By: Neil Anderson
(Self-Centered Vs. God-Centered)
Matthew 16:23
You are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's
The apostle Peter is a glaring example of the struggle between self- and Christ-centered living. Only moments after Peter confessed the fundamental truth that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-16), he found himself in league with the powers of darkness. Having just blessed Peter for his noble confession, Jesus announced to him and the other disciples the suffering and death which awaited Him at Jerusalem. "And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, 'God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You'" (verse 22).
Jesus responded: "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's" (verse 23).
Jesus' memorable rebuke seems mercilessly severe. But the fact that He identified Satan as the source of Peter's words describes precisely and appropriately the character of the advice Peter tried to give: "Save yourself at all costs. Sacrifice duty to self-interest, the cause of Christ to personal convenience." Peter's advice was satanic in principle, for Satan's primary aim is to promote self-interest as the chief end of man. Satan is called the "prince of this world" because self-interest rules the secular world. He is called the "accuser of the brethren" because he does not believe that even a child of God has a higher motive than self-service. You can almost hear him hissing, "All men are selfish at heart and have their price. Some may hold out longer than others, but in the end every man will prefer his own things to the things of God."
That's Satan's creed, and unfortunately the lives of all too many Christians validate his claims. Satan has deceived them into thinking they are serving themselves when in fact they are serving the world, the flesh, and the devil. But the Christian worldview has a different center. Jesus confronts our humanistic, self-serving grids and offers the view from the cross. Only from this center can you escape the bondage of the one whose sole intent is "to steal, and kill, and destroy" (John 10:10).
Prayer:
Loving Father, help me forsake self-centered attitudes and actions in order to take up my cross daily and serve You.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
TDW 08-28-08 Open Doors and Adversaries
By: Henry T. Blackaby
(Open Doors and Adversaries)
For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. (1 Corinthians 16:9)
Open doors of service may also let in adversaries. Paul had many of both. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians from Ephesus, he was trying to determine where to go next. He chose to remain longer in Ephesus because of the open doors of service God granted him. Knowing that God had opened the doors of ministry, Paul was not going to leave, regardless of how many enemies he faced. We might assume that Paul would reach the opposite conclusion. In light of the opposition he faced, he could have concluded that it was best to serve in less hostile regions. Instead, Paul based his decisions on God’s activity rather than on what people were doing.
As you respond to God’s invitations, don’t be caught by surprise when adversaries try to thwart what you are doing. If you concentrate on your opponents, you will be sidetracked from God’s activity. Don’t base your decisions on what people are doing. They cannot prevent you from carrying out God’s will (Rom. 8:31). Many times the most rewarding spiritual work is done in the crucible of persecution and opposition. While Paul was in Ephesus, a riot broke out in reaction to his ministry. The city theater resounded with an angry mob who shouted for two hours in support of their god, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:23–41). Despite this fierce rejection of the gospel, Ephesus became one of the chief cities from which the gospel spread throughout Asia.
It takes spiritual discernment to see beyond human activity to God’s will. As you seek places of service, look beyond what people are saying to find what God is doing.
(Open Doors and Adversaries)
For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. (1 Corinthians 16:9)
Open doors of service may also let in adversaries. Paul had many of both. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians from Ephesus, he was trying to determine where to go next. He chose to remain longer in Ephesus because of the open doors of service God granted him. Knowing that God had opened the doors of ministry, Paul was not going to leave, regardless of how many enemies he faced. We might assume that Paul would reach the opposite conclusion. In light of the opposition he faced, he could have concluded that it was best to serve in less hostile regions. Instead, Paul based his decisions on God’s activity rather than on what people were doing.
As you respond to God’s invitations, don’t be caught by surprise when adversaries try to thwart what you are doing. If you concentrate on your opponents, you will be sidetracked from God’s activity. Don’t base your decisions on what people are doing. They cannot prevent you from carrying out God’s will (Rom. 8:31). Many times the most rewarding spiritual work is done in the crucible of persecution and opposition. While Paul was in Ephesus, a riot broke out in reaction to his ministry. The city theater resounded with an angry mob who shouted for two hours in support of their god, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” (Acts 19:23–41). Despite this fierce rejection of the gospel, Ephesus became one of the chief cities from which the gospel spread throughout Asia.
It takes spiritual discernment to see beyond human activity to God’s will. As you seek places of service, look beyond what people are saying to find what God is doing.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
TDW 08-27-08 You Can't Bargain For God's Grace
By: Dr. Jimmy Lee Ray
(You Can't Bargain For God's Grace)
Today's Scripture
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Thoughts for Today
It is common for people concerned about someone with a life-controlling problem to try to strike bargains with themselves, with others and with God. We might promise ourselves that we will be better. We will say the right thing next time. We will make things right.
We might even set up agreements with our loved ones to reward them for refraining from their problem behavior.
Or we might bargain with God and promise to give to the church or do some good deeds if only he will fix our loved ones' problems.
Consider this…
If you are in this bargaining stage, you need to understand that help for a friend or loved one doesn't depend on your performance. None of us is good enough to merit God's help. No one can be transformed except through Jesus. We need to accept our powerlessness to change another person.
Prayer
Father, all my efforts have failed. No matter what I do, I realize now that I can't fix my loved one's problems. But I thank you that you can. Your grace is enough. Help me to let go and trust you. In Jesus' name ...
(You Can't Bargain For God's Grace)
Today's Scripture
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Thoughts for Today
It is common for people concerned about someone with a life-controlling problem to try to strike bargains with themselves, with others and with God. We might promise ourselves that we will be better. We will say the right thing next time. We will make things right.
We might even set up agreements with our loved ones to reward them for refraining from their problem behavior.
Or we might bargain with God and promise to give to the church or do some good deeds if only he will fix our loved ones' problems.
Consider this…
If you are in this bargaining stage, you need to understand that help for a friend or loved one doesn't depend on your performance. None of us is good enough to merit God's help. No one can be transformed except through Jesus. We need to accept our powerlessness to change another person.
Prayer
Father, all my efforts have failed. No matter what I do, I realize now that I can't fix my loved one's problems. But I thank you that you can. Your grace is enough. Help me to let go and trust you. In Jesus' name ...
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
TDW 08-26-08 Sometimes You Have to Fall Before You Walk Right
By: Eddie L. Long
(Sometimes You Have to Fall Before You Walk Right)
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? - Hebrews 12:7
Worldly rules and job descriptions are confusing and entangling the body of Christ. We get so mixed and tied up with this “extra biblical” stuff that we fail to really minister the kingdom.
The world’s agenda says that church should be the handout station for everyone, so we tell people, “You can come to the church when you need help.” Then people get mad if we do not help them buy food because we know that they spent all their money on drugs or gambling. God may want His people to be compassionate, but He also expects them to be wise.
Many Christians think the church should give everything to people when they make foolish mistakes. This kind of blind benevolence nearly always cuts short the mercy and wisdom of God. When we intervene, we halt what God was trying to do in a person’s life. If someone has a chronic problem with financial irresponsibility, God may want him to go through the indignity of having checks bounce to make an impression deep in his heart and mind: This is serious . . .
You will not hear this in most pulpits, but I will say it: sometimes people need to be evicted. Sometimes they need to get fired. Sometimes they need to hit rock bottom so the Teacher can finally get their attention and speak to them.
We nearly always get angry when the pastor will not heed our requests and rescue the troubled person on our doorstep. We burn up the phone line to get undiscerning congregation members to join our pity party. Pity parties have no place in the kingdom. Only evil results when we have flesh meetings instead of kingdom meetings.
Forget the world’s rules and job descriptions of who is to do what in the church. Concentrate on the kingdom. We cannot afford to do anything else—we have a kingdom to establish and a harvest to bring in.
Dear Father, I embrace Your correction and receive Your rebuke with joy. By Your grace, I will not cut short the work of Your hand in my life.
(Sometimes You Have to Fall Before You Walk Right)
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? - Hebrews 12:7
Worldly rules and job descriptions are confusing and entangling the body of Christ. We get so mixed and tied up with this “extra biblical” stuff that we fail to really minister the kingdom.
The world’s agenda says that church should be the handout station for everyone, so we tell people, “You can come to the church when you need help.” Then people get mad if we do not help them buy food because we know that they spent all their money on drugs or gambling. God may want His people to be compassionate, but He also expects them to be wise.
Many Christians think the church should give everything to people when they make foolish mistakes. This kind of blind benevolence nearly always cuts short the mercy and wisdom of God. When we intervene, we halt what God was trying to do in a person’s life. If someone has a chronic problem with financial irresponsibility, God may want him to go through the indignity of having checks bounce to make an impression deep in his heart and mind: This is serious . . .
You will not hear this in most pulpits, but I will say it: sometimes people need to be evicted. Sometimes they need to get fired. Sometimes they need to hit rock bottom so the Teacher can finally get their attention and speak to them.
We nearly always get angry when the pastor will not heed our requests and rescue the troubled person on our doorstep. We burn up the phone line to get undiscerning congregation members to join our pity party. Pity parties have no place in the kingdom. Only evil results when we have flesh meetings instead of kingdom meetings.
Forget the world’s rules and job descriptions of who is to do what in the church. Concentrate on the kingdom. We cannot afford to do anything else—we have a kingdom to establish and a harvest to bring in.
Dear Father, I embrace Your correction and receive Your rebuke with joy. By Your grace, I will not cut short the work of Your hand in my life.
Monday, August 25, 2008
TDW 08-25-08 Living as Children of Light,. Yes This Is About You
From: Ephesians 4:17-32 (NIV)
(Living as Children of Light)
17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Living as Children of Light)
17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Friday, August 22, 2008
TDW 08-22-08 Making The Rest The Best!
Well Folks, Friday has graced us once again and we should be glad for it, not just because it’s pay day for some people or that happy hours of the weekend are one the way. No, we should rejoice about this Friday because we have been presented with another gifted opportunity to live a new life, worthy of God’s glory. Today, we can cast off the shame, guilt, fear, persecution, and wrongs of our shackled past while reaching for the blessed Life found in Jesus Christ. Today, is our opportunity to be set free from the mental binds that restrict our wisdom, peace, joy and love. Today, we can take hold of the promises of God and truly start living a more abundant life…………………JC
*************************************************************************************
TDW 08-22-08 Making The Rest The Best!
By: Jeff Schreve
(Making The Rest The Best!)
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16
A week ago, I heard a true story about a skydiving instructor. He always took the time to answer all first-timer's questions, no matter how foolish the question might be. One guy asked, "If our chute doesn't open, and the reserve chute doesn't open, how long do we have until we hit the ground?" The jump master looked at him and answered, "The rest of your life."
What Are You Doing With The Rest?
All you have left is the rest of your life. What are you doing with it? Are you making the most of the time as God tells us to do?
I have found that a good number of people live in the past. They live longing for the good ole days... or mourning past failures, wishing they could go back and do it over again. Living in the past is a waste of precious time called the present. Yesterday is gone and cannot be changed. God wants us to learn from the past and let go of the past.
While some live in the past, some others live in the future. These folks always think how great it will be once: they get out of school... or get married... or get the toddlers in school... or get the kids in college (and out of the house)... or get the kids out of college (and off the payroll)... or retire. Living in the future also robs you of the precious present since tomorrow may never come.
All we have to live in is today. Certainly we are to plan for tomorrow, but we are to live in today and make the most of each day. Enjoy time with friends and family. Rejoice in the job God has provided. Take advantage of those opportunities to encourage people and tell them you love them. Open your mouth and share Jesus with that neighbor, friend or lost loved one. It may be your last chance to do so. Put away those things you do that displease Jesus. Live your life for His glory!!
The Best Time?
A sign in a tree nursery read, "The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago... the second best time is today." Maybe you have wasted much of your life living for sin and self. Maybe you are thinking, "I missed my opportunity." Not so. You can start today to really live for the Lord and walk by faith. Whether you have 7 days left or 70 years left, make the most of the time you have by committing your all to Jesus Christ. He will use you in a great way to make a difference for the Kingdom if you will get serious about Him.
*************************************************************************************
TDW 08-22-08 Making The Rest The Best!
By: Jeff Schreve
(Making The Rest The Best!)
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. - Ephesians 5:15-16
A week ago, I heard a true story about a skydiving instructor. He always took the time to answer all first-timer's questions, no matter how foolish the question might be. One guy asked, "If our chute doesn't open, and the reserve chute doesn't open, how long do we have until we hit the ground?" The jump master looked at him and answered, "The rest of your life."
What Are You Doing With The Rest?
All you have left is the rest of your life. What are you doing with it? Are you making the most of the time as God tells us to do?
I have found that a good number of people live in the past. They live longing for the good ole days... or mourning past failures, wishing they could go back and do it over again. Living in the past is a waste of precious time called the present. Yesterday is gone and cannot be changed. God wants us to learn from the past and let go of the past.
While some live in the past, some others live in the future. These folks always think how great it will be once: they get out of school... or get married... or get the toddlers in school... or get the kids in college (and out of the house)... or get the kids out of college (and off the payroll)... or retire. Living in the future also robs you of the precious present since tomorrow may never come.
All we have to live in is today. Certainly we are to plan for tomorrow, but we are to live in today and make the most of each day. Enjoy time with friends and family. Rejoice in the job God has provided. Take advantage of those opportunities to encourage people and tell them you love them. Open your mouth and share Jesus with that neighbor, friend or lost loved one. It may be your last chance to do so. Put away those things you do that displease Jesus. Live your life for His glory!!
The Best Time?
A sign in a tree nursery read, "The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago... the second best time is today." Maybe you have wasted much of your life living for sin and self. Maybe you are thinking, "I missed my opportunity." Not so. You can start today to really live for the Lord and walk by faith. Whether you have 7 days left or 70 years left, make the most of the time you have by committing your all to Jesus Christ. He will use you in a great way to make a difference for the Kingdom if you will get serious about Him.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
TDW 08-21-08 Education and Relation: Truth and Love
By: John Piper
(Education and Relation: Truth and Love)
Scriptures are in the text:
Think with me for a moment about education and relationships. Some of you care deeply that education not ignore or marginalize relationships of love. They are essential in real, lasting, life-changing education. Amen.
So I turn to the Bible. I find in place of the words, "education" and "relationship," the words, "truth" and "love." So what does the Bible say about how truth and love relate to each other? There are at least four ways of talking about this relationship.
1. Truth aims at love.
"The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Note: instruction is not the goal, love is. Instruction is the means. It is subordinate. Truth serves love. Education serves relationships - mainly the relationship between us and God, but also between Christian and Christian, and between us and unbelievers. The "goal" of all our education is love.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider one another how to stir up to love and good deeds, . . . encouraging one another" (Hebrews 10:23-25, literal translation). The aim of our "considering one another" and "encouraging one another" is that we stir up love. We mingle insight into "the confession of our hope" with insight into "each other," and the effect is stirring each other to love. The truth of doctrine and truth of people-watching unite to aim at love.
2. Love aims at truth.
"Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:6). Love is glad when truth is spoken. Therefore love aims at truth. It supports truth.
"Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you" (2 Corinthians 2:4). Here is an example of how love aims at truth. Paul is filled with love and it compels him to write a letter that was hard, and caused sorrow in him and in the Corinthians. But it needed to be said. So love said it. Love speaks the truth personally and doctrinally.
3. Love shapes how to speak the truth.
"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). There is an unloving way to speak the truth. That kind of truth-speaking we should repudiate. But there is a way to speak the truth in love, and that we should seek. It is not always a soft way to speak, or Jesus would have to be accused of lack of love in dealing with some folks in the Gospels.
But it does ask about what is the most helpful thing to say when everything is considered. Sometimes what would have been a hard word to one group is a needed act of love to another group, and not a wrong to the group addressed. But in general, love shapes truth into words and ways that are patient and gentle (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
4. Truth shapes how to show love.
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:2). It is not always obvious which acts are loving. So John tells us some truth will help us know if our acts are loving.
One truth test for our love is whether we are keeping the commandments of God toward people. In other words, love cannot be cut loose from the truth of God's will. Truth shapes how to show love.
Let us pray that God will cause his love and truth to abound and mingle in us in all these ways for the glory of his truth-filled love and love-filled truth.
(Education and Relation: Truth and Love)
Scriptures are in the text:
Think with me for a moment about education and relationships. Some of you care deeply that education not ignore or marginalize relationships of love. They are essential in real, lasting, life-changing education. Amen.
So I turn to the Bible. I find in place of the words, "education" and "relationship," the words, "truth" and "love." So what does the Bible say about how truth and love relate to each other? There are at least four ways of talking about this relationship.
1. Truth aims at love.
"The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Note: instruction is not the goal, love is. Instruction is the means. It is subordinate. Truth serves love. Education serves relationships - mainly the relationship between us and God, but also between Christian and Christian, and between us and unbelievers. The "goal" of all our education is love.
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider one another how to stir up to love and good deeds, . . . encouraging one another" (Hebrews 10:23-25, literal translation). The aim of our "considering one another" and "encouraging one another" is that we stir up love. We mingle insight into "the confession of our hope" with insight into "each other," and the effect is stirring each other to love. The truth of doctrine and truth of people-watching unite to aim at love.
2. Love aims at truth.
"Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth" (1 Corinthians 13:6). Love is glad when truth is spoken. Therefore love aims at truth. It supports truth.
"Out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you" (2 Corinthians 2:4). Here is an example of how love aims at truth. Paul is filled with love and it compels him to write a letter that was hard, and caused sorrow in him and in the Corinthians. But it needed to be said. So love said it. Love speaks the truth personally and doctrinally.
3. Love shapes how to speak the truth.
"Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15). There is an unloving way to speak the truth. That kind of truth-speaking we should repudiate. But there is a way to speak the truth in love, and that we should seek. It is not always a soft way to speak, or Jesus would have to be accused of lack of love in dealing with some folks in the Gospels.
But it does ask about what is the most helpful thing to say when everything is considered. Sometimes what would have been a hard word to one group is a needed act of love to another group, and not a wrong to the group addressed. But in general, love shapes truth into words and ways that are patient and gentle (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
4. Truth shapes how to show love.
"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:2). It is not always obvious which acts are loving. So John tells us some truth will help us know if our acts are loving.
One truth test for our love is whether we are keeping the commandments of God toward people. In other words, love cannot be cut loose from the truth of God's will. Truth shapes how to show love.
Let us pray that God will cause his love and truth to abound and mingle in us in all these ways for the glory of his truth-filled love and love-filled truth.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
TDW 08-20-08 God's Love Supports Our Needs, Not Our Logic
From: The Word Among Us
(God's Love Supports Our Needs Not Our Logic)
Are you envious because I am generous? (Matthew 20:15)
Jesus’ parable about a landowner who favors late workers who do practically nothing over hardworking laborers who sweat and toil all day can seem awfully unfair and unjust. Aren’t we right to expect a fair wage and just compensation for an honest day’s work? And shouldn’t we avoid any form of favoritism and unfairness in the workplace? So the question is whether Jesus really was condoning unfair practices. Or was he simply trying to get his listeners to consider how extravagant God’s love and mercy can be?
A little background information on the work practices in Jesus’ time may help us grasp Jesus’ point a little more easily. Most people in Palestine could not afford to set up their own business or learn a trade. Instead, they had to hire themselves out as day-laborers. They would go to the market square each morning and wait for a landowner or steward to hire them for some job, such as harvesting the fruit of the vineyard or field. This practice can still be seen today in Jerusalem, as day workers pour into market squares in the early morning waiting to be hired for work projects. To stand idle all day without any work usually meant returning home empty-handed. And no money earned meant no food on the table.
So when the owner of the vineyard in Jesus’ parable hired idle workers at the last hour of work, he was showing compassion for those who didn’t get hired by anyone else. The owner didn’t want to see anyone who was willing to work return home with nothing. That’s why he gave them a full day’s wages—so that they would have enough for their families to live on that day.
God is like this landowner. He doesn’t want to see us suffering or in want. His love overcomes the logic of what we “deserve” and gives us instead what we “need.” He doesn’t just forgive us our sins and tell us to try a little harder to do good. No, he lavishes us with the gifts of his kingdom, supplying not only what we lack but giving us more than we can expect. Let this truth fill your heart and mind with amazement and gratitude today!
“Lord, your love knows no bounds. Fill my heart with gratitude for the gifts you lavish upon me every day.”
(God's Love Supports Our Needs Not Our Logic)
Are you envious because I am generous? (Matthew 20:15)
Jesus’ parable about a landowner who favors late workers who do practically nothing over hardworking laborers who sweat and toil all day can seem awfully unfair and unjust. Aren’t we right to expect a fair wage and just compensation for an honest day’s work? And shouldn’t we avoid any form of favoritism and unfairness in the workplace? So the question is whether Jesus really was condoning unfair practices. Or was he simply trying to get his listeners to consider how extravagant God’s love and mercy can be?
A little background information on the work practices in Jesus’ time may help us grasp Jesus’ point a little more easily. Most people in Palestine could not afford to set up their own business or learn a trade. Instead, they had to hire themselves out as day-laborers. They would go to the market square each morning and wait for a landowner or steward to hire them for some job, such as harvesting the fruit of the vineyard or field. This practice can still be seen today in Jerusalem, as day workers pour into market squares in the early morning waiting to be hired for work projects. To stand idle all day without any work usually meant returning home empty-handed. And no money earned meant no food on the table.
So when the owner of the vineyard in Jesus’ parable hired idle workers at the last hour of work, he was showing compassion for those who didn’t get hired by anyone else. The owner didn’t want to see anyone who was willing to work return home with nothing. That’s why he gave them a full day’s wages—so that they would have enough for their families to live on that day.
God is like this landowner. He doesn’t want to see us suffering or in want. His love overcomes the logic of what we “deserve” and gives us instead what we “need.” He doesn’t just forgive us our sins and tell us to try a little harder to do good. No, he lavishes us with the gifts of his kingdom, supplying not only what we lack but giving us more than we can expect. Let this truth fill your heart and mind with amazement and gratitude today!
“Lord, your love knows no bounds. Fill my heart with gratitude for the gifts you lavish upon me every day.”
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
TDW 08-19-08 Self-Awareness
By: Oswald Chambers
(Self-Awareness)
Come to Me . . . —Matthew 11:28
God intends for us to live a well-rounded life in Christ Jesus, but there are times when that life is attacked from the outside. Then we tend to fall back into self-examination, a habit that we thought was gone. Self-awareness is the first thing that will upset the completeness of our life in God, and self-awareness continually produces a sense of struggling and turmoil in our lives. Self-awareness is not sin, and it can be produced by nervous emotions or by suddenly being dropped into a totally new set of circumstances. Yet it is never God’s will that we should be anything less than absolutely complete in Him. Anything that disturbs our rest in Him must be rectified at once, and it is not rectified by being ignored but only by coming to Jesus Christ. If we will come to Him, asking Him to produce Christ-awareness in us, He will always do it, until we fully learn to abide in Him.
Never allow anything that divides or destroys the oneness of your life with Christ to remain in your life without facing it. Beware of allowing the influence of your friends or your circumstances to divide your life. This only serves to sap your strength and slow your spiritual growth. Beware of anything that can split your oneness with Him, causing you to see yourself as separate from Him. Nothing is as important as staying right spiritually. And the only solution is a very simple one— "Come to Me . . . ." The intellectual, moral, and spiritual depth of our reality as a person is tested and measured by these words. Yet in every detail of our lives where we are found not to be real, we would rather dispute the findings than come to Jesus.
(Self-Awareness)
Come to Me . . . —Matthew 11:28
God intends for us to live a well-rounded life in Christ Jesus, but there are times when that life is attacked from the outside. Then we tend to fall back into self-examination, a habit that we thought was gone. Self-awareness is the first thing that will upset the completeness of our life in God, and self-awareness continually produces a sense of struggling and turmoil in our lives. Self-awareness is not sin, and it can be produced by nervous emotions or by suddenly being dropped into a totally new set of circumstances. Yet it is never God’s will that we should be anything less than absolutely complete in Him. Anything that disturbs our rest in Him must be rectified at once, and it is not rectified by being ignored but only by coming to Jesus Christ. If we will come to Him, asking Him to produce Christ-awareness in us, He will always do it, until we fully learn to abide in Him.
Never allow anything that divides or destroys the oneness of your life with Christ to remain in your life without facing it. Beware of allowing the influence of your friends or your circumstances to divide your life. This only serves to sap your strength and slow your spiritual growth. Beware of anything that can split your oneness with Him, causing you to see yourself as separate from Him. Nothing is as important as staying right spiritually. And the only solution is a very simple one— "Come to Me . . . ." The intellectual, moral, and spiritual depth of our reality as a person is tested and measured by these words. Yet in every detail of our lives where we are found not to be real, we would rather dispute the findings than come to Jesus.
Monday, August 18, 2008
TDW 08-18-08 I Have No Room or Desire for Another Gospel
By: Eddie L. Long
(I Have No Room or Desire for “Another Gospel”)
Even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. Gal 1:8
Did you know that there are a whole lot of accursed preachers in the world? The apostle Paul referred to these teachers and preachers in Galatians 1:8. The most dangerous perversions contain about 98 percent truth with a well-disguised 2 percent of deadly heresy woven in.
Paul and the apostles in Jerusalem had to deal with two kinds of false teachers: Jewish teachers who mixed legalism with the gospel, and Greek-speaking teachers who mixed in Greek philosophy with its hyper spiritualism and hatred of the flesh (known as the “Gnostic heresy”). Both groups gathered followers by “tickling their ears” and saying what they wanted to hear. Each group loved works and minimized or totally threw out the importance of the gospel of the cross and redemption by faith.
This is why you must study God’s Word for yourself. The devil knows every word of the Bible, and he will try to baffle you with his knowledge of the Scripture if he can. (He even quoted a scripture to Jesus during the temptation in the wilderness in Matthew 4:6.) Remember how the devil completely twisted and reframed God’s words when he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1–5)?
One of Satan’s favorite tactics is to offer you “another gospel” that skillfully perverts what is of God to something totally different. This means that even preachers who use Bible references to support their ideas can be preaching a twisted gospel. Walk in the Spirit and know your Bible.
(I Have No Room or Desire for “Another Gospel”)
Even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. Gal 1:8
Did you know that there are a whole lot of accursed preachers in the world? The apostle Paul referred to these teachers and preachers in Galatians 1:8. The most dangerous perversions contain about 98 percent truth with a well-disguised 2 percent of deadly heresy woven in.
Paul and the apostles in Jerusalem had to deal with two kinds of false teachers: Jewish teachers who mixed legalism with the gospel, and Greek-speaking teachers who mixed in Greek philosophy with its hyper spiritualism and hatred of the flesh (known as the “Gnostic heresy”). Both groups gathered followers by “tickling their ears” and saying what they wanted to hear. Each group loved works and minimized or totally threw out the importance of the gospel of the cross and redemption by faith.
This is why you must study God’s Word for yourself. The devil knows every word of the Bible, and he will try to baffle you with his knowledge of the Scripture if he can. (He even quoted a scripture to Jesus during the temptation in the wilderness in Matthew 4:6.) Remember how the devil completely twisted and reframed God’s words when he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:1–5)?
One of Satan’s favorite tactics is to offer you “another gospel” that skillfully perverts what is of God to something totally different. This means that even preachers who use Bible references to support their ideas can be preaching a twisted gospel. Walk in the Spirit and know your Bible.
Friday, August 15, 2008
TDW 08-15-08 The Discipline of the Lord
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
Main Entry: 1re•buke
Pronunciation: \ri-‘byük\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): re•buked; re•buk•ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French rebucher, rebouker to blunt, check, reprimand
Date: 14th century
1 a: to criticize sharply: reprimand b: to serve as a rebuke to
Now you might be wondering why I chose to start this Friday’s devotional off with a definition. Well the truth is I want people to know the difference between the words rebuke and judge, because I have witnessed countless arguments do to simple confusion involving both words. As such, the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines the word judge as “ to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises.” Often times the formed opinion is based on negative human emotion and not the sound biblical principle of redemption. Therefore, the key difference in both words is the intent and goal of the meaning.
In the Bible, to rebuke someone is to actively seek to change the undesired behavior of the person being addressed. As such, the goal of the rebuker is to orientate the subject back towards facing God and lead them back to a position of restored righteousness. There is no legality associated with the word rebuke, but there is chastisement which is done in a manner to help move a person to a better understanding about God. This activity of rebuking is supported in 1Timitothy 5:20 “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” and in Titus 1:13 “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;” or Philippians 2:15 “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Thus, to rebuke someone means that you care about their eternal well being and the sharp criticism has nothing to do with the human opinion of judgment, but everything to do with God's holiness standard for human life. Therefore, when someone calls your personal activity into question based on the standard of Christ Jesus, he or she is not judging you; in fact, they love you more than you love yourself at that particular time. The truth is we can all stand to be rebuked by the love of Christ that is exercised via the righteous concerns of our neighbor when we fall short of the mark. Amen………JC
**************************************************************************************
TDW 08-15-08 The Discipline of the Lord
By: Oswald Chambers
(The Discipline of the Lord)
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him —Hebrews 12:5
It is very easy to grieve the Spirit of God; we do it by despising the discipline of the Lord, or by becoming discouraged when He rebukes us. If our experience of being set apart from sin and being made holy through the process of sanctification is still very shallow, we tend to mistake the reality of God for something else. And when the Spirit of God gives us a sense of warning or restraint, we are apt to say mistakenly, "Oh, that must be from the devil."
"Do not quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19), and do not despise Him when He says to you, in effect, "Don’t be blind on this point anymore— you are not as far along spiritually as you thought you were. Until now I have not been able to reveal this to you, but I’m revealing it to you right now." When the Lord disciplines you like that, let Him have His way with you. Allow Him to put you into a right-standing relationship before God.
". . . nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him." We begin to pout, become irritated with God, and then say, "Oh well, I can’t help it. I prayed and things didn’t turn out right anyway. So I’m simply going to give up on everything." Just think what would happen if we acted like this in any other area of our lives!
Am I fully prepared to allow God to grip me by His power and do a work in me that is truly worthy of Himself? Sanctification is not my idea of what I want God to do for me— sanctification is God’s idea of what He wants to do for me. But He has to get me into the state of mind and spirit where I will allow Him to sanctify me completely, whatever the cost (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
Main Entry: 1re•buke
Pronunciation: \ri-‘byük\
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form(s): re•buked; re•buk•ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French rebucher, rebouker to blunt, check, reprimand
Date: 14th century
1 a: to criticize sharply: reprimand b: to serve as a rebuke to
Now you might be wondering why I chose to start this Friday’s devotional off with a definition. Well the truth is I want people to know the difference between the words rebuke and judge, because I have witnessed countless arguments do to simple confusion involving both words. As such, the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines the word judge as “ to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises.” Often times the formed opinion is based on negative human emotion and not the sound biblical principle of redemption. Therefore, the key difference in both words is the intent and goal of the meaning.
In the Bible, to rebuke someone is to actively seek to change the undesired behavior of the person being addressed. As such, the goal of the rebuker is to orientate the subject back towards facing God and lead them back to a position of restored righteousness. There is no legality associated with the word rebuke, but there is chastisement which is done in a manner to help move a person to a better understanding about God. This activity of rebuking is supported in 1Timitothy 5:20 “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” and in Titus 1:13 “This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;” or Philippians 2:15 “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;” Thus, to rebuke someone means that you care about their eternal well being and the sharp criticism has nothing to do with the human opinion of judgment, but everything to do with God's holiness standard for human life. Therefore, when someone calls your personal activity into question based on the standard of Christ Jesus, he or she is not judging you; in fact, they love you more than you love yourself at that particular time. The truth is we can all stand to be rebuked by the love of Christ that is exercised via the righteous concerns of our neighbor when we fall short of the mark. Amen………JC
**************************************************************************************
TDW 08-15-08 The Discipline of the Lord
By: Oswald Chambers
(The Discipline of the Lord)
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him —Hebrews 12:5
It is very easy to grieve the Spirit of God; we do it by despising the discipline of the Lord, or by becoming discouraged when He rebukes us. If our experience of being set apart from sin and being made holy through the process of sanctification is still very shallow, we tend to mistake the reality of God for something else. And when the Spirit of God gives us a sense of warning or restraint, we are apt to say mistakenly, "Oh, that must be from the devil."
"Do not quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19), and do not despise Him when He says to you, in effect, "Don’t be blind on this point anymore— you are not as far along spiritually as you thought you were. Until now I have not been able to reveal this to you, but I’m revealing it to you right now." When the Lord disciplines you like that, let Him have His way with you. Allow Him to put you into a right-standing relationship before God.
". . . nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him." We begin to pout, become irritated with God, and then say, "Oh well, I can’t help it. I prayed and things didn’t turn out right anyway. So I’m simply going to give up on everything." Just think what would happen if we acted like this in any other area of our lives!
Am I fully prepared to allow God to grip me by His power and do a work in me that is truly worthy of Himself? Sanctification is not my idea of what I want God to do for me— sanctification is God’s idea of what He wants to do for me. But He has to get me into the state of mind and spirit where I will allow Him to sanctify me completely, whatever the cost (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
Thursday, August 14, 2008
TDW 08-14-08 Spiritual War
By: Neil Anderson
(Spiritual War)
John 17:11 NIV
I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name
The Christian worldview perceives life through the grid of Scripture, not through culture or experience. And Scripture clearly teaches that supernatural, spiritual forces are at work in the natural world. For example, approximately one-fourth of all the healings recorded in the Gospel of Mark were actually deliverances from demon activity. The woman whom Jesus healed in Luke 13:11, 12, had been the victim of a "sickness caused by a spirit" for 18 years.
Many people I have counseled came with physical problems which disappeared shortly after the demonic influence was dealt with. The most common symptoms I have seen are headaches, dizziness, allergies, nausea and general pain throughout the body. The most conservative estimate by medical doctors is that 50 percent of their patients are suffering psychosomatic illnesses. Biblically, it is reasonable to expect that if a person's personal and spiritual problems are resolved, the physical body will be benefited. Stress is a leading cause of heart disease and cancer. The peace of God alone will cure many diseases.
I'm not saying that everyone who is ill or in pain is being terrorized by a demon. But I am convinced that many Christians battle physical symptoms unsuccessfully through natural means when the essence of the problem and the solution is spiritual. "He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you" (Romans 8:11).
The fact that Jesus left us "in the world" (John 17:11) to wrestle against "spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12) is a present-day reality. Supernatural forces are at work on planet Earth. We live in the natural world, but we are involved in a spiritual war.
Prayer:
Dear God, keep me alert to the spiritual conflicts occurring around me and ready to respond in Your authority and power.
(Spiritual War)
John 17:11 NIV
I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name
The Christian worldview perceives life through the grid of Scripture, not through culture or experience. And Scripture clearly teaches that supernatural, spiritual forces are at work in the natural world. For example, approximately one-fourth of all the healings recorded in the Gospel of Mark were actually deliverances from demon activity. The woman whom Jesus healed in Luke 13:11, 12, had been the victim of a "sickness caused by a spirit" for 18 years.
Many people I have counseled came with physical problems which disappeared shortly after the demonic influence was dealt with. The most common symptoms I have seen are headaches, dizziness, allergies, nausea and general pain throughout the body. The most conservative estimate by medical doctors is that 50 percent of their patients are suffering psychosomatic illnesses. Biblically, it is reasonable to expect that if a person's personal and spiritual problems are resolved, the physical body will be benefited. Stress is a leading cause of heart disease and cancer. The peace of God alone will cure many diseases.
I'm not saying that everyone who is ill or in pain is being terrorized by a demon. But I am convinced that many Christians battle physical symptoms unsuccessfully through natural means when the essence of the problem and the solution is spiritual. "He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you" (Romans 8:11).
The fact that Jesus left us "in the world" (John 17:11) to wrestle against "spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12) is a present-day reality. Supernatural forces are at work on planet Earth. We live in the natural world, but we are involved in a spiritual war.
Prayer:
Dear God, keep me alert to the spiritual conflicts occurring around me and ready to respond in Your authority and power.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
TDW 08-13-08 Testing Jesus
By: Josh McDowell
(Testing Jesus)
I am [the Messiah], and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God's right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven. Mark 14:62
Picture yourself with a wallet jammed with money-say, a hundred thousand dollars. The only way you're allowed to spend your cash is by picking out and purchasing the automobile of your dreams.
Here's the big question: How should you decide if a particular vehicle is all that you hope for? Would you
• beg the car dealer to let you sleep overnight in your favorite model on the showroom floor?
• park yourself in a lawn chair on a street corner-and gawk as the car you want drives by?
• memorize all the meaty reviews in Road & Track magazine?
• get hold of a test car, fasten your seat belt, and take that baby for a ride?
When you're picking out a car, there's no substitute for putting it to the test. Likewise, when you're trying to figure out if Jesus really claimed to be God, there's no better place to look than the trial he faced before his crucifixion. It was a test that shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was more than a mere human being.
The high priest running the trial put the big question to Jesus point-blank: "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the blessed God?" (Mark 14:61). Jesus replied with today's verse, "I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God's right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven."
The Jewish officials didn't miss Jesus' meaning. The high priest tore his clothing as a public demonstration of his horror at Jesus' claim to be God. And Christ's judges saw the issue clearly-so clearly, in fact, that they crucified him and then taunted, "He trusted God-let God show his approval by delivering him! For he said, 'I am the Son of God'" (Matthew 27:43).
The trial of Jesus should be enough to convince any of us that Jesus didn't just see himself as any old religious teacher. He claimed to be God.
His enemies denied the truth about who he is. So who do you say Jesus is?
TALK: Are you convinced that Jesus is God? What persuades you? What do you need to learn more about?
PRAY: Christ, we understand your claim to be the Son of God. We believe you. You are God come in the flesh. We welcome you as Lord.
ACT: Can you explain this sort of complicated stuff in your own words? Practice quizzing each other with this question: How do we know Jesus is God? Looking for some verses to read? Peek at 1 Peter 1:18-19.
(Testing Jesus)
I am [the Messiah], and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God's right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven. Mark 14:62
Picture yourself with a wallet jammed with money-say, a hundred thousand dollars. The only way you're allowed to spend your cash is by picking out and purchasing the automobile of your dreams.
Here's the big question: How should you decide if a particular vehicle is all that you hope for? Would you
• beg the car dealer to let you sleep overnight in your favorite model on the showroom floor?
• park yourself in a lawn chair on a street corner-and gawk as the car you want drives by?
• memorize all the meaty reviews in Road & Track magazine?
• get hold of a test car, fasten your seat belt, and take that baby for a ride?
When you're picking out a car, there's no substitute for putting it to the test. Likewise, when you're trying to figure out if Jesus really claimed to be God, there's no better place to look than the trial he faced before his crucifixion. It was a test that shows beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was more than a mere human being.
The high priest running the trial put the big question to Jesus point-blank: "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the blessed God?" (Mark 14:61). Jesus replied with today's verse, "I am, and you will see me, the Son of Man, sitting at God's right hand in the place of power and coming back on the clouds of heaven."
The Jewish officials didn't miss Jesus' meaning. The high priest tore his clothing as a public demonstration of his horror at Jesus' claim to be God. And Christ's judges saw the issue clearly-so clearly, in fact, that they crucified him and then taunted, "He trusted God-let God show his approval by delivering him! For he said, 'I am the Son of God'" (Matthew 27:43).
The trial of Jesus should be enough to convince any of us that Jesus didn't just see himself as any old religious teacher. He claimed to be God.
His enemies denied the truth about who he is. So who do you say Jesus is?
TALK: Are you convinced that Jesus is God? What persuades you? What do you need to learn more about?
PRAY: Christ, we understand your claim to be the Son of God. We believe you. You are God come in the flesh. We welcome you as Lord.
ACT: Can you explain this sort of complicated stuff in your own words? Practice quizzing each other with this question: How do we know Jesus is God? Looking for some verses to read? Peek at 1 Peter 1:18-19.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
TDW 08-12-08 The Fig Tree
TDW 08-12-08 The Fig Tree
By: Phil Ware
(The Fig Tree)
12The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.. - Mark 11:12-14
Key Thought
What? What in the world is this about? ... Yeah, that's most people's response to this story. Jesus uses his miraculous powers to curse the fig tree. Our human viewpoint looks on this as capricious and unfair. It's not even the season for figs and yet Jesus curses it because it is fruitless. Clearly, Jesus is trying to teach his close followers -- and us in the process -- something very important. As in some other stories and events in the New Testament, it is important that we focus on the one key point of the story. As this story unfolds, it is possible to see that the lack of fruit on the fig tree foreshadows Jerusalem and all that it symbolizes with the Temple -- the central religious place for God's people. Jesus will die there. He will die for the people there ... and people all over the world. He will come looking to see if there is fruit as a result of his life, sacrifice, and resurrection. There will be choices to make. There will be a season of decision and fruit-bearing. Jerusalem had its time. Now it is our own time of decision and continuous fruit-bearing. What will our future be?
Today's Prayer
O Father in heaven, I choose to honor Jesus and trust him to be my Savior. I believe he is the Christ, the Messiah your prophets promised would come. I want him to reign as Lord in my life. I open my life for the Holy Spirit to do his work of transformation in me ... conforming me into the character of your Son and transforming me into a temple where you live. My prayer is that your holy fruit be formed in me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
By: Phil Ware
(The Fig Tree)
12The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.. - Mark 11:12-14
Key Thought
What? What in the world is this about? ... Yeah, that's most people's response to this story. Jesus uses his miraculous powers to curse the fig tree. Our human viewpoint looks on this as capricious and unfair. It's not even the season for figs and yet Jesus curses it because it is fruitless. Clearly, Jesus is trying to teach his close followers -- and us in the process -- something very important. As in some other stories and events in the New Testament, it is important that we focus on the one key point of the story. As this story unfolds, it is possible to see that the lack of fruit on the fig tree foreshadows Jerusalem and all that it symbolizes with the Temple -- the central religious place for God's people. Jesus will die there. He will die for the people there ... and people all over the world. He will come looking to see if there is fruit as a result of his life, sacrifice, and resurrection. There will be choices to make. There will be a season of decision and fruit-bearing. Jerusalem had its time. Now it is our own time of decision and continuous fruit-bearing. What will our future be?
Today's Prayer
O Father in heaven, I choose to honor Jesus and trust him to be my Savior. I believe he is the Christ, the Messiah your prophets promised would come. I want him to reign as Lord in my life. I open my life for the Holy Spirit to do his work of transformation in me ... conforming me into the character of your Son and transforming me into a temple where you live. My prayer is that your holy fruit be formed in me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Monday, August 11, 2008
TDW 08-11-08 Praying to Know God Better!
From: John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
(Praying to Know God Better!)
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (NIV)
Ephesians 1:17 (KJV)
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (KJV)
The Father of glory; or the glorious Father; who is glorious in himself, in the perfections of his nature, and in the works of his hands; and as a father, he is a glorious father to Christ, and is a father to him, as he is to none else; and has been honored and glorified by Christ, and from whom Christ as man has received much honor and glory: and he is a glorious father to the saints, to whom he has shown inexpressible love, by adopting them into his family; and pities them, as a father does his children; takes care of them, and protects them, and makes a glorious provision for them; not only of good things now, but of an eternal inheritance hereafter: and he may be so called, because he is the author and giver of eternal glory and happiness; and because all glory is due unto him: the Arabic version reads, "God, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory", making all these epithets to belong to Christ:
may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of him; this was one part of the apostle's prayers for the saints at Ephesus, that they might increase in divine knowledge; either in the knowledge of God, as the God of Christ, and the Father of glory, and as their God and Father in Christ; or of God, as considered in Christ the Mediator; or else of Christ himself: and designs not a notional and speculative knowledge of Christ, but what is practical and experimental; and which is joined with love of him, faith in him, and obedience to him; and which is not only approbative, but fiducial and appropriating; and though it is but imperfect, yet is progressive; and for the progression of it, the apostle prays; for it is certain, that these saints had a knowledge of Christ, but this was not perfect; and a larger measure of it was desirable: and in order to this, he prays for the Spirit, as a "spirit of wisdom"; who implants spiritual wisdom in the hearts of men, and instructs them in the Gospel, the hidden wisdom of God, leads them into all truths, and opens to them the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, which are hid in Christ, the wisdom of God; and as a spirit of "revelation"; who reveals Christ and the things of Christ, at first conversion; and afterwards reveals him and his righteousness, and other benefits of his more largely, even from faith to faith; and gives a clearer view of interest in them: hence it appears, that the Spirit is the gift of God; and that all spiritual light and knowledge, and the increase of it, are owing to him.
(Praying to Know God Better!)
Ephesians 1:17 (NIV)
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (NIV)
Ephesians 1:17 (KJV)
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (KJV)
The Father of glory; or the glorious Father; who is glorious in himself, in the perfections of his nature, and in the works of his hands; and as a father, he is a glorious father to Christ, and is a father to him, as he is to none else; and has been honored and glorified by Christ, and from whom Christ as man has received much honor and glory: and he is a glorious father to the saints, to whom he has shown inexpressible love, by adopting them into his family; and pities them, as a father does his children; takes care of them, and protects them, and makes a glorious provision for them; not only of good things now, but of an eternal inheritance hereafter: and he may be so called, because he is the author and giver of eternal glory and happiness; and because all glory is due unto him: the Arabic version reads, "God, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory", making all these epithets to belong to Christ:
may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, in the knowledge of him; this was one part of the apostle's prayers for the saints at Ephesus, that they might increase in divine knowledge; either in the knowledge of God, as the God of Christ, and the Father of glory, and as their God and Father in Christ; or of God, as considered in Christ the Mediator; or else of Christ himself: and designs not a notional and speculative knowledge of Christ, but what is practical and experimental; and which is joined with love of him, faith in him, and obedience to him; and which is not only approbative, but fiducial and appropriating; and though it is but imperfect, yet is progressive; and for the progression of it, the apostle prays; for it is certain, that these saints had a knowledge of Christ, but this was not perfect; and a larger measure of it was desirable: and in order to this, he prays for the Spirit, as a "spirit of wisdom"; who implants spiritual wisdom in the hearts of men, and instructs them in the Gospel, the hidden wisdom of God, leads them into all truths, and opens to them the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, which are hid in Christ, the wisdom of God; and as a spirit of "revelation"; who reveals Christ and the things of Christ, at first conversion; and afterwards reveals him and his righteousness, and other benefits of his more largely, even from faith to faith; and gives a clearer view of interest in them: hence it appears, that the Spirit is the gift of God; and that all spiritual light and knowledge, and the increase of it, are owing to him.
Friday, August 8, 2008
TDW 08-08-08 Prayer in the Father’s Honor
Well my good friends the end if the week is upon us again and we all have an opportunity to let our hair down, but not our spiritual guard. Remember the enemy is always on the prowl looking to kill, steal and destroy without discrimination. As such, I encourage everyone to stay prayed up throughout the days ahead. Pray every time the activity of prayer comes to you mind, every time a concern, a family member, coworker, world issue, local event, church agenda, disease or whatever passes across your heart for a quick second. Pray with a sincere heart of petition for God’s willful intervention as well as your own holiness and righteousness. Have a great weekend….....JC
**************************************************************************************
TDW 08-08-08 Prayer in the Father’s Honor
By: Oswald Chambers
Prayer in the Father’s Honor
. . . that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God —Luke 1:35
If the Son of God has been born into my human flesh, then am I allowing His holy innocence, simplicity, and oneness with the Father the opportunity to exhibit itself in me? What was true of the Virgin Mary in the history of the Son of God’s birth on earth is true of every saint. God’s Son is born into me through the direct act of God; then I as His child must exercise the right of a child— the right of always being face to face with my Father through prayer. Do I find myself continually saying in amazement to the commonsense part of my life, "Why did you want me to turn here or to go over there? ’Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’ " (Luke 2:49). Whatever our circumstances may be, that holy, innocent, and eternal Child must be in contact with His Father.
Am I simple enough to identify myself with my Lord in this way? Is He having His wonderful way with me? Is God’s will being fulfilled in that His Son has been formed in me (see Galatians 4:19), or have I carefully pushed Him to one side? Oh, the noisy outcry of today! Why does everyone seem to be crying out so loudly? People today are crying out for the Son of God to be put to death. There is no room here for God’s Son right now— no room for quiet, holy fellowship and oneness with the Father.
Is the Son of God praying in me, bringing honor to the Father, or am I dictating my demands to Him? Is He ministering in me as He did in the time of His manhood here on earth? Is God’s Son in me going through His passion, suffering so that His own purposes might be fulfilled? The more a person knows of the inner life of God’s most mature saints, the more he sees what God’s purpose really is: to ". . . fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ . . ." (Colossians 1:24). And when we think of what it takes to "fill up," there is always something yet to be done.
**************************************************************************************
TDW 08-08-08 Prayer in the Father’s Honor
By: Oswald Chambers
Prayer in the Father’s Honor
. . . that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God —Luke 1:35
If the Son of God has been born into my human flesh, then am I allowing His holy innocence, simplicity, and oneness with the Father the opportunity to exhibit itself in me? What was true of the Virgin Mary in the history of the Son of God’s birth on earth is true of every saint. God’s Son is born into me through the direct act of God; then I as His child must exercise the right of a child— the right of always being face to face with my Father through prayer. Do I find myself continually saying in amazement to the commonsense part of my life, "Why did you want me to turn here or to go over there? ’Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?’ " (Luke 2:49). Whatever our circumstances may be, that holy, innocent, and eternal Child must be in contact with His Father.
Am I simple enough to identify myself with my Lord in this way? Is He having His wonderful way with me? Is God’s will being fulfilled in that His Son has been formed in me (see Galatians 4:19), or have I carefully pushed Him to one side? Oh, the noisy outcry of today! Why does everyone seem to be crying out so loudly? People today are crying out for the Son of God to be put to death. There is no room here for God’s Son right now— no room for quiet, holy fellowship and oneness with the Father.
Is the Son of God praying in me, bringing honor to the Father, or am I dictating my demands to Him? Is He ministering in me as He did in the time of His manhood here on earth? Is God’s Son in me going through His passion, suffering so that His own purposes might be fulfilled? The more a person knows of the inner life of God’s most mature saints, the more he sees what God’s purpose really is: to ". . . fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ . . ." (Colossians 1:24). And when we think of what it takes to "fill up," there is always something yet to be done.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
TDW 08-07-08 Trying to Control Others
By: Neil Anderson
(Trying to Control Others)
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding
When a person's self-worth or success hinges on the achievement of a goal which can be blocked or which is uncertain or impossible, how will he respond to those who frustrate his goals? Often he will attempt to control or manipulate the people or circumstances who stand between him and his success.
For example, a pastor's goal is to have the finest youth ministry in the community. But one of his board members blocks his goal by insisting that a music ministry is more important. Every attempt by the pastor to hire a youth pastor is vetoed by the influential board member who wants to hire a music director first. The pastor wrongly perceives that his sense of worth and success in ministry is on the line. So he shifts into a power mode to push the stumbling block out of the way. He looks for a way to change the opposition's mind or remove him from the board because he believes that his success in ministry is dependent on reaching his goal of a great youth ministry.
A mother believes that her self-worth is dependent on her children behaving in a certain way. Her goal is to raise perfect little Christians who will become pastors or missionaries. But as the children reach their teen years and begin to express their independence, their behavior doesn't always match their mother's ideal. So instead of helping them grow through adolescence and releasing them into adulthood, she tries to control them.
It is not hard to understand why people try to control others. They believe that their worth is dependent on other people and circumstances. This is a false belief as evidenced by the fact that the most insecure people you will ever meet are manipulators and controllers of others. But people who are secure in their identity in Christ don't need to control others. Their goal is to be the leader, spouse, parent or employee that God wants them to be because nothing can keep them from being what God wants them to be but themselves.
Prayer:
Lord, I affirm that my worth is based on my relationship with You and that I am free to become the person You want me to be.
(Trying to Control Others)
Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding
When a person's self-worth or success hinges on the achievement of a goal which can be blocked or which is uncertain or impossible, how will he respond to those who frustrate his goals? Often he will attempt to control or manipulate the people or circumstances who stand between him and his success.
For example, a pastor's goal is to have the finest youth ministry in the community. But one of his board members blocks his goal by insisting that a music ministry is more important. Every attempt by the pastor to hire a youth pastor is vetoed by the influential board member who wants to hire a music director first. The pastor wrongly perceives that his sense of worth and success in ministry is on the line. So he shifts into a power mode to push the stumbling block out of the way. He looks for a way to change the opposition's mind or remove him from the board because he believes that his success in ministry is dependent on reaching his goal of a great youth ministry.
A mother believes that her self-worth is dependent on her children behaving in a certain way. Her goal is to raise perfect little Christians who will become pastors or missionaries. But as the children reach their teen years and begin to express their independence, their behavior doesn't always match their mother's ideal. So instead of helping them grow through adolescence and releasing them into adulthood, she tries to control them.
It is not hard to understand why people try to control others. They believe that their worth is dependent on other people and circumstances. This is a false belief as evidenced by the fact that the most insecure people you will ever meet are manipulators and controllers of others. But people who are secure in their identity in Christ don't need to control others. Their goal is to be the leader, spouse, parent or employee that God wants them to be because nothing can keep them from being what God wants them to be but themselves.
Prayer:
Lord, I affirm that my worth is based on my relationship with You and that I am free to become the person You want me to be.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
TDW 08-06-08 A Jealous God
By: Henry T. Blackaby
(A Jealous God)
For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24)
Our God is a consuming fire. He is satisfied only when His love totally consumes us. We usually think of a jealous person as someone resentful and suspicious, but the Lord’s jealousy on our behalf is something that should be precious to us! He has the complete right to our lives. He gave us life, and He wants to protect us from anything that could harm us. That is why He has commanded His children to worship no other gods, allowing nothing to distract us from His consuming love.
The Lord opposes anything that hinders our relationship with Him (Deut. 6:15). He knows the danger of other gods, how they will lure us away, deceive us, and leave us empty. He will tolerate nothing that takes precedence over our love for Him. Our faithfulness to God assures us of the abundant life He wants to give us. If we reject Him, He will pursue us until we return to Him.
We should not resent the fact that God wants to guard our relationship with Him. It should bring us comfort. Our relationship with God should be our top priority. It should dictate how we spend our time, our money, and our energy. If certain people or our possessions separate us from God, we must reexamine our hearts and give our devotion first to Him, as He commands. God wants each of us to love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). Our love for God should extend to every corner of our lives. God loved us so much that He gave us His own Son. Let us respond by giving Him our highest devotion in return.
(A Jealous God)
For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. (Deuteronomy 4:24)
Our God is a consuming fire. He is satisfied only when His love totally consumes us. We usually think of a jealous person as someone resentful and suspicious, but the Lord’s jealousy on our behalf is something that should be precious to us! He has the complete right to our lives. He gave us life, and He wants to protect us from anything that could harm us. That is why He has commanded His children to worship no other gods, allowing nothing to distract us from His consuming love.
The Lord opposes anything that hinders our relationship with Him (Deut. 6:15). He knows the danger of other gods, how they will lure us away, deceive us, and leave us empty. He will tolerate nothing that takes precedence over our love for Him. Our faithfulness to God assures us of the abundant life He wants to give us. If we reject Him, He will pursue us until we return to Him.
We should not resent the fact that God wants to guard our relationship with Him. It should bring us comfort. Our relationship with God should be our top priority. It should dictate how we spend our time, our money, and our energy. If certain people or our possessions separate us from God, we must reexamine our hearts and give our devotion first to Him, as He commands. God wants each of us to love Him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Mark 12:30). Our love for God should extend to every corner of our lives. God loved us so much that He gave us His own Son. Let us respond by giving Him our highest devotion in return.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
TDW 08-05-08 Put an End to the Harvest of Fools
By: Eddie L. Long
(Put an End to the Harvest of Fools)
Romans 1:21-22
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Whichever way you look at it, this nation is in trouble. The passage in Romans 1 describes our problem: “Professing to be wise, they became fools.” This nation professes great wisdom, but we have reaped the harvest of fools.
The root problem began in the church when Christians in essence claimed their independence from God and His Word. We let the flesh lead us, instead of the Spirit, and we came up with all kinds of schemes and plans that are contrary to the kingdom.
Some of us did not like the idea of anyone going to hell, so we came up with the “God is love (without righteousness)” scheme where everyone and anyone can enter the kingdom as is. (We may come as we are, but we must go through the door of repentance; we cannot leave His presence the way we came in!) Others did not like dealing with the poor, so they limited their gospel to “us four and no more just inside the door,” while their cities fell into ruin.
Some people felt the Bible was archaic in its instructions about the discipline of children, so they labeled it “child abuse” and substituted Dr. So-and-So’s doctrine of “kids will be kids” instead. One woman decided school prayer was ruining her son so she got the Supreme Court to declare it unconstitutional (but America’s courts still have witnesses and presidents swear on a Bible before testifying or taking office). School has not been the same since, and our foolish harvest continues.
When certain preachers decided they did not want to get involved in politics or governmental decisions in the name of the fictitious “separation doctrine,” kingdom influence disappeared from the ethical foundations of government with predictable results.
Our foolishness in the church is destroying our communities and our children. Ironically, we usually end up asking the government to fix things it has no way to understand. Virtually everything needs to be fixed in this nation, but the fix starts right in your house. This nation can never climb out of this pit until the redeemed of the Lord return to the kingdom and God’s kingdom principles. It starts with you right now.
(Put an End to the Harvest of Fools)
Romans 1:21-22
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Whichever way you look at it, this nation is in trouble. The passage in Romans 1 describes our problem: “Professing to be wise, they became fools.” This nation professes great wisdom, but we have reaped the harvest of fools.
The root problem began in the church when Christians in essence claimed their independence from God and His Word. We let the flesh lead us, instead of the Spirit, and we came up with all kinds of schemes and plans that are contrary to the kingdom.
Some of us did not like the idea of anyone going to hell, so we came up with the “God is love (without righteousness)” scheme where everyone and anyone can enter the kingdom as is. (We may come as we are, but we must go through the door of repentance; we cannot leave His presence the way we came in!) Others did not like dealing with the poor, so they limited their gospel to “us four and no more just inside the door,” while their cities fell into ruin.
Some people felt the Bible was archaic in its instructions about the discipline of children, so they labeled it “child abuse” and substituted Dr. So-and-So’s doctrine of “kids will be kids” instead. One woman decided school prayer was ruining her son so she got the Supreme Court to declare it unconstitutional (but America’s courts still have witnesses and presidents swear on a Bible before testifying or taking office). School has not been the same since, and our foolish harvest continues.
When certain preachers decided they did not want to get involved in politics or governmental decisions in the name of the fictitious “separation doctrine,” kingdom influence disappeared from the ethical foundations of government with predictable results.
Our foolishness in the church is destroying our communities and our children. Ironically, we usually end up asking the government to fix things it has no way to understand. Virtually everything needs to be fixed in this nation, but the fix starts right in your house. This nation can never climb out of this pit until the redeemed of the Lord return to the kingdom and God’s kingdom principles. It starts with you right now.
Monday, August 4, 2008
TDW 08-04-08 A Man of Sorrows
By: Greg Laurie
(A Man of Sorrows)
Then Jesus brought them to an olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go on ahead to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he began to be filled with anguish and deep distress. (Matthew 26:36–37)
If I had the opportunity to know my entire future from today on, I think I would pass. I would rather not know.
But Jesus, being God, knew everything about His future down to the smallest detail.
As He agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane, He knew that in just a few short hours, He would be nailed to a Roman cross and crucified. He knew that He would be humiliated. He would be beaten. He would go through a horrendous whipping. He knew the great anguish that was ahead.
The Bible tells us Jesus was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief” (Isaiah 53:3). The Bible also says in Hebrews, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it” (4:15).
In other words, God knows what you’re going through. You have a High Priest—that is, Jesus—who has faced the challenges you presently face. Jesus was in this horrendous, difficult time, experiencing deep loneliness and abandonment by His friends. Yet He went through it.
The next time you face difficulty, the next time you face hardship, the next time you feel misunderstood and abandoned, remember that Jesus already has experienced those things. You have someone who understands you, sympathizes with you, and is there to strengthen you.
(A Man of Sorrows)
Then Jesus brought them to an olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go on ahead to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he began to be filled with anguish and deep distress. (Matthew 26:36–37)
If I had the opportunity to know my entire future from today on, I think I would pass. I would rather not know.
But Jesus, being God, knew everything about His future down to the smallest detail.
As He agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane, He knew that in just a few short hours, He would be nailed to a Roman cross and crucified. He knew that He would be humiliated. He would be beaten. He would go through a horrendous whipping. He knew the great anguish that was ahead.
The Bible tells us Jesus was “a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief” (Isaiah 53:3). The Bible also says in Hebrews, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it” (4:15).
In other words, God knows what you’re going through. You have a High Priest—that is, Jesus—who has faced the challenges you presently face. Jesus was in this horrendous, difficult time, experiencing deep loneliness and abandonment by His friends. Yet He went through it.
The next time you face difficulty, the next time you face hardship, the next time you feel misunderstood and abandoned, remember that Jesus already has experienced those things. You have someone who understands you, sympathizes with you, and is there to strengthen you.
Friday, August 1, 2008
TDW 08-01-08 God's Accepted Children
By: Neil Anderson
(God's Accepted Children)
1 John 3:2
Beloved, now we are children of God
Having a right relationship with God begins with settling once and for all the issue that God is your loving Father and you are His accepted, adopted child. That's the foundational truth of your spiritual heritage. You are a child of God, you are created in His image, you have been declared righteous by Him because you trust that what Christ accomplished in His death and resurrection is applicable to you. As long as you believe that and walk accordingly, your daily experience of practical Christianity will result in growth. But when you forget who you are, and try to produce in your daily experience the acceptance God has already extended to you, you'll struggle. We don't serve God to gain His acceptance; we are accepted so we serve God. We don't follow Him in order to be loved; we are loved so we follow Him.
That's why you are called to live by faith (Romans 1:16, 17). The essence of the victorious Christian life is believing what is already true about you. Do you have a choice? Of course! Satan will try to convince you that you are an unworthy, unacceptable, sin-sick person who will never amount to anything in God's eyes. Is that who you are? No, you are not! You are a saint whom God has declared righteous. Believing Satan's lie will lock you into a defeated, fruitless life. But believing God's truth about your identity will set you free.
Your perception of your identity makes such a big difference in your success at dealing with the challenges and conflicts of your life. It is imperative to your growth and maturity that you believe God's truth about who you are.
The Bible says, "See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are" (1 John 3:1). Tragically, many believers are desperately trying to become something they already are, while others are living like something they aren't. It's true: "Beloved, now we are children of God" (1 John 3:2).
Prayer:
Lord God, I affirm anew that I am Your blood-bought child. The evil one cannot touch me as long as I live according to my position in Christ.
(God's Accepted Children)
1 John 3:2
Beloved, now we are children of God
Having a right relationship with God begins with settling once and for all the issue that God is your loving Father and you are His accepted, adopted child. That's the foundational truth of your spiritual heritage. You are a child of God, you are created in His image, you have been declared righteous by Him because you trust that what Christ accomplished in His death and resurrection is applicable to you. As long as you believe that and walk accordingly, your daily experience of practical Christianity will result in growth. But when you forget who you are, and try to produce in your daily experience the acceptance God has already extended to you, you'll struggle. We don't serve God to gain His acceptance; we are accepted so we serve God. We don't follow Him in order to be loved; we are loved so we follow Him.
That's why you are called to live by faith (Romans 1:16, 17). The essence of the victorious Christian life is believing what is already true about you. Do you have a choice? Of course! Satan will try to convince you that you are an unworthy, unacceptable, sin-sick person who will never amount to anything in God's eyes. Is that who you are? No, you are not! You are a saint whom God has declared righteous. Believing Satan's lie will lock you into a defeated, fruitless life. But believing God's truth about your identity will set you free.
Your perception of your identity makes such a big difference in your success at dealing with the challenges and conflicts of your life. It is imperative to your growth and maturity that you believe God's truth about who you are.
The Bible says, "See how great a love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are" (1 John 3:1). Tragically, many believers are desperately trying to become something they already are, while others are living like something they aren't. It's true: "Beloved, now we are children of God" (1 John 3:2).
Prayer:
Lord God, I affirm anew that I am Your blood-bought child. The evil one cannot touch me as long as I live according to my position in Christ.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
