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Devotion: New Things
New Things
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13b-14 Our past can be a hindrance or a help in moving toward God's purposes for each of us. For some, the past has meant pain and heartache, and grace is required so that we do not let our past dictate our responses to the future. If we allow our past to make us a victim, then we have not entered into the grace that God has for us. If we live on memories of past successes and fail to raise our vision for new things, we again are victims of our past. "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Isaiah 43:19). Our past should only be viewed for what we can learn from it. We must move forward and avoid viewing the negative or the positive for more than what we can learn. Many have allowed their past to dictate their future. God is always about doing new things in our lives. He gives fresh revelation of His purposes in our lives. Do not live in the past. Do not hold onto bitterness that may hinder God from doing new and exciting things in your life. He turns our wastelands into streams of water to give life, not death. How have you viewed your past? Has it hindered you in some areas of your life? Have you relied on past successes to dictate what you will do in the future? Put aside such thoughts and allow God to do a new thing in your life. Ask Him to help you see the new things He wants to do in and through you today. "When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave" |
Devotion: Work Rewards
Work Rewards
"For He repays man according to his work, and makes man to find a reward according to his way." (Job 34:11 NKJV) There is a belief held by many in the body of Christ that says "If I'm not doing something that has an inherent spiritual value, then it has no value at all." This sacred/secular dichotomy impacts believers every day as they go into their secular workplace. They believe what their secular work is simply a means of supporting the real ministry carried out by local churches, ministers, missionaries, and vocational ministries. However, this has no biblical basis. Some of the most important leaders in the early church had secular jobs. And, they did not see them as jobs only to support other ministry. They considered their own jobs as ministry. Consider Dorcus (also known as Tabitha), who was a clothing manufacturer who was "abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did."(Acts 9:36) When Dorcus died it was immediately brought to the attention of Peter which tells us she was very important to the early church leaders. "Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcus had made while she was still with them" (Acts 9:39). Dorcus was known equally for her business as well as her ministry among the people. However, she was about to be known for being raised from the dead! "Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, 'Tabitha, get up.' She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord" (Acts 9:40-42). What type of ministry in the workplace do you suppose Dorcus had after this event? Dorcus is a great reminder for every worker in the secular marketplace that "He repays man according to his work, and makes man to find a reward according to his way." |
Devotion: Four Attributes of a Life God Blesses
Four Attributes of a Life God Blesses
"So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.'" - Isaiah 28:16 Whenever God calls us into a consecrated life, it is made up of four distinct stages. Christ often compared this process to building a house. First, we must prepare to build by laying a foundation. That foundation is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. Any foundation other than Christ will not stand. Second, as we enter a walk of faith with God, He allows each of us to experience trials, testing, miracles, and challenges in life that are designed to provide "faith experiences" that demonstrate tangible evidences of His work in our life: Moses' burning-bush experience, Peter's walk on the water, Joshua's parting of the Jordan River. These experiences built the faith of these people. The depth and width of our calling is directly proportional to the faith experiences He allows in each of our lives. If God plans an international ministry with you, chances are you will experience a higher degree of faith experiences compared to another. The reason being, you will need to look on these to ensure your calling and provide testimony to His work in your life. third stage deals with motives. "All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord" (Proverbs. 16:2). What is the motive behind my actions? Is it only financial accumulation? Is it to gain control? Is it to create independence? The primary motive must be God's leading you to take such an action - it must be obedience. These other factors must be by-products of the decision. fourth, we are prepared to take action. Here we must ask, "Do we have the skill, quality, and ability to enter into this activity?" So often we have not trained ourselves adequately to be successful in our endeavor. You would never want someone working on your teeth that had not been trained and certified as a dentist. Before you begin your next project, ask yourself these four questions: What is the foundation this project is based on? What experiences has God demonstrated in my life that indicates His involvement? What is my motive for entering this activity? Do I have the skill, quality, and ability to accomplish the task? Answering these questions will tell you whether God will bless your activity. |
http://blog.tifwe.org/being-intentio...ith-your-work/
Overman has another document, Signs That I Have a Well-Developed Theology of Work, that you might find useful. Here are a few examples of the forty-seven ideas - I am consciously aware of GodÔÇÖs presence everywhere in my workplace (Psalm 139:8; 46:1). I communicate with God at work, and I ask him for wisdom regarding the work I do (II Timothy 3:16-17; Romans 1:18-20; James 1:5). I think about GodÔÇÖs justice being done throughout every aspect of my work (Psalm 33:5). I realize GodÔÇÖs creation in my workplace includes both physical as well as spiritual realities (Colossians 1:16). I understand my workplace is affected by corruption due to sin. IÔÇÖm not surprised when ÔÇ£bad thingsÔÇØ happen (Genesis 3:17; Romans 5:12). I think about the fact that my workplace is a realm God intends for me to steward and govern over well (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalm 8:4-8). I am conscious of the fact that since I am a believer in Christ, and I have the Holy Spirit dwelling within me, he empowers me to live a God-glorifying life in the workplace in all circumstances (I John 4:4). I bear in mind that by GodÔÇÖs grace, he will work through me to bring his light to every sphere of my workplace (Luke 11:2; Matthew 5:13-16). - See more at: http://blog.tifwe.org/being-intentio....IFR0Hz56.dpuf |
Devotion: Relating to those Different from Us
Relating to those Different from Us
"The Samaritan woman said to him, 'You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?'" (John 4:9). Do you find it difficult to relate to others who are different than you? Do you shy away from interacting with those who may have a different belief? Jesus interacted with his culture and especially those who thought differently than He. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well it was much like a Christian speaking to a Muslim or a Jew speaking to a Palestinian. Jesus built a relationship with the woman instead of taking an adversarial position. In order to influence our culture it is vital believers engage with those unlike us. We often assume others who come from other cultures do not want to engage with us. This is a deception from satan. Many who grow up in other faiths do so as a cultural tradition, not because they have strongly held beliefs. For instance, many Muslims do not know what is in the Quran and simply believe what they are taught based on tradition. Every person is looking for a genuine relationship with God. Jesus operated based on that assumption. Notice how Jesus engaged with the woman. "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet (John 4: 13-19). Once Jesus established a rapport with the woman He began to engage with her. He spoke supernaturally into her life which broke through the religious spirit which prevented a theological debate. This led to faith in Christ and even the whole city being impacted. |
Devotion: Seeing A Greater Purpose In Adversity
Seeing A Greater Purpose In Adversity
But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" - Acts 16:28 Paul and Silas had just been thrown into prison. An earthquake erupted and the jail cell was opened. It's Paul and Silas' opportunity. "Deliverance! Praise God!" might be the appropriate response. But this is not what Paul and Silas did. In fact, rather than leave, they sat quietly in their cell area. The guard, in fear of his life, knew that it would be automatic death if prisoners escaped. Paul and Silas did not leave because they saw a higher purpose for which they were in prison. They were not looking at their circumstance; they were much more concerned about the unsaved guard. The story goes on to explain how Paul and Silas went home with the guard and his family. Not only did the guard get saved, but his entire household as well. What a lesson this is for us. How often we are so busy looking for deliverance from our circumstance that we miss God completely. God is looking to do miracles in our circumstances if we will only look for them. Sometimes as workplace believers we become so obsessed with our goals we miss the process that God involves us in, which may be where the miracle lies. What if that bill collector who has been hounding you is unsaved and he is there for you to speak to? What if a problem account has arisen due to something God is doing beyond what you might see at this time? Our adverse situations can often be the door of spiritual opportunity for those who need it. I saw this personally when God allowed me to go through a number of adversities. It took some time, but I saw some great miracles as a result of those adversities. When God said that "all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purposes" (see Romans 8:28), He meant all things. It is up to us to find the "work together for good" part by being faithful to the process. In the next adversity you face, tune your spiritual antennae and ask God for discernment to see the real purpose for the adversity. |
Devotion: Thoughtlessly Causing Hurt
Thoughtlessly Causing Hurt
Luke 6:31 (KJV) "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." This is considered as the Golden Rule to live by and I think it is one of the rules that all people should follow, as well as many more that are found in the Word of God. In the Book of Matthew 7:12, it says, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." It seems that there are a lot of Christians today that are trying to tell everyone else how to live! Wow, I think that is just amazing that someone would think that they have got it all together enough to be able to look at othersÔÇÖ lives and try to fix their problems! Oh, yes many times it is done in a joking, kidding, or picking way, but feelings still are hurt and hard feeling are started just because someone was INCONSIDERATE of others! I totally despise the demonic spirit of Inconsideration, TOTALLY! Here is the meaning of the word, Inconsiderate; "Thoughtlessly causing hurt," now I ask you, should that demonic spirit be a part of a ChristianÔÇÖs life? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!! a little girl that was playing outside, her mother called for her to come in and eat. The little girl sat down at the table and her mother placed her plate in front of her. Once again, like many times before the little girl noticed that her mother had gloves on, which was nothing new, because her mother wore gloves every waking hour of the day. The little girl had never asked her mother why she wore the gloves, she just went about her day, but today was different. Suddenly the little girl asked her mother, "Mother, why do you always wear gloves, I have never seen you without them?" The mother gave many excuses why she wore the gloves, but only to cover up the real reason. Next the little girl asked her mother, "Mother, please take off the gloves so that I can see how beautiful the skin is on your hands." After much pleading by the little girl, the mother took off the gloves. When the gloves were removed the little girl could not believe what she saw, quickly covering her eyes. The little girl, amazed by the scares on her motherÔÇÖs hands, told her mother, "Mother, those are the ugliest hands I have ever seen! What happened to hands?" The mother answered, "When you were a little baby, our house caught on fire. The house was totally engulfed in flames and you were in your room, in your bed. Quickly, I fought through the flames to get to you. By the time I got to your room, the house was one ball of fire! I took a blanket and wrapped you up so that you would not get burned and made my way, with you in my arms through the burning house to safety. I was able by God's help to get to you and carry you to safety, but my hands were burned very badly and since that day my hands have been scared and are very ugly." The little girl, after hearing the story that she had never been told, started crying, then she took her motherÔÇÖs hand and placed them to her face and said, "Mother, your hand are so beautiful, so warm, so caring, they are the hands that saved me from the fire." Folks, don't tear down anyone until you have walked a mile in their shoes. |
Devotion: Wrestling with God
Wrestling with God
"The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip" (Genesis 32:31). Jacob was a man who was a controller. He connived and manipulated his way to get what he wanted. It was a generational stronghold passed down through his mother, who encouraged her son to play a trick on his father, Isaac, by pretending to be Esau. This trick led Isaac to give the family blessing to Jacob, which eventually meant Jacob would inherit the land God promised to Abraham's seed. One must ask which was uglier in the sight of God; the self-centered nature and worldliness of Esau, or the control and manipulation of Jacob? Jacob also learned control from his uncle Laban who caused Jacob to work for fourteen years to take Rebecca as his lifelong mate. Control is a problem for both men and women. Many women use sex to control their husbands. Many men use power and force to control their wives. It is at the core of everything that is opposite of the cross -- self rule. What delivers us from this fleshly nature of control; a crisis? Jacob's crisis came when he was faced with the prospect of meeting a brother who said he would kill him the next time he saw him. Now, Esau had built his own clan and was about to meet Jacob and his clan in the middle of the desert. Jacob is fearful. He retreats. There he meets a messenger of God who wrestles with Jacob. Jacob clings to God and refuses to let go of this angel. It is the place of circumcision for Jacob; a new heart is brought forth. But it is with great pain. For Jacob now walks with a limp because God had to dislocate his hip in order to overcome Jacob's strong will. For business people, God often has to "dislocate our hip" through failure and disappointment. Sometimes it is the only way He can get our attention. Our nature to control and manipulate is so strong that it takes a catastrophic event to wake us up. Yet, God did not reject Jacob for these character traits. In fact, God blessed him greatly because He saw something in Jacob that pleased him. He saw a humble and contrite heart that was beneath the cold and manipulative exterior of his life, and it was that trait that God needed to develop. He did this by bringing about the crisis in his life that led to total consecration. This event was marked by Jacob getting a new name, Israel. For the first time, Jacob had a nature change, not just a habit change. What will God have to do in your life to gain complete consecration to His will and purposes in your life? |
Devotion: No Confidence in the Flesh
No Confidence in the Flesh
"If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more." - Philippians 3:4b The apostle Paul surely could relate to the business executive. Paul reached the height of his profession only to have it completely stripped and torn from him. What he thought mattered in life became rubbish compared to what God did in his heart as He destroyed what seemed valuable at the time. It took a dramatic event to bring Paul into this revelation. It took a bright light, blindness, and the most fearful experience a human could have - being addressed personally by God, who was questioning why Paul was persecuting His people. It would not be too long after his conversion that Paul would learn one of the greatest lessons every child of God must learn. That lesson is to avoid putting confidence in the flesh. In our work we are rewarded for achievement. It is a "measurable" life. We work. We see results. We get certain feelings of accomplishment from these activities. It was not until I was placed in a situation to experience utter failure that I could identify with the words of Paul. I have met other workplace believers as well who achieved great success in their business life only to experience dramatic failure. That personal handshake with failure leads to a realization that: "Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish that I may gain Christ and be found in Him..." Philippians 3:7-9). Sometimes God lets us experience great pain to learn the lessons of greatest importance. Knowing Christ intimately is the most important lesson we will learn. Take stock in what you find your greatest pleasure in today. Avoid placing your confidence in things that are but rubbish so that you might know Him more intimately |
Devotion: Significance
Significance
"May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us- yes, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90:17 Many of us begin our careers with the goal of achieving success. If we haven't entered our work as a result of God's calling, we will eventually face a chasm of deep frustration and emptiness. Success flatters but does not provide a lasting sense of purpose and fulfillment. So often we enter careers with wrong motives-money, prestige, and even pressure from parents or peers. Failing to match our work with our giftedness and calling is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. If that happens over an extended period, a person crashes. At this time, many make another mistake. Workplace believers think that beginning a new career in "full-time Christian work" will fill the emptiness they feel. However, this only exacerbates the problem because they are again trying to put another square peg into a round hole. The problem is not whether we should be in "Christian work" or "secular work," but rather what work is inspired by gifts and calling. If there is one phrase I wish I could remove from the English language it is "full-time Christian work." If you are a Christian, you are in full-time Christian work, whether you are driving nails or preaching the gospel. The question must be, are you achieving the God-given calling for your life? God has called people into business to fulfill His purposes just as much as He has called people to be pastors or missionaries. It is time for workplace believers to stop feeling like second-class citizens for being in business. It is time workplace believers stop working toward financial independence so that they can concentrate on their "true spiritual calling." This is the great deception for those called to business. Significance comes from fulfilling the God-given purpose for which you were made. Ask Him to confirm this in your own life. |
Devotion: The Finger of God
The Finger of God
When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. - Exodus 31:18 Throughout the Bible, the word testimony is used in many ways. Testimony comes from the Hebrew word eduwth, which means "witness." The Ark of the Covenant contained the Ten Commandments, written and inscribed personally by God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai. These became known as the testimony. The ark was a divinely inspired structure that was to be used as a witness to the people of Israel and the whole world of God's power and majesty. These divinely created tablets were a witness of God's activity on earth with man. Throughout the Bible, God looked to create testimonies with His people. At the Red Sea, He created a testimony through Moses. God created a testimony through Joshua when He parted the Jordan River and allowed the people with the Ark to cross on dry land. When Lazarus lay dead for days, Jesus came and created a testimony of His ability to raise the dead. Jesus is still looking for those who are willing to have a testimony created through their lives. One of the major characteristics of a God-ordained testimony is for something to happen that cannot be explained in the natural. In other words, if you can make it happen through your abilities, it is not a testimony about God, but about you. God wants to create a testimony in every aspect of your life - your family, your work, your church, and in your community. He is waiting to put His finger on your next endeavor to reveal His power through your life. Look carefully at the events where God might want to create a testimony out of an impossible situation. He delights in using His children for this purpose because it brings Him glory. |
Devotion: Empowering Others
Empowering Others
"I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12). The CEO was excited that he'd found the right man to be general manager of his growing enterprise. He had all the training, the right skill set, and great people skills. The CEO gave him all authority to fulfill his role. However, after six months the CEO had to fire him. It seems the general manager refused to use the empowerment given him to accomplish his tasks. Great leaders, mentors, and managers must empower others to fulfill the mission of any organization. Jesus invested time and energy developing leaders. Only at the point at which they could properly manage the resource did Jesus empower them. The teacher who offers empowerment too early sets up followers for failure. On the other hand, the leader who fails to empower capable people creates frustration. Part two of good empowerment is engaging your follower to use his/her authority entrusted to them to fulfill their mission. Jesus imparted to His followers a balance of both of these concepts. Peter was not ready for leadership before the crucifixion. He failed to use the empowerment given to him by Jesus. It required a failure in Peter's life before he matured in his leadership. However, once Peter began to appropriate from Jesus what He had imparted to him he became a powerful and effective leader. Jesus told his disciples they would be able to not only do what He had done, but they would do even greater things than He did. This is a key attribute of a leader who wants to empower others to advance their mission. |
Devotion: Managing Money
Managing Money
"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income" (Ecclesiastes 5:10). A successful businessman once confided in another businessman known for his wisdom. "I've made a lot of money. I will soon be able to retire comfortably and do just about anything I want." "John," the wise businessman replied to the man, "I've noticed that every time someone thinks they've built a tree that is so tall it almost reaches heaven, God often decides to shake the tree." The minute we start trusting in riches, God will, in fact, "shake the tree" to demonstrate who is the source of wealth to turn us back to trusting Him completely. He did it in my life, and He'll do it in your life too because He loves us too much to allow us to continue down this destructive path. Money is mentioned more than 2,000 times in the scripture. Jesus used it many times in illustrating an important lesson to his disciples. He spoke often of being a good steward of the resources He entrusted to us. He wanted a return on His investment and He wanted us to stay away from making money an idol in our lives. Jesus understood that He was here on earth only to do the will of the Father. "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; He can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does." As we look at our relationship to our heavenly Father and our use of money, it is clear that we, like Jesus, are here to do the will of the Father in all areas of life. This means seeking to live a life that is totally yielded to His purposes -even in the financial area. Money, independence, and security are often the reasons many start their own businesses or change jobs. Check your motives today and see if your financial life can stand Jesus' scrutiny. Are you operating as a steward of the financial resources He has entrusted to you? |
Devotion: Making Adjustments
Making Adjustments
..."Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." - John 21:6 A friend of mine was the marketing director of a large food brokerage company and told me a story about one of their client grocery stores located in the upper Midwest. It seems that the store could not understand why at a certain time every winter sales plummeted. They studied their product line and interviewed customers. They did everything possible to uncover the mystery. Finally, someone made a remarkable discovery that changed everything. It seemed that whenever it was really cold outside, the manager raised the temperature in the store. When customers came into the store it was too warm for them, so they removed their coats and placed them in their shopping carts. This meant less room for food and resulted in reduced sales overall. They lowered the temperature of the store, and as a result, the sales climbed back to the levels they were accustomed to. Their adjustment resulted in restoring sales levels. Jesus stood on the shoreline and watched Peter and a few of the disciples fish. Jesus yelled from the shoreline asking if they had caught anything. They had not. He then suggested they cast their line on the other side of the boat. Without knowing the person who was addressing them, they took His advice. They began catching so many fish they could not bring them in. Adjusting our lives to God is the first thing that has to happen in order to begin experiencing Him in our daily lives. For some, it is simply following the advice of those above us. For others, it may require a major change in our job situation. Still, for others it could mean making changes in relationships. Whatever the case, you can be sure that until we adjust our lives to God we will not receive His full blessing. Ask Him today where you need to adjust to Him. |
Devotion: According to God's Word
According to GodÔÇÖs Word
And that he was buried and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:4) The Scripture has not changed in hundreds of years. From Genesis 3:15 through the end of Revelation, one truth is proclaimed: Jesus came as man to live without sin so He could become the sin offering for hopeless humanity. Human beingsÔÇÖ last enemy, death, was conquered through JesusÔÇÖs resurrection so we could have eternal life. This truth will never change, Praise God. It is penned in the matchless blood of Jesus, proclaimed by the biblical writers, and validated by God Himself. Lord, You rested in a tomb; You waited on Your heavenly FatherÔÇÖs promise of the resurrection from the dead. We, too, now wait on Your glorious day. Until then, preserve our hearts and minds in the one true faith. Guard us from the temptation to wander from Your saving light. Grant repentance to those who have shunned Your Word. For You alone are the resurrection and the life, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen Thank You Lord for the truth revealed in Your Word upon which I can stake my life, Praise God. Amen |
from Phil & Patti:
Jos 23:6
And be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses, so that you do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left; In Joshua's farewell address, he reminds the people then, and us Believers today, of the following: 1. Love the Lord your God 2. Walk in all His ways 3. Obey His commands 4. Hold fast to Him 5. Serve Him with all your heart and soul How are all of us as Believers doing on these five things? Loving the Lord is easy, holding fast to Him is easy, serving Him is another matter, and walking in His ways and obeying His commands... well that's another matter entirely. Oops, guess we forgot about Deuteronomy 30:1. "The command that I am giving you today is not too difficult or beyond your reach. However, in order to walk in His ways and obey His commands, we must know what they are. We do that by studying His word and listening to the Holy Spirit speak. |
Devotion: Learn from God's Creation
Learn from God's Creation
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:19-20). Have you ever had someone say, "I don't see any evidence of God? How can a person believe in someone you can't see or see any evidence even exists?" The Bible tells us that God is revealed in His creation everyday. Look at the human body and consider the likelihood of how thousands of body parts that must work together. Someone created it to work this well. If it were a manufactured product, it would be in the repair shop all the time because of all the moving parts required to make it work. Consider the wonderful order and balance of nature and how the seas know their boundaries, the beauty of the mountains, and the balance of rain and oxygen needed to balance the ecosystems. Consider God's signature, the rainbow. The 12th century Scottish Christian mystic, Richard of St. Victor said, "The whole of this sensible world is like a book written by the finger of God." Look at nature and wonder at the creative design of the hundreds of thousands of species of animals like the tiger, the elephant, the great whales, and the millions of species of birds, just to name a few. Consider the planet we live on. "The Earth is a rough sphere about eight thousand miles in diameter, which means that it's about four thousand miles straight down to the center. We're accustomed to thinking of it as a ball of rock, but that's not so: the great majority of the Earth is liquid - molten rock called magma swirling, incredible slowly, beneath our feet. The solid part of the earth that we live on, and in whose hollows the sea sits, is called the crust, and on average it's only a few miles thick - maybe ten miles. That's like a layer a third of a millimeter thick coating a football. We live on that incredibly fragile, thin layer of plates floating on the subterranean sea of magma." Yes, God has revealed Himself in His creation. |
Devotion: Live as Though You are Dead
Live As Though You Are Dead
"In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Roman 6:11-12). "How will I know when I am going to come out of my adversity pit?" said the woman sitting across from me. "When it doesn't matter anymore," I replied. It brought back memories, when I also sat across from a mentor who said to me, "The only problem you have is you are not dead yet. You need a good funeral." He was talking about my carnal flesh life. When Joseph was elevated to be ruler over the entire kingdom of Egypt after years of slavery and imprisonment, my guess is that it didn't really matter that much to him. He thought he was going to get out of prison years earlier when he successfully interpreted the cupbearers dream only to remain there two more years. "Why should this situation prove any different?" he must have thought to himself. I believe Joseph had come to a place with God where he resigned himself to remain wherever God had chosen to keep him. He had become dead to his circumstances. It does not mean we can't have a longing for better days, but there is a Godly contentment that allows us to remain in any condition with a peace that passes all understanding. The Bible says we are to live as though we are dead. This does not mean we do not have emotions or dreams. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them (Mark 14:34). That sounds like anxiety to me, yet we know Jesus never sinned. So, we can conclude that we can have concerns and emotions without crossing over into sin. God has given us His Spirit to allow us to operate inside the storms of life without sinning. Place your faith today into the hands of the One who can calm any storm in life. |
The Reality and the Glory of Our Ordinary Days
something different:
The Reality of Our Ordinary Days What do your days look like? How do they begin, and how do they end? If youÔÇÖre anything like me, my days look pretty ordinary. They are filled with instant oatmeal in the morning as I scurry out the door, somehow always forgetting my laptop charger, as I begin my half-an-hour commute to the office, where I work diligently until about 5 oÔÇÖclock, when I then rush home to participate, if IÔÇÖm lucky, in some brief form of exercise, cook a quick meal for dinner, and then face the loads of laundry and mounds of house chores and rent bills that seem to never end. Ordinary life and ordinary time are what some may call my ÔÇ£bread-and-butter.ÔÇØ How, though, can these rhythms of ordinary living be nourishingly sweet and even glorious? We live in a time and a culture constantly celebrating the extraordinary, and yet, the reality is that daily life ÔÇô that is, what makes up our time and culture ÔÇô is ordinary. ItÔÇÖs instant oatmeal and work commutes. We are ordinary people living in ordinary places. But to God, we are also so much more. GodÔÇÖs Glory in the Ordinary Hebrews, concludes with some famous exhortations we have all heard. Hebrews 13:5 says, ÔÇ£Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.ÔÇØ While this Scripture is particularly comforting during times of hardship, it is also comforting during times of ordinary life. For me, and perhaps for you, sometimes it is not difficulty that makes me think that God will forsake me, but just the routine of daily life. There is no ÔÇ£hill to climb,ÔÇØ no vision given, no miracle performed, nothing wonderful or beautiful ÔÇô just the commonplace day in and day out. Sometimes, we have the idea that God is going to do something exceptional, that he is consistently preparing and fitting us for something extraordinary. Please hear me, he is! He is preparing us for the most extraordinary thing we could ever imagine: the New Heavens and the New Earth! But, even more, as we trod on, in our studies and our jobs, by his grace, we find that God is glorifying himself here and now, in this very moment. Eugene Peterson once said, Christian spirituality means living in the mature wholeness of the gospel. It means taking all the elements of your lifeÔÇöchildren, spouse, job, weather, possessions, relationships ÔÇöand experiencing them as an act of faith. God wants all the material of our lives. If Christians are called to live in the mature wholeness of the gospel, then that means we must take every single element of our lives- as ordinary as they may be ÔÇô and live into them as a tangible act of faith in King Jesus. God wants our work, our extracurricular activities, our afternoon treadmill runs, our meals, our conversations, and our fears about the future. He not only desires to be Lord of those things, but he is the Maker, the Creator, the Engineer of those very ordinary things. A Prayer for Our Ordinary Days How can you begin to take all elements of your life and experience them as an act of faith? Do you believe that no matter your circumstances, as ordinary as they may be, God is with you always and will never leave you? Father, thank you that you never leave us, even when life seems so ordinary and common. Thank you that you are still working in and through our lives of instant oatmeal and rent bills. Help us to see your grace in every aspect of our lives. We are so thankful for the opportunity to praise you in this very present minute. Amen. Leave your comments here. |
Devotion: Hearing God's Voice
Hearing God's Voice
Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. - 1 Samuel 3:7 Samuel was born to Hannah, a woman who had a deep commitment to God. She was barren, but she cried out to God for a son. The Lord gave her Samuel, whom she completely gave to the Lord for His service. After weaning him, she took him to the house of the Lord to be reared by the priests. Eli was the priest of Israel, but he was not a godly leader. He had allowed much corruption, including the sins of his sons, in God's house. God was not pleased with Eli and later judged him and his household. Samuel grew up in the temple serving God. He also grew up seeing the hypocrisy of Eli's household, yet this did not change the young man. God was with him. We learn that even though young Samuel had a belief in God, he had not yet experienced a personal relationship with Him. God called to Samuel three times, but Samuel thought it was Eli, the priest, calling him. Finally, Eli told him to say, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:9b). This is what Samuel did, and God began telling Samuel important things to come. Many of us grow up in religious environments. We go to church every week. We have head knowledge of God, but we do not recognize God's voice in our lives. There comes a time when we must recognize God's voice for ourselves. God does not want us to have a religion; He wants us to have a two-way relationship with Him. Samuel was never the same after this encounter. He would know God's voice and would respond to Him in obedience. Do you know God's voice? Can you recognize it when He speaks? In order to hear God's voice, you must be clean before Him and listen. Listen to God's voice today and follow His plans for you. |
Devotion: The Goal of the Christian Life
The Goal of the Christian Life
"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." - John 12:24 The goal of the Christian life is death, not success. A popular teaching says that if we follow God, we will prosper materially. God may, in fact, bless His people materially, but few can make this claim among third-world countries. Wealth must never be the goal of a person's life, only a by-product. A missionary to a Middle-Eastern country has shared a motto among their ministry team: "God does not require success, but radical, immediate obedience." Jesus' obedience gained Him the cross. It did not gain Him popularity among the heathen, the religious or financial success, or a life of pleasure. His obedience resulted in His death on the cross. This is the same goal Christ has for each of us--death of our old nature so that He might live through us. That may not sell well among outcome-based Christian workplace believers, but it will result in an eternal reward that far exceeds any earthly reward. "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" (Revelation 22:12). The Christian life is a paradox--the first will be last, death in return for life, and we are encouraged to offer praise to God to overcome a spirit of heaviness. It requires faith in a God who operates from a different set of values that are sometimes difficult to measure from human standards. Let death work in you a life that only God can raise up. |
Devotion: Settling Disputes
Settling Disputes
"Casting the lot settles disputes and keeps strong opponents apart." Proverbs 18:18 We prayed about it. We discussed it. My friend had one desire; I had a different one. "Okay, let's settle the issue the way the early Church settled matters when an agreement could not be achieved. Let's flip a coin." "You must be joking!" my friend lamented. "No, the early Church cast lots often to determine a course of direction or even select the disciple who would take Judas' place." "Okay," my friend agreed. We flipped the coin and the matter was quickly settled. In the Old Testament there are many examples of casting lots for determining a decision. We hear little of this method today. Most of us do not want to release the decision process to this seemingly "flippant" process; yet the Lord says, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33). Flipping a coin is the equivalent to casting a lot. It removes our own opinions and leaves the final outcome to the Lord. Pray before you take such an action. It will surprise you who is willing to submit a decision to the Lord and who isn't. It removes the element of control from both parties. I believe the Lord would first have us make decisions through agreement and continued prayer for the decision. However, there are times when this approach can be the quickest and simplest. It removes each person's temptation to lord it over the other. Cast the lot and settle the dispute. |
Devotion: Understanding the Source of Anger
Understanding the Source of Anger
"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." - Proverbs 29:11 The workplace can be a pressure-packed world. The demands that are often put on us can bring out things that we never knew were there. Sometimes we begin to think that the source of that pressure is to blame for our response to the pressure. It could be an event, a spouse, a boss, a client, a child, or even a driver who cuts us off in traffic. I recall responding to a close friend one time, "If you had not done that, I would never have responded that way." Later I learned that this response had little truth to it. We all choose to get angry. No one else is to blame for our anger. "The circumstances of life, the events of life, and the people around me in life, do not make me the way I am, but reveal the way I am" [Dr. Sam Peeples]. This simple quote has had a profound impact on how I view my anger now. Anger only reveals what is inside of me. I can't blame anyone but me for my response to a situation. I have learned that anger is only the symptom of something else that is going on inside of me. This quote now resides on my refrigerator door as a daily reminder of the truth about my response to life's situations. It has been said that anger is like the warning panel on the dash of your car. It is the light that tells us something is going on under the hood and we need to find out what is the source of the problem. I discovered that the source of anger is often unmet expectations or personal rights. We believe we are entitled to a particular outcome to a situation. When this doesn't happen, it triggers something in us. At the core of this is fear, often a fear of failure or rejection, fear of what others think, fear of the unknown. If you struggle with anger, ask God to reveal the source of that anger. Ask Him to heal you of any fears that may be the root of your anger. Ask God to help you take responsibility for your response to difficult situations. |
Such a Time as This "On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in
Such a Time as This
"On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall." - Esther 5:1a Esther was a woman who lived for a cause greater than herself. God used this woman to save the entire Jewish people from extermination. However, before God could use her, she had to come to a place of death in herself. It was not an easy decision. Her uncle Mordecai was the instrument God used to challenge her to measure up to the task. Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? (Esther 4:13b-14) Mordecai was telling it straight. For her to speak up meant great risks, if the king did not receive her. It was automatic death if the king did not extend his scepter, which meant acceptance of her approach to the throne. It was also a time to realize that God may have brought her to this place and time for this specific purpose. However, if she did not respond in faith, God would use another instrument to deliver the people. What would she do? Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish (Esther 4:16). On the third day of the fast she came and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. She was like Jesus who stood in the inner court of Heaven on that third, resurrection day. She gave up her life, but God raised it up on that day and delivered an entire people from destruction because of one woman's willingness to give up her life for a greater cause. God has called each of us to a purpose greater than ourselves. Know that it will require death before life can be given to this purpose. It must be His life that lives, not ours. |
Devotion: One Flock, One Shepherd
....i think some of these are repeats...but oh well....
One Flock, One Shepherd I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:16 A friend of mine told me a story about an experience he had in Israel. They were in the country visiting some of the famous biblical sites when they saw a group of sheepherders. A shepherd brought his flock of sheep into a round pen for the night. Then, a few minutes later, another shepherd brought his flock into the pen. Then, a few minutes later, yet another shepherd brought his sheep into the pen. There were three groups of sheep in the pen with no identifying marks among any of them. My friend wondered how in the world they would separate their sheep the next day. The next morning, a shepherd came over to the pen and made a comment to his sheep. One by one, the sheep filed out to follow him. Only his sheep followed his voice. My friend said it was an amazing scene to see only that shepherd's sheep follow him and the others remain in the pen. What a picture of Jesus' words spoken centuries earlier. Hearing and responding to Jesus' voice is the key to having a two-way relationship with God. It is the difference between having religion and a relationship. Can you recognize God's voice in your life? Are you listening to the Shepherd's voice? Do you respond when He calls? Ask Jesus to help you increase your ability to hear. Give more time to spending quiet moments in His presence to hear His voice. He wants to be your Good Shepherd. |
Devotion: Going Beyond Your Paradigm
Going Beyond Your Paradigm
"So Saul went to Naioth at Ramah. But the Spirit of God came even upon him, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth. He stripped off his robes and also prophesied in Samuel's presence. He lay that way all that day and night. This is why people say, 'Is Saul also among the prophets?'" (1 Samuel 19:23-24). Whenever God calls you into a new thing, you can expect to do things you've never done. Saul had just been anointed to be the first king of Israel. He was being launched into a whole new calling. He was hanging out with the spiritual leaders of the nation. When he began to prophesy the prophets wondered if he, too, was a prophet. He was not a prophet but God was doing a new thing through Saul - activating something in him that had been dormant until then. When God calls you into a new endeavor you will find that God will anoint you in areas you considered your weakest traits. God turns shepherds like Moses into leaders of nations. He turns farmers like Gideon into reformers. He turns impetuous and unstable personalities like Peter into leaders that can transform a culture and lead a movement. Whenever God does a new thing in a life, those who knew them before notice the change. Quiet people become bold. Poor speakers learn to become great communicators. Those who were never leaders before become the new leaders. This is the way of God. When God looks at an individual, He looks at their future, not their past. He is always looking at the person He has created you to become, not the person you are now. When Samuel anointed the young shepherd boy, David, to be the next king of Israel, it would be years before this would happen. However, God already knew who he was to become. How does God view your life? What is the destiny He has chosen you to fulfill? |
Devotion: Like Jesus Did
Like Jesus Did
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, [Ephesians 6:18 NASB] I considered taking this day to share some special thoughts about Easter, but then realized that this final piece of the Full Armor of God is not only an incredible gift to you and me  it is also the resource Jesus used as He faced the ultimate battle and looked forward to the incredible victory to follow. A case could be made that Pauls description of the Armor ends with the Sword of the Spirit  the Word of God  but I cant imagine either trying to stand my ground or going into battle without the protection and the power of prayer. Yet, you and I know business leaders who can let business and busyness crowd out their prayer life, while wondering why they seem to be losing one battle after another. No  the FULL Armor HAS to include prayer! You and I will never face the magnitude of the battles Jesus faced  especially the battle engaged on Thursday in the Garden of Gethsemane and fought unceasingly until Jesus declared It is finished! [John 19:30 NASB]  but we can at least begin to identify, cant we? All of that week (and, of course, for an eternity before that), Jesus knew the battle was coming  havent you seen a challenge, a problem, a conflict coming your way  coming toward your company, your family? What did you do? Two things Jesus did were to pray for those He loved and were about to be most impacted by the conflict  read John 17  then He got alone with God and prayed for Himself (of course, He also asked others to pray for Him). And did He pray! He was so intense He not only broke into a sweat, but His sweat was like great drops of blood [Luke 22:44 NASB]. I dont know about you, but I have never prayed like that! Not even close. But perhaps even more important than the intensity was the content. Jesus didnt worry about using the right words, He poured out His heart and let God know about His fear, and He was clear about what He was asking God to do. And then  He submitted! Some of the most powerful words in scripture, yet, not My will, but Yours be done. Words that embody the secret to the effectiveness of all of this Armor  words  and the heart commitment to make them really mean something  that acknowledge and rest in Gods sovereignty  with confidence in His character  and commitment to His Plan. You can do that  you can submit. You can lay out your heart, your concern about the battle to come, and then you can say, but, Father, I trust You  not my will, but Yours be done. Each step of the way through the rest of that Thursday night and into Good Friday, you can probably identify with some level of being falsely accused, of being persecuted, of being abandoned, of being misjudged, of being ridiculed, of being condemned  and, perhaps, even some sense of being crucified  or at least it felt like that at the time. What enabled Jesus to endure it all? He used His Full Armor, and empowered it by prayer  before, during and at the end of the battle. How could you and I ever think we can endure any of the battles of life and business while ignoring what Jesus depended on? Why would we want to? What is your plan? How are you going to be intentional with this Armor and with prayer? Weve talked about how to put on the Armor every day  even before getting out of bed  but let me add to your Prayer Plan: Im sure you already know that your Plans Step 1 has to be a commitment to daily  at least  personal time praying  communicating with your Father  and that your time needs to mirror John 17s prayer for others as well as prayer for yourself  and some time for listening as well! Your people need to see you pray, they need to hear you pray, they need to hear you pray for them, and they need to hear stories that confirm that God answers prayer. This looks different for different leaders and different company cultures, but God will help you figure it out  just ask Him! Knowing that even Jesus asked others to pray for Him, I believe strongly that, because Christian Business Leaders are significant targets for the enemys attacks, you need to have a team of people who are committed to pray for you. God gifts people with the ministry of prayer and intercession, and He has already put them in your network  just ask and theyll step up. It doesnt take a lot, it just takes faithful prayers  you wont regret it! You need people praying FOR you, for your company  and praying IN your company. Those same kinds of intercessors can be recruited to pray for everything related to your company  God may even lead them to pray for things you dont even know about! And the believers within your organization need to be encouraged to pray  perhaps on company time or before work or spontaneously during the day  for the company, for you, for their coworkers. Again, God will help you figure it out. Lets hear Paul one last time: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. [Ephesians 6:10-13 NASB] Standing and Praying With You |
Devotion: Anticipating the First Fruits
will you follow, lead, or get out of the way?
--------------------------------------------------- Anticipating the First Fruits But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:20) Barley is a grain that can be grown through the winter and harvested in the spring. God was to be given the first of all grain, but since barley was the first-harvested in any given year, it was the center of attention for the Jewish Feast of First Fruits. At this feast, the first barley sheaves of the year were presented to God in the temple. The people longingly anticipated this harvest presentation. Until the priests presented this first sheaf of barley to God, no grain could be harvested in Israel that year. After the Feast of First Fruits, the yearsÔÇÖ harvest could proceed. The Feast of First Fruits powerfully portrays our SaviorÔÇÖs resurrection. The day when the priests presented the first fruit barley to the Lord was exactly the same day that Jesus rose from the dead! No wonder Paul would say, ÔÇ£Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.ÔÇØ Jesus, like that barley, is the first to rise from the earth. Being the first implies that others will follow. Because of Him, other grain will be harvested, yes, because of Him; others will rise from the graves even as He did. Lord of the harvest, we praise You for sending Your Son to be the first fruits from the dead. Amen |
Devotion: Becoming Influencial
Becoming Influencial
"The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom" (Deuteronomy 28:13-14). Coca-Cola, at this time of writing, has a 40% market share in the soft drink industry. It is the number one brand in the world. When Coke comes into a business environment, they have authority in that realm. They have great respect because of their position in business. George Barna, the U.S. Christian researcher on Christian activity tells us that 35-45% of the U.S. population is born again. Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in the year 2005, there were 149 million adult workers. Simply multiplying this figure by 40% would give you a figure of 59 million Christian adult workers. If this is so, why aren't we having more impact? I would have to say the body of Christ in America is not the head, but is still the tail. Part of the reason for this is that we have not understood our biblical mandate to have dominion on the earth as was modeled in Genesis with Adam and Eve. When Jesus returned to earth He came to save that which was lost and restore this principle of dominion (Luke 19:10). When Jesus prayed in the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:9-10), He was praying that His dominion would be restored on earth just as it is in Heaven. However, we have given over this leadership to the ungodly in our societies. In order to restore this we must win the battle in seven key domains in society. These include 1) business, 2) government, 3) education, 4) arts and entertainment, 5) religion, 6) media and 7) the family. This begins by affirming the calling of men and women in the workplace as having a holy calling. Realize that whatever work you are doing, God has called you to express His life in that arena in order to have His dominion over the earth. |
Devotion: Mixing Faith with Commerce
Mixing Faith with Commerce
"'Your servant has nothing there at all,' she said, 'except a little oil.'" 2 Kings 4:2b Her husband had died. There was no way to fulfill her debts. Her creditors decided to take her two sons as slaves for payment of the obligations that still remained. She pleaded for assistance with the only man of God she knew. "Is there anything in your house?" Elisha asked. "Nothing at all," she said, "except a little oil." Elisha then instructed her to go and collect all the empty jars that her neighbors might possess. "Ask for as many as you can," he instructed. When the jars were collected, he instructed her to pour what little oil she had into the jars. The oil was more than enough to fill the jars. In fact, there was more oil than jars to fill. "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left" (2 Kings 4:7b). God often mixes faith with the tangible. The widow believed she had no resources to meet her need. God said she had more than enough resources. She did not see the one jar of oil as a resource. It did not become a resource until it was mixed with faith. Her need was met when her faith was mixed with the practical step of going into the workplace to sell what she had in order to receive her needed income. In fact, there was so much income she was able to pay her debts and live on the money derived from the sale. Quite often we forget that God works through commerce to provide for our needs. It is wrong to place total trust in commerce without faith in God. God often requires simple obedience to an act that seems ridiculous to the logical mind. It is this faith mixed with the practical that God honors. Do you have a problem that is perplexing to you? Do you see no way of meeting your need? God may have already given you the skills and talents to meet your need. However, He may be waiting for you to mix them with faith. Ask God to show you the steps necessary to solve your problem. Be willing to take the next step. |
Devotion: Thinking Big
Thinking Big
"For nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:36-37). It was 4:00 A.M. in Cape Town, South Africa, in July 2000 when businessman Graham Power was awakened by a vision from God that came in three distinct parts. In the first part of the vision, God instructed Graham to rent the 45,000-seat Newlands rugby stadium in Cape Town for a day of repentance and prayer for that city. In the second part of the vision, he saw the prayer movement spreading to the rest of South Africa for a national day of prayer. In the final part of the vision, he saw the prayer effort spread to cover the rest of the continent. It was only thirty days earlier that a man named Gunnar Olson stood in front of a podium at the conclusion of a marketplace conference in Johannesburg, South Africa and proclaimed Isaiah 60 which said to "Arise and shine" over the continent of Africa and that God was going to use Africa to bless the nations. Graham was obedient to the vision, and on March 21, 2001, a capacity crowd gathered in the Newlands rugby stadium for prayer and repentance. Soon after, a notorious gangster in the city was saved. News of the first gathering spread quickly, and in 2002, eight cities in South Africa hosted a day of prayer. Leading up to the event, young people from all over the country took part in a "walk of hope" from Bloemfontein to the eight stadiums where the prayer meetings were to be held. The events were broadcast on television. By June 2006, what began as Transformation Africa became the Global Day of Prayer with participation from 200 nations from seven continents around the world. And this prayer movement is still growing. It all started from the obedience of one businessman. What might God want to do through your life? It begins with being obedient to the small things and exercising your faith to believe God can do it. Our part is obedience. His part is outcome. |
Devotion: The Black Hole
The Black Hole
..."My grace is sufficient for you...." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 If you are older than 35, you may recall the early days of the space program. I remember the early spacecraft launch with John Glenn. One of the most exciting and tense moments of his return to earth was his reentry to the earth's atmosphere. I recall the diagram on television of the heat shield on the capsule that had to withstand incredible temperatures to avoid complete destruction. There was a blackout period for several minutes in which mission control had no radio contact. He was in the "black hole." It was a tense time. Either he would make it through, or the spacecraft would burn up in the atmosphere. There were several minutes of silence that seemed like an eternity. Then, mission control shouted with joy when they reestablished contact with the spacecraft. It was a time of rejoicing. Have you ever had a time when you were in a spiritual black hole in your life? I have. The pressure was unbearable. No sense of God's presence. No sense of anything going on around me. God was about as far away as the man in the moon - at least from my perspective. I think every Christian who is called to make a significant difference in his world experiences times like these. These are the times when we question the reality of God, the love of God, the personal care of God. And He demonstrates to us that He was there all the time. These are "faith experiences" that God does in every person who is called to a higher level of relationship with Him. These times are needful in order to know that we have the "heat shield" that can withstand the incredible heat that comes when we follow Him with a whole heart - a heart that is radical in a commitment to fully follow His ways. Elisha had that spirit. He slaughtered his 12 oxen and burned his plowing equipment so that he would not have the opportunity to return to anything if God didn't come through (see 1 Kings 19:21). The apostle Paul asked God to remove the heat from his own life one time. God's answer was not what he wanted to hear. But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! (2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP) How's your heat shield today? Can it withstand the heat that would want to burn up everything in your life not based in Him? Christ said, "My grace is sufficient." Is that really true in your life? Let His grace be your shield today |
Devotion: Coming Out of the Stronghold
Coming Out of the Stronghold
"Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah" (1 Samuel 22:5). David and his fighting men had been held up in the cave of Adullam. He was fleeing the sword of Saul. Many of the down and out in life came and joined David's army. David was content to stay in the stronghold of safety. Then, God's prophet came to David and told him that he must leave the stronghold and go into the land of Judah. When life beats down on us and we get to the place where we want to hide in the cave, God often places people around us who prod us into moving in the right direction. He does not want us to remain in the place of discouragement. He wants us to move into the land of "praise." Judah means praise. I recall when I went through a very difficult time. It seemed to drag on and on with no change until finally I wanted to retreat to a cave and forget pressing on. It was a great time of discouragement. A godly man came to me and said, "You must keep moving! There are too many who are depending on you in the Kingdom." I didn't totally understand what he meant at the time. What he was saying was that God is preparing each of us to be the vessel He wants to use in the life of another person, but we will never be that vessel if we give up and hide in our cave of discouragement. Not only must we keep moving, we must move into a new realm. Our attitude must move from discouragement to praise. It is when we move past discouragement to praise that we begin living above our problems. Make a decision today to go into the land of Judah. |
Devotion: Mixing Faith with Commerce
Mixing Faith with Commerce
"'Your servant has nothing there at all,' she said, 'except a little oil.'" 2 Kings 4:2b Her husband had died. There was no way to fulfill her debts. Her creditors decided to take her two sons as slaves for payment of the obligations that still remained. She pleaded for assistance with the only man of God she knew. "Is there anything in your house?" Elisha asked. "Nothing at all," she said, "except a little oil." Elisha then instructed her to go and collect all the empty jars that her neighbors might possess. "Ask for as many as you can," he instructed. When the jars were collected, he instructed her to pour what little oil she had into the jars. The oil was more than enough to fill the jars. In fact, there was more oil than jars to fill. "Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left" (2 Kings 4:7b). God often mixes faith with the tangible. The widow believed she had no resources to meet her need. God said she had more than enough resources. She did not see the one jar of oil as a resource. It did not become a resource until it was mixed with faith. Her need was met when her faith was mixed with the practical step of going into the workplace to sell what she had in order to receive her needed income. In fact, there was so much income she was able to pay her debts and live on the money derived from the sale. Quite often we forget that God works through commerce to provide for our needs. It is wrong to place total trust in commerce without faith in God. God often requires simple obedience to an act that seems ridiculous to the logical mind. It is this faith mixed with the practical that God honors. Do you have a problem that is perplexing to you? Do you see no way of meeting your need? God may have already given you the skills and talents to meet your need. However, He may be waiting for you to mix them with faith. Ask God to show you the steps necessary to solve your problem. Be willing to take the next step. |
Devotion: A Joseph Story
A Joseph Story
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 "I'd like you to help us develop our marketing program beginning in January," said the CEO of a sports product company. The consultant was delighted to have the opportunity. It was the first new business opportunity he'd had in some time. He had just come out of some very difficult business and personal circumstances in the last few years. A few months into the relationship, the CEO asked the consultant to manage the entire marketing department, placing him over the current marketing staff. It appeared that God was blessing his efforts with several successful initiatives. The consultant began to build a relationship with a few of the executives. One day, the sales manager came into his office and asked for help on a personal crisis. One thing led to another, and two months later, the consultant found himself leading the sales manager in the sinner's prayer in the sales manager's office. God prepares His servants in many ways to accomplish His purpose. The story of Joseph is repeated every workday in the lives of His people. The circumstances may be different, but the results are the same. God trains His servant through sometimes difficult "boot camps." When that training is complete, He places them in strategic places to be a provider-both physically and spiritually. Is God preparing you to be a provider in the workplace? Do not fret at the difficult training ground you may be required to endure. He has a plan. If you'll allow Him to carry out His plan, you'll be privileged to be used by the Master's hand. |
Devotion: Do You Believe It
Do You Believe It
Bill Money "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 Do we believe this to be true? That is always the question when we read Scripture -- do we believe it to be true? Is it just a nice devotional thought? Or is it the very words of God? From our perspective, things don't look like they're always working for good. A good friend was recently killed in a motorcycle accident in Thailand. That requires me to evaluate this statement - is it true? If so, then mourning is turned to celebration. You see, the essence of faith believes that what God has told me is true, not based on what I observe or understand. This passage gives us tremendous hope. It reinforces once again that we live in a supernatural world -- a world where God's supernatural presence has invaded our very limited understanding. And we can count on Him to turn difficult situations to good. This is supernatural expectation. Consider Matthew 6:33: "but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." This tells us that our task is to seek first His kingdom and His task is to provide all of our needs. We can depend on God to provide everything we need in all respects, all the time. But do we believe it? Do we act as if we believe it? As we choose to believe these passages (and it is a choice) we come to that amazing hope, hope in God that He has every issue under control, hope that the difficult circumstances we are going through are planned by Him and are for our good and His glory. Hope that every situation we face is not beyond our capabilities as He works through us (Philippians 4.13: "I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me." This is hope: not Pollyanna-wishful-thinking, but rather a solid confidence of faith in the One Who has promised and is capable of fulfilling the promise. The challenge for us is to take His promises at face value, to believe them to be true, and then to act as if we believe. |
Devotion: New Things
New Things
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13b-14 Our past can be a hindrance or a help in moving toward God's purposes for each of us. For some, the past has meant pain and heartache, and grace is required so that we do not let our past dictate our responses to the future. If we allow our past to make us a victim, then we have not entered into the grace that God has for us. If we live on memories of past successes and fail to raise our vision for new things, we again are victims of our past. "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Isaiah. 43:19). Our past should only be viewed for what we can learn from it. We must move forward and avoid viewing the negative or the positive for more than what we can learn. Many have allowed their past to dictate their future. God is always about doing new things in our lives. He gives fresh revelation of His purposes in our lives. Do not live in the past. Do not hold onto bitterness that may hinder God from doing new and exciting things in your life. He turns our wastelands into streams of water to give life, not death. How have you viewed your past? Has it hindered you in some areas of your life? Have you relied on past successes to dictate what you will do in the future? Put aside such thoughts and allow God to do a new thing in your life. Ask Him to help you see the new things He wants to do in and through you today. "When your memories are bigger than your dreams, you're headed for the grave" [Author unknown]. |
change up to Phil & Patti tonight....
Stand Firm!
Right before the Israelites passed through the Red Sea, Moses gave them this advice. Exodus 14:13-14 Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Jehoshaphat, one of the kings of Judah sought advice before battle and turned to a Levite named Jahaziel. This is what the Lord told Jahaziel. 2 Chronicles 20:17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'" From the wisdom of Solomon we have these words. Proverbs 10:25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever Paul understood that it is God who gives us our victories. We need only to stand firm. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Isaiah 7:9b If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.'" How do we stand firm in the faith? In spiritual matters, God does our fighting for us. We need only to be still. We donÔÇÖt need to be discouraged. We donÔÇÖt need to be afraid. We need to be strong in GodÔÇÖs power We must give ourselves fully to the Lord. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:24b it is by faith you stand firm. Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Ephesians 6:14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 2 Thessalonians 2:15a So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, James 5:8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. STAND FIRM! -- Shalom Alechem B'Shem Yeshua HaMashiach. (Peace be unto you in the Name of Jesus the Messiah) Phil and Patti www.philandpatti.com. www.philandpatti.blogspot.com. "We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Cor 5:7 |
Devotion: Godly Rewards
Godly Rewards
"You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out His requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.'" - Malachi 3:14-15 Have you ever felt that serving God had little reward and the ungodly seemed actually to be more blessed than you? This is what the people of God felt. God heard their cry and responded through the prophet Malachi to explain God's view on this matter. Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. "They will be Mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I take up My treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not" (Malachi 3:16-18). Notice that after the people complained about this, they began to talk to each other, and the Lord listened and heard. God had been taking note of those who were serving Him and honoring Him. There is a day coming in which God will honor His "treasured possessions." We will see that there is a distinction between the righteous and the wicked on that day when "the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall" (Malachi 4:2). What a beautiful picture of what we will feel like on that day. God rewards faithful obedience. It often requires patience, suffering, and perseverance. Be of good cheer; He will reward you if you faint not. |
Devotion: Knowing the Risk and Reward
Knowing the Risk and Reward
"David asked the men standing near him, 'What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel?'" (1 Samuel 17:26). Every entrepreneur must determine the risk and reward before entering a venture. This is not the only consideration. We must determine if God is leading us after we consider all factors. We also must consider if the timing is right to proceed. David was a young shepherd when he was bringing food to his older brothers in the army. He had already killed a lion and a bear during his days as a shepherd. David understood the risk/reward principle. When he heard about Goliath and that no one was willing to fight him he was angry. However, he didn't just respond out of pure emotion. He asked a very important question. "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel?" He got the answer he was hoping for: "The king will give great wealth to the man who kills him. He will also give him his daughter in marriage and will exempt his father's family from taxes in Israel." (1 Samuel 17:25). Do you see the reward? He gets financial wealth, a wife, and no longer has to pay taxes! What more motivation does a young Jewish boy need? Does this take away from the spiritual significance of the story? Absolutely not. The religious spirit always tries to make the business side of faith evil. Money and profit is not evil. It is the love of money and the pride of life that gets man into trouble. David understood the proper balance of these co-existing to accomplish God's purposes. To avoid getting into trouble simply ask this question of yourself: "What is the true motive of my heart?" If it does not have the spiritual element balanced with the business element, you may be in trouble. Ask God four questions before you proceed in any venture: 1) Is the Holy Spirit leading me? 2) Is this the time to be involved? 3) Is the risk and reward worth it? 4) Do I have what is necessary to be successful in the venture with God's help? After you've asked these questions go about your task with all your heart. |
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