Good Morning All,
Today’s TDW has a powerful message waiting for all of those who are willing to receive it into their hearts. In addition, I believe that after you read this devotional you should email it to someone you care about regardless of their faith affiliation or lack of faith. Anyway, I hope today brings all you desire in accordance to the will of God…..JC
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TDW 07-31-08 Believe It Or Not... You Are Loved!
By: Jeff Schreve
(Believe It Or Not... You Are Loved!)
Just as the Father has loved Me,
I have also loved you; abide in my love.
John 15:8
I talk to people quite often who have a hard time really believing that God truly loves them. I mean they believe that God loves people... but they are not so sure He loves them. They do not see themselves as deserving or worthy of His love, so they surmise that He does not/could not love them. Does that describe you?
In John 15, the Lord tells to abide in His love, to stay connected and remain in His love. He says His love for you and me is as great as the Father's love for Him. WOW! Can you get your mind around that?
Believe It!
Without question, the most important thing in your life and mine is to truly believe this truth: God really does love us with an everlasting love. The greatest commandment is to love God with all we have within us (Matt. 22:37). We cannot begin to do this until we understand and receive His great love for us - "We love, because He first loved us" (1 Jn. 4:19).
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is found in 2 Chron. 7:3, "And all the sons of Israel, seeing the fire come down and the glory of the Lord upon the house, bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave praise to the Lord, saying, 'Truly He is good, truly His lovingkindness is everlasting.'" Did you catch that? It says, TRULY!! Truly He is good, and truly He loves me!!!!
When I blow it, and the devil moves in on me to tell me God does not love me anymore because of the sin I committed, I remind my self of "TRULY!!" When life is falling apart and I feel forsaken of God, I remind myself of "TRULY!!" The fact of "truly" trumps all my negative feelings and all the devil's lies.
It is a rock solid truth that God is good and that He loves you and He loves me. Over and over and over again, the Lord speaks of His lovingkindness (His loyal, faithful and unfathomable love) toward us. If there is anything we should know from reading the Bible it is this main truth. The bloody cross of Jesus Christ screams out these life-changing words, "I LOVE YOU!!!!" Even though you and I are sinners and have done terrible, horrible things, God STILL loves us and wants to work mightily in our lives.
The Sooner, The Better
The sooner you believe and receive God's great love for you, the better you will be. What happens to a person who truly believes and receives God's great love?
That person feels a tremendous sense of acceptance and peace.
That person will be free to love the Lord back.
That person will be free to love other people (see Rom. 5:5).
That person will be able to face life with joy and a song in his/her heart.
That person will see difficult circumstances as an opportunity for Jesus to shine.
My Confession
For me, I have to continually remind myself of the truth of God's love because I can easily see all my shortcomings and conclude that there is NO WAY He could love me. I can easily start focusing on all the negative circumstances in my life and conclude that all these difficulties are arising because He does not love me. Those are lies from hell!!
As I write this, I am making a fresh declaration this day. I invite you to join me in it:
I am tremendously blessed and favored because the One who matters the most, God, thinks the world of me. He TRULY loves me... and nothing can ever change that (Rom. 8:38-39). He has purchased me with His own blood, and He has a special and wonderful plan for me. I choose to believe and receive His love, and reject the devil's lies. I will rejoice and be glad this day because He loves me, He is good, and He never fails to work all things together for good in my life.
Remember, my friend, your number one job as His child is to keep yourself in His love... and love Him back with all that you are. If you do this each day, you will be led by His Spirit and your life will be a great success in His eyes.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
TDW 07-30-08 The Blessings of Assurance
By: John MacArthur
(The Blessings of Assurance)
“For as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble.” - 2 Peter 1:10
Assurance of salvation lets us enjoy earthly blessings.
It is encouraging that scriptural assurance results in specific, practical blessings in the Christian life. Here are six I’d like to share with you today. Assurance makes you praise God. There is no way you can be filled with praise and gratitude to God if you’re not sure you’re saved. Assurance adds joy to your earthly duties and trials. No matter what happens to you, you can be certain that all will work out well in the end. Difficulties are easier to handle when you know they’re temporary. Assurance makes you zealous in obedience and service. If you’re doubtful about your salvation, you will be apathetic and discouraged. But if you’re sure, you will be hard-working and encouraged in serving the Lord.
Assurance gives you victory in temptation. When you are confident about your salvation, you can overcome the strongest temptation (see 1 Cor. 10:13). Even if you stumble occasionally, you will know that those events have not changed your standing before God. But you will be depressed and discouraged by temptation if you have no assurance. You’ll doubt your ability to cope with temptations and will wonder if falling victim to one or two will send you to Hell.
Assurance gives contentment in this life. You’ll rest secure in the promise that you have a glorious heavenly inheritance to look forward to. At the same time, you will be happy and satisfied that God “shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:9). But if you lack assurance of salvation, you’ll scramble and reach for all the world’s material goods and feel cheated when you don’t obtain them.
Assurance removes the fear of death. If you know you’re a child of God, you can be sure that the moment you die you will enter Heaven. If you don’t have that assurance, however, you’ll be even more afraid to die than one who has never heard of Christ.
If you are growing spiritually, you will have assurance, and that will let you enjoy these and other blessings as you look forward to being with the Lord for all eternity.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Pray that God would help you share the blessings of assurance with someone else.
(The Blessings of Assurance)
“For as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble.” - 2 Peter 1:10
Assurance of salvation lets us enjoy earthly blessings.
It is encouraging that scriptural assurance results in specific, practical blessings in the Christian life. Here are six I’d like to share with you today. Assurance makes you praise God. There is no way you can be filled with praise and gratitude to God if you’re not sure you’re saved. Assurance adds joy to your earthly duties and trials. No matter what happens to you, you can be certain that all will work out well in the end. Difficulties are easier to handle when you know they’re temporary. Assurance makes you zealous in obedience and service. If you’re doubtful about your salvation, you will be apathetic and discouraged. But if you’re sure, you will be hard-working and encouraged in serving the Lord.
Assurance gives you victory in temptation. When you are confident about your salvation, you can overcome the strongest temptation (see 1 Cor. 10:13). Even if you stumble occasionally, you will know that those events have not changed your standing before God. But you will be depressed and discouraged by temptation if you have no assurance. You’ll doubt your ability to cope with temptations and will wonder if falling victim to one or two will send you to Hell.
Assurance gives contentment in this life. You’ll rest secure in the promise that you have a glorious heavenly inheritance to look forward to. At the same time, you will be happy and satisfied that God “shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:9). But if you lack assurance of salvation, you’ll scramble and reach for all the world’s material goods and feel cheated when you don’t obtain them.
Assurance removes the fear of death. If you know you’re a child of God, you can be sure that the moment you die you will enter Heaven. If you don’t have that assurance, however, you’ll be even more afraid to die than one who has never heard of Christ.
If you are growing spiritually, you will have assurance, and that will let you enjoy these and other blessings as you look forward to being with the Lord for all eternity.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Pray that God would help you share the blessings of assurance with someone else.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
TDW 07-29-08 Our Cheating Hearts
By: Jayce O'Neal
(Our Cheating Hearts)
The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? She is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. Jeremiah 3:6 (Bible verse added by JC)
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How would you feel if I called you a liar? How about if I referred to you as the cheater? If I called you a compromiser, would you feel as strongly?
What if the person you loved had an affair? What if the person you loved had an emotional affair, meaning that they depended on and longed to be with someone other than yourself? How would you feel?
Maybe it did not even go so far. How would you feel if your boyfriend or husband was observing another woman’s body for long periods of time while you stood next to him?
Men, what would you feel like if your girlfriend or wife pined for another man while she was in your arms? I ask you these questions, because we are all cheaters, liars, and have proven unfaithful. You see, we do these things to God all of the time. All throughout the Bible God refers to His passion for us as a man who burns for his bride.
And every time we compromise, push the limits, forego Biblical boundaries, we cheat on God…we hurt Him. God is not a distant being who cares nothing for us, but an Almighty Being who desires your heart more than any mortal man. Yet we continually give our attention, our hearts, and our passions elsewhere.
We often get caught up in what we can and cannot do, that we rarely consider whether or not we should. If we were to look at the landscape of morality in America it is obvious that there is a serious decline in conscience. Might this have something to do with our stance on compromise?
So many in the church argue against legalism and how the Church’s rules have suffocated the relevance of the Christian message to a point that the world cannot relate to it. These same people also argue that the rules are cumbersome for the Christian themselves to a degree in which they seem out of date with what is going on in the mainstream culture.
These arguments are made as if this sort of cultural division has never happened before. It is as though they are unaware of the drastic cultural differences in the Bible times between the Christians and Romans. Nearly every major civilization has fallen from within due to moral decay.
Recently I heard the argument from one individual that they were tired of Christians following rules in which they do not understand. The argument was founded on the concept that Christians are too conservative and that “rules” were illogical and inconvenient.
This individual had issues with legalism. Her argument is valid, but her conclusion is faulty. Following rules without understanding why they are there, means nothing more than the fact that we are ignorant. It does not mean the rules are bad, it simply means we do not know their intent or feel they are not needed.
Another faulty conclusion to this argument is that rules are legalistic. This is untrue. Legalism only comes into play when we divorce our hearts from the rules. Legalism is following rules with our actions, but rebeling in our hearts. This does not mean however, that the rules are bad in and of themselves, but merely that our hearts must also be in line with our actions.
Jesus stated this same thing. He said that if we lust in our hearts it is just as bad as if we actually carried out the act physically (Mathew 5:28, NASB). Therefore if we follow the “rules” and do not physically cheat, but in our hearts we do, than we are still in sin.
So my question to all of us (including myself) ... where are we compromising? If everyone saw the thoughts we had on a movie screen, what would it show? Christians often pretend that we are not affected as much as we are. We do this because I believe it buys us a little bit more freedom to do a little bit more than we know we should.
The movies and music are filled with so much anti-God messages these days, but yet we continue to buy the CDs and DVDs, and yet we still complain about the immoral state of our culture. This does not mean that every movie or song is bad, but when was the last time we walked out of a movie or turned off a song?
Better yet, when was the last time we did research a head of time to avoid having to leave? We cannot complain about the movies and music and how they are so immoral if we are lining up to consume them. It is like complaining about the government and never voting.
If all the Christians decided not to go to these movies nor buy the music, they would stop making them, because they are a business. They sell what will be bought. Right now, what is selling? Sex-filled music, blatantly pagan comedies (that Christians go in droves to see), and story lines that mock God and elevate anti-family themes. There are some good things to listen and watch, but are we consuming those or the other kind?
Philippians 4:8 says,
”Finally, brethren, [Rom 14:18; 1 Pet 2:12] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things (NASB).”
Maybe our particular compromise is not the media. Maybe it's talking too long to that person at work that you know you shouldn’t, because it may lead to something more even though both of you are in committed relationships. Maybe you are letting your boyfriend or girlfriend stay the night? Perhaps, you are a man who has roving eyes or a woman who cheats in her heart even though she knows she would never act on it.
You see, we are not the only ones we hurt when we abuse our free will to serve our selfish endeavors. We hurt those around us too. And yes, we are responsible for the effect we have on others. In our American mentality we often think of our rights and our individualism, however this can often be contrary to Scripture.
1 Corinthians 8:9, 12 says:
"But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ (NASB)."
We too often choose the path of least resistance because it’s easier and because we have become spiritually lazy. We try to do as much as we can without fully “sinning.” We tip-toe to the edge of the proverbial “sin cliff” and look at what lies below.
We mock those who stand further back because they are scared and “prudish” and we wave at those who fall over the cliff and say nothing to prevent them from falling. However even if we did try to speak a word of caution they would not listen because from their vantage point (right before they fall) we look the same as them.
If we as Christians look no different than anyone else except that we sing songs and pray from time to time, than our lights are not shining in the world but only in our small circles of friends who likely have small lights too.
We should be different and act different, but so many of us look no different at all. Too often we are wavering candles amidst a vast, endless cavern.
My dad told me a story about when he once was a pastor and a young person over heard him tell a dirty joke and because of that, the kid swore he’d never go back to church. He thought my dad was different, but his actions (in that moment) were no different than everything else he had heard from the world.
No we are not perfect, but how often do our actions betray what we say we believe? The Christian walk is not a checklist of do’s and don’ts, but a way of life that testifies to the fact that our lives have been transformed. Legalism is not the answer, but from what I see these days it appears to me that compromise, apathy, and justification are even more dangerous.
We should ask ourselves where we have faltered, and we should allow ourselves to try and imagine how much we hurt God and those around us with the “affairs” we are committing in our lives. Would we ever want to experience that type of pain? Would we want to ever cause anyone that much pain? We have. We do.
(Our Cheating Hearts)
The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? She is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot. Jeremiah 3:6 (Bible verse added by JC)
*************************************************************************************
How would you feel if I called you a liar? How about if I referred to you as the cheater? If I called you a compromiser, would you feel as strongly?
What if the person you loved had an affair? What if the person you loved had an emotional affair, meaning that they depended on and longed to be with someone other than yourself? How would you feel?
Maybe it did not even go so far. How would you feel if your boyfriend or husband was observing another woman’s body for long periods of time while you stood next to him?
Men, what would you feel like if your girlfriend or wife pined for another man while she was in your arms? I ask you these questions, because we are all cheaters, liars, and have proven unfaithful. You see, we do these things to God all of the time. All throughout the Bible God refers to His passion for us as a man who burns for his bride.
And every time we compromise, push the limits, forego Biblical boundaries, we cheat on God…we hurt Him. God is not a distant being who cares nothing for us, but an Almighty Being who desires your heart more than any mortal man. Yet we continually give our attention, our hearts, and our passions elsewhere.
We often get caught up in what we can and cannot do, that we rarely consider whether or not we should. If we were to look at the landscape of morality in America it is obvious that there is a serious decline in conscience. Might this have something to do with our stance on compromise?
So many in the church argue against legalism and how the Church’s rules have suffocated the relevance of the Christian message to a point that the world cannot relate to it. These same people also argue that the rules are cumbersome for the Christian themselves to a degree in which they seem out of date with what is going on in the mainstream culture.
These arguments are made as if this sort of cultural division has never happened before. It is as though they are unaware of the drastic cultural differences in the Bible times between the Christians and Romans. Nearly every major civilization has fallen from within due to moral decay.
Recently I heard the argument from one individual that they were tired of Christians following rules in which they do not understand. The argument was founded on the concept that Christians are too conservative and that “rules” were illogical and inconvenient.
This individual had issues with legalism. Her argument is valid, but her conclusion is faulty. Following rules without understanding why they are there, means nothing more than the fact that we are ignorant. It does not mean the rules are bad, it simply means we do not know their intent or feel they are not needed.
Another faulty conclusion to this argument is that rules are legalistic. This is untrue. Legalism only comes into play when we divorce our hearts from the rules. Legalism is following rules with our actions, but rebeling in our hearts. This does not mean however, that the rules are bad in and of themselves, but merely that our hearts must also be in line with our actions.
Jesus stated this same thing. He said that if we lust in our hearts it is just as bad as if we actually carried out the act physically (Mathew 5:28, NASB). Therefore if we follow the “rules” and do not physically cheat, but in our hearts we do, than we are still in sin.
So my question to all of us (including myself) ... where are we compromising? If everyone saw the thoughts we had on a movie screen, what would it show? Christians often pretend that we are not affected as much as we are. We do this because I believe it buys us a little bit more freedom to do a little bit more than we know we should.
The movies and music are filled with so much anti-God messages these days, but yet we continue to buy the CDs and DVDs, and yet we still complain about the immoral state of our culture. This does not mean that every movie or song is bad, but when was the last time we walked out of a movie or turned off a song?
Better yet, when was the last time we did research a head of time to avoid having to leave? We cannot complain about the movies and music and how they are so immoral if we are lining up to consume them. It is like complaining about the government and never voting.
If all the Christians decided not to go to these movies nor buy the music, they would stop making them, because they are a business. They sell what will be bought. Right now, what is selling? Sex-filled music, blatantly pagan comedies (that Christians go in droves to see), and story lines that mock God and elevate anti-family themes. There are some good things to listen and watch, but are we consuming those or the other kind?
Philippians 4:8 says,
”Finally, brethren, [Rom 14:18; 1 Pet 2:12] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things (NASB).”
Maybe our particular compromise is not the media. Maybe it's talking too long to that person at work that you know you shouldn’t, because it may lead to something more even though both of you are in committed relationships. Maybe you are letting your boyfriend or girlfriend stay the night? Perhaps, you are a man who has roving eyes or a woman who cheats in her heart even though she knows she would never act on it.
You see, we are not the only ones we hurt when we abuse our free will to serve our selfish endeavors. We hurt those around us too. And yes, we are responsible for the effect we have on others. In our American mentality we often think of our rights and our individualism, however this can often be contrary to Scripture.
1 Corinthians 8:9, 12 says:
"But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ (NASB)."
We too often choose the path of least resistance because it’s easier and because we have become spiritually lazy. We try to do as much as we can without fully “sinning.” We tip-toe to the edge of the proverbial “sin cliff” and look at what lies below.
We mock those who stand further back because they are scared and “prudish” and we wave at those who fall over the cliff and say nothing to prevent them from falling. However even if we did try to speak a word of caution they would not listen because from their vantage point (right before they fall) we look the same as them.
If we as Christians look no different than anyone else except that we sing songs and pray from time to time, than our lights are not shining in the world but only in our small circles of friends who likely have small lights too.
We should be different and act different, but so many of us look no different at all. Too often we are wavering candles amidst a vast, endless cavern.
My dad told me a story about when he once was a pastor and a young person over heard him tell a dirty joke and because of that, the kid swore he’d never go back to church. He thought my dad was different, but his actions (in that moment) were no different than everything else he had heard from the world.
No we are not perfect, but how often do our actions betray what we say we believe? The Christian walk is not a checklist of do’s and don’ts, but a way of life that testifies to the fact that our lives have been transformed. Legalism is not the answer, but from what I see these days it appears to me that compromise, apathy, and justification are even more dangerous.
We should ask ourselves where we have faltered, and we should allow ourselves to try and imagine how much we hurt God and those around us with the “affairs” we are committing in our lives. Would we ever want to experience that type of pain? Would we want to ever cause anyone that much pain? We have. We do.
Monday, July 28, 2008
TDW 07-28-08 The Way to Purity
Good Monday Morning,
Well, it has been a minute (a long time...lol) since I have written anything personal or general on the TDW Blog. If you have been a member of the TDW ministry for more than a month then you know that I love to write about the issues of my life, the community and the world as they relate to the devotionals that I post on the web. Unfortunately, in this season of my life, writing anything significant or meaningful has become an unfriendly chore. Maybe it has something to do with school, or marriage life, the kids or unemployment. I do know that last week I fail to post on Thursday and Friday because of the workload for school in conjunction with poor internet access on campus. As such, I apologize for not posting on the last two day of last week. Anyway, we all go through some kind of undesirable season of change and it seem like it is my turn to experience a season that will truly impact my life. In closing, I would ask that you pray for me as if my life depends on it. Pray that I can hear God’s voice clearly, that I can remain holy, that I will remain strong, that I will not break and that I can find peace even in the middle of my stormy season……..JC
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TDW 07-28-08 The Way to Purity
By: Oswald Chambers
(The Way to Purity)
Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart . . . . For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man . . . —Matthew 15:18-20
Initially we trust in our ignorance, calling it innocence, and next we trust our innocence, calling it purity. Then when we hear these strong statements from our Lord, we shrink back, saying, "But I never felt any of those awful things in my heart." We resent what He reveals. Either Jesus Christ is the supreme authority on the human heart, or He is not worth paying any attention to. Am I prepared to trust the penetration of His Word into my heart, or would I prefer to trust my own "innocent ignorance"? If I will take an honest look at myself, becoming fully aware of my so-called innocence and putting it to the test, I am very likely to have a rude awakening that what Jesus Christ said is true, and I will be appalled at the possibilities of the evil and the wrong within me. But as long as I remain under the false security of my own "innocence," I am living in a fool’s paradise. If I have never been an openly rude and abusive person, the only reason is my own cowardice coupled with the sense of protection I receive from living a civilized life. But when I am open and completely exposed before God, I find that Jesus Christ is right in His diagnosis of me.
The only thing that truly provides protection is the redemption of Jesus Christ. If I will simply hand myself over to Him, I will never have to experience the terrible possibilities that lie within my heart. Purity is something far too deep for me to arrive at naturally. But when the Holy Spirit comes into me, He brings into the center of my personal life the very Spirit that was exhibited in the life of Jesus Christ, namely, the Holy Spirit, which is absolute unblemished purity.
Well, it has been a minute (a long time...lol) since I have written anything personal or general on the TDW Blog. If you have been a member of the TDW ministry for more than a month then you know that I love to write about the issues of my life, the community and the world as they relate to the devotionals that I post on the web. Unfortunately, in this season of my life, writing anything significant or meaningful has become an unfriendly chore. Maybe it has something to do with school, or marriage life, the kids or unemployment. I do know that last week I fail to post on Thursday and Friday because of the workload for school in conjunction with poor internet access on campus. As such, I apologize for not posting on the last two day of last week. Anyway, we all go through some kind of undesirable season of change and it seem like it is my turn to experience a season that will truly impact my life. In closing, I would ask that you pray for me as if my life depends on it. Pray that I can hear God’s voice clearly, that I can remain holy, that I will remain strong, that I will not break and that I can find peace even in the middle of my stormy season……..JC
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TDW 07-28-08 The Way to Purity
By: Oswald Chambers
(The Way to Purity)
Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart . . . . For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man . . . —Matthew 15:18-20
Initially we trust in our ignorance, calling it innocence, and next we trust our innocence, calling it purity. Then when we hear these strong statements from our Lord, we shrink back, saying, "But I never felt any of those awful things in my heart." We resent what He reveals. Either Jesus Christ is the supreme authority on the human heart, or He is not worth paying any attention to. Am I prepared to trust the penetration of His Word into my heart, or would I prefer to trust my own "innocent ignorance"? If I will take an honest look at myself, becoming fully aware of my so-called innocence and putting it to the test, I am very likely to have a rude awakening that what Jesus Christ said is true, and I will be appalled at the possibilities of the evil and the wrong within me. But as long as I remain under the false security of my own "innocence," I am living in a fool’s paradise. If I have never been an openly rude and abusive person, the only reason is my own cowardice coupled with the sense of protection I receive from living a civilized life. But when I am open and completely exposed before God, I find that Jesus Christ is right in His diagnosis of me.
The only thing that truly provides protection is the redemption of Jesus Christ. If I will simply hand myself over to Him, I will never have to experience the terrible possibilities that lie within my heart. Purity is something far too deep for me to arrive at naturally. But when the Holy Spirit comes into me, He brings into the center of my personal life the very Spirit that was exhibited in the life of Jesus Christ, namely, the Holy Spirit, which is absolute unblemished purity.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
TDW 07-23-08 God Called Us All To Change This World
From: The Word Among Us
(God Called Us All To Change This World)
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew [a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
God's words to Jeremiah are the same words he speaks to each one of us: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I dedicated you" (Jeremiah 1:5). God knows us—our strengths and weaknesses, dispositions, constitution, and preferences—better than we know ourselves. He even knows what we will freely choose to do with our lives. God has a plan for us, yet in every moment we are free to go our own way or to embrace his grace and the marvelous works he has prepared for us to do.
In Jeremiah's case, God's plan was that he be a prophet. Jeremiah could have ignored the call and refused God's grace. What inclined him to accept? Though Scripture doesn't explain, we can imagine that Jeremiah's formation by his parents played a part in his accepting the challenges of a prophet's life.
Like Jeremiah, you are called to accept God's call for yourself and to proclaim his gospel to the next generation, so that they too will be open to God's call. Especially if you are a parent, grandparent, or educator, you have a special role here. God wants you to honor and respect the young people in your life. He wants you to acknowledge their gifts and reverence the truth that they are made in his image. He knows that the more you do, the more seriously they will think about what God wants them to do with their lives.
Are you a parent? Think about how your home life can reflect and support God's plan for your family. The Christian home is a sort of "mini-church," and parents are consecrated to bring the good news of salvation to their children. Do you talk to your kids about the Lord and tell them stories about Jesus? Do you look for clues as to what God is doing in their hearts? They are often quite subtle, but God can give you eyes to see. He wants to do great things through and in your children. Foster an atmosphere of spiritual openness at home, and you will enable them to hear and respond to God's call whenever it comes.
"Lord, it is so easy to feel inadequate when it comes to sharing your word with the young people in my life. But I trust that your grace can empower me to persevere and succeed."
(God Called Us All To Change This World)
4 The word of the LORD came to me, saying,
5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew [a] you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
6 "Ah, Sovereign LORD," I said, "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."
7 But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. 8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.
9 Then the LORD reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, "Now, I have put my words in your mouth. 10 See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."
God's words to Jeremiah are the same words he speaks to each one of us: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I dedicated you" (Jeremiah 1:5). God knows us—our strengths and weaknesses, dispositions, constitution, and preferences—better than we know ourselves. He even knows what we will freely choose to do with our lives. God has a plan for us, yet in every moment we are free to go our own way or to embrace his grace and the marvelous works he has prepared for us to do.
In Jeremiah's case, God's plan was that he be a prophet. Jeremiah could have ignored the call and refused God's grace. What inclined him to accept? Though Scripture doesn't explain, we can imagine that Jeremiah's formation by his parents played a part in his accepting the challenges of a prophet's life.
Like Jeremiah, you are called to accept God's call for yourself and to proclaim his gospel to the next generation, so that they too will be open to God's call. Especially if you are a parent, grandparent, or educator, you have a special role here. God wants you to honor and respect the young people in your life. He wants you to acknowledge their gifts and reverence the truth that they are made in his image. He knows that the more you do, the more seriously they will think about what God wants them to do with their lives.
Are you a parent? Think about how your home life can reflect and support God's plan for your family. The Christian home is a sort of "mini-church," and parents are consecrated to bring the good news of salvation to their children. Do you talk to your kids about the Lord and tell them stories about Jesus? Do you look for clues as to what God is doing in their hearts? They are often quite subtle, but God can give you eyes to see. He wants to do great things through and in your children. Foster an atmosphere of spiritual openness at home, and you will enable them to hear and respond to God's call whenever it comes.
"Lord, it is so easy to feel inadequate when it comes to sharing your word with the young people in my life. But I trust that your grace can empower me to persevere and succeed."
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
TDW 07-22-08 Good news! God does understand.
By: Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee
(Good news! God does understand)
Today's Scripture
God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, No matter how desperate the trouble. Nahum 1:7 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Do you sometimes feel as though nobody understands what you are experiencing?
Good news! Someone does understand. The Bible tells us that God is compassionate. He has a sympathetic understanding of what you are going through and he wants to ease your burden and free you from the load you carry. He is dependable. He is always there for you. He will never leave you alone. God's love has no limit or conditions and never fails, no matter what your circumstances.
Consider this…
You have many challenges to face, but you don't have to face them alone. Talk to God about your feelings and your fears. As you spend time in the Bible, you will be comforted. You will learn that God is your refuge in your trouble. He offers strength and help He is ever-present. He cares for you. He wants to carry your anxiety. He will give you peace.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your promise to be with me, no matter what. Thank you for understanding and caring. In Jesus' name ...
(Good news! God does understand)
Today's Scripture
God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, No matter how desperate the trouble. Nahum 1:7 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Do you sometimes feel as though nobody understands what you are experiencing?
Good news! Someone does understand. The Bible tells us that God is compassionate. He has a sympathetic understanding of what you are going through and he wants to ease your burden and free you from the load you carry. He is dependable. He is always there for you. He will never leave you alone. God's love has no limit or conditions and never fails, no matter what your circumstances.
Consider this…
You have many challenges to face, but you don't have to face them alone. Talk to God about your feelings and your fears. As you spend time in the Bible, you will be comforted. You will learn that God is your refuge in your trouble. He offers strength and help He is ever-present. He cares for you. He wants to carry your anxiety. He will give you peace.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your promise to be with me, no matter what. Thank you for understanding and caring. In Jesus' name ...
Monday, July 21, 2008
TDW 07-21-08 Born Again
By: Henry T. Blackaby
(Born Again)
Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3)
Entering a saving relationship with Christ is a life-changing experience! All things become new! Not some things, but all things (2 Cor. 5:17). For the first time in your life, Christ is Lord; God is Master. When you become a Christian, Christ’s presence will affect every part of you. You will have new thoughts, new attitudes, new values, and new sensitivities. New priorities will dramatically affect your relationships. You will view everything in your life from a Christlike perspective. Christianity is not something you add to your life; it is life!
Nicodemus thought that salvation meant performing certain religious exercises and holding to particular religious teachings. He had no idea of the all-encompassing nature of salvation! When you become a Christian, God gives you a new heart so that everything becomes new! God gives you a new mind, like that of Christ, so you think differently. He gives you new emotions, so you feel deeply about completely different matters. You become sensitive to sin, so you are no longer comfortable with it. Your recreation will be affected as you are made aware of what is honoring to God and what is not. Your relationships will now be guided by the Holy Spirit. Destructive habits and attitudes, previously immune to change, will be transformed.
Have you noticed the changes God has brought to your life since you entered a vital relationship with Jesus Christ? These changes should be very noticeable as a testimony of the new life you received when you trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
(Born Again)
Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3)
Entering a saving relationship with Christ is a life-changing experience! All things become new! Not some things, but all things (2 Cor. 5:17). For the first time in your life, Christ is Lord; God is Master. When you become a Christian, Christ’s presence will affect every part of you. You will have new thoughts, new attitudes, new values, and new sensitivities. New priorities will dramatically affect your relationships. You will view everything in your life from a Christlike perspective. Christianity is not something you add to your life; it is life!
Nicodemus thought that salvation meant performing certain religious exercises and holding to particular religious teachings. He had no idea of the all-encompassing nature of salvation! When you become a Christian, God gives you a new heart so that everything becomes new! God gives you a new mind, like that of Christ, so you think differently. He gives you new emotions, so you feel deeply about completely different matters. You become sensitive to sin, so you are no longer comfortable with it. Your recreation will be affected as you are made aware of what is honoring to God and what is not. Your relationships will now be guided by the Holy Spirit. Destructive habits and attitudes, previously immune to change, will be transformed.
Have you noticed the changes God has brought to your life since you entered a vital relationship with Jesus Christ? These changes should be very noticeable as a testimony of the new life you received when you trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
Friday, July 18, 2008
TDW 07-18-08 Time Well Spent
By: Greg Laurie
(Time Well Spent)
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
I heard the other day that the average American will spend 15 years in front of the television during his or her lifetime. Can you imagine 15 years of sitting in front of that box, clicking away? What a waste of life.
On the other hand, the Bible speaks of many rewards in heaven for the person who faithfully serves the Lord during his or her lifetime, and even speaks of crowns that will be given. In fact, I think we might be shocked when the awards are presented in heaven.
We may expect them to go to all the big names that we know. But just imagine if most of the awards were given to someone named Maude Firkenbinder. You hadn’t heard about her. She never pastored a church. She never recorded Christian music. She never wrote a book. But she used the gifts that God gave her. Maybe God called her to be a person of prayer. Maybe she labored in obscurity somewhere. But God saw her faithfulness and rewarded her openly.
When you get to heaven, what will you have to show for your life on this earth? Every man will be tried. Every woman will be tried. All of your accomplishments will be evaluated when you stand before Christ.
It is not so much a judgment for sin, but a judgment of time that was spent in a worthless way. Did you have more passion or excitement for your career or for a sport or for your possessions than you had for the things of God?
It will all come to nothing. Wasted hours. Wasted days. Wasted years.
(Time Well Spent)
Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
I heard the other day that the average American will spend 15 years in front of the television during his or her lifetime. Can you imagine 15 years of sitting in front of that box, clicking away? What a waste of life.
On the other hand, the Bible speaks of many rewards in heaven for the person who faithfully serves the Lord during his or her lifetime, and even speaks of crowns that will be given. In fact, I think we might be shocked when the awards are presented in heaven.
We may expect them to go to all the big names that we know. But just imagine if most of the awards were given to someone named Maude Firkenbinder. You hadn’t heard about her. She never pastored a church. She never recorded Christian music. She never wrote a book. But she used the gifts that God gave her. Maybe God called her to be a person of prayer. Maybe she labored in obscurity somewhere. But God saw her faithfulness and rewarded her openly.
When you get to heaven, what will you have to show for your life on this earth? Every man will be tried. Every woman will be tried. All of your accomplishments will be evaluated when you stand before Christ.
It is not so much a judgment for sin, but a judgment of time that was spent in a worthless way. Did you have more passion or excitement for your career or for a sport or for your possessions than you had for the things of God?
It will all come to nothing. Wasted hours. Wasted days. Wasted years.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
TDW 07-17-08 Honor the Father’s Gifts
By: Bishop Eddie L. Long
(Honor the Father’s Gifts)
He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11–12
God wants us to honor His sovereignty and trust His ability to use ordinary flawed men and women as leaders (those are the only kind available to Him anyway). Most of us do not like the idea unless, of course, we happen to be the ones He has chosen. God’s plan works because He knows all things, and because man’s weaknesses, sins, and foolishness have never caught Him off guard.
Anointed human leaders are just that—they are very human people whom God has anointed for reasons only He knows. This means they go about their duties feeling all the same temptations and doubts that you do! God gives ordinary people His anointing to equip them for their assignment and to make up for their innate weaknesses and faults.
Church leaders should adopt a continual attitude of repentance, dependence, and gratitude. This explains why Jesus stressed servanthood so strongly when He prepared His disciples for leadership.
When God sends such leaders into a generation, He does not expect those leaders to accomplish His will when they are stuck with hundreds of lone rangers who each think he possesses a vision of equal importance to the leader’s vision. Paul made it clear that we do not choose what body part we are to be in the church; it is God who sets us in place as it pleases Him (1 Cor. 12:18).
To submit to human leaders, when we know they are flawed just like we are, demands an even greater trust and faith in God. Yet in the end it all boils down to one question: is God really God, or is He not?
(Honor the Father’s Gifts)
He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:11–12
God wants us to honor His sovereignty and trust His ability to use ordinary flawed men and women as leaders (those are the only kind available to Him anyway). Most of us do not like the idea unless, of course, we happen to be the ones He has chosen. God’s plan works because He knows all things, and because man’s weaknesses, sins, and foolishness have never caught Him off guard.
Anointed human leaders are just that—they are very human people whom God has anointed for reasons only He knows. This means they go about their duties feeling all the same temptations and doubts that you do! God gives ordinary people His anointing to equip them for their assignment and to make up for their innate weaknesses and faults.
Church leaders should adopt a continual attitude of repentance, dependence, and gratitude. This explains why Jesus stressed servanthood so strongly when He prepared His disciples for leadership.
When God sends such leaders into a generation, He does not expect those leaders to accomplish His will when they are stuck with hundreds of lone rangers who each think he possesses a vision of equal importance to the leader’s vision. Paul made it clear that we do not choose what body part we are to be in the church; it is God who sets us in place as it pleases Him (1 Cor. 12:18).
To submit to human leaders, when we know they are flawed just like we are, demands an even greater trust and faith in God. Yet in the end it all boils down to one question: is God really God, or is He not?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
TDW 07-16-08 The Concept of Divine Control
By: Oswald Chambers
(The Concept of Divine Control)
. . . how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! —Matthew 7:11
Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct in this passage for those people who have His Spirit. He urges us to keep our minds filled with the concept of God’s control over everything, which means that a disciple must maintain an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek.
Fill your mind with the thought that God is there. And once your mind is truly filled with that thought, when you experience difficulties it will be as easy as breathing for you to remember, "My heavenly Father knows all about this!" This will be no effort at all, but will be a natural thing for you when difficulties and uncertainties arise. Before you formed this concept of divine control so powerfully in your mind, you used to go from person to person seeking help, but now you go to God about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those people who have His Spirit, and it works on the following principle: God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that He will forget, so why should I worry?
Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him. At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; He will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not. Keep the thought that the mind of God is behind all things strong and growing. Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him. Prayer is not only asking, but is an attitude of the mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural. "Ask, and it will be given to you . . ." (Matthew 7:7).
(The Concept of Divine Control)
. . . how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! —Matthew 7:11
Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct in this passage for those people who have His Spirit. He urges us to keep our minds filled with the concept of God’s control over everything, which means that a disciple must maintain an attitude of perfect trust and an eagerness to ask and to seek.
Fill your mind with the thought that God is there. And once your mind is truly filled with that thought, when you experience difficulties it will be as easy as breathing for you to remember, "My heavenly Father knows all about this!" This will be no effort at all, but will be a natural thing for you when difficulties and uncertainties arise. Before you formed this concept of divine control so powerfully in your mind, you used to go from person to person seeking help, but now you go to God about it. Jesus is laying down the rules of conduct for those people who have His Spirit, and it works on the following principle: God is my Father, He loves me, and I will never think of anything that He will forget, so why should I worry?
Jesus said there are times when God cannot lift the darkness from you, but you should trust Him. At times God will appear like an unkind friend, but He is not; He will appear like an unnatural father, but He is not; He will appear like an unjust judge, but He is not. Keep the thought that the mind of God is behind all things strong and growing. Not even the smallest detail of life happens unless God’s will is behind it. Therefore, you can rest in perfect confidence in Him. Prayer is not only asking, but is an attitude of the mind which produces the atmosphere in which asking is perfectly natural. "Ask, and it will be given to you . . ." (Matthew 7:7).
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
TDW 07-15-08 A Decreasing Frequency of Sin
By: John MacArthur
(A Decreasing Frequency of Sin)
“No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” - 1 John 3:9
A decreasing pattern of sin in a believer’s life means his faith is genuine.
A sinful life pattern is incompatible with salvation. If you could continue in the same sinful pattern after being saved from sin, that would mean salvation is ineffective. Therefore, 1 John 3 deals with the saving work of Christ and reveals just how effective it is.
Verse 5 says Christ “appeared in order to take away sins.” If you say someone who has had the work of Christ applied to him is continuing in sin just as before, you are denying the purpose for which Christ came. He died to take away the pattern of sin as well as the penalty.
Therefore, if you are truly a believer you will relate to God in a totally new way, because the Christian “abides in Him” (v. 6). You are no longer a perpetual slave to sin, but you now have the option and ability to do good (see Rom. 6:14, 17-18). You will always be acutely sensitive to sin (Rom. 7; 1 John 1:8-9); yet, because of Christ’s abiding in you, your struggle will decrease over the years, and sin will be less and less a pattern in your life.
That brings us to 1 John 3:9, which is a reminder that believers have been born anew by the Holy Spirit. Your new nature or new disposition of life is the “seed” verse 9 speaks of. Just as the seed of a plant, when placed in the soil, produces a distinct kind of life, the divine seed produces a righteous life in you that ends sin’s dominance. And that seed will never die—1 Peter 1:23 says it is “imperishable.”
What does all this mean to you if you’re a genuine believer? It means you will see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life because you now have holy affections. It doesn’t mean sin will be eliminated, because your unredeemed flesh is still present. It means the more you practice righteousness—with its right motives, right desires, right words, and right actions—the less you sin, and the more you can be assured you’re a child of God.
Suggestions for Prayer:
If there is a frequent sin you struggle with, ask God to help you defeat it.
(A Decreasing Frequency of Sin)
“No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.” - 1 John 3:9
A decreasing pattern of sin in a believer’s life means his faith is genuine.
A sinful life pattern is incompatible with salvation. If you could continue in the same sinful pattern after being saved from sin, that would mean salvation is ineffective. Therefore, 1 John 3 deals with the saving work of Christ and reveals just how effective it is.
Verse 5 says Christ “appeared in order to take away sins.” If you say someone who has had the work of Christ applied to him is continuing in sin just as before, you are denying the purpose for which Christ came. He died to take away the pattern of sin as well as the penalty.
Therefore, if you are truly a believer you will relate to God in a totally new way, because the Christian “abides in Him” (v. 6). You are no longer a perpetual slave to sin, but you now have the option and ability to do good (see Rom. 6:14, 17-18). You will always be acutely sensitive to sin (Rom. 7; 1 John 1:8-9); yet, because of Christ’s abiding in you, your struggle will decrease over the years, and sin will be less and less a pattern in your life.
That brings us to 1 John 3:9, which is a reminder that believers have been born anew by the Holy Spirit. Your new nature or new disposition of life is the “seed” verse 9 speaks of. Just as the seed of a plant, when placed in the soil, produces a distinct kind of life, the divine seed produces a righteous life in you that ends sin’s dominance. And that seed will never die—1 Peter 1:23 says it is “imperishable.”
What does all this mean to you if you’re a genuine believer? It means you will see a decreasing pattern of sin in your life because you now have holy affections. It doesn’t mean sin will be eliminated, because your unredeemed flesh is still present. It means the more you practice righteousness—with its right motives, right desires, right words, and right actions—the less you sin, and the more you can be assured you’re a child of God.
Suggestions for Prayer:
If there is a frequent sin you struggle with, ask God to help you defeat it.
Monday, July 14, 2008
TDW 07-14-08 Understanding the Seeds of Scripture
By: The Word Among Us
(Understanding the Seeds of Scripture)
The seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. (Matthew 13:23)
What do you think it means to "understand" the word of God? The Bible is not a list of do's and don'ts, nor is it a collection of lofty ideals and heroic stories. Certainly, Scripture contains many moral lessons and uplifting narratives, but it is much more than this. Scripture is the mind and heart of God revealed to his people. Just as Jesus is the Word of God in human form, Scripture is the grace of God in written form. As powerful and life-changing as Jesus is, that is how powerful and life-changing Scripture can be. That's why we need to understand Scripture on more than an intellectual level. We need to experience its power to change us.
To experience Scripture this way, we simply need to be open. The starting point is to accept that our thoughts are not God's thoughts. Are you willing to let God change your mind-set? If so, then you're ready to read Scripture for what it is. You're ready to study God's word, meditate on it, and let it lift you up into the presence of God.
Of course, while God does the work, you will still have to be attentive and available. Through his parable of the sower and the seed, Jesus explained how effective Scripture can be when it falls on good soil—when we listen to it carefully and ponder it prayerfully.
So start today. Dwell on the readings today. Believe that his word always accomplishes that which he intends (Isaiah 55:11). Know that God has plans to bring you into his glory, no matter what your present situation is (Romans 8:18). Let these words sink into you and take root in your heart. Let them comfort you—and challenge you. Then do the same thing daily. You'll be amazed at what happens!
"Holy Spirit, open my heart to the power of Scripture. Help me to learn God's ways. Make me into good soil that receives your precious words and bears the fruit of your love."
(Understanding the Seeds of Scripture)
The seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it. (Matthew 13:23)
What do you think it means to "understand" the word of God? The Bible is not a list of do's and don'ts, nor is it a collection of lofty ideals and heroic stories. Certainly, Scripture contains many moral lessons and uplifting narratives, but it is much more than this. Scripture is the mind and heart of God revealed to his people. Just as Jesus is the Word of God in human form, Scripture is the grace of God in written form. As powerful and life-changing as Jesus is, that is how powerful and life-changing Scripture can be. That's why we need to understand Scripture on more than an intellectual level. We need to experience its power to change us.
To experience Scripture this way, we simply need to be open. The starting point is to accept that our thoughts are not God's thoughts. Are you willing to let God change your mind-set? If so, then you're ready to read Scripture for what it is. You're ready to study God's word, meditate on it, and let it lift you up into the presence of God.
Of course, while God does the work, you will still have to be attentive and available. Through his parable of the sower and the seed, Jesus explained how effective Scripture can be when it falls on good soil—when we listen to it carefully and ponder it prayerfully.
So start today. Dwell on the readings today. Believe that his word always accomplishes that which he intends (Isaiah 55:11). Know that God has plans to bring you into his glory, no matter what your present situation is (Romans 8:18). Let these words sink into you and take root in your heart. Let them comfort you—and challenge you. Then do the same thing daily. You'll be amazed at what happens!
"Holy Spirit, open my heart to the power of Scripture. Help me to learn God's ways. Make me into good soil that receives your precious words and bears the fruit of your love."
Friday, July 11, 2008
TDW 07-11-08 Have You Dug a Pit for Others?
By: Bayless Conley
(Have You Dug a Pit for Others?)
In order to get out of the pits, you need to make sure you haven’t dug any pits for others. Psalm 7:14-16 tells us,
Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.
Then there is Psalm 9:15-16,
The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made; in the net which they hid, their own foot is caught. The LORD is known by the judgment He executes; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Finally, Psalm 57:6,
They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down; they have dug a pit before me; into the midst of it they themselves have fallen.
When people dig a pit for somebody else, they end up falling into it themselves. In fact, Proverbs 26:27 says it most directly,
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
Pretty plain, isn’t it? If you are asking God to get you out of a pit, you need to take time to consider if it is a pit of your own construction. If you have done something to get someone else in trouble—even if you think you are justified in doing it because that person has hurt you—you need to repent. Until there is repentance, God will not intervene.
God is not going to get you out of your pit while you have a shovel in your hand.
(Have You Dug a Pit for Others?)
In order to get out of the pits, you need to make sure you haven’t dug any pits for others. Psalm 7:14-16 tells us,
Behold, the wicked brings forth iniquity; yes, he conceives trouble and brings forth falsehood. He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. His trouble shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own crown.
Then there is Psalm 9:15-16,
The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made; in the net which they hid, their own foot is caught. The LORD is known by the judgment He executes; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Finally, Psalm 57:6,
They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down; they have dug a pit before me; into the midst of it they themselves have fallen.
When people dig a pit for somebody else, they end up falling into it themselves. In fact, Proverbs 26:27 says it most directly,
Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
Pretty plain, isn’t it? If you are asking God to get you out of a pit, you need to take time to consider if it is a pit of your own construction. If you have done something to get someone else in trouble—even if you think you are justified in doing it because that person has hurt you—you need to repent. Until there is repentance, God will not intervene.
God is not going to get you out of your pit while you have a shovel in your hand.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
TDW 07-10-08 Standing Firm
By: Jeff Schreve
(Standing Firm)
Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
Have you ever been body surfing? It is a lot of fun to rides the waves. Often times, while you are out in the ocean waiting for that really big wave, you have to stand firm against smaller waves. If you do not stand firm, you will get knocked off your feet and lose ground in your quest to catch "the big one."
In the Christian life, God admonishes us again and again to stand firm against the devil. It seems a little strange that God would not command us to go forward. After all, we do have the song "Onward Christian Soldiers." Why all the emphasis on standing firm?
THE THIEF
The reason God tells us to stand firm against the devil has to do with what He has already given us. The Book of Ephesians tells us we have been blessed already "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). It tells us that we are "seated with Him in the heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 2:6). We are to stand firm against the devil so that we do not lose one inch of blessing ground that God has already given to us.
Jesus told us that the devil is a thief. He comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10). The devil comes at us to steal away our joy, peace, power and blessings that God has already given to us to enjoy.
HOW DO YOU STOP HIM?
The way you deal with the thief is to take authority and stand firm. Sadly, many Christians are failing to do this, and, as a result, they are letting the thief steal them blind.
That's right, I said, "Letting." He cannot take anything from you unless you let him.
Suppose some unarmed man that you knew you could whip were to walk in the front door of your house and start hauling off your stuff. He starts taking your TV, your computer, your refrigerator, your jewelry, etc. How would you respond? Would you just cower in a corner and let him have his way? Would you call your friends and wail and lament over all the bad that has befallen you? Of course not!! You would face this one you can whip and tell him to drop it... and beat it! You would take authority and stand firm.
Jesus Christ has all power and all authority. If you are genuinely born again, Jesus Christ lives in you. The Bible says, "Greater is He who is in you (Jesus) than he who is in the world (Satan)" (1 John 4:4). You have power and authority over the devil and his demonic hoard. You have the full armor of God to stand up to your enemy and defeat him every time in Jesus' name.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Quit whining and crying while he steals you blind... and start standing up to him!! Take the full armor that God has given you and the weapons of the word and prayer and begin to defend your spiritual ground. As Nehemiah told the people who were building the wall in Jerusalem, "Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and FIGHT!!!!"
Will you fight for your marriage? Will you fight for your children? Will you fight for your church? Will you fight for the Christian values in America we see eroding away before our eyes every day? Will you fight to keep all the blessings God has so graciously bestowed upon you? The battle is not against flesh and blood... it is against the devil and his demons. And we have the victory!!
The time is NOW for God's people to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Are you with me?
(Standing Firm)
Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11
Have you ever been body surfing? It is a lot of fun to rides the waves. Often times, while you are out in the ocean waiting for that really big wave, you have to stand firm against smaller waves. If you do not stand firm, you will get knocked off your feet and lose ground in your quest to catch "the big one."
In the Christian life, God admonishes us again and again to stand firm against the devil. It seems a little strange that God would not command us to go forward. After all, we do have the song "Onward Christian Soldiers." Why all the emphasis on standing firm?
THE THIEF
The reason God tells us to stand firm against the devil has to do with what He has already given us. The Book of Ephesians tells us we have been blessed already "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). It tells us that we are "seated with Him in the heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 2:6). We are to stand firm against the devil so that we do not lose one inch of blessing ground that God has already given to us.
Jesus told us that the devil is a thief. He comes only to steal and kill and destroy (John 10:10). The devil comes at us to steal away our joy, peace, power and blessings that God has already given to us to enjoy.
HOW DO YOU STOP HIM?
The way you deal with the thief is to take authority and stand firm. Sadly, many Christians are failing to do this, and, as a result, they are letting the thief steal them blind.
That's right, I said, "Letting." He cannot take anything from you unless you let him.
Suppose some unarmed man that you knew you could whip were to walk in the front door of your house and start hauling off your stuff. He starts taking your TV, your computer, your refrigerator, your jewelry, etc. How would you respond? Would you just cower in a corner and let him have his way? Would you call your friends and wail and lament over all the bad that has befallen you? Of course not!! You would face this one you can whip and tell him to drop it... and beat it! You would take authority and stand firm.
Jesus Christ has all power and all authority. If you are genuinely born again, Jesus Christ lives in you. The Bible says, "Greater is He who is in you (Jesus) than he who is in the world (Satan)" (1 John 4:4). You have power and authority over the devil and his demonic hoard. You have the full armor of God to stand up to your enemy and defeat him every time in Jesus' name.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Quit whining and crying while he steals you blind... and start standing up to him!! Take the full armor that God has given you and the weapons of the word and prayer and begin to defend your spiritual ground. As Nehemiah told the people who were building the wall in Jerusalem, "Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and FIGHT!!!!"
Will you fight for your marriage? Will you fight for your children? Will you fight for your church? Will you fight for the Christian values in America we see eroding away before our eyes every day? Will you fight to keep all the blessings God has so graciously bestowed upon you? The battle is not against flesh and blood... it is against the devil and his demons. And we have the victory!!
The time is NOW for God's people to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Are you with me?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
TDW 07-09-08 The Christian Example Is A Giver, Not A Taker
By: Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee
(The Christian Example Is A Giver, Not A Taker)
Today's Scripture
”You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15 NIV
Thoughts for Today
God places a high value on private property. The eighth commandment focuses on the right of ownership.
While most of us would never go out and rob a bank, there are other forms of stealing: tax evasion, failure to pay debts, fraud, abusing copyright laws, charging excessive interest, being less than honest on an insurance claim—any act of taking something that does not belong to us. We might try to justify these acts with thoughts like That insurance company has plenty of money—and they overcharge me on my premiums or These taxes are unfair—I shouldn’t have to pay them. But God says, “You shall not steal.
Consider this…
Actually, everything belongs to God. We are stewards of what he has entrusted to us. To abuse people’s right of ownership, whether they are rich or poor, is wrong. The rich should not rob their employees and the poor should not expect to be shown favoritism. The Christian example should be that of a giver, not a taker.
If you have been drawn into the all-too-common attitudes of selfishness and compromise that invade our world today, it’s time to turn your back on those attitudes and focus on doing things God’s way.
Prayer…
Father, help me not to rationalize my way to dishonest behavior. In all things, help me to be a giver, not a taker. In Jesus’ name …
(The Christian Example Is A Giver, Not A Taker)
Today's Scripture
”You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15 NIV
Thoughts for Today
God places a high value on private property. The eighth commandment focuses on the right of ownership.
While most of us would never go out and rob a bank, there are other forms of stealing: tax evasion, failure to pay debts, fraud, abusing copyright laws, charging excessive interest, being less than honest on an insurance claim—any act of taking something that does not belong to us. We might try to justify these acts with thoughts like That insurance company has plenty of money—and they overcharge me on my premiums or These taxes are unfair—I shouldn’t have to pay them. But God says, “You shall not steal.
Consider this…
Actually, everything belongs to God. We are stewards of what he has entrusted to us. To abuse people’s right of ownership, whether they are rich or poor, is wrong. The rich should not rob their employees and the poor should not expect to be shown favoritism. The Christian example should be that of a giver, not a taker.
If you have been drawn into the all-too-common attitudes of selfishness and compromise that invade our world today, it’s time to turn your back on those attitudes and focus on doing things God’s way.
Prayer…
Father, help me not to rationalize my way to dishonest behavior. In all things, help me to be a giver, not a taker. In Jesus’ name …
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
TDW 07-08-08 A Highway of Holiness
By: Henry T. Blackaby
(A Highway of Holiness)
A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray. (Isaiah 35:8)
The nation of Israel was designed to have a place where other nations of the world could come to worship the true God. The temple in Jerusalem was to be the center from which the good news of God’s salvation would spread to every corner of the world. But those who were supposed to be God’s people forsook Him and practiced every kind of sin. Rather than being ambassadors for God, they disgraced His holy name. Rather than attracting the nations of the earth to God, they became stumbling blocks to those who were seeking the true God. The Israelites fell so far from God’s original intent that God judged them and sent them into exile. Yet God promised that one day His people would be an avenue by which others could find salvation.
It is God’s desire that anywhere there is a Christian, God has a way for people to learn of His salvation (Rom. 10:14–15). Whenever an unbeliever meets a Christian, the unbeliever ought to be face to face with everything he needs to know in order to follow Christ.
Sadly, however, Christians can be like the Israelites of Isaiah’s day. We can be so involved in our sin that we are completely disoriented to God, ill-equipped to direct others to Him. If our lives are filled with hypocrisy, we may turn people away from God, rather than helping them come to Him. If our lives are filled with doubt or anger, we will impede others from coming to Christ. Our lives ought to be a highway of holiness, providing easy access to God for anyone around us who seeks Him. Ask God to remove any obstacle in your life that hinders others from coming to know Jesus.
(A Highway of Holiness)
A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray. (Isaiah 35:8)
The nation of Israel was designed to have a place where other nations of the world could come to worship the true God. The temple in Jerusalem was to be the center from which the good news of God’s salvation would spread to every corner of the world. But those who were supposed to be God’s people forsook Him and practiced every kind of sin. Rather than being ambassadors for God, they disgraced His holy name. Rather than attracting the nations of the earth to God, they became stumbling blocks to those who were seeking the true God. The Israelites fell so far from God’s original intent that God judged them and sent them into exile. Yet God promised that one day His people would be an avenue by which others could find salvation.
It is God’s desire that anywhere there is a Christian, God has a way for people to learn of His salvation (Rom. 10:14–15). Whenever an unbeliever meets a Christian, the unbeliever ought to be face to face with everything he needs to know in order to follow Christ.
Sadly, however, Christians can be like the Israelites of Isaiah’s day. We can be so involved in our sin that we are completely disoriented to God, ill-equipped to direct others to Him. If our lives are filled with hypocrisy, we may turn people away from God, rather than helping them come to Him. If our lives are filled with doubt or anger, we will impede others from coming to Christ. Our lives ought to be a highway of holiness, providing easy access to God for anyone around us who seeks Him. Ask God to remove any obstacle in your life that hinders others from coming to know Jesus.
Monday, July 7, 2008
TDW 07-07-08 We Have a Living Hope
By: Jack Graham
(We Have a Living Hope)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.--1 Peter 1:3-4
In these troubling times, have you ever wondered if we can really be hopeful about the future? I want to assure you that it is possible to live with hope, despite what may be going on around us.
Because while hope is ultimately about the future, it’s also about the present. And that’s because we have a living hope.
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ we have hope. It’s because He lives that hope can reside in your heart if you’re a Christian.
And because of that, there is no need to fear the future! If you are a child of God, you are chosen and called by Him. You’re not an accident, an afterthought, or a mistake. You have been in the heart and mind of God forever, and He has already been planning and preparing your future.
In fact, God knows the end from the beginning… and everything else in your life. That’s comforting when we face tough times and when we’re tempted to give up. It’s encouraging to know that we are never, ever without hope!
So today, if you’re tempted to give up on your marriage, don’t! If you’re thinking about giving up on your kids, don’t! If you want to give up on your dreams… or even life itself… don’t!
Remember that you have a living hope that is working in your past, your present, and your future. And as the Scripture teaches us in Romans chapter 5, that hope does not disappoint!
(We Have a Living Hope)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.--1 Peter 1:3-4
In these troubling times, have you ever wondered if we can really be hopeful about the future? I want to assure you that it is possible to live with hope, despite what may be going on around us.
Because while hope is ultimately about the future, it’s also about the present. And that’s because we have a living hope.
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ we have hope. It’s because He lives that hope can reside in your heart if you’re a Christian.
And because of that, there is no need to fear the future! If you are a child of God, you are chosen and called by Him. You’re not an accident, an afterthought, or a mistake. You have been in the heart and mind of God forever, and He has already been planning and preparing your future.
In fact, God knows the end from the beginning… and everything else in your life. That’s comforting when we face tough times and when we’re tempted to give up. It’s encouraging to know that we are never, ever without hope!
So today, if you’re tempted to give up on your marriage, don’t! If you’re thinking about giving up on your kids, don’t! If you want to give up on your dreams… or even life itself… don’t!
Remember that you have a living hope that is working in your past, your present, and your future. And as the Scripture teaches us in Romans chapter 5, that hope does not disappoint!
Friday, July 4, 2008
TDW 07-04-08 Standing In Grace
By: John MacArthur
(Standing In Grace)
“Through [Christ] also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand.” - Romans 5:2
It is God’s grace, not the believers’ faith, which enables them to stand firm in their salvation.
In Old Testament times, the notion of having direct access or “introduction” to God was unthinkable, because if anyone was to look at Him they would surely die. After the tabernacle was built, only the high priest could enter the holy of holies, where God would manifest His divine presence, and only once a year for just a brief time.
But Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross ushered in a New Covenant that made access to God possible for any person, Jew or Gentile, who trusts in His sacrifice. All of us who believe can now “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).
Because of our faith in Him, Christ escorts us “into this grace in which we stand.” The Greek word for “stand” refers to permanence, standing firm and immovable. Certainly faith is necessary for salvation, but it is God’s grace and not our faith that has the power to save us and maintain that salvation. What God did initially through grace, we cannot preserve through our efforts. That would be a mockery of God’s grace and an indication of our lack of trust in His desire and power to preserve our salvation. Paul said, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
In spite of our effort to avoid it, all of us will fall into sin, but our sin is not more powerful than God’s grace. Jesus paid the penalty for all our sins. If the sins we committed prior to our salvation were not too great for Christ’s atoning death to cover, surely none of those we have committed since then or will commit are too great for Him to cover (Rom. 5:10). A dying Savior ushered us into God’s grace; we all need to depend on the fact that a living Savior will
keep us in His grace.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank God for His preserving grace. Go confess any distrust in His power to preserve your salvation.
(Standing In Grace)
“Through [Christ] also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand.” - Romans 5:2
It is God’s grace, not the believers’ faith, which enables them to stand firm in their salvation.
In Old Testament times, the notion of having direct access or “introduction” to God was unthinkable, because if anyone was to look at Him they would surely die. After the tabernacle was built, only the high priest could enter the holy of holies, where God would manifest His divine presence, and only once a year for just a brief time.
But Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross ushered in a New Covenant that made access to God possible for any person, Jew or Gentile, who trusts in His sacrifice. All of us who believe can now “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16).
Because of our faith in Him, Christ escorts us “into this grace in which we stand.” The Greek word for “stand” refers to permanence, standing firm and immovable. Certainly faith is necessary for salvation, but it is God’s grace and not our faith that has the power to save us and maintain that salvation. What God did initially through grace, we cannot preserve through our efforts. That would be a mockery of God’s grace and an indication of our lack of trust in His desire and power to preserve our salvation. Paul said, “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
In spite of our effort to avoid it, all of us will fall into sin, but our sin is not more powerful than God’s grace. Jesus paid the penalty for all our sins. If the sins we committed prior to our salvation were not too great for Christ’s atoning death to cover, surely none of those we have committed since then or will commit are too great for Him to cover (Rom. 5:10). A dying Savior ushered us into God’s grace; we all need to depend on the fact that a living Savior will
keep us in His grace.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank God for His preserving grace. Go confess any distrust in His power to preserve your salvation.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
TDW 07-03-08 Praying the Name of God (God, Mighty Creator Elohim)
By: Ann Spangler
Praying the Name of God (God, Mighty Creator Elohim)
The Name
Elohim is the Hebrew word for God that appears in the very first sentence of the Bible. When we pray to Elohim, we remember that he is the one who began it all, creating the heavens and the earth and separating light from darkness, water from dry land, night from day. This ancient name for God contains the idea of God’s creative power as well as his authority and sovereignty. Jesus used a form of the name in his agonized prayer from the cross. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Key Scripture
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).
Praying the Name
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same. (Psalm 102:25–27a)
Reflect On: Psalm 102
Praise God: For his unchanging nature—no matter what hap¬pens to us or to the world around us, God remains the same.
Offer Thanks: That our Creator is perfect—nothing could be added to or subtracted from him to improve his nature.
Confess: Any tendency to place God on your own level, as though he is subject to the same laws and limitations of creation as you are.
Ask God: To help you perceive his greatness more fully so that you will stop projecting your own feelings and judgments on him.
Imagine for a moment that you live in a world that never changes. In this world civilizations never rise and fall, the weather is constant, children don’t grow up, and people never change jobs. In this world, the same old television shows run year after year.
Wouldn’t it bore you to death? Without the right kind of change, there would be no growth or development, no hope, nothing whatever to aim for. No one would ever talk about discerning
God’s plan for their lives nor would anyone strive to fulfill their God-given potential because there wouldn’t even be a word for “potential.” We know that to be human is to be subject to change.
As human beings we need constructive change because both we and the world we live in are imperfect. We are not yet everything God intends us to be. But God himself is already perfect, already everything he needs to be: all-powerful, loving, wise, beautiful, and good. Change could not possibly improve him. Furthermore, he is not subject to a changing universe because he exists outside of time and space. He always was and he always will be. This means that the God who loves you will never stop being who he is. His attitude won’t change depending on his mood, depending on your mood.
Perhaps you face unwelcome changes right now: the loss of a loved one, a child leaving home, a dwindling paycheck—the future you counted on suddenly in jeopardy. Or maybe you suffer from a mood disorder, up one day and way down the next.
Let the God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever steady your world today. Whatever challenge or change confronts you, let it drive you toward the God who never changes, a God so stable and strong you can lean on him forever.
Praying the Name of God (God, Mighty Creator Elohim)
The Name
Elohim is the Hebrew word for God that appears in the very first sentence of the Bible. When we pray to Elohim, we remember that he is the one who began it all, creating the heavens and the earth and separating light from darkness, water from dry land, night from day. This ancient name for God contains the idea of God’s creative power as well as his authority and sovereignty. Jesus used a form of the name in his agonized prayer from the cross. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Key Scripture
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).
Praying the Name
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same. (Psalm 102:25–27a)
Reflect On: Psalm 102
Praise God: For his unchanging nature—no matter what hap¬pens to us or to the world around us, God remains the same.
Offer Thanks: That our Creator is perfect—nothing could be added to or subtracted from him to improve his nature.
Confess: Any tendency to place God on your own level, as though he is subject to the same laws and limitations of creation as you are.
Ask God: To help you perceive his greatness more fully so that you will stop projecting your own feelings and judgments on him.
Imagine for a moment that you live in a world that never changes. In this world civilizations never rise and fall, the weather is constant, children don’t grow up, and people never change jobs. In this world, the same old television shows run year after year.
Wouldn’t it bore you to death? Without the right kind of change, there would be no growth or development, no hope, nothing whatever to aim for. No one would ever talk about discerning
God’s plan for their lives nor would anyone strive to fulfill their God-given potential because there wouldn’t even be a word for “potential.” We know that to be human is to be subject to change.
As human beings we need constructive change because both we and the world we live in are imperfect. We are not yet everything God intends us to be. But God himself is already perfect, already everything he needs to be: all-powerful, loving, wise, beautiful, and good. Change could not possibly improve him. Furthermore, he is not subject to a changing universe because he exists outside of time and space. He always was and he always will be. This means that the God who loves you will never stop being who he is. His attitude won’t change depending on his mood, depending on your mood.
Perhaps you face unwelcome changes right now: the loss of a loved one, a child leaving home, a dwindling paycheck—the future you counted on suddenly in jeopardy. Or maybe you suffer from a mood disorder, up one day and way down the next.
Let the God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever steady your world today. Whatever challenge or change confronts you, let it drive you toward the God who never changes, a God so stable and strong you can lean on him forever.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
TDW 07-03-06 God’s Assurance
By: Oswald Chambers
(God’s Assurance)
He Himself has said . . . . So we may boldly say . . . —Hebrews 13:5-6
My assurance is to be built upon God’s assurance to me. God says, "I will never leave you," so that then I "may boldly say, ’The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’ "(Hebrews 13:5-6). In other words, I will not be obsessed with apprehension. This does not mean that I will not be tempted to fear, but I will remember God’s words of assurance. I will be full of courage, like a child who strives to reach the standard his father has set for him. The faith of many people begins to falter when apprehensions enter their thinking, and they forget the meaning of God’s assurance— they forget to take a deep spiritual breath. The only way to remove the fear from our lives is to listen to God’s assurance to us.
What are you fearing? Whatever it may be, you are not a coward about it— you are determined to face it, yet you still have a feeling of fear. When it seems that there is nothing and no one to help you, say to yourself, "But ’The Lord is my helper’ this very moment, even in my present circumstance." Are you learning to listen to God before you speak, or are you saying things and then trying to make God’s Word fit what you have said? Take hold of the Father’s assurance, and then say with strong courage, "I will not fear." It does not matter what evil or wrong may be in our way, because "He Himself has said, ’I will never leave you . . . .’ "
Human frailty is another thing that gets between God’s words of assurance and our own words and thoughts. When we realize how feeble we are in facing difficulties, the difficulties become like giants, we become like grasshoppers, and God seems to be nonexistent. But remember God’s assurance to us— "I will never. . . forsake you." Have we learned to sing after hearing God’s keynote? Are we continually filled with enough courage to say, "The Lord is my helper," or are we yielding to fear?
(God’s Assurance)
He Himself has said . . . . So we may boldly say . . . —Hebrews 13:5-6
My assurance is to be built upon God’s assurance to me. God says, "I will never leave you," so that then I "may boldly say, ’The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’ "(Hebrews 13:5-6). In other words, I will not be obsessed with apprehension. This does not mean that I will not be tempted to fear, but I will remember God’s words of assurance. I will be full of courage, like a child who strives to reach the standard his father has set for him. The faith of many people begins to falter when apprehensions enter their thinking, and they forget the meaning of God’s assurance— they forget to take a deep spiritual breath. The only way to remove the fear from our lives is to listen to God’s assurance to us.
What are you fearing? Whatever it may be, you are not a coward about it— you are determined to face it, yet you still have a feeling of fear. When it seems that there is nothing and no one to help you, say to yourself, "But ’The Lord is my helper’ this very moment, even in my present circumstance." Are you learning to listen to God before you speak, or are you saying things and then trying to make God’s Word fit what you have said? Take hold of the Father’s assurance, and then say with strong courage, "I will not fear." It does not matter what evil or wrong may be in our way, because "He Himself has said, ’I will never leave you . . . .’ "
Human frailty is another thing that gets between God’s words of assurance and our own words and thoughts. When we realize how feeble we are in facing difficulties, the difficulties become like giants, we become like grasshoppers, and God seems to be nonexistent. But remember God’s assurance to us— "I will never. . . forsake you." Have we learned to sing after hearing God’s keynote? Are we continually filled with enough courage to say, "The Lord is my helper," or are we yielding to fear?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
TDW 07-01-08 No God-Substitutes
Dr. Jimmy Ray Lee
(No God-Substitutes)
Today's Scripture
”You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.” Exodus 20:4 NIV
Thoughts for Today
This is the second of the Ten Commandments and shows that we are to worship only God. God forbids us to worship or use created things or even creation itself as an approach to him. The only correct image of God to worship is his son, Jesus Christ. Not trees or flowers or land. Not statues or monuments or traditions. Only Jesus.
We should have no God-substitutes. When we look to anyone or anything other than Christ as our primary source of meaning, self-worth, comfort or fulfillment, we are in danger of having an idol in our lives. An idol is anything that we depend on for solutions that only God can provide. Three common types of idols are substances, behaviors and relationships that control our lives.
Consider this…
God doesn’t want us to serve idols because he loves us and knows what is best for us. Let us come before him daily, seeking his will and his plan for our lives. Let us worship Jesus.
Prayer…
Lord, forgive me for trying to find comfort … solutions … happiness in things or activities or relationships. Although you may use some of these things or people to enrich my life and to help me, I know that you are the source of all good things. Help me to never again depend on a substitute. In Jesus’ name …
(No God-Substitutes)
Today's Scripture
”You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.” Exodus 20:4 NIV
Thoughts for Today
This is the second of the Ten Commandments and shows that we are to worship only God. God forbids us to worship or use created things or even creation itself as an approach to him. The only correct image of God to worship is his son, Jesus Christ. Not trees or flowers or land. Not statues or monuments or traditions. Only Jesus.
We should have no God-substitutes. When we look to anyone or anything other than Christ as our primary source of meaning, self-worth, comfort or fulfillment, we are in danger of having an idol in our lives. An idol is anything that we depend on for solutions that only God can provide. Three common types of idols are substances, behaviors and relationships that control our lives.
Consider this…
God doesn’t want us to serve idols because he loves us and knows what is best for us. Let us come before him daily, seeking his will and his plan for our lives. Let us worship Jesus.
Prayer…
Lord, forgive me for trying to find comfort … solutions … happiness in things or activities or relationships. Although you may use some of these things or people to enrich my life and to help me, I know that you are the source of all good things. Help me to never again depend on a substitute. In Jesus’ name …
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