giving the greatest honour to the one who serves most. The person who serves selflessly, lovingly, without complaint, and without seeking recognition is highly regarded in the kingdom of God.
When Jesus and His disciples entered the upper room, the disciples looked for a prominent place to sit; Jesus looked for a place to serve. As they waited to be served, Jesus took a towel and basin and washed their feet (John 13:1-15). We, Christians, like to refer ourselves as servants, but we are seldom content to be treated as servants! We are tempted to adopt the world's evaluation of importance. The world will measure your importance by the number of people serving you. God is more concern with the number of people you are serving.
If you struggle to be a servant, your heart may have shifted away from the heart of God. Ask Jesus to teach you to serve selflessly and hear the heartbeat of God on those who needed to be served. Watch for His invitation to join Him in serving others.
Amen
Effective and Fervent Prayer
29 September 2007
' The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much' Jas 5:16b
This is a promise from God that if we live righteously and pray fervently, our prayers will be effective and produce significant results. Some of us may ask ' I pray but nothing happens' Our problem is that we do not hold ourselves accountable to the scriptures. God's word says that our prayer ought to accomplish much. If our prayer life is not accomplishing much, we should examine our lives. if the prayer life of the church is not accomplishing much, the church should ask what should we do? Is His promise untrue?
James says that fervent prayer avails much. Fervent prayer means we do not quit easily. Fervent prayer means we PURPOSEFULLY spend sufficient time in intercession. Fervent prayer means we cry out to the Father, sometimes in tears, with our heart and soul. Fervent prayer comes as the Holy Spirit assists us in praying with groanings too deep for words. (Rom 8:26)
According to James, our righteousness will ensure effective prayer. God's standard of righteousness is different from ours, for he looks beyond our actions, beyond our thoughts and directly to our hearts. Ask God to search our hearts and ask for His forgiveness and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness in us.
If we adhere to what God requires from us, He will lead us to pray for things that allign with His purposes, and God will answer our prayer in a mighty way.
Amen
' The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much' Jas 5:16b
This is a promise from God that if we live righteously and pray fervently, our prayers will be effective and produce significant results. Some of us may ask ' I pray but nothing happens' Our problem is that we do not hold ourselves accountable to the scriptures. God's word says that our prayer ought to accomplish much. If our prayer life is not accomplishing much, we should examine our lives. if the prayer life of the church is not accomplishing much, the church should ask what should we do? Is His promise untrue?
James says that fervent prayer avails much. Fervent prayer means we do not quit easily. Fervent prayer means we PURPOSEFULLY spend sufficient time in intercession. Fervent prayer means we cry out to the Father, sometimes in tears, with our heart and soul. Fervent prayer comes as the Holy Spirit assists us in praying with groanings too deep for words. (Rom 8:26)
According to James, our righteousness will ensure effective prayer. God's standard of righteousness is different from ours, for he looks beyond our actions, beyond our thoughts and directly to our hearts. Ask God to search our hearts and ask for His forgiveness and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness in us.
If we adhere to what God requires from us, He will lead us to pray for things that allign with His purposes, and God will answer our prayer in a mighty way.
Amen
Lord, Not Just a Visit but Your Habitation
28 September 2007
' I beseech Thee, show me thy Glory,' Exo 33:18
Many of us will be satisfied if God can visit us on Sunday worship celebrations or our prayer meetings. At certain times, we are satisfied with ourselves, going through life without His visitation.
The people of Israel during the days of Moses were not different from us today. They cried to God to deliver them from the Egyptian masters. They were always busy compiling ' want lists' and 'complaints' to God. When they crossed the Red Sea, they have forgotten what God has done for them.
Moses wanted more than what he has experienced with God. Moses had heard God's voice and witnessed His delivering power. Moses had experienced miracles. Moses had experienced the manifest presence of God. However, he was not just satisfied with a visitation, his soul longed for His habitation. He wanted more than seeing God's finger or hearing God's voice from a cloud or a burning bush. God's abiding presence became his consuming desire and he begged God so that he could see His Glory.
God told Moses ' that canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me and live' Exo 33:20. Many of us would just resigned from this and it would be a close case. But Moses knew ' there was a way'
The Lord told Moses ' Look, you can't see My face, but there is a place by Me where you can see Me as I disappear off in the distance' Exo 33:21-23
The Lord told Moses to 'present himself' to Him on top of the mountain the next morning, and He would hide him in the cleft of the rock while His Glory passed by.
' Now before I ever get there, I am going to reach forward in time to cover you with my Hand while I pass by you. After I pass by, I am going to pull My hand away so you can stick your head out and look in the direction I've gone. Then you will see just a little bit of My 'back parts' as I disappear into the distance' Exo 33:22-23
Moses did exactly what God told him to do and this made a lasting impact in His life.
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us guard our hearts and His dwelling place. Let us pray that whenever we meet as people of God, we do not just invite Him to be a visitor but God who dwells among His people.
Amen
' I beseech Thee, show me thy Glory,' Exo 33:18
Many of us will be satisfied if God can visit us on Sunday worship celebrations or our prayer meetings. At certain times, we are satisfied with ourselves, going through life without His visitation.
The people of Israel during the days of Moses were not different from us today. They cried to God to deliver them from the Egyptian masters. They were always busy compiling ' want lists' and 'complaints' to God. When they crossed the Red Sea, they have forgotten what God has done for them.
Moses wanted more than what he has experienced with God. Moses had heard God's voice and witnessed His delivering power. Moses had experienced miracles. Moses had experienced the manifest presence of God. However, he was not just satisfied with a visitation, his soul longed for His habitation. He wanted more than seeing God's finger or hearing God's voice from a cloud or a burning bush. God's abiding presence became his consuming desire and he begged God so that he could see His Glory.
God told Moses ' that canst not see My face: for there shall no man see Me and live' Exo 33:20. Many of us would just resigned from this and it would be a close case. But Moses knew ' there was a way'
The Lord told Moses ' Look, you can't see My face, but there is a place by Me where you can see Me as I disappear off in the distance' Exo 33:21-23
The Lord told Moses to 'present himself' to Him on top of the mountain the next morning, and He would hide him in the cleft of the rock while His Glory passed by.
' Now before I ever get there, I am going to reach forward in time to cover you with my Hand while I pass by you. After I pass by, I am going to pull My hand away so you can stick your head out and look in the direction I've gone. Then you will see just a little bit of My 'back parts' as I disappear into the distance' Exo 33:22-23
Moses did exactly what God told him to do and this made a lasting impact in His life.
We are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us guard our hearts and His dwelling place. Let us pray that whenever we meet as people of God, we do not just invite Him to be a visitor but God who dwells among His people.
Amen
He is at Your Right Hand
27 September 2007
' I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved' Ps 16:8
What does it mean to set the Lord always before me? It means that you choose to relate everything you encounter to your trust in God. What you choose to focus on becomes the dominant influence in your life. If you choose to focus on your problems, your problems will set the direction of your life. If you focus on people, then people will determine what you think and do.
In biblical times, the right hand is the most distinquished position, reserved for the one's chief adviser and supporter. When you choose to focus on Christ, you invite Him to take the most important position in your life as He is your Counselor and Defender. When people insult you or hurt you or mistreat you, you should seek direction from Your Counselor on how to respond. When you are facing a crisis or an important decision in your life, you have the Counselor and Guide at your right hand. When you face a fearful situation, turn to Him who is just beside you and take courage from the Advocate at your right hand.
How awesome to know about the magnitude of God's grace, even Christ should stand beside you to guide you and counsel you and defend you! How could you ever become dismayed over your situation with Christ at your right hand? What confidence this should give you!
Amen
' I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved' Ps 16:8
What does it mean to set the Lord always before me? It means that you choose to relate everything you encounter to your trust in God. What you choose to focus on becomes the dominant influence in your life. If you choose to focus on your problems, your problems will set the direction of your life. If you focus on people, then people will determine what you think and do.
In biblical times, the right hand is the most distinquished position, reserved for the one's chief adviser and supporter. When you choose to focus on Christ, you invite Him to take the most important position in your life as He is your Counselor and Defender. When people insult you or hurt you or mistreat you, you should seek direction from Your Counselor on how to respond. When you are facing a crisis or an important decision in your life, you have the Counselor and Guide at your right hand. When you face a fearful situation, turn to Him who is just beside you and take courage from the Advocate at your right hand.
How awesome to know about the magnitude of God's grace, even Christ should stand beside you to guide you and counsel you and defend you! How could you ever become dismayed over your situation with Christ at your right hand? What confidence this should give you!
Amen
Empty Yourself
26 September 2007
' And who desires to be first among you, let him be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many' Mat 20:27-28
Disciples are expected to relinquish more than new believers. Those who lead and feed must relinquish more than disciples.
Moses was fed at Pharoah's table and he was subjected to the disciplines of Egyptian royal house and was educated and trained in all the ways of Egypt. The bible tells us that Moses was ' learned in all wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and deeds' Acts 7:22-23
However, after 40 years, he decided to visit his Hebrew brethren and he spent another 40 years in the wilderness...in a desert of relinquishment, before he was ready to do God's way. He was mighty in speech until 40 years when he had an intimate encounter with God and he became a stutterer. God has to leave a mark in his life as a reminder that He touched him and changed him forever. God has to remind Jacob about his limp and it was Paul's thorn in the flesh. Sometimes God has to remind us of our encounter with Him and he will leave a mark in us.
Moses was at the height of his career. He had prestige, power, wealth and influence with the royal house of Pharaoh. However, he has received the divine commission from the royal house of the most high God. He was called by God to deliver the children of Israel from the bondage of slavery but God has to change him first and be freed from the shadow of his former house and spend 40 years of shepherding in the wilderness to prepare him for the next 40 years as a deliverer.
Let us take heart that He is refining us and he has to take us out in order we can be taken in for His Glory and His Tasks ahead of us. When we pray, Your Kingdom Come....we have to let our kingdom go....when we pray Your Will be Done....we have to relinquish our will and do His will
Amen
' And who desires to be first among you, let him be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many' Mat 20:27-28
Disciples are expected to relinquish more than new believers. Those who lead and feed must relinquish more than disciples.
Moses was fed at Pharoah's table and he was subjected to the disciplines of Egyptian royal house and was educated and trained in all the ways of Egypt. The bible tells us that Moses was ' learned in all wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and deeds' Acts 7:22-23
However, after 40 years, he decided to visit his Hebrew brethren and he spent another 40 years in the wilderness...in a desert of relinquishment, before he was ready to do God's way. He was mighty in speech until 40 years when he had an intimate encounter with God and he became a stutterer. God has to leave a mark in his life as a reminder that He touched him and changed him forever. God has to remind Jacob about his limp and it was Paul's thorn in the flesh. Sometimes God has to remind us of our encounter with Him and he will leave a mark in us.
Moses was at the height of his career. He had prestige, power, wealth and influence with the royal house of Pharaoh. However, he has received the divine commission from the royal house of the most high God. He was called by God to deliver the children of Israel from the bondage of slavery but God has to change him first and be freed from the shadow of his former house and spend 40 years of shepherding in the wilderness to prepare him for the next 40 years as a deliverer.
Let us take heart that He is refining us and he has to take us out in order we can be taken in for His Glory and His Tasks ahead of us. When we pray, Your Kingdom Come....we have to let our kingdom go....when we pray Your Will be Done....we have to relinquish our will and do His will
Amen
Reassurance in the Midst of Trials
25 September 2007
' Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you' 1Pet 4:12
Trials can easily tempt us to be discouraged and doubt God's love. This happened during the time of emperor Nero who persecuted the christians and many were discouraged and doubted God's love. With such cruel persecution going on, Peter wrote this verse to reassure those undergoing persecution of God's unfailing love.
Peter used the words 'fiery trials.' Whatever the trials and troubles, they come with a purpose. The word 'fiery' in Greek refers to a smelting furnace that refined metals of their unwanted elements. The same picture was given in Ps 66:10 ' For thou hast tried us, O Lord; thou hast refined us as silver is refined' So the fiery ordeal refers to the various sufferings God allows in our lives to purify us.
Peter reminded us today that these trials are not out of ordinary or some strange thing. Trials should be seen as part of life. they might catch us off guard at first, but we can confidently deal with them, knowing God's loving care for us never fails.
'We can be certain of God's unfailing love for us, no matter how unexpected or difficult any trial might be'
Amen
' Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you' 1Pet 4:12
Trials can easily tempt us to be discouraged and doubt God's love. This happened during the time of emperor Nero who persecuted the christians and many were discouraged and doubted God's love. With such cruel persecution going on, Peter wrote this verse to reassure those undergoing persecution of God's unfailing love.
Peter used the words 'fiery trials.' Whatever the trials and troubles, they come with a purpose. The word 'fiery' in Greek refers to a smelting furnace that refined metals of their unwanted elements. The same picture was given in Ps 66:10 ' For thou hast tried us, O Lord; thou hast refined us as silver is refined' So the fiery ordeal refers to the various sufferings God allows in our lives to purify us.
Peter reminded us today that these trials are not out of ordinary or some strange thing. Trials should be seen as part of life. they might catch us off guard at first, but we can confidently deal with them, knowing God's loving care for us never fails.
'We can be certain of God's unfailing love for us, no matter how unexpected or difficult any trial might be'
Amen
His Word Will Never Fail
24 September 2007
' And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you;not one word of them has failed' Joshua 23:14
Towards the end of his life, Joshua took time with the people of God to review the things that God had done for them.God had given them an impossible task to conquer a foreign and hostile land with fortified cities and armies more powerful than their own. They just went into the enemy territory with God's promise that He will take care of them. Now Joshua looked back over the experience and reminded them of God's faithfulness to His word. They enjoyed god's provision for every need in their struggle.
When we are going through trials or crisis, we wonder if God will be faithful to His promises. We focus on our problems, and our trust in God begins to waver. For 25 years Abraham waited for the promise of a son whom God had promised earlier. As David was fleeing from Saul, he may have been uncertain how God would keep His promise to make him king. But after his long and prosperous reign,he could recall how God has sustained him and the faithfulness of God's promise.
You, too, can rely on God today. He is faithful. Are you going through crisis? Hold on to the promises of God. Look back into your life and recount the many ways in which God has been faithful to His word.
Amen
' And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you;not one word of them has failed' Joshua 23:14
Towards the end of his life, Joshua took time with the people of God to review the things that God had done for them.God had given them an impossible task to conquer a foreign and hostile land with fortified cities and armies more powerful than their own. They just went into the enemy territory with God's promise that He will take care of them. Now Joshua looked back over the experience and reminded them of God's faithfulness to His word. They enjoyed god's provision for every need in their struggle.
When we are going through trials or crisis, we wonder if God will be faithful to His promises. We focus on our problems, and our trust in God begins to waver. For 25 years Abraham waited for the promise of a son whom God had promised earlier. As David was fleeing from Saul, he may have been uncertain how God would keep His promise to make him king. But after his long and prosperous reign,he could recall how God has sustained him and the faithfulness of God's promise.
You, too, can rely on God today. He is faithful. Are you going through crisis? Hold on to the promises of God. Look back into your life and recount the many ways in which God has been faithful to His word.
Amen
Comfortable to Bondage?
23 September 2007
And the foremen said to them, “Let the Lord look on you and judge, because you have made us abhorrent in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us.”
Ex 5:21
It is possible for people to become so accustomed to their bondage that they resist efforts to free them. The Hebrews had been slaves in Egypt for four hundred years. Slavery meant that they were not free to do God's will or to go where they wanted. Moses had come to tell the Israelites how they could experience freedom, yet they were more concerned about the reaction of their taskmasters than they were about pleasing God. For them to be free would mean that the pharaoh they were serving would be angry! It would mean that the Egyptians they had served all their lives might attack them. Freedom from their slavery did not seem to be worth the hardships they would inevitably endure.
When God sets out to free us, there will often be a price we will have to pay. Grief can be a terrible form of bondage, yet we can become comfortable with it. We can grow so comfortable with fear that we don't know how to live without it. As destructive as our sinful habits and lifestyle might be, we may prefer living with the familiar, rather than being freed to experience the unknown. We may recognize the harmful influence of a friend but choose to reject God's will rather than offend our friend.
As incredible as it seems, the Israelites were angry at Moses for disrupting the life of slavery to which they had grown accustomed. Have you been lulled into a comfortable relationship with your bondage? Do you fear change more than you fear God? Are you willing to allow God to do what is necessary in order to free you?
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