By: Oswald Chambers
(The Collision of God and Sin)
. . . who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree . . . —1 Peter 2:24
The Cross of Christ is the revealed truth of God’s judgment on sin. Never associate the idea of martyrdom with the Cross of Christ. It was the supreme triumph, and it shook the very foundations of hell. There is nothing in time or eternity more absolutely certain and irrefutable than what Jesus Christ accomplished on the Cross— He made it possible for the entire human race to be brought back into a right-standing relationship with God. He made redemption the foundation of human life; that is, He made a way for every person to have fellowship with God.
The Cross was not something that happened to Jesus— He came to die; the Cross was His purpose in coming. He is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" ( Revelation 13:8 ). The incarnation of Christ would have no meaning without the Cross. Beware of separating "God was manifested in the flesh. . ." from ". . . He made Him. . . to be sin for us. . ." ( 1 Timothy 3:16 ; 2 Corinthians 5:21 ). The purpose of the incarnation was redemption. God came in the flesh to take sin away, not to accomplish something for Himself. The Cross is the central event in time and eternity, and the answer to all the problems of both.
The Cross is not the cross of a man, but the Cross of God, and it can never be fully comprehended through human experience. The Cross is God exhibiting His nature. It is the gate through which any and every individual can enter into oneness with God. But it is not a gate we pass right through; it is one where we abide in the life that is found there.
The heart of salvation is the Cross of Christ. The reason salvation is so easy to obtain is that it cost God so much. The Cross was the place where God and sinful man merged with a tremendous collision and where the way to life was opened. But all the cost and pain of the collision was absorbed by the heart of God.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
TDW 02-23-09 The Determination to Serve
By: Oswald Chambers
(The Determination to Serve)
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve . . . —Matthew 20:28
Jesus also said, "Yet I am among you as the One who serves" (Luke 22:27). Paul’s idea of service was the same as our Lord’s— ". . . ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake" (2 Corinthians 4:5). We somehow have the idea that a person called to the ministry is called to be different and above other people. But according to Jesus Christ, he is called to be a "doormat" for others— called to be their spiritual leader, but never their superior. Paul said, "I know how to be abased . . ." (Philippians 4:12 ). Paul’s idea of service was to pour his life out to the last drop for others. And whether he received praise or blame made no difference. As long as there was one human being who did not know Jesus, Paul felt a debt of service to that person until he did come to know Him. But the chief motivation behind Paul’s service was not love for others but love for his Lord. If our devotion is to the cause of humanity, we will be quickly defeated and broken-hearted, since we will often be confronted with a great deal of ingratitude from other people. But if we are motivated by our love for God, no amount of ingratitude will be able to hinder us from serving one another.
Paul’s understanding of how Christ had dealt with him is the secret behind his determination to serve others. "I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man . . ." (1 Timothy 1:13). In other words, no matter how badly others may have treated Paul, they could never have treated him with the same degree of spite and hatred with which he had treated Jesus Christ. Once we realize that Jesus has served us even to the depths of our meagerness, our selfishness, and our sin, nothing we encounter from others will be able to exhaust our determination to serve others for His sake.
(The Determination to Serve)
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve . . . —Matthew 20:28
Jesus also said, "Yet I am among you as the One who serves" (Luke 22:27). Paul’s idea of service was the same as our Lord’s— ". . . ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake" (2 Corinthians 4:5). We somehow have the idea that a person called to the ministry is called to be different and above other people. But according to Jesus Christ, he is called to be a "doormat" for others— called to be their spiritual leader, but never their superior. Paul said, "I know how to be abased . . ." (Philippians 4:12 ). Paul’s idea of service was to pour his life out to the last drop for others. And whether he received praise or blame made no difference. As long as there was one human being who did not know Jesus, Paul felt a debt of service to that person until he did come to know Him. But the chief motivation behind Paul’s service was not love for others but love for his Lord. If our devotion is to the cause of humanity, we will be quickly defeated and broken-hearted, since we will often be confronted with a great deal of ingratitude from other people. But if we are motivated by our love for God, no amount of ingratitude will be able to hinder us from serving one another.
Paul’s understanding of how Christ had dealt with him is the secret behind his determination to serve others. "I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man . . ." (1 Timothy 1:13). In other words, no matter how badly others may have treated Paul, they could never have treated him with the same degree of spite and hatred with which he had treated Jesus Christ. Once we realize that Jesus has served us even to the depths of our meagerness, our selfishness, and our sin, nothing we encounter from others will be able to exhaust our determination to serve others for His sake.
Monday, February 9, 2009
TDW 02-09-09 Real Heroes Believe In God
By: Jimmy Ray Lee
(Real Heroes Believe In God)
Today's Scripture
"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Galatians 6:9 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Heroes are known for bold exploits and notable achievements acclaimed by people. But the godly hero is acclaimed by God. This week we will take a look at some of the heroes in the Bible who paint a picture of what makes a godly hero—even today.
God used Joshua to carry out great military strategies in the Promised Land. One of the great victories was the conquest of Jericho, a city protected by two parallel walls, the outer one six feet thick, the inner one double that width, both about 30 feet high. The Lord instructed Joshua and his warriors to march around the city of Jericho once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times. The seventh time the priests were to blow the trumpets and the people were to give a loud shout.
Did this make sense? Of course not. But Joshua believed God, and he was persistent in his obedience. They circled the city six days … and nothing happened. Joshua persisted. They circled Jericho the seventh time, the priests blew the trumpets, the people shouted—and those mighty walls came down. Joshua took the city. (Joshua 6)
Consider this…
Has God led you to do something that just doesn't make sense—and doesn't seem to be working? Don't be discouraged. God's plan will work—in his way and in his time. Be persistent. Keep your eyes on Jesus and don't give up!
Prayer
Father, I really believe I am doing what you have called me to do, but sometimes things just don't seem to be working out the way I thought they would. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus and not to give up. I thank you for your love and faithfulness—and for the outcome you will bring. In Jesus' name …
(Real Heroes Believe In God)
Today's Scripture
"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up." Galatians 6:9 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Heroes are known for bold exploits and notable achievements acclaimed by people. But the godly hero is acclaimed by God. This week we will take a look at some of the heroes in the Bible who paint a picture of what makes a godly hero—even today.
God used Joshua to carry out great military strategies in the Promised Land. One of the great victories was the conquest of Jericho, a city protected by two parallel walls, the outer one six feet thick, the inner one double that width, both about 30 feet high. The Lord instructed Joshua and his warriors to march around the city of Jericho once a day for six days. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times. The seventh time the priests were to blow the trumpets and the people were to give a loud shout.
Did this make sense? Of course not. But Joshua believed God, and he was persistent in his obedience. They circled the city six days … and nothing happened. Joshua persisted. They circled Jericho the seventh time, the priests blew the trumpets, the people shouted—and those mighty walls came down. Joshua took the city. (Joshua 6)
Consider this…
Has God led you to do something that just doesn't make sense—and doesn't seem to be working? Don't be discouraged. God's plan will work—in his way and in his time. Be persistent. Keep your eyes on Jesus and don't give up!
Prayer
Father, I really believe I am doing what you have called me to do, but sometimes things just don't seem to be working out the way I thought they would. Help me to keep my eyes on Jesus and not to give up. I thank you for your love and faithfulness—and for the outcome you will bring. In Jesus' name …
Friday, February 6, 2009
TDW 02-06-09 Sin That Entangles Us
By: Henry T. Blackaby
(Sin That Entangles Us)
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)
Sin is our most persistent, determined, and pernicious enemy. Sin seeks to rob us of every good thing God has designed for us. Paul tells us that sin brings death (Rom. 7:11). Yet it is very subtle. Sin creeps into our lives when and where we least expect it. It packages itself so attractively that we are lulled into thinking that it cannot really harm us (2 Cor. 11:14–15).
Sin stealthily and relentlessly entangles our lives. We will never be able to run the race marked out for us as long as we are entrapped in sin. We free ourselves from sin’s only if we recognize it for what it is. If we call sin a “mistake,” a “bad habit,” or a “weakness,” we will never escape its grasp. We must not blame our sins on others. We must not allow pride to convince us it is too humiliating to admit the sin in our lives. Sin can blind us to its presence. It does not always command our attention but rather, it subtly and pervasively robs us of the spiritual power and victory that could be ours. The good news is that there is no extent to which sin can entangle us that God’s grace does not abound still more to free us (Rom. 5:20).
Has sin robbed your joy? Has it prevented you from being the best husband, wife, son, daughter, or friend you could be? Is it keeping you from spiritual maturity? If you have become entangled with sin, God can release you immediately, no matter how desperately entangled you may have become!
(Sin That Entangles Us)
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)
Sin is our most persistent, determined, and pernicious enemy. Sin seeks to rob us of every good thing God has designed for us. Paul tells us that sin brings death (Rom. 7:11). Yet it is very subtle. Sin creeps into our lives when and where we least expect it. It packages itself so attractively that we are lulled into thinking that it cannot really harm us (2 Cor. 11:14–15).
Sin stealthily and relentlessly entangles our lives. We will never be able to run the race marked out for us as long as we are entrapped in sin. We free ourselves from sin’s only if we recognize it for what it is. If we call sin a “mistake,” a “bad habit,” or a “weakness,” we will never escape its grasp. We must not blame our sins on others. We must not allow pride to convince us it is too humiliating to admit the sin in our lives. Sin can blind us to its presence. It does not always command our attention but rather, it subtly and pervasively robs us of the spiritual power and victory that could be ours. The good news is that there is no extent to which sin can entangle us that God’s grace does not abound still more to free us (Rom. 5:20).
Has sin robbed your joy? Has it prevented you from being the best husband, wife, son, daughter, or friend you could be? Is it keeping you from spiritual maturity? If you have become entangled with sin, God can release you immediately, no matter how desperately entangled you may have become!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
TDW 02-04-09 God's Hand Of Correction Is Rooted In Love
From: The Word Among Us
(God's Hand Of Correction Is Rooted In Love)
Do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines. (Hebrews 12:5-6)
Did you know that the words “discipline” and “disciple” come from the same root word, which means “learner”? We want to be disciples of Jesus, responding to his call to learn from him and to be transformed more and more into his image. And part of that learning and transformation process involves discipline and correction. Like any good teacher, Jesus knows he must encourage us and tell us where we are doing well. And like any good teacher, he knows that he must also point out our mistakes and correct us when we go the wrong way.
The author of Hebrews shows us how God can use the hard things we are asked to do, or the hard things that befall us, to discipline us. Experiences like these clarify two things. First, when things don’t go well, we discover what matters most to us. And second, when pressed beyond our natural abilities, we realize that our real strength comes from God and not from our own resources.
Often God clarifies his intentions for us through a word of correction. This may come through Scripture, in our prayer, or through a brother or sister. We may also be brought up short by the example of another believer. One man noticed that a fellow parishioner always stayed after Church to pray, and it got the man thinking. “Why do I act as if nothing special just happened? I really should start praying myself.” Thus, one man’s witness caused another man to draw closer to the Lord.
Are you being disciplined by the Lord? Try to take a look at your heart today and see if anything is out of God’s order. Perhaps there is an area of your life that you need to strengthen or correct. If so, don’t get discouraged or frustrated. Instead, follow the advice from Hebrews. Your Father is only treating you as his beloved child. Remember the Son who “learned obedience from what he suffered” so that he could become “the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Hebrews 5:8).
”Father, sometimes it’s hard to see beyond the difficulties of the present moment. Help me to keep my eyes on the prize and never lose hold of your unconditional love for me.”
Psalm 103:1-2,13-14,17-18; Mark 6:1-6
(God's Hand Of Correction Is Rooted In Love)
Do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines. (Hebrews 12:5-6)
Did you know that the words “discipline” and “disciple” come from the same root word, which means “learner”? We want to be disciples of Jesus, responding to his call to learn from him and to be transformed more and more into his image. And part of that learning and transformation process involves discipline and correction. Like any good teacher, Jesus knows he must encourage us and tell us where we are doing well. And like any good teacher, he knows that he must also point out our mistakes and correct us when we go the wrong way.
The author of Hebrews shows us how God can use the hard things we are asked to do, or the hard things that befall us, to discipline us. Experiences like these clarify two things. First, when things don’t go well, we discover what matters most to us. And second, when pressed beyond our natural abilities, we realize that our real strength comes from God and not from our own resources.
Often God clarifies his intentions for us through a word of correction. This may come through Scripture, in our prayer, or through a brother or sister. We may also be brought up short by the example of another believer. One man noticed that a fellow parishioner always stayed after Church to pray, and it got the man thinking. “Why do I act as if nothing special just happened? I really should start praying myself.” Thus, one man’s witness caused another man to draw closer to the Lord.
Are you being disciplined by the Lord? Try to take a look at your heart today and see if anything is out of God’s order. Perhaps there is an area of your life that you need to strengthen or correct. If so, don’t get discouraged or frustrated. Instead, follow the advice from Hebrews. Your Father is only treating you as his beloved child. Remember the Son who “learned obedience from what he suffered” so that he could become “the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Hebrews 5:8).
”Father, sometimes it’s hard to see beyond the difficulties of the present moment. Help me to keep my eyes on the prize and never lose hold of your unconditional love for me.”
Psalm 103:1-2,13-14,17-18; Mark 6:1-6
Friday, January 30, 2009
TDW 01-30-09 Are You Haunted By The Ghost of Guilt?
By: Jeff Schreve
(Are You Haunted By The Ghost of Guilt?)
...for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown done, who accuses them
before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10
Have you ever committed a terrible sin and asked God to forgive you? Sure. Every Christian has. But have you still felt guilty and ashamed EVEN AFTER you confessed that sin to God and asked Him to forgive you? What is up with that? Is God convicting you again about that same sin? Did He refuse to forgive you when you honestly, humbly and sincerely asked Him to do so? Or could it be that the devil, the accuser of the brethren, is at work to heap false guilt and condemnation on your head?
VICTORY AND JOY
In order to walk in victory and joy in the Lord, it is imperative to distinguish between the voice of the Spirit and the voice of the devil. Notice the differences.
1. The Holy Spirit convicts us of unconfessed sin. The Holy Spirit wants us to deal with that sin we are hiding and not bringing to the Lord for cleansing. Once we confess it (1 Jn. 1:9) and forsake it (Prov. 28:13), He forgives us COMPLETELY (no matter how bad that particular sin may be) and IMMEDIATELY (notice 1 Jn. 1:9 does not tell us that "He is faithful and just to forgive us" after two weeks or so of us feeling terrible about it).
Satan condemns us and accuses us of confessed sin. He will keep bringing up what we did in the past. even though we confessed it to God. He will say, "Remember that sexual sin you committed. remember that abortion you had. remember that lie you told. remember that hurtful thing you did to your parents, your spouse, your kids, your best friend? And you have the audacity to come to church and PRETEND you are right with God?!?" Have you ever heard that voice in your ear? The devil "is a liar and the father of lies." The moment you truly confess your sin to God (agree with Him that your sin was wrong and utterly sinful), He forgives it and forgets it (Heb. 10:17) and buries it in the deepest sea (Mic. 7:19).
2. The Holy Spirit convicts of specific sin. He will point His finger of conviction exactly where you have sinned. He does not convict generally. He is specific and faithful in pointing out to us where we have disobeyed God.
Satan, on the other hand, will throw up specific sins to us in order to make us feel bad ALL OVER. "You did this. and this. and this. You are just a bad, evil, hopeless person."
3. The Holy Spirit convicts in order to draw us back to fellowship with God. The goal of God in convicting us of sin is to get us to return to Him. He says in Mal. 3:7, "Return to Me, and I will return to you."
The devil condemns and accuses to get us to quit. to throw in the towel on seeking and serving God. to say, "What's the use! I have sinned too greatly for God to forgive me!" What a lie from the pit!!!!
ARE YOU CARRYING AROUND GUILT AND CONDEMNATION?
God's will for you today is to be free of all the guilt and condemnation of your sins and of the accusations of the devil (Rom. 8:1). Bring all the guilt and shame of your past to Him. Once and for all, confess it to Him. and claim His promise for complete and total cleansing.
If and when you stumble again (and we all do. no one serves God perfectly all the time), confess your sins immediately to God and BELIEVE HIM for cleansing. Do not let the devil steal your joy in walking with the King.
When Satan brings up your past, be quick to bring up his future - the lake of fire. When he condemns you over past sins you have already confessed to God, remember the cross. That sin is paid in full by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Take off the garments of guilt and shame and wrap yourself in the robe of His righteousness (Is. 61:10). Praise Him for forgiving and cleansing you! It makes all the difference in the world!
(Are You Haunted By The Ghost of Guilt?)
...for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown done, who accuses them
before our God day and night. Revelation 12:10
Have you ever committed a terrible sin and asked God to forgive you? Sure. Every Christian has. But have you still felt guilty and ashamed EVEN AFTER you confessed that sin to God and asked Him to forgive you? What is up with that? Is God convicting you again about that same sin? Did He refuse to forgive you when you honestly, humbly and sincerely asked Him to do so? Or could it be that the devil, the accuser of the brethren, is at work to heap false guilt and condemnation on your head?
VICTORY AND JOY
In order to walk in victory and joy in the Lord, it is imperative to distinguish between the voice of the Spirit and the voice of the devil. Notice the differences.
1. The Holy Spirit convicts us of unconfessed sin. The Holy Spirit wants us to deal with that sin we are hiding and not bringing to the Lord for cleansing. Once we confess it (1 Jn. 1:9) and forsake it (Prov. 28:13), He forgives us COMPLETELY (no matter how bad that particular sin may be) and IMMEDIATELY (notice 1 Jn. 1:9 does not tell us that "He is faithful and just to forgive us" after two weeks or so of us feeling terrible about it).
Satan condemns us and accuses us of confessed sin. He will keep bringing up what we did in the past. even though we confessed it to God. He will say, "Remember that sexual sin you committed. remember that abortion you had. remember that lie you told. remember that hurtful thing you did to your parents, your spouse, your kids, your best friend? And you have the audacity to come to church and PRETEND you are right with God?!?" Have you ever heard that voice in your ear? The devil "is a liar and the father of lies." The moment you truly confess your sin to God (agree with Him that your sin was wrong and utterly sinful), He forgives it and forgets it (Heb. 10:17) and buries it in the deepest sea (Mic. 7:19).
2. The Holy Spirit convicts of specific sin. He will point His finger of conviction exactly where you have sinned. He does not convict generally. He is specific and faithful in pointing out to us where we have disobeyed God.
Satan, on the other hand, will throw up specific sins to us in order to make us feel bad ALL OVER. "You did this. and this. and this. You are just a bad, evil, hopeless person."
3. The Holy Spirit convicts in order to draw us back to fellowship with God. The goal of God in convicting us of sin is to get us to return to Him. He says in Mal. 3:7, "Return to Me, and I will return to you."
The devil condemns and accuses to get us to quit. to throw in the towel on seeking and serving God. to say, "What's the use! I have sinned too greatly for God to forgive me!" What a lie from the pit!!!!
ARE YOU CARRYING AROUND GUILT AND CONDEMNATION?
God's will for you today is to be free of all the guilt and condemnation of your sins and of the accusations of the devil (Rom. 8:1). Bring all the guilt and shame of your past to Him. Once and for all, confess it to Him. and claim His promise for complete and total cleansing.
If and when you stumble again (and we all do. no one serves God perfectly all the time), confess your sins immediately to God and BELIEVE HIM for cleansing. Do not let the devil steal your joy in walking with the King.
When Satan brings up your past, be quick to bring up his future - the lake of fire. When he condemns you over past sins you have already confessed to God, remember the cross. That sin is paid in full by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Take off the garments of guilt and shame and wrap yourself in the robe of His righteousness (Is. 61:10). Praise Him for forgiving and cleansing you! It makes all the difference in the world!
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