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Devotion: Knowing Versus Doing
Knowing Versus Doing
"I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection...." - Philippians 3:10 If I asked you the purpose for which God made you, what might you say? You might give a lot of answers that required some action on your part. However, the simplest answer to that question relates to one primary thing: fellowship. The most important thing God desires from us today is to have a deep and intimate fellowship with each of us. The apostle Paul said he wanted to know Christ, and by knowing Christ he could experience the power of His resurrection. I find this to be the hardest thing for many of us workplace believers to do. So often it is much easier to be busy with the urgent (or even Christian) activity than spending quiet moments before the Lord. Before we realize it, days have passed since our last quiet time with Jesus. Jesus understood how important quiet moments were with the Father. "After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone" (Matthew 14:23). The more mature I become in my relationship with the Lord, the more precious this time becomes to me. It is a time I look forward to almost daily. It offers me a time to reflect, to share my concerns with my Lord, and to hear Him speak. In the last few years I have begun prayer walks, which accomplish three things: fellowship, prayer, and exercise. It has changed my prayer life. I have come to understand that Jesus views us as His friend and He wants to spend time with us. We are depriving Him of His time when we put Him aside for the urgent. An interesting thing happens when we make prayer a priority: Urgent things seem to wane as we focus on Him. He makes all these other things fall into place. Are you taking the time to get to know Him today? |
Devotion: The Root of Bitterness
The Root of Bitterness
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. - Hebrews 12:15 The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong. When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer. Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain. The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow. |
Devotion: Hearing the Voice of God - Even on the Job
Hearing the Voice of God-Even on the Job
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me. . . . My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:14, 27). Tom Fox is a successful financial investment manager who heads up a workplace ministry in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area. He used to be troubled when he heard Christians say, "The Lord told me . . . "He certainly had never heard God speak to him like that.ÔÇØWhat is different about those people and me?" he wondered. In the book of John, Tom had read that Jesus had said that His sheep hear His voice, but he didn't understand how they could do that. His pursuit to answer that question began his quest to discover how to hear God's voice himself. Today, Tom realizes that God does speak and that we, as His children, can hear His voice. He has discovered how to hear God's words of guidance in his daily life, which includes the day-to-day operations of his business, and he is teaching others how to hear God's voice as well. A friend of mine told me a story about an experience he had in Israel that demonstrates how sheep know their shepherd's voice. He and his wife were visiting some of the famous biblical sites when they saw a group of shepherds and their flocks. They watched as three different shepherds put their sheep in the same pen for the night, and they wondered how in the world the shepherds would separate their sheep the next day, since none of them had any identifying marks on them. My friend got up early the next morning to watch the shepherds gather their sheep. The first shepherd went over to the pen and called out to his sheep. One by one, his sheep (and only his sheep) filed out to follow him. The same thing happened with the other two shepherds. My friend said it was amazing to watch how only the shepherd's sheep followed him while the others remained in the pen--and all because they recognized his voice. What a picture of Jesus' words spoken centuries earlier. If we want to truly hear GodÔÇÖs voice we have to spend intimate time with Him so that we can recognize Him speaking to us. Ask God to help you hear the voice of God--even on the job. |
ASSURANCE OF ANSWERED PRAYER
ASSURANCE OF ANSWERED PRAYER
Part 2 How many times have you been talking to someone and they appear to be distracted or disinterested and you wonder if they are really listening. Many times when we pray we wonder if our prayers are being heard. ÔÇ£Are you there God?ÔÇØ seems to be the unspoken question on our hearts. Does God really answer all our prayers? What happened to all our prayers that go up for loved ones who have terminal illnesses? When our loved ones die, we may ask ÔÇ£Where did our prayers go?ÔÇØ This is a very valid question. What happens? Does God turn a deaf ear to us when we pray? Have we done something to prevent the answer to our prayers? Why do bad things happen to good people? Have you ever asked these questions? God is very clear in His Word. He most certainly does answer prayers. We so often want to believe that we must tell God how to do His business. Remember God is the perfect parent and He has the perfect plan for us. As parents we always try to do our very best with our children, but we are human and make mistakes. God doesnÔÇÖt make mistakes. Parents know they should never give their children everything they ask for. There are many things that our children ask for that we know would not be good for them. ItÔÇÖs the same way with God, our Heavenly Father, and our perfect Father. There are many things that we ask for that are not in our best interest. He knows the future, He planned it. Who are we to tell Him what to do? So then how are we supposed to pray? There are some conditions. ÔÇ£If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.ÔÇØ John 15:7 Jesus was speaking to His disciples about vines and branches. We must remain connected to the vine. How do we remain connected to the vine? ÔÇ£This is the confidence we have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us ÔÇô whatever we ask ÔÇô we know that we have what we asked of him.ÔÇØ 1 John 5:14-15 He will do what we ask of Him, but the question for us is will we do what He asks of us? ThatÔÇÖs what it means to abide in Him ÔÇô to be connected to Him. We must pray within His will. How do we know what His will is for us? ÔÇ£Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.ÔÇØ Philippians 4:6-7 Once we pray, leave it up to Him. DonÔÇÖt be anxious. Lay it down. How can we just lay it down and turn it over to Him? What prevents us from laying it down? ÔÇ£When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.ÔÇØ James 4:3 We must approach prayer with the right motives. What are the right motives? ÔÇ£If I had cherished sin in my heart the Lord would not have listened.ÔÇØ Psalm 66:18 We must not harbor sin in our heart. Do we have any sin that is honored or held in high esteem that could hinder our prayers? How do we keep from having sin in our heart? If we are connected to the vine and abide in Him, if we come to Him with an attitude of humility and acceptance of His will concerning our prayer, if we come with peace of mind having surrendered our sin and turned away from it, then we are ready to approach the throne. ÔÇ£Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.ÔÇØ Hebrews 4:16 We approach it boldly, not with arrogance, but confidently knowing that He will hear and answer our prayer. ThatÔÇÖs our assurance! What about our earlier question concerning loved ones with terminal illnesses? ÔÇ£When they die, what happened to all our prayers for them, where did they go?ÔÇØ Psalm 139:16b All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. God has the Master Plan. We submit to His will in all things. -- 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: Two Types of People
Two Types of People
"O LORD, by your hand save me from such men, from men of this world whose reward is in this life" (Psalms 17:14). There are two types of people in the world. There are those whose activities are designed to generate a reward in this lifetime. And there are those who live to generate a reward when they meet our Lord in Heaven. Not every Christian models the latter. How does one judge whether they are living for the future reward versus the earthly reward? There are several key indicators. Future reward people tend to be givers. They make their time and resources available to be channeled for Kingdom purposes. They realize their sowing will ultimately be rewarded at the Judgment Seat of Christ where what they have done on earth will be judged and rewarded by God (2 Corinthians 5:10). Future reward people live a life based upon obedience-based decisions. They don't make decisions based on their perceived outcome. They realize a decision based on obedience alone may not result in an immediate outcome. Jesus was obedient to the cross, but the immediate outcome was His own death on the cross. Future reward situations show up in daily life in a number of ways. Perhaps a person has wronged you and God calls you to forgive and even bless that person without expectation of their response. Perhaps God calls you to sow money into a ministry or another person's life without expectation of return from them. Perhaps you are called to serve another person without expectation of any earthly reward. The situations we might encounter are unlimited. Are you living a life based on a future reward, or short term reward? Today, evaluate how you make decisions and how you allocate resources. This will reveal whether you are a future reward Christian |
Proverbs 31
See if your mother/wife has a lot of these good qualities...they usually do!
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. |
Glenn's email today was a repeat, so here is something else:
First, we need to reject some secular ways of thinking about our work. For instance, there are cultural portrayals of work as a necessary evil. Five Truths for Shaping Character at Work Second, we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds to affirm a biblical view of work. Here are five thoughts that can influence how we act at work. 1. We were all created to work. Work is not a result of the Fall. In Genesis 1:28, image bearers of God (male and female) are called to exercise domination or rulership over the whole creation. Only God can make something out of nothing. We are to create something out of something. We are what Frances Schaeffer and J.R.R. Tolkien called ÔÇ£sub-creators.ÔÇØ We can take wood and make a table or a house. We can take metal and make a tool or musical instrument and so on. Knowing that we are created to work alters our attitudes and actions at work. 2. Work is not a result of the Fall, but it is made more difficult because of the Fall. Genesis 3:1-7 says the ground is cursed because of the Fall into sin. The ground will yield thorns and thistles. There will be much blood, sweat, and tears in the context of our work. The Fall is what makes work burdensome and leads to the TGIF or ÔÇ£Happy Friday.ÔÇØ 3. Work is more than a place to make money or to evangelize. It is certainly appropriate to give to the church, or, when the appropriate situation presents itself, share the gospel, but these purposes are not the central reason to work. Work is valuable in itself. 4. The ministerial calling is not higher than other professions, such as medicine, law, business, or carpentry. Jesus was a small businessman for about twenty years. The Greek work for carpenter (ÔÇ£tektonÔÇØ) can also mean something like a general contractor that works with wood, stone, or other materials. It is estimated that Jesus worked in this manner from age twelve or thirteen (when he would become an apprentice) to about thirty (Luke 3:23). GodÔÇÖs kingdom can be advanced from all valid professions. We are all ÔÇ£priestsÔÇØ called to offer spiritual sacrifices and proclaim his excellences in a world of darkness (1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:9-10). 5. We are called to glorify God at work. 1 Corinthians 10:31 indicates that we are to give glory to God in how we eat and drink and surely in how we work. Our work is to be done for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). If our work is done well, he may say ÔÇ£Well done, my good and faithful servantÔÇØ (Matthew 25:23). If we sow these five thoughts and really appropriate them, they will influence how we act at work. The beginning of character at work starts with how we think about it. - See more at: http://blog.tifwe.org/five-truths-fo....Q14bmF3W.dpuf |
Devotion: Obedience in the Big Things
Obedience in the Big Things
By Bill Money "to obey is better than sacrifice" 1 Samuel 15:22 For the scenarios discussed in this devotional, we are assuming that God has made His commands clear. We are assuming that when God spoke, you knew it was God and you knew what He said, just as described in the Scriptures. The issue is not hearing. The issue is obedience. Suppose you own a medium to large size home. Suppose it requires both you and your wife working to be able to afford it. Suppose God told you to sell the home and downsize because He wants your wife to be home with the children. Would you do so? Would you be obedient to God's command? Suppose your children are grown, and God wanted you to downsize to have more time and resources for ministry. Would you do so? Suppose your children are grown and God wanted you to downsize so you could work fewer hours and have more time for ministry. Would you do so? Would you obey? Suppose you own a medium to small home, and God wants you to buy a significantly larger home to use for His ministry purposes, and provides the money so you can do so without debt. Would you do so? Would you accept something special from His hand, even though others may think you're being selfish or self-indulgent? Sometimes our Christian culture focuses on sacrifice, and much less so on obedience. We still want to be in control, even controlling how we will serve God. Sometimes, we have our own preconceptions as to what God might ask of us, and miss God's plan. But we are taught that "God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8). He may very well ask us to do something that is outside what we are expecting. Obedience means embracing the plan God has for us, even when it does not fit our preconceptions, our expectations, or our culture. Obedience is far more important than sacrifice. |
Devotion: No Manna Stores
No Manna Stores
Then the Lord said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow My instructions." - Exodus 16:4 When God took the nation of Israel through the desert, there was one thing the people simply could not do outside of God alone: They could not provide for themselves. They could not plant. They could not harvest. They could not manufacture. It was a place and time where nothing but complete dependence was the rule. God gave manna one day at a time. The manna spoiled the day after, so they could never store it. They could not go to the manna store to get more. They couldn't start a manna business to capitalize on all the free manna. I can tell you from personal experience that when God takes you to the desert, there is nothing you can do to change it until He wants to change it, so do not strive against God in the desert place. Has God taken you into the desert? Is He forcing you to depend wholly on His provision? Pray that you will learn the lessons God desires you to learn in the desert place. He will bring you out when He has accomplished all He wants to build in your life. Remember that it is a season; you will not be there forever. He understands that no one can stay in a desolate place forever. |
Devotion: Integrity
Integrity
ÔÇ£Let your ÔÇÿyesÔÇÖ be ÔÇÿyesÔÇÖ, and your ÔÇÿnoÔÇÖ be noÔÇÖÔÇØ (Matthew 5:37) InÔÇótegÔÇóriÔÇóty 1. Adherence to moral & ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty. 2. the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished 3. a sound, unimpaired, or perfect condition. When people are asked to describe a Christian business leader, ÔÇ£integrityÔÇØ is usually high on the list of expected character traits ÔÇô and well it should be. The scripture is full of evidence that God values integrity, morality, honesty ÔǪ ethical behavior. However, in a business world today that seems to operate from a relativistic moral base ÔǪ where the ends are thought to justify the means ÔǪ where the bottom line is king ÔǪ integrity is an increasingly scarce commodity. Part of that is also due to the fact that integrity can have its costs. That cost can be as simple as going back to a store to pay for something the cashier missed, or as impacting as losing a contract for refusing to give a bribe. In either of those examples ÔÇô as in every instance where operating with integrity requires a choice ÔÇô itÔÇÖs interesting to consider who is watching, and how your choice can have an unexpected influence on the lives of, not only the people directly involved in your situation, but of people who are watching ÔǪ and people DO watch. A fascinating word in that first definition is ÔÇ£adherenceÔÇØ. To ÔÇ£adhereÔÇØ means to stick to something ÔÇô in this case to stick to your moral and ethical foundation ÔÇô not just to stay close to it, or maneuver around it, but to be inseparable from it. As Jesus simply states it, ÔÇ£Let your ÔÇÿyesÔÇÖ be ÔÇÿyesÔÇÖ, and your ÔÇÿnoÔÇÖ be noÔÇÖÔÇØ (Matthew 5:37) ÔÇô and to base that clarity on the foundation of biblical truth. The result of that kind of commitment is described quite well by the second part of our definition: ÔÇ£The state of being whole, entire or undiminished.ÔÇØ Perhaps you know how compromising your beliefs can make you feel ÔÇ£diminishedÔÇØ, less than you were when you stood firm ÔÇô I confess I know all too well the hollow feeling that comes from that kind of failure ÔǪ no matter how minor. I also have seen the evidence of how my failure to live what I say I believe can diminish me in the eyes of others ÔǪ my employees ÔǪ my friends ÔǪ my family. It can also diminish the impact of other things I say I believe ÔǪ including my commitment to Christ. The positive side, however, is how incredibly fulfilling it can be to know that living and operating with integrity honors God and allows the reflection of His image in us to be seen by others as undiminished as a redeemed man or woman can represent it. This brings us to that third part of our definition: ÔÇ£sound, unimpaired, perfectÔÇØ. My construction background tells me that something ÔÇ£soundÔÇØ has a solid structure based on an excellent design and a firm foundation ÔÇô a perfect description of what God has provided in His Word. Something ÔÇ£unimpairedÔÇØ can operate in the way it was intended ÔÇô without the barriers caused by compromise, moral failure or lack of trust in the Designer. And that leaves us with ÔÇ£perfectÔÇØ ÔǪ and that is a problem. There is simply no way you and I can make the grade here. We are simply not going to get a life-long grade of 100% on the integrity scale ÔÇô whether by commission, omission or any other kind of mission, we are going to come up short ÔǪ and that is where the good news comes! We CAN be perfect ÔǪ in GodÔÇÖs eyes ÔǪ when He looks at us through the lens of our relationship with Jesus. Jesus is the source of our ability to adhere to His moral and ethical principles, to reflect His undiminished image, and to experience the cleansing that is available when we confess our failure and ask for His forgiveness ÔǪ and a fresh ÔÇô perfect - start. The world looks for ÔÇô and it needs - integrity. Jesus has it. His followers can have it, too. |
Devotion: Your Work is not in Vain
Your Work is not in Vain
ÔÇ£Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord's work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain". I Corinthians 15.58 Our work matters to the Lord. We are to be excelling in the work that God has called us to do. We are to be the very best. The light of Christ should shine out of the business so brightly that others see Christ when they look at us in the business. We are to be steadfast in the direction of the business and our lives, not getting swept around by adversity. The Lord is given us a vision for the business, and we are to be steadfast in pursuing that vision. When the waves of business troubles sweep over us, we are to be immovable because our feet are firmly planted on the rock of Jesus Christ. As we do so, we find God rewarding us for this. "Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord - you serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3.23 So when it gets hard, remember who we serve. When the impossibilities stack up to the ceiling, remember Christ owns our business, and we serve Him. When sometimes it seems uphill in every direction, remember that the work we are doing for Christ is not in vain - it matters forever. The reward is not better profit or more income, the reward that we are working so hard for from Christ is: "Well done good and faithful servant". There is nothing happening to your business or life that is beyond the control of Jesus Christ. There is no set of circumstances that is impossible for Him to deal with. We serve a mighty God whose arm is not shortened, who does not know the meaning of ÔÇÿhardÔÇÖ, who deeply and passionately loves us, in spite of who we are. This is the God we serve through our businesses, through the impossibilities, through the things that seem just too hard. And that service is not in vain. It matters forever. So we need to pick ourselves up off the floor, brush off the dust, and get back to it. But first, let us pray. Let us ask our Lord, Master, and Owner for the things we need to accomplish the task He has given us. What seems impossible to us is trivial for Him. He has said: "Never will I leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13.5). He has said: "...and my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4.19). He has said: "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him" (James 1.5). With such promises as the very foundation of our businesses and lives, how can we fail? |
The Graduate-Level Test: Self Defense
The Graduate-Level Test: Self-Defense
"He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." - Psalm 37:6 As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems uncharacteristically cruel. The test: being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out. Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the Father. He lived the commandment He gave to the disciples: "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35). How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen quietly, or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this test eventually. It is part of the program. The workplace gives ample opportunity to be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. When God brings a measured assault against one of His children, it is to find out if he truly believes in the Cross. The Cross is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and our ego. When He allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows satan to bring the measured assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified. Thank God for the opportunity to be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and the justice of your cause will be in His hands. |
Glenn's email today was a repeat, so here is a one from Phil & Patti:
One of the themes in the book of Ecclesiastes is that "without God, life is meaningless and empty". Keep in mind the book of Ecclesiastes was written by a man who had it all - wisdom, power, wealth. Some thoughts: "Like the fool, the wise man too must die!" Death is the great equalizer. Everything in life is meaningless in the whole scope of things. The only thing that really matters is salvation in Jesus. "Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil." Be righteous and live an anointed life. After all we are anointed with the Holy Spirit. Happiness is dependent on circumstances. True joy comes from God and brings contentment no matter what the circumstances. (see the website for Walking in the Word - Joy Parts 1 and 2.) We donÔÇÖt find meaning in life through money, pleasure, work, or popularity. Meaning in life comes from doing things that are part of GodÔÇÖs purpose for us. To be in His will is the greatest place to be. How do we know how to be in His will? Simple - talk to Him, listen to Him, and read His Word! |
Devotion: Giving Him the Key
Giving Him the Key
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me. (Revelation 3:20) A friend of mine tells the story of an encounter he had with a very important government official - the head of state for a country. In the course of some meetings with my friend, the official came up to him and said, "I perceive that there is a difference between you and me. Is it because I come from a different denomination?" My friend began to explain why there was a difference. "If you were to come to my home, I would invite you in as an honored guest. As my guest, you would enjoy everything I had in my home. However, you would still be a guest. You would not have the keys to the home, and your authority in that home would be merely as a guest. However, if I said to you that I am turning over my home to you and you now have the keys to my home, I would be your servant." My friend continued, "This is the difference between you and me. You have merely invited Jesus into your home as a guest. I have given Jesus the keys to my home [heart] and I am his servant." "How can I do this too?" the man replied. "All you have to do is invite Him in as the new owner." The man did this and is now allowing Jesus to rule and reign in every detail of his life. So often many of us enter a relationship with God that brings us salvation. This is the gospel of salvation. But what God really desires for us is to experience the gospel of the Kingdom. He wants us to experience His power and presence every day of our lives and to see His hand at work in us. This only happens when we give Him the key to our life; He must be more than an honored guest. Where are you today? Has your life with God been more like an honored-guest relationship, or does He have the key to your life? |
Devotion: Moving in Presumption
Moving in Presumption
"Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the high hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord's covenant moved from the camp." Numbers 14:44 The people of Israel were brought out of Egypt to enter a new land-the Promised Land. This land was not handed over to them freely; it required the removing of God's enemies through battle. It required a partnership between God and the people. As long as the people remained true to God, they were victorious. The people were camped at Kadesh Barnea, near the border entrance to the long-awaited Promised Land. All the hardships of their journey from Egypt were now culminating at this important crossing. However, Joshua and Caleb were the only scouts who proclaimed faith in God to take them into the land and conquer their enemies. The other spies saw all the dangers and refused to take the risk. The people of the camp shrank in fear because of their report. They decided not to enter in. God was angered at the people for their lack of faith. Moses had to intercede on their behalf. Once they realized what they had done, it was too late. But they thought their repentance was enough to right their wrong. They presumed this was all that was necessary. Moses informed them they were deceived in their presumption of God's favor. They went to battle against the Amalekites only to be soundly defeated. Those who returned did not understand why they lost the battle. It is important for us to know whether we have God's hand upon our endeavors. Presumption leads to failure. God's favor leads to success. Ask God to confirm His hand on your endeavors. ..."If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here" (Exodus 33:15). |
Devotion: Receiving Only From God
Receiving Only From God
"I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me-to Aner, Eshcol and Mamre. Let them have their share." Genesis 14:24 Abraham's nephew was a man named Lot. Lot was part of Abraham's household until the land on which they fed their flocks could no longer support their growing families and herds. Abraham allowed Lot to choose the land where he wanted to live. Lot chose the land of Sodom. Afterwards, four kings invaded Sodom, and Lot's family and goods were taken into captivity. When Abraham learned of this, he immediately gathered his best fighting men and pursued the armies to free Lot and his family. He was successful in freeing Lot's family and the families of Sodom. The king of Sodom was grateful to Abraham for what he did and wanted him to keep the goods he recovered. Abraham had made a decision before the battle that he would only keep what he recovered for his nephew Lot, and goods as payment for the men who fought. Abraham understood the principle of receiving from God. He was a man with great integrity in God. He did not want to be known as someone who became wealthy because of the kindness of a wicked king. He wanted others to know that whatever prosperity he gained was a result of the blessing from God's hand alone. Abraham understood an important principle of receiving from God. Jesus also modeled this principle by receiving only what His Father wanted Him to receive. God's will for Jesus was to receive based on a carpenter's wage even though He was the God of the universe who had access to all things. Imagine the discipline Jesus had to have, knowing what He could have had. He upheld His own financial integrity in God. Each of us must discern what comes from the hand of God rather than the hand of man. As workplace believers, there are situations that allow us to manipulate, sweat, and toil our way to profit. There is also profit as a result of hard work done in obedience to our calling to the workplace. Knowing the difference in these two concepts is a sign of integrity before God. Only God receives glory when we receive what God wants us to receive. Are you receiving the fruit of your labor in God? Ask God to show you the difference of these two concepts for your own life. |
ÔÇ£Peace on earthÔÇØ
A Message of Peace
This phrase is spoken often during this time of year. We all wish for tranquility and harmony in this world. But is that all there is to peace? For the answer to this question, we must return to the original meaning of the word peace. The earliest form of the Hebrew language is written in word pictures. They are simple pictures. They not only portray a word, but convey a greater, deeper meaning. They also evoke a very emotional feeling. They help us understand the heart of what is being expressed. As in all of Scripture, God presents a very simple story with a much deeper meaning. The Hebrew picture word for peace illustrates this point very well. In Hebrew Word Pictures, Peace means ÔÇ£to destroy the authority that establishes chaosÔÇØ. Satan is the one who establishes chaos. Even though we cannot destroy Satan, we can destroy his authority in our lives. When we look at the true meaning of the word peace, it means not only tranquility and harmony in the world, but it becomes extremely personal. We as Believers in Jesus have the power through the Holy Spirit to destroy SatanÔÇÖs authority. And this will bring us true peace. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Our prayer for 2015 is that through the power of the Holy Spirit, we will all be victorious over the authority of Satan and truly experience this peace that only God can give. |
Devotion: Whom You Will Serve
Whom You Will Serve
(Proverbs 3: 5-8) 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones When we read Proverbs chapter 3, verse 5 through 7, we read the instruction, given by God to live in His will. Verse 8 is the results of living in the Will of God! So many people today are so unhappy because they are living according to their will instead of God's will. Everybody wants to live a blessed life but they do not want to follow the way of God. My friend, it is impossible to have happy living outside the will of God. Oh you may for a short while think you have found a great life, but the end thereof are ways of sorrow. Choose you this day, which you will serve! Whatever way you choose, whatever god you choose to serve will determine the quality of your life. |
GodÔÇÖs Word and Water Sports
There are many ways to enjoy waterfloating on a raft, water skiing, wading, snorkeling, and deep-sea diving. We can float on a raft, drifting aimlessly as the slight movement of the water lulls us into a very relaxing snooze. We can water ski, gliding over the surface of the water, feeling the spray of the water as it splashes our legs and mists our face. We can wade into the shallow edge of the water, afraid to go too far from the safety of the shore. We can go snorkeling, diving into the water, but still connected to the surface. Or we can get fitted with an oxygen filled life support tank and go deep-sea diving. Our approach of Gods Word is a lot like water sports. There are many ways to approach Gods word. We can float around on the surface, drifting aimlessly through His Word lulled into apathetic status, just playing with the words. We can skim right over the top of Gods Word, flying too fast to let anything really soak in. We can just read lightly, not really wanting to get too deep into His Word for fear something in the Word may take us too far from the world. We can immerse ourselves in Gods Word, but yet still remain connected to the ways of the world. Or we can submerge into the depths, using the Holy Spirit as our guide, and search His Word as if searching for hidden treasure. Which approach will we take concerning Gods Word; floating, skiing, wading, snorkeling, or deep-sea diving? -- Shalom Alechem B'Shem Yeshua HaMashiach. (Peace be unto you in the Name of Jesus the Messiah) |
Elisha prayed that his servant be allowed to see into the spirit realm and God opened the servantÔÇÖs eyes. The heavenly defenders were already there surrounding them. God allowed the servant to see them. Obviously Elisha already knew they were there.
Heavenly defenders surround us always. ItÔÇÖs just that most people donÔÇÖt see them except by special permission from God. ItÔÇÖs like listening to the radio. We may be listening to our AM radio but it doesnÔÇÖt mean that FM signals arenÔÇÖt there as well. WeÔÇÖre just not tuned in to hearing them. In our heart of hearts we KNOW that there is a spiritual battle raging all around. We just donÔÇÖt always see it. (ÔÇ£We live by faith, not by sight.ÔÇØ) Sometimes, however we are allowed to see the heavenly defenders. Just as a four year old child was allowed to see his guardian angel outside the dining room window at his grandparentÔÇÖs house. What great faith displayed by the servant girl in this story of Elisha! God placed her there for a purpose. She was an humble servant of her master. Has God placed you in a position to spread His word? A person doesnÔÇÖt have to be a certified seminary graduate to speak the word of God. A person just needs to be an humble servant of THE MASTER. When Naaman went to the king of Israel with the letter in hand from the king of Aram, the king reacted in a negative way. Elisha then responded with these words. ÔÇ£Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.ÔÇØ Naaman was to be healed so that everyone would know. Then when Elisha told Naaman to wash in the Jordan to be cured of leprosy, Naaman questioned why he needed to go there instead of going to closer waters. IsnÔÇÖt that just like us today, we donÔÇÖt want to go to God and do what He says? We want to do something more convenient. We ÔÇ£dig our own cisternsÔÇØ so to speak instead of going to the ÔÇ£well of living waterÔÇØ. Gehazi was doing so well until he took that first step on the slippery slope of self-indulgence and deceit. Sin has consequences. The leprosy with which he was afflicted as a consequence of his sin didnÔÇÖt start out as just a spot as it did with Naaman. His leprosy was full blown, not only for him but for his descendants. The Aramean army heard the sound of chariots and horses and a great army and they fled. Were they allowed to hear the same thing that ElishaÔÇÖs servant was allowed to see? Maybe if we were alert, listening and watching, we might be able to see and hear our heavenly defenders all around us! Why not look and listen a little closer today??? |
Jehoram's death was a fulfillment of prophecy. And what a sad epitaph for Jehoram, "He passed away, to no one's regret"
Ahaziah, his son succeeded him as king and had much to overcome. His father Jehoram had been a poor excuse for a king to say the least. His grandfather was King Ahab. And to top it off "his mother encouraged him in doing wrong." Ben-Hadad, king of Aram sent a gift to Elisha. What a gift! Forty camel-loads of all the finest wares of Damascus. What did he think Elisha would do with such a "gift"? In the exchange between Jehu and Joram in 2 Kings, Jehu poses this essential question, "How can there be peace as long as idolatry and witchcraft abound?" Indeed how can there be peace in anyone's life as long as idolatry runs rampant? Jezebel's demise was exactly what was prophesied. However...the spirit of Jezebel lives on in the form of generational demons. Rev 2:20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. And this was in a church! Any connections for today's church? Are there pagan teachings in our churches today that lead people into sexual immorality? Do church leaders hide behind a facade of political correctness and claim that social issues are "political" instead of Biblical? Are these the leaders that Jesus calls hypocrites? "How horrible it will be for you, scribes and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You lock people out of the kingdom of heaven. You don't enter it yourselves, and you don't permit others to enter when they try. Mat 23:13 |
Devotion: Giving and Receiving
Giving and Receiving
"Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account" (Philippians 4:17). The apostle Paul had a tent-making business. However, over time, it was evident that more and more of his time were being given to vocational ministry activities. That required him to receive income from those to whom he invested his life. It became increasingly difficult to run a business and travel and minister. His letter to the Philippians gives us a perspective on giving. Although Paul appreciated the support financially, his real joy came in the fact that their gift was being credited to their Heavenly account. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:14-19 emphasis mine). Paul had a confidence that God would always provide what he needed. Sometimes it came from his business. Sometimes it came through others. He was not overly concerned with where his provision would come from. His confidence was in God, his provider. So, his attitude was in affirming the benefit that came to the giver from a Kingdom perspective. Paul learned that it wasn't a church or a business that was his provider. It was God. These were merely tools God used to support him. |
God has the power to help or to overthrow
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Posted: 15 Jun 2015 03:00 AM PDT Amaziah hired fighting men from Israel to help him in battle. ButEven if you go out and fight courageously in battle, God will overthrow you before the enemy, for God has the power to help or to overthrow. When Amaziah sent the mercenaries home, they were furious, even though they went home with the promised money. Why? Could it be because they wanted the plunder as well as the money? Later on they raided many Judean towns, killed three thousand people and carried off great quantities of plunder. Amaziah tried to fight his battles on his own or by enlisting the help of others when it was promisedThe Lord can give you much more than that. How often do Gods people turn to something or someone other than God for help to fight their battles? Many people, including the people of God, are near collapse carrying an oppressive burden of emotional problems and addictions. We often seek psychological and medicinal band aid treatments for these problems and addictions when a Biblical cure is what is needed. Instead of seeking temporary worldly solutions we should allow Scripture to surgically and permanently remove them. Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Ezek 11:19-20 I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God. It means facing our emotional problems and addictions and allowing the removal of our heart of stone that frees us to follow in obedience to Him. Amaziah discovered he would not be successful on his own or even if he enlisted the help of others. We need to learn that lesson as well The Lord can give you much more than that. The Lord offers us so much more than the world can. In fact He offers us "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine". Eph 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. |
Devotion: Forgiving Ourselves
Forgiving Ourselves
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) The murderer was condemned to life in prison. Then one day something amazing happened. The guard came and opened the jail cell. "You are free to go. Someone else is taking your place," said the guard. "How can this be? I am still guilty!" said the prisoner. "Your debt has been paid. You are free to leave," said the guard once more. The prisoner decided not to leave. "I cannot allow another to pay my debt," said the prisoner. Because of his pride he chose to remain in bondage. Imagine the guilt Peter must have felt when he denied the Son of God three times by saying he never knew him. Imagine what he must have felt the moment he reunited with Him after the resurrection. The hardest person to forgive sometimes is ourselves. It is especially hard for high achievers to forgive themselves. We think we are above such failure. However, the Bible says we all sin and it is impossible to remedy that sin by ourselves. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His Word has no place in our lives?" (1 John 1:8, 10). The question is not whether we will sin; the question is what we will do when we do sin. There is only one thing for us to do. Go to the cross. Jesus paid for that sin by dying on the cross. Picture yourself writing your sin on a white piece of paper, then pinning it to the cross. Now, leave it there. The cross is for sinners. When Jesus looks at you, He no longer sees your sin. He cannot see the sin because He can only see the cross. When you come to Jesus with your sin, there is nothing more you can do besides confessing and renouncing your sin. Sometimes it may require restitution with others. However, once you confess your sin and ask forgiveness, it is no longer on the ledger of debts. Why not choose to walk free. The cell has been opened. |
Devotion: Paul's Personal Mission Statement
Paul's Personal Mission Statement
I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:10-11 - Acts 21:11-12 Paul understood his personal mission, which should be the personal mission of every believer in Jesus Christ. It is the one summary statement that best describes the purpose of our existence on earth and the goal of our Christian experience. It can be reduced to three important characteristics. To know Christ. To know and experience His power. To identify with His sufferings. All that flows from these three objectives becomes a by-product. Salvation is a by-product. Miracles are a by-product. Christ likeness is a by-product. Paul's focus was on relationship. He understood that the deeper the relationship, the more power he would experience. He also understood that as he grew in this relationship, there would be suffering. Whenever the Kingdom of Light confronts the kingdom of darkness, there is a battle, and this often results in casualties. Christ confronted these earthly kingdoms and suffered for it. If we are living at this level of obedience, we, too, will face similar battles; it simply comes with the territory. Does this sound like your personal mission statement? Is your focus in life centered on knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection? If not, press into Him today in order to begin experiencing Christ more intimately. |
City Transformation Begins in Two Places
"While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there" (Acts 17:16-18). In order to transform a city or nation, it must take place in two areas; the marketplace and the local church. Paul was burdened for Athens when he saw all of the idols in his city. So, he began a strategy to win back his city by preaching in both the synagogue to the religious leaders and Jews and also in the marketplace every day. The Old Testament records reveal that even at the time of the temple construction it was clear that foundations must be built through the marketplace and the synagogue. "He erected the pillars in the front of the temple, one to the south and one to the north. The one to the south he named Jakin and the one to the north Boaz" (Chronicles 3:15-17). Jakin was a priest of the Lord that represented the spiritual foundation of the Church. Boaz represented the strength of the marketplace and its role to have impact on the society through workplace ministers, or kings. God is moving today in cities across the world through collaborative coalitions made up of priests, kings and intercessors. This is a city transformation trinity that the Holy Spirit is forming to rid our cities of idols and to restore the spiritual foundations. When we begin to equip and release those in the workplace to fulfill their godly roles in business, government, media, arts/entertainment, and education we will begin to see the idols in our cities removed. Pray that God raises up Godly workplace leaders who will lead with a biblical worldview. |
Devotion: Spiritual Boot Camp
Spiritual Boot Camp
ÔÇ£Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saintsÔÇØ (Jude 3). Jude was the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus. In his short letter of only 25 verses, he spoke directly to believers about the apostasy and false teaching developing at that time. Now, 2000 years later, we still have the same problems. The key for Christians is to ÔÇ£contend for the faithÔÇØ as Jude encouraged New Testament believers to do. God directs our lives, but we still have stresses and strains. To learn how to ÔÇ£contend for the faithÔÇØ and conquer our difficulties, we need to immerse ourselves in the truths of GodÔÇÖs Word. The apostle Paul prayed that God would strengthen believers ÔÇ£with power through His SpiritÔÇØ in their inner being,ÔÇØ and that they would be ÔÇ£rooted and established in loveÔÇØ (Ephesians 3:16-17). IÔÇÖve discovered that being witnesses requires a commitment to continual preparedness. ThatÔÇÖs what Jude was warning Christians about, then and nowÔÇödonÔÇÖt get caught off guard! God calls us to battle readiness that comes from the daily commitment to our spiritual boot camp. The church must be constantly vigilant in order to stay strong in the faith and defend itself against false ideas about God and His Word. |
Devotion: Lydia, a Workplace Minister
Lydia, a Workplace Minister
"One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God" (Acts 16:14). There was a business woman whom Paul encountered in Philippi named Lydia. She was an early church entrepreneur dealing in purple cloth, the most expensive type in the 1st century Middle East. Most accounts believe this was Paul's first known convert. I find it interesting that his first known convert was a woman and an entrepreneur. "We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home" (Acts 16:13-15a). This encounter with Lydia and her women associates ultimately opened the way for ministry in that region. God often worked in and through women in the early church. Lydia was an influential businesswoman, and the gospel was affecting all strata of society, just as it does today. Lydia was a maker of beautiful cloth mainly used by members of the royal families and Roman senators who were required to have a purple band around the edge of their togas, or robes. Purple cloth was both valuable and expensive in the culture of the first century. It was often worn as a sign of nobility or royalty. Lydia's ministry would be to the upper class business community. Evidence of her conversion was immediate. She told the men if they considered her a believer in the Lord, she would like for them to come and stay at her house. Evidently she had plenty of room to accommodate the four of them; Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke was with them also. She continued to urge them and they accepted her invitation and stayed at her house. Lydia's heart was like the good soil in the parable of the sower. When she heard the word of God, she received it with joy and obeyed the words of the apostle. Who is the "Lydia" God has placed in your circle of influence? Pray that you will be the instrument, like Paul, to bring the gospel to influential women entrepreneurs. |
Devotion: Stirred Up For Jesus
Stirred Up For Jesus
2 Peter 1:13 (KJV) "Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;" Hey, I think it is about time that God's people get STIRRED UP for Jesus! Peter wanted to stir up the Christians of his day by reminding them of the blessing of Salvation. In the days of Paul, in Romans 13: 11, Paul said it was "High Time to awaken out of sleep." Paul was telling the Christians of his day that it was time to get "Stirred up about Jesus!" Today, more than any other day, Christians are living as though they have nothing to be thankful for. Christians have fallen asleep to the things of God and are living it up in the things of the World! HEY CHRISTIANS, it is time we get STIRRED UP about the great things of God and the eternal glory that is awaiting us! |
Devotion: Avoiding Self-Based Faith
Avoiding Self-Based Faith
"We live by faith, not by sight." - 2 Corinthians 5:7 Over the years I have run into many businessmen who make the statement, "Whenever I get things in order in my business, I want to get more involved in ministry." What are these men really saying? They are saying that as soon as they can get the amount of money that creates security, they will trust God. They are saying that what they have been doing to date has not been ministry. This separation of "work and faith" is common among our culture. We fail to understand that life is sacred to God and there is nothing "holy" and nothing "sacred" in itself. I would love to hear one workplace believer say, "I have spent my life in this business. The Lord has blessed me with great resources. But now God has told me to give away my wealth and to trust Him to provide for me through new ways." Wouldn't that be a novel concept? That is exactly what C.T. Studd, the great cricket player in the 1800s, did. He was reared in a wealthy home, but his deep conversion experience led him to take actions that forced him to trust God in ways he never had to before. He became one of the great missionaries of all time. Whenever we seek to plan ways of ministry that depend on our ability to manipulate and plan outcome, this is not faith. The ministry that comes from this will be minuscule. Faith that bears fruit is faith that is born from experience with a living God. It is faith that says, "I don't know where the next check is coming from. All I know is that God told me to do this and trust Him for the next step." That is faith that moves mountains and moves God's heart. God rarely allows His servant to see beyond the next faith step. However, those who are willing to take the first step and leave the outcome to Him see His works. "Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord..." (Psalm 107:23-24). |
Devotion: Square Peg in a Round Hole
Square Peg in a Round Hole
"Indeed, God has put the body together in such a way that he gives greater dignity to the parts that lack it, so that there will be no disagreements within the body, but rather all the parts will be equally concerned for all the others" (1 Corinthian 12:24-26). "I feel like I've been attempting to fit a thousand pegs into the relationship hole but not one satisfies you with the words you are looking for me to say." Those were the words I said to my wife in complete frustration. We were at an impasse in our relationship for days--yes, days! No matter what I said or how I said it didn't seem to matter. She was viewing the situation through her grid; I was viewing it through mine. It was like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole that simply wouldn't work no matter how hard I tried. Then I said these words: "I'm sorry I could not see your perspective and implied that you had a hurtful motive behind your actions. I know you've never done that in the past." Bingo! Something happened! This peg actually fit! She jumped out of her chair and rushed over to kiss me! Our relationship took a 180?? turn in six seconds! "How did that happen!?" I pondered what just took place, feeling totally perplexed, but relieved over the fact a resolution came forth. I realized later I was viewing the situation through my left brain only, where logic and reasoning is processed, as most of us men tend to do. She desired an emotional heart connection with me. She wanted me to identify and attempt to view the situation through her lenses and an emotional grid. Once I was able to do this her heart was reopened to me and to our relationship. Men and women often view situations from two differing vantage points. Men view things from facts. Women view them from its impact on their heart and the relationship. Next time you find yourself at an impasse with your spouse, consider these factors. Unlike me, you might reduce your game time of "peg and hole". |
Devotion: Serious About Faith
Serious About Faith
ÔÇ£Stephen . . . did great wonders and miraculous signs. . . . Opposition arose, however . . . but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spokeÔÇØ (Acts 6:8-10). There are times in lifeÔÇÖs spiritual battle when the heat is turned up and the opposition becomes more aggressive. When that happened to Stephen, he proved that he was willing to give his life for his Savior. We meet Stephen in the book of Acts along with others who are given the task of managing fairly the distribution of food among Christians in Jerusalem. He was not only a servant, but also a powerful speaker ÔÇ£full of GodÔÇÖs grace and power.ÔÇØ While speaking he was harassed, but he calmly, logically devastated the arguments against him. He was hauled before a tribunal that eventually condemned him to death. Here was a man serious about his faith. As his persecutors were throwing stones at him to kill him, Stephen was asking God for forgive them. His life and death demonstrates that the most important prerequisite for Christian service is to be filled with faith and the power of GodÔÇÖs Holy Spirit who gives strength and courage, even in the hardest moments of our lives. We dare not ignore GodÔÇÖs command to make the Gospel of Jesus available to all of mankind. The world has no other hope |
Devotion: Secret Places
Secret Places
I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name (Isaiah 45:3). When God takes you to a depth of soul experience be alert to new truths and new perspectives. During these times God often leads us to amazing new discoveries. It can be a storehouse of unexpected riches for the soul. Bible teacher F. B. Meyer once observed, "Whenever you get into a prison of circumstances, be on watch. Prisons are rare places for seeing things. It was in prison that Bunyan saw his wondrous allegory and Paul met the Lord and John looked through heaven's open door and Joseph saw God's mercy. God has no chance to show His mercy to some of us except when we are in some distressing sorrow. The night is the time to see the stars." I began sending out the devotions in the middle of a seven year period of darkness. Today, the devotionals are read daily by many of people around the world. God has revealed to me secret things that I know have benefited countless others. If I had not gone through that dark time, I wouldn't be who I am today. We must live each day to the fullest. We can't live in the past or in the future. We must live in the moment that God gives us right now. Our time of deliverance will come according to God's schedule. Meanwhile, we need to be faithful in doing what God has given us to do and be content in the place where He has placed us. When we go through a trial of adversity, we need to understand that God is performing radical surgery on our life. The purpose of this surgery is not to destroy us, but to give us a new heart. God is making a fundamental change in whom we are and who we will be. And, He will always reveal treasures from these secret places if we are willing to walk through the process patiently. |
Devotion: I'm not ready!
I'm not ready!
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'" (2 Corinthians 12:9). If there is one thing that is consistent throughout scripture, it is this: God calls people when they are not ready. God will never call you into service when you think you are ready. This is intentional on God's part. And, you can be sure when God calls you, you will have similar responses as Saul did when he was called to be the first king, or Gideon, when he was called to take down the idols in his nation, or Moses, when he was called to deliver his people from Egypt. Saul answered, "But am I not a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel, and is not my clan the least of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin? Why do you say such a thing to me?" (1 Samuel 9:21). "But Lord," Gideon asked, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family" (Judges 6:15). But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). When God calls, you will most likely be in the most unlikely circumstances to receive that call. You will be in the midst of a crisis, you will lack resources, and you will not have the skills you think you need. This too is the way of God. God does this because He wants you to know your call is only based on His ability, not yours. When you think it is based on you, this is a false humility. And, it is unbelief and disobedience on your part. Has God called you to something you have failed to do because you felt you were not ready? Repent before the Lord and let God accomplish great things through you |
Devotion: Praying the Promises
I have heard a LOT of excellent preachers say this...when you are down & out, and just about crushed, pull out the Bible, and start reading Scripture back to God and substituting your name in the verses.
the Bible says God's word will not come back empty (void): Isaiah 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Praying the Promises ÔÇ£His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in world because of sinful desire.ÔÇØ 2 Peter 1.4-5 The Scriptures are full of incredible promises from the Father. One author has suggested that there are 30,000 promises in Scripture that are addressed to "whomever", not counting those that are addressed to specific people and specific circumstances. These promises speak to an intimate relationship with God. He has given us the promises because He wants to have a close and intimate relationship with us. He expects us to claim the promises and to live accordingly. The essence of claiming the promises believes them to be true. Faith believes what God says about what we do not know (Hebrews 11.1). Trusting God for His promises starts by believing them to be true. And recall that our actions demonstrate our beliefs, while our words demonstrate our knowledge. Therefore, as we claim a promise in our prayers to God, and act in the confidence that He will respond to that request, we are demonstrating faith. And "without faith it is impossible to please God" Hebrews 11.6. And note that through the promises we can become partakers of His divine nature! God has established a path to a more intimate relationship with Him through His promises. To share in His divine nature by believing His promises to be true and claiming them is wonderful and amazing! So our response to this gift is to memorize some key promises. Each morning, in our prayer time, we should thank God for His promises in general, and recite to Him some specific promises that we are grateful for. As we recite these promises, we might put them in the first person: "if I lack wisdom, I am to ask God who gives without reproach, and it will be given to meÔÇØ (James 1.5). Then we should use those promises in our prayer requests. We should specifically claim those promises for every issue that faces us. And we must not forget to praise God for the answers, to praise Him for His fulfillment of His promises. |
Devotion: The Work of God
The Work of God
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 (Psalms 90:17). Martin Luther brought the word of God back to the people. Today, God is bringing the work of God back to the people. God never intended the clergy to be the primary distribution channel of His Gospel. You and I am the distribution channel - those of us in the workplace. The local church is simply the franchise to equip and release His army into the world to affect every aspect of society. Today, God is establishing mini-franchises in the form of prayer groups and Bible studies in the workplace. He is igniting the silent remnant of workplace believers who have never realized, until now, that their work really is their ministry. It is a holy calling on par with vocational ministry. Our local franchises (churches) should be viewed as mini battle ships designed to raise an army of qualified warriors who can pray, create, and influence their workplaces and industries with a biblical worldview. We must be reminded of God's perfect plan found in Ephesians 4:11-13. "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." The next time you are tempted to pass ministry responsibility to your pastor, remember what Ephesians 4 says. After all, there are no part-time Christians in His Kingdom. We may get our checks in secular fields, but our ministry is full-time. |
Devotion: Pleasing to the Lord
Pleasing to the Lord
"Prepare it with oil on a griddle; bring it well-mixed and present the grain offering broken in pieces as an aroma pleasing to the Lord." Leviticus 6:21 There is a requirement to be blessed at a deeper spiritual level by God. Christ requires it of each of His servants. He required it of Paul when He struck him down on the Damascus Road. He required it of Joseph when he was left in the pit and then sold into slavery. He required it of Jacob when he left his homeland penniless and needy. He required it of most every major leader that He used significantly - brokenness. Brokenness cannot be achieved on your own. It is something God does Himself. We cannot determine that we are going to be broken, but we can refuse to become broken. When God begins this deeper work in our lives, we can kick and scream and refuse the process. We can manipulate and strive to stay on top, but this only delays His work. Pride and mammon are ruling strongholds of the workplace. Brokenness is considered a weak position in the workplace. However, God says until we are broken we cannot be an aroma pleasing to the Lord. God wants you to be an aroma in the workplace. In order for this to happen, you and I must be a broken vessel in His hand. Pray that God would allow you to become a pleasing aroma to Him no matter the cost. |
Devotion: Friends
Friends
Proverbs 18:24 (KJV) "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Why do some folks not have friends? I saw this question recently on the internet and it caused me to stop and seek an answer to the question, WHY? I think the Bible answers this question completely, on how to have friends. The Bible teaches that if one is to have a friend, they must FIRST be friendly. Many wait on the other person to first be friendly, and then they return the favor, but is that being friendly at all. If you are always waiting on someone else to be friendly to you before you acknowledge them, or make them your friend that is not being friendly at all and you'll not make very many friends that way. Another way to not have friends is being too judgmental of others. If a person has ONE WAY VISION, meaning they can only see all the problems of others, but can't see their own problems. This also means, they are quick to point out the problems of other people, but neglect their own problems that are CLEARLY seen by others, but not by themselves. I think one of the best way to make friends is to do this, leave the PREACHING, the Reproach, the Rebuking to God and the Preachers. Folks need to STOP pointing out other friend problems. Here is a great way to start your new day of making friends! Get you a mirror and turn it toward yourself, position it to where YOU CAN SEE YOU and your faults ONLY. This will cause your FRIENDS fault not to catch your vision or divert your attention from your way of living for God. You will then see YOU as YOU really are and see your friends as your friends. Having a friend starts off with not looking and reporting to them their faults; it starts with looking at your friends needs and doing something to take care of those needs! |
RE: Devotion: Move On
Move On!
..."Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to move on." - Exodus 14:15 Moses had brought the whole nation of Israel, approximately 600,000, to a dead end in the desert. The only thing between Israel and Pharaoh's pursuing army was the Red Sea. This was after ten plagues God had inflicted on Pharaoh to motivate him to free the Israelites. Finally, Pharaoh had freed Moses and the people, and they left Egypt. They thought they were home free. "Freedom at last," they said. But God did a strange thing. He directed Moses to take a route that led to the Red Sea, instead of the northern route around the Red Sea. God explained that He didn't want them fighting the enemies they would have encountered on this route. But still, there was the issue of the Red Sea. They finally arrived at the Red Sea, and the people were wondering where they would go from there. News hit the camp: Pharaoh had changed his mind. He was coming after them with his army. Panic set in. The defenseless Israelites cried out, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:11b-12) God sometimes brings each of us to a "Red Sea" in our life. It may be a work problem that can't be solved. It may be a marriage that seems to be failing. It may be a debilitating disease. Whatever your Red Sea, God tells us one thing: "Keep moving." The Red Sea was before them, yet God was angered at Moses and told him to "Keep moving." "But Lord, the Red Sea is before me." "Keep moving." When we live by sight, we act on what we see. God sets this stage in dramatic fashion. God is into the dramatic. There is no way out without God here. That is just the way He wants it. No one will get glory except God. A friend once admonished me when I was in the midst of an extremely difficult time in my life, "You must not withdraw from being proactive in your faith just because of this trial that you are in. God's hand is on your life. There are too many who are depending on you to fulfill the purposes God has in your life. Keep moving! Keep investing yourself in others." I didn't feel like it. I was in too much pain. But I did it anyway. God met me at the point of my greatest need once I decided simply to be obedient. Getting past myself by investing myself in others helped heal the pain. There is great healing when we look past our own problems and seek to invest ourselves in others for the sake of Christ. This is when our own Red Seas become parted. We begin to walk to freedom. But we will never experience the miracle of the Red Sea in our lives if we don't first "Keep moving |
Devotion: Sowing in Tears
Sowing in Tears
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." - Psalm 126:5 The most difficult place to keep moving in faith is the place of extreme pain. Extreme pain, especially emotional pain, can become immobilizing to the human spirit if it is allowed to overcome us. The psalmist tells us there is only one remedy for overcoming painful circumstances that will result in joy. We are to sow in the midst of these times. You cannot do this if you live by feelings alone. It is an act of the will. This act requires that we go outside ourselves in pure faith. I learned this principle during one of the deepest periods of my life. I had lost much that was dear to me. A mature man in the faith admonished me to reach out to others in spite of my own pain. "Invest in someone else," he said. I did not realize what a place of healing and comfort that would become. "He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:6). Pain can become a source of joy if we take the first step by planting seed. There is a harvest that will come if we sow in the midst of tears. |
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