Saturday, November 12, 2011

The Love of God


The Love of God


Most Christians agree that God loves them. We hear catch phrases about this in the church today, and believers often recite Bible verses on this topic. Yet do we really grasp what it means to be cared for in this way by the Creator of the universe?
Let’s explore three aspects of God’s love. First, it is uninfluenced by anything within or around us. We know that even while we were still living in sin, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8); there is simply no greater sacrifice. Nothing we do can hinder God’s love for us—and coming to that realization should lift a burden off your shoulders.
Second, divine love is eternal. Believers will never be separated from it. In fact, Ephesians 1:4 tells us that the Father chose us before the foundation of the world. We know, therefore, that His care for us has always been a fact—and always will be.
Third, we know that God’s love is part of His character (1 John 4:8) and directed toward all people (Matt. 5:45). Yet believers experience it differently from those who do not follow Jesus. Consider what would happen if a patio umbrella shielded part of a garden. When it rains, some flowers might be surrounded by water without actually getting wet. Similarly, a person who doesn’t have a relationship with God isn’t impacted by His love, though it exists and is available.
We can trust the One who loves us intensely and completely. Jesus proved this by dying in our place to spare us the consequences of our sin. He promises to stay with us always and redirects us when we stray. Though we do not always feel His love, it surrounds and protects us forever.

Spiritual leaders in the church must meet spiritual qualifications.


1 Timothy 3

Spiritual leaders in the church must meet spiritual qualifications.

INSIGHT

The church is inherently a spiritual entity and must have spiritual leadership. While it is valid to have leaders who have knowledge and experience in many of the practical matters facing a church, practical leadership must be undergirded with spiritual maturity. A person who desires to be a bishop (elder) or a deacon should be a Christian with a strong track record of integrity and wisdom (see vv. 2-4, 7). These qualifications should be weighed carefully by all who aspire to lead in the church.

PRAYER

We praise Christ, the Head of the church:
I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man . . . to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen
(Ephesians 3:14-16, 19-21)

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?
Or who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol,
Nor sworn deceitfully (Psalm 24:3-4).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes . . .
I have trusted in Your mercy;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me (Psalm 13:3, 5-6).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
  • Peace and contentment
  • Physical safety
  • Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
(Colossians 2:6-7)

Answer the Call


Answer the Call

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

     God calls us to a particular work at an appointed time. He has a special assignment for each and every person. To accomplish His assignment He has placed a gift in us that is to be used to bless others. This gift is to be used for His honor and glory. He gives gifts to different people to complete different tasks. 

Ephesians 4:11-12 says, "And He gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the working of the ministry, for the edifying (building) of the body of Christ. " He does not call everyone to be a pastor or an apostle. He calls some to usher, to attend the parking lot, to sing, etc.

     No matter the position we have in church, we are all called to serve. Galatians 5:13 says, “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”We are all under God’s authority. Jesus is the Shepherd, Governor and Lord and all of our service should be done out of love for Him. Even as we are being faithful to God's earthly ministers and others; we are actually serving the Lord Jesus Christ by obeying His word.


     A servant is one who is under subjection, authority and submission and there are ten ingredients to being an effective servant:
1.  A willingness to serve – it starts in the heart.
2. Accountability - being responsible for your assigned tasks.
3. Diligence - not quitting until the job is done at all cost.
4. Consistency - compatibility and agreement with the set standard.
5. Submission - obedience.
6. Commitment - a willingness to change your plans to meet the vow.
7. Boundaries - operating where God has placed you.
8. Prayer - receiving from God as you give to God.
9. Standard - completing the task in excellence without compromise.
10. God's Word - yield yourself to God's divine purpose.

     My friend, God has anointed you with the ability to accomplish the work of service He has called you to do. The Bible says in Romans 8:30,“Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”  God has called you to His church for a special task and purpose. That task and purpose is to fulfill His vision for your life. God has called you for such a time as this. Now answer the call!

Enduring Satanic Attacks


Enduring Satanic Attacks


Every believer faces temptation. Take a moment to recall a particularly enticing situation involving something that would displease God. Did you realize you were involved in a satanic battle?
The Devil is real. Scripture reveals that he leads an army of fallen angels and is prideful enough to think he can gain victory over God. By definition, a satanic attack is a deliberate assault upon an individual, which is designed to cause spiritual, physical, material, or emotional harm. Satan desires to thwart the Lord's purpose in believers' lives, to rob them of joy and peace, and ultimately to deny God the worship He receives through yielded followers.

As in any war, knowing the enemy's plan helps us prepare for the attack. First, be aware that the battlefield takes place in our minds. To walk in a godly manner with Christ, we must first be sure that our thoughts are in submission to His Spirit. This takes daily surrender and time in God's Word. Second, Satan tempts us during vulnerable moments. Be cautious when you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (This is often known as the H.A.L.T.  warning). Third, he is deceptive; we won't recognize the trap as an evil scheme. Instead, it will seem good, and we'll likely wrestle with some sort of doubt.
As Christians, we should walk closely with Jesus. Satan desires to lure us into destructive actions that rob us of God's plan for a good, full life. Stay connected to the Savior: read the Word, pray, and fellowship with other believers. These are weapons we use against the Devil in spiritual war.

The effective teaching of the truth in the Scriptures will benefit both the teacher and the hearers.


1 Timothy 4

The effective teaching of the truth in the Scriptures will benefit both the teacher and the hearers.

INSIGHT

Anyone who has tasted the maturity given from the Lord to those who serve Him over time will testify that it did not come quickly or easily. Paul writes that we should exercise ourselves to godliness; that "bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things" (v. 8). Like an athlete, a Christian should rejoice with a rigorous course of training - knowing that the more demanding the training, the greater will be the spiritual prowess at the end. The present discomfort is fitting him or her for more victorious effort later. Present painÑlater gain. This message is difficult to communicate and even more difficult to learn. But to this end we must labor (v. 10).

PRAYER

Because the Lord uses trials to make us spiritually strong, we can praise Him even when we are in the midst of trials:
I will love You, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;
My God, my strength, in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
So shall I be saved from my enemies. . . .
The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted (Psalm 18:1-3, 46).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
"I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions,
And like a cloud, your sins.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you" (Isaiah 44:22).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."
(John 11:25)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
  • Greater love for the lost
  • Missionaries in Africa
  • Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24).

Thursday, November 10, 2011

The Way of the World.

A good friend Alex Magaisa said these words. "Each morning, somewhere in Africa, the Lion wakes up when the sun rises and knows it must run faster that the slowest Gazelle otherwise it will starve and die.

Each morning, somewhere in Africa, the Gazelle wakes up when the sun rises and knows it must run faster than the fastest Lion otherwise it will be captured and killed. 

It doesn't matter whether you are the Lion or the Gazelle, when the s
un rises, you must run. (unknown)

That's the way of the world, Cdes - and Good Morning to you all but don't forget to run.

Either you have to catch like the Lion or avoid being caught by the Lion
". I also add the following that those that have trusted in the Lord shall neither have to run, to catch nor not to be caught for the Lord will hide and feed you in plain site. He said he who dwells in the secret place of the Almighty, shall abide under his shadow and seek refuge under His pinions and wings. In conclusion be strong into the Lord in his bountifulness mighty provides, through your union with him.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Togetherness in the Body


Togetherness in the Body



Paul wrote today’s passage in a letter to the divided body of Corinthian believers. The church was allowing a disagreement to hinder their fellowship. Paul knew the steep danger of dissension among believers.
Scripture is clear about the church’s mission. Some of its highest goals include sharing the gospel with all nations, caring for those in need, and worshiping together, along with loving, encouraging, and admonishing one another in God’s truth. None of these is fully possible if a church is divided, whether physically or mentally.
God wants His people to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3 niv). So if all Christians base their beliefs on the Bible, they should be able to settle every argument according to its truth, right? Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Our human nature, preferences, and different interpretations of Scripture can cause disagreements. Consider, for example, how many churches have experienced strife over music styles.
Tragically, when differences are divisive, our mission becomes blurred and we are ineffective. Just as fishermen cannot catch fish with a broken net, we are unable to effectively share Jesus with the world when our fellowship is not intact. Tomorrow, we will explore how to keep unity in the church.
Are your actions and words strengthening your fellow Christians? Or do you gossip, express negativity, and push your own preferences and opinions? Be careful. God has mandated that our conduct positively impact the church’s unity. This is essential if we are to accomplish His purpose.

Today's Word - Large Mountains.

When everything is so overwhelming, and looks like large mountains in front of you. Do not fret for you have already overcome them, you are more than a conqueror. It's not about you, it's about who is backing you up. Therefore stand strong and keep your head up and trust in him. Go out there show them what you are made of and enjoy your day.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Today's Word - Giving Love.

Scripture says give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Today let's wish 5 people a day full of love and joy, for with the same measure we will also receive love and joy. I declare a day of love and joy for all, may God bless you.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

How to Get the Most Out of Your Work


How to Get the Most Out of Your Work


According to Scripture, work is to be part of the believer's life. We all have daily tasks, and many Christians hold jobs outside the home. Some people view these as drudgery. Others wake up excited to face the day's challenges. What is your outlook?
There is an important biblical principle to follow if you are going to enjoy your work: View yourself as a servant. This might be hard if you feel unappreciated or your coworkers are difficult. But consider the example that the Lord set for us. He was rejected, tortured, and crucified. Yet Jesus was willing to serve even His tormentors with His attitude and, ultimately, with His life. Colossians 3:23-24 states, "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men . . . It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."
When I was in college, this proved to be a valuable perspective. I worked in the bleachery, which was the hottest and most uncomfortable job at the local textile mill. At first, I focused on how much I disliked this position. But I decided to change my attitude and look for opportunities to serve Jesus through my work. For the first time, the heat did not bother me. In fact, I was eager to share my faith with those around me. People listened and responded because they noticed my demeanor.
No job is perfect; each position has negative aspects. But we can find joy and excitement even in the most menial task when we decide to work for God. Choose to serve Christ in all you do. After all, why face each day with dread when you could experience excitement and anticipation?

The coming of the Lord will be instantaneous, and we should be ready!


1 Thessalonians 5

The coming of the Lord will be instantaneous, and we should be ready!

INSIGHT

Many people who claim to believe in God have never made a commitment to Him. They say that at the end of their lives they will accept Jesus as Savior, preferring instead to live as they please rather than bowing to His claims. In their deceived minds, they have outwitted God and had it both ways. This is extremely foolish and very dangerous. Such people rarely get more spiritually sensitive in their old age. In fact, they often become more resistant to the Lord. Also, we never know when we will die. An accident might take us before we can repent. Or the Lord could come at any minute, and it would be too late. The coming of the Lord will be like "a thief in the night" (v. 2).

PRAYER

Praise God that in Christ we can be ready for the coming of the Lord:
Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
Give to the Lord glory and strength.
Give to the Lord the glory due His name;
Bring an offering, and come before Him;
Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! (1 Chronicles 16:28-29).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord;
Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive
To the voice of my supplications.
If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared. . . .
O Israel, hope in the Lord;
For with the Lord there is mercy,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
(Psalm 130:1-4, 7)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.
(2 Timothy 1:12)

The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
  • The hungry around the world
  • Your activities for the day
  • Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
"The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you." (Numbers 6:24-25)

Friday, November 4, 2011

When You're Between a Rock and a Hard Place

When You're Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Isaiah 43:1-5 -  1But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.  2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.  3For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.  4Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.  5Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;  


When reading this passage of scripture, Moses and the children of Israel during their exodus from Egypt, comes to mind.  In the 14th chapter of Exodus, Pharaoh finally lets God’s people go, but suddenly changes his mind.  He than pursues after them, with great intensity.  When Pharaoh does catch up with them, they are camped by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon (verse 9).  The children of Israel see Pharaoh coming…they are stuck.  The Red Sea is in front of them, and Pharaoh and his army are in back of them. What are they to do?  They began to cry out to Moses.  Moses cries out to God, and God says “move forward”.  He tells Moses to stretch out his rod.  The Red Sea parts and the children of Israel walk in the midst of the sea, on dry land.  Pharaoh’s army pursues and drowns as the waters return to normal (verses 10-31)

Have you ever been between a rock and a hard place?  To be between a rock and a hard place means that in difficulty you are faced with a choice between two unsatisfactory options.  Moses was between a rock (Pharaoh’s army) and a hard place (the Red Sea), but God showed up and showed out, giving them the victory in a definite impossible situation. What is your rock, or what is the thing that so deeply affects you?  What is you hard place…your unbearable situation.  We don’t have to be afraid, we don’t have to worry, because we have confidence in knowing that no matter what it looks like… no matter what it sounds like… no matter what it feels like ultimately everything in our lives, good or bad must bow to the will and purpose of God in our lives. 

Be encouraged to know that God, our God is telling us to “move forward”!  Even if you are between a rock and a hard place, you are never stuck, when God is doing the leading.  March on to victory in Jesus’ name!

Transforming Your Workplace


Transforming Your Workplace



This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven..." (Matthew 6:9-10).



What would your workplace look like if this prayer were answered today where you work?
"Transformation" is a powerful word. Just hearing it, you almost automatically think of radical conversions and incredible change. But is it possible to transform your workplace into something Christ-like? Jesus thinks so.
One example involves a story told in Ed Silvoso's book, Anointed for Business, about a Filipino business man who owned a hotel chain. God saved this man and began an amazing transformation in his life and his large scale hotel.
The man owned a 1600-room hotel that covered three buildings. Because of its rates and location, the hotel had become a haven for prostitution, with the rooms being used as much as five times a day. There were over 2000 employees, and the primary clientele were more than 3000 prostitutes. One of Silvoso's associates shared with the owner a formula for winning the lost, so he hired 40 pastors and told them to follow these instructions:
a. Speak peace to the wolves. Bless those who curse you. b. Eat and drink with the sinners. Become their friends. c. Pray for them and their needs.
The pastors were not to share the gospel until they'd met these three requirements for two years. What an investment. But ultimately, it paid off. The pastors followed these three rules and saw every single one of the 2,000 employees become saved. The hotel was upgraded to an executive level, raising the rates and forcing the prostitutes out because they could no longer afford it. They even added a prayer chapel with 24/7 prayer available to anyone by dialing '7' on the telephone. Two years later, 10,000 guests had received the Lord on the property.*
That's transformation! And that's the kind of transformation we can see in our workplaces. We just have to find the vision and the willingness to ask God, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me do?"

 *Adapted from story in Anointed for Business, Ed Silvoso, Regal Books, Ventura, CA 2006.

A Life of Obedience


A Life of Obedience



God knows who we really are—sinners by nature and practice. Before salvation, we were actively rebelling against His authority and pursuing our own way. Yet He loved us so much that He sent His Son to sacrifice His life in payment for the sin debt we owed (John 3:16). God’s love for us is a compelling reason to obey Him in all things.
Christ demonstrated what a life of obedience looks like. He regularly withdrew from the crowds to spend time in prayer and thereby discover God’s will. Jesus sought to please His Father in everything He did—and wanted the world to recognize that to obey demonstrates love (John 14:31).
Both the Old and New Testaments provide examples of this principle. David lived an imperfect life, but God knew the king was wholeheartedly committed to Him (1 Kings 15:5). David declared, “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart” (Ps. 40:8). And the apostle Paul was single-minded for Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14). However, before his conversion, he persecuted Jewish believers (1 Cor. 15:9).
These two men experienced God’s forgiving love firsthand, which motivated them to actively pursue His will. And our heavenly Father knows that none of us can live perfectly, so He wants His children to let the Holy Spirit help them obey.
A life of obedience requires a mind that is focused on the Lord and His plan, a heart committed to following Him, and a will that is surrendered to His authority. It consists of many daily decisions to deny self, resist temptation, and choose His way. How strong is your desire to carry out His will?

Paul informs the Thessalonians regarding the Lord Jesus Christ's second coming.


1 Thessalonians 4

Paul informs the Thessalonians regarding the Lord Jesus Christ's second coming.

INSIGHT

Death is a mysterious, unavoidable experience. For the most part a fearful and foreboding process, death is a common factor in human experience: We live to die. Understandably, the most profound question human beings ask is: What happens when we die? Death is fully addressed in the Scriptures - and the answer is one of the most satisfying answers in the Bible: "The dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (vv. 16-17).

PRAYER

Praise God that Christ's death andresurrection removed the sting of death:
Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:4-6).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men,
To see if there are any who understand, who seek God (Psalm 14:2).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed - in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
(1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
  • Deeper understanding of Scripture
  • Missionaries in west Africa
  • Whatever else is on your heart
Close your worship time with this prayer:
I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. (Psalm 7:17)

I can't believe you think that!


I can't believe you think that!



"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom"(James 3:13-14).


"I can't believe you think that," I complained. "I was simply trying to explain that I don't have the same feelings about that issue as you do." The other person's response left little empathy for my position because of the tone in which I had responded. We resigned ourselves to agree to disagree.
We all see things through our own set of glasses at times. Men view things differently than women. Bosses see things differently than employees. One ethnic group will see a situation totally different than another. Our life experiences, our past treatment of circumstances and our personalities all contribute to how we view situations in daily life.
Perception is often each person's reality whether that reality is true or not. Your perception of a situation is going to dictate your response more than the actual reality of it.
Whenever conflict arises from viewing things differently there is really only one way to resolve the difference. Usually the other person is offended by the tone of the other more than the position that is taken. If the other person is offended, we can only offer a few words: "I'm sorry. Will you forgive me for my tone?"
Humbling ourselves is the only way to resolve the relational breach. This does not mean you must agree with the other person's position, it simply means you acknowledge their right to their position and you apologize for the manner in which you responded to their statements. This will usually allow most conflicts to avoid a breach in the relationship.
Is there someone you need to seek forgiveness from for taking an adversarial position?

Obeying God


Obeying God


The high priest ordered Peter and the apostles to stop teaching about Jesus, but they ignored the order. When questioned about their actions, Peter replied, “We must obey God rather than men” (v. 29). What motivated them to follow the Lord with such conviction?
God’s Sovereignty. Peter and the other disciples recognized that God had carried out His divine plan of redemption in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Convinced that salvation was found in Christ alone, they had the courage to speak boldly about their faith. They didn’t alter their words, even in front of a powerful authority. Instead, they gave allegiance to God and obeyed Him.
Thankfulness. Their obedience was also motivated by gratitude. After betraying the Lord, Peter had wept over his failure (Mark 14:72). Think of the disciple’s joy to realize that Christ had forgiven him for his mistakes and restored him to a right relationship with God (Mark 16:7; John 21:15-17). With his past behind him, Peter became a leader of the Jerusalem church, with a passion to obey fueled by a thankful heart.
God is in charge of our lives. He has rescued us from the bondage of sin, forgiven us, and brought us into His family. Grateful obedience should be our response too.
Each day we have a choice. We can acknowledge God’s sovereignty and trust Him, or we can turn away and follow our own plan. Cultivating a thankful spirit will motivate us to stay the course and obey the Lord. Like Peter, let’s commit to following our heavenly Father wherever He leads.

God Is Not About YOUR Success


God Is Not About YOUR Success



"I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:24-26).


God is all about your death so that HIS success can be realized through you! This is why the Church is having such little impact - there are too many believers who have not yet died to their old nature so that Christ can live fully through them. When believers come to the end of themselves they will lose their lives to Him and live through the power of the Holy Spirit and begin to see the reality of a living gospel that impacts lives, workplaces, cities and nations.
"Much of modern Christian enterprise is 'Ishmael.' Born not of God, but of an inordinate desire to do God's will in our own way - the one thing our Lord never did," said Oswald Chambers. The psalmist describes what it means to live in our own strength:
"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat - for he grants sleep to those he loves" (Ps 127:1-2).
How does one die so that Christ can be our all and all? It usually takes a crisis of significant proportions for most people to relinquish the control of their lives. It means we come to the end of ourselves and our striving to control the events in our lives and we finally come to the place where we can say, "Lord, I surrender. Please take full control of my life."
Have you come to this place with God in your life? Let go and let God make you a success His way.

Heirs to a Grand Inheritance


Heirs to a Grand Inheritance


Did you know you are an heir to unimaginable wealth that will never fade away? If you’re a believer, God has an inheritance reserved for you in heaven. In fact, He says you have already obtained it (v. 11). Your right to this treasure is based not on anything you’ve done but on whose you are. If you belong to Christ, it is yours and will be revealed in the last time (1 Pet. 1:4-5).
No one can take our inheritance from us, because God has guaranteed it by sealing us with His Holy Spirit of promise. The transaction is complete and merely awaits the ultimate consummation when everything will be brought under the headship of Christ. This seal shows His ownership and authority over us, and one day our full redemption will come.
Naturally, we all want to know what we’re going to inherit. Much of it is beyond our earthly comprehension, but Scripture gives us a few hints. Part will involve the transformation of both our body and soul. The goal for which God predestined us will be completed as we stand before Him, conformed to the likeness of His Son (Rom. 8:29; 1 John 3:2). And these weak, perishable bodies will be changed into strong, glorious ones that are free from sin and death (Phil. 3:20-21).
Why has the Lord done all this for us? Amazingly, He says it’s so that throughout eternity He can show us “the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Eph. 2:7). In love and gratitude for such amazing goodness, let’s devote each day of our lives to living for Him.

Paul's method of ministry is described. He communicates the Gospel with love and integrity.


1 Thessalonians 2

Paul's method of ministry is described. He communicates the Gospel with love and integrity.

INSIGHT

Whenever the message of your words and the message of your actions conflict, the message of your actions will always win out. You may speak gruffly but act kindly, and you will be known as having a hard shell but being a "softie" on the inside. Or you may speak well but act selfishly, and you will be known as a hypocrite. There is no accusation leveled at Christians more consistently than that of hypocrisy. Our lives must support the reality of the Gospel, or the Gospel will not be taken seriously and we will be resented. Paul writes: "We were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives" (v. 8). Unless we are willing to impart our lives in ministry, our words will mean little.

PRAYER

Thank the Lord and praise Him that He was willing to give us His very life:
Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders? (Exodus 15:11)
"You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You,
nor is there any God besides You,
according to all that we have heard with our ears." (2 Samuel 7:22)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

As you pray this confession to the Lord, seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart
These, O God, You will not despise.
(Psalm 51:16-17)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affir-mation to the Lord:
There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
(1 Timothy 2:5-6)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
  • Greater sensitivity to sin
  • The ministry of your church
  • Your activities for the day
Close with this prayer to the Lord:
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen
(2 Peter 3:18)

The Queen of Heaven


The Queen of Heaven



"The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead the dough and make cakes of bread for the Queen of Heaven" (Jer 7:18).


If you want to change the spiritual climate of your city you must address the principalities that rule that city. Such was the case for the apostle Paul when he went to the city of Ephesus. There was a territorial principality that was worshipped by the people of Ephesus named Diana of the Ephesians (also known by her Greek name, Artemis). The people gave money to this false god and it strongly influenced the economy because of this. The city was also the center for magic and the occult.
Her temple in Ephesus was listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the most outstanding and opulent example of architecture in the whole city. Her followers called her "magnificent," "great goddess," "savior," and "Queen of Heaven."
Paul preached in Asia for two years and had great success confronting this territorial principality. Paul began to neutralize the Queen of Heaven's power so much by the gospel that the common people began to notice. They not only stopped worshipping and sacrificing to her, the silversmith's who were manufacturing idols were going out of business, so they staged a public riot. They filled the huge amphitheater and shouted for two hours, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians" (Acts 19:34).
Many who were converted burned all of the idols and magic books. "When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power" (Acts 19:20). Based on the U.S. economy today, the pile of magic paraphernalia that was burned would have been worth four million dollars!*
In order for you to impact your city you must identify and break down the ruling principalities that may be hindering the gospel there. The more common principalities in the western world would include the religious spirit, the spirit of mammon, pride, and freemasonry to name a few.
Ask God for wisdom and discernment as you prepare to deal with your local and regional principalities.

 Adapted from Confronting the Queen of Heaven, C. Peter Wagner, Wagner Books, 11005 N. Highway 83, Colorado Springs, CO p. 14-17 2001

The Freedom of Salvation


The Freedom of Salvation


Most of us are accustomed to working for a reward. We get paid for a completed job, and there’s a bonus when our effort exceeds expectation. It’s understandable, then, why so many people assume salvation depends upon our actions. But thankfully, that is simply not the case.
The Ten Commandments reveal God’s standard for holiness, but besides Jesus, no one has ever obeyed them perfectly. In fact, James 2:10 points out that “whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of it all.” Just one jealous thought, unkind comment, or dishonoring action to parents is all it takes to be a lawbreaker, according to God’s specifications.
In other words, if salvation depended on our inadequate self-righteousness, nobody could be saved. But these ten rules weren’t intended to save us. Instead, they were meant to show our helplessness and point us to Christ (Gal. 3:24).
Our heavenly Father knew that in our own strength, we were inadequate to keep His law. Yet out of grace, He sent His sinless Son to take the penalty we deserved for our wrongdoing—death (Rom. 6:23). Jesus bore our iniquities, died, and rose from the grave. In doing so , He conquered sin so that we can be free.
Jesus’ death and resurrection broke the bonds of sin. Are you living in the freedom His blood made possible? We can do nothing to reconcile ourselves to God; our only hope is to accept the free gift of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. In surrendering our life to Him, we find true freedom.

Relating to those Different from Us


Relating to those Different from Us



"The Samaritan woman said to him, 'You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?'" (John 4:9).


Do you find it difficult to relate to others who are different than you? Do you shy away from interacting with those who may have a different belief?
Jesus interacted with his culture and especially those who thought differently than He. When Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well it was much like a Christian speaking to a Muslim or a Jew speaking to a Palestinian. Jesus built a relationship with the woman instead of taking an adversarial position.
In order to influence our culture it is vital believers engage with those unlike us. We often assume others who come from other cultures do not want to engage with us. This is a deception from Satan. Many who grow up in other faiths do so as a cultural tradition, not because they have strongly held beliefs. For instance, many Muslims do not know what is in the Quran and simply believe what they are taught based on tradition.
Every person is looking for a genuine relationship with God. Jesus operated based on that assumption. Notice how Jesus engaged with the woman.
"Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back." "I have no husband," she replied. Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet (John 4: 13-19).
Once Jesus established a rapport with the woman He began to engage with her. He spoke supernaturally into her life which broke through the religious spirit which prevented a theological debate. This led to faith in Christ and even the city being impacted.
Why not seek out a relationship with someone different from yourself. You'll be surprised how God might use you.

Reasons to Trust


Reasons to Trust

Proverbs 3:5-6

We often find it easy to trust the Lord when circumstances are pleasant. In difficult times, though, resting in Him can be challenging. Yet that is precisely what God told David to d "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall deliver you" (Ps. 50:15).
As we saw yesterday, trusting the Lord is possible because of His love for us. In the Bible, we see this divine love clearly demonstrated through the Father's character, the Savior's atoning death, and the believer's adoption as a child of God.
Another reason we can rely upon our heavenly Father is His infinite wisdom (Rom. 11:33). He always knows what is best for us, and His judgments are perfect. We don't understand all that goes into God's plan—compared to the full, clear view He has of our lives, we see just a limited picture of reality. Therefore, what He chooses for us may not make sense at the time. 
We can also depend upon the Lord because He is sovereign. In other words, whatever He—in His wisdom and love—chooses to do, He is able to accomplish. Nothing stands in the way of our God. He is in complete control of all things; even Satan must obtain His permission before taking action (Job 1:9-12).
We understandably dislike adversity intensely and may feel tempted to ask, "Why, Lord?" Yet by recognizing that God acts in love, wisdom, and sovereignty, we can know that He's allowed the situation and has our long-term best in mind. So we can replace "why?" with gratitude and trust.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Conduct yourself with wisdom, and let your speech be filled with grace.


Colossians 4

Conduct yourself with wisdom, and let your speech be filled with grace.

INSIGHT

"Out of the abundance of [a man's] heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45). A man cannot claim his heart is kind if his words are unkind. He cannot claim his heart embraces heaven's values if his mouth speaks the values of the world. The heart is a reservoir and the mouth a faucet. When the faucet is turned on, whatever is in the reservoir comes out. Paul writes: "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6). Elsewhere he writes: "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29). Listen to your speech! Analyze your heart!

PRAYER

Out of the abundance of your heart, offer to the Lord the praise of your lips:
Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints!
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested(Revelation 15:3-4).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
The God of my salvation,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.
O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth Your praise (Psalm 51:14-15).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
If you love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:15).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
  • Your growth as you pursue your full potential as a child of God
  • Fulfillment of the Great Commission
  • Whatever else is on your heart
Close with this prayer to the Lord:
We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
(Hebrews 2:9)

What will you do during the Storm?

What will you do during the Storm?

In chapter 1 of the book of Job, we read the story of Job, and his sufferings.  The bible says that Job was honest inside and out.  He was a man of his word, totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion.  He had seven sons and three daughters.  His wealth included seven thousand head of sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred teams of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and a huge staff of servants.  He was the most influential man in all the east (Job 1:1-3). 

The scripture says that when Job’s children would party like there was no tomorrow, he made it a habit to get up early the next morning to make sacrifices for them, just in case one of them may have sinned by defying God inwardly (1:4-5)

God tells Satan that Job only serves him because he blessed him with prosperity.  If you take away all that he has, he will surely curse you to your face (Job 1:11).  God allows Satan to test Job’s faith.  All of a sudden messengers start coming in with bad news for Job.  Raiders stole the oxen and donkey.  Other raiders stole the camels and killed the herders.  A wind toppled the house where all his children were partying crushing all his children.  Messenger after messenger with devastating news.  Job lost everything!  Satan was sure that he had won- that Job would now curse God to his face, but the unexpected happened! Job began to say; “The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away! Praise the name of the Lord”  (Job 1:21).  Instead of cursing God, Job began to worship God!

Job was in a storm.  One definition for a storm from dictionary.com is, “to attack or assault persons, places, or things”.  This reminds me of a storm that happened a few short years ago - Katrina.  Hurricane Katrina shot through Louisiana so quickly and with such devastation.  This storm brought out the best of humanity - heroes, good deeds, sacrifice, and toughness, it also brought out the worst in people - greed, selfishness, and murder.  My question is, How will you act during your storm?  We all go though storms in our lives.  Maybe not natural storms, but a spiritual storm that blows at our faith in God.  This was the case for Job.  After losing property, position, and people he loved, He fell to the ground and worshipped God.  Why was Job able to do this?  Because Job looked at what was left instead of what was lost.  Despite the storm, he still had his faith in God.  Most people get depressed and turn to other things in the midst of a storm, because they hold a “scarcity mentality” instead of an “abundant mentality”.  A scarcity mentality will cause you to look at loss, at what you don’t have.  An abundant mentality will allow you to see potential, to see what is to come - to see that God’s word never goes out void, but will accomplish the thing to which it was sent.  It is one of these ways of thinking that will cause us to either to worship during our storm, or complain during our storm.  What will you do the next time you go through your storm.

Be encouraged when going through your storm, don’t look around at what was lost but look inward to the presence of an Almighty God. Then you will be able to worship during the storm.

Worship and Work


Worship and Work



"One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike" (Rom 14:5).


Avodah (Ah´-voe-dah) is a Hebrew noun used in the Bible that has two distinct yet intertwined meanings: worship and work. It is also derived from the Hebrew verb L'Avod which has two meanings; to work and also to worship. The dual meaning offers powerful wisdom for modern times for how we are to view our work lives.
Work, if done with integrity and unto God, is a form of worship in the biblical Hebrew context. There has never been a concept of segmenting our work from our faith life in the Bible. It is in the realm of the sacred to bring God into our everyday life. Hebrews did not set aside a "day of worship," such as Saturday or Sunday, but everyday is a place and time of worship. They did set aside a Sabbath day of rest.
It is a western idea to segment one's faith life from our work like. In the Middle East and Asia, their cultures would never separate their faith from their work life even though their faith foundations might clearly contradict Christian beliefs. When someone comes to faith in Christ from this area of the world, they have an easier time of assimilating their faith into their work because they have always done so.
God calls us to do our work as an act of worship to Him. Our work is not to be a place of sweat and toil, but an expression of our love, faith and adoration of Jesus Christ. Today, before you work, ask God to help you see your work in a new way--as worship to Him.

We have been raised up with Christ and should seek the things above.


Colossians 3

We have been raised up with Christ and should seek the things above.

INSIGHT

It is possible to be one place physically and another place mentally. It happens every Sunday morning in church. Bodies warm the pews while minds roam the kitchens and golf courses of the nation. In a graver example, prisoners of war survive by taking themselves mentally into another world away from the prison and there find meaning and solace. We, as Christians, are to do the same. We are to take ourselves out of the physical world, into the spiritual world, and operate according to its values, truths, and realities. "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above. . . . Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (vv. 1-2).

PRAYER

Place your mind on Christ, and give Him your praise as you seek the things above:
O Lord my God, in You I put my trust;
Save me from all those who persecute me;
And deliver me . . .
I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High (Psalm 7:1, 17).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving, and pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin and in fellowship with Him:
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence,
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation,
And uphold me by Your generous Spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to You.
(Psalm 51:10-13)

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
This is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
(1 John 3:23)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
  • Faithfulness in sharing Christ
  • The Lord's work in national and world affairs
  • Your activities for the day
Close your time of worship by offering this prayer to the Lord:
May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen
(1 Peter 5:10-11)

Retirement or a New Assignment?


For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill... (Eccl 2:21).

He didn't begin this job until he was sixty-nine years old. He had already had a successful Hollywood movie career and decided to try his hand at politics. He would be known by one job more than any other. He would also be known as one of the United State's greatest statesmen. He had a faith that was genuine but not intruding or very public, but you knew where he stood. He always treated people, even his detractors with grace. He was known for his extraordinary love he had for his wife.
His name was Ronald Reagan, and he did not begin his greatest work until he was sixty-nine years old. By this season of life, most are thinking of retirement in Florida. Ronald Reagan decided to run for President of the United States and successfully served two terms as our 40th President.
It was Reagan's faith that led him to see the Soviet Union as an "evil empire." He'll be remembered as the President who brought down communism in the Soviet Union. And it was his Christian faith that gave him the quiet confidence and self-certainty that made him a great leader and earned him the title "the great communicator."
Where did he get his spiritual values? There were a number of influences. First and foremost was his mother, Nelle Reagan. I'm confident that had Nelle Reagan died in the winter of 1918-19 - a near-victim of the devastating influenza epidemic that killed millions of healthy, middle-aged mothers around the world - Ronald Reagan very likely would not have become President. It was Nelle who insisted her boy go to church-a request he happily obliged-and it was in church that Reagan picked up not only those core beliefs and values, but also the intangibles so vital to his success: his confidence, his eternal optimism (which he called a "God-given optimism"), and even his ability to speak. Indeed, history has also overlooked the fact that the Great Communicator found his first audiences in a church. He learned to speak in a church.*
Consider this: Your greatest work may yet be ahead of you. Don't let age keep you from being used by God.

*http://www.heritage.org/Research/PoliticalPhilosophy/hl832.cfm