Selfish Christianity
John 6:22-27
Which interests you more—who Jesus is or what He can do for you? I’m afraid that too many of us are more concerned about what He can give us than we are about getting to know who He is.
But this is nothing new—Jesus had this problem when He walked on earth. The crowds often sought Him out for what He could do for them. Even though their needs were quite often legitimate, Christ knew their motives.
There is a fine line between selfishly trying to use the Lord to get what we want and humbly coming to Him with our needs and struggles. Some of the issues we bring to Him are so pressing and urgent in our minds that our desire for Him to take action in the way we want becomes greater than our willingness to submit to His will. At times, what we call “faith” is really a demanding spirit.
We must remember that our needs will come to an end, but Jesus Christ will remain forever. If our prayers have dealt only with presenting our requests to the Lord, we’ve missed a great opportunity to get to know the One with whom we’ll spend eternity. Let’s invest time in pursuing intimacy with Christ. Then we can enjoy the benefits of that relationship forever.
How much of your communion with God is devoted to your needs—even legitimate ones? Are you spending any time getting to know the Lord? Although God delights in our prayers and tells us to pray about everything, He also wants us to come to Him just because we enjoy being with Him.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Samson uses foxes to burn the Philistines' crops and kills 1,000 men.
Judges 15
Samson uses foxes to burn the Philistines' crops and kills 1,000 men.
INSIGHT
A list of the sins of Samson:
Fraternizing with pagans
Marrying an unbeliever
Disobeying his parents
Touching a dead animal
Murdering innocent people
Visiting a harlot
Lying
We are often tempted to disregard the truth. We weary of being good and fighting natural inclinations. But one look at Samson's life reveals the consequences of giving in to that weariness. We must wait on the Lord and have our strength renewed.
PRAYER
Give praise to God that He forgives our sins and uses us to accomplish His purposes despite our iniquities:
The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works,
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them. . . .
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord;
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever (Psalm 145:17-19, 21).
Pause for personal 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 (Psalm 130:1-4).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:4-5).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Greater appreciation of God's mercy
A favorite ministry
Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this closing prayer:
Set me as a seal upon your heart,
As a seal upon your arm (Song of Solomon 8:6).
Samson uses foxes to burn the Philistines' crops and kills 1,000 men.
INSIGHT
A list of the sins of Samson:
Fraternizing with pagans
Marrying an unbeliever
Disobeying his parents
Touching a dead animal
Murdering innocent people
Visiting a harlot
Lying
We are often tempted to disregard the truth. We weary of being good and fighting natural inclinations. But one look at Samson's life reveals the consequences of giving in to that weariness. We must wait on the Lord and have our strength renewed.
PRAYER
Give praise to God that He forgives our sins and uses us to accomplish His purposes despite our iniquities:
The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works,
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them. . . .
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord;
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever (Psalm 145:17-19, 21).
Pause for personal 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 (Psalm 130:1-4).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:4-5).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Greater appreciation of God's mercy
A favorite ministry
Your activities for the day
Finally, offer this closing prayer:
Set me as a seal upon your heart,
As a seal upon your arm (Song of Solomon 8:6).
Influential Women of the Bible: Phoebe
Influential Women of the Bible: Phoebe
The story of Phoebe is found in Romans 16:1-2.
Romans 16 starts with the Apostle Paul’s introduction of Phoebe. Paul’s comments about Phoebe are words of recommendation to ensure that she is treated in a worthy manner. The word “commend” in Romans 16:1 means to entrust, to recommend, or to praise; it is an expression of approval. Some suggest that the reason for Phoebe’s special recommendation is that she was the deliverer of this letter to the Romans. Paul’s ability to trust Phoebe with this important letter alludes to the type of person she was.
Phoebe may have been a woman of great wealth, but she was not commended by Paul for her wealth. She may have been a beautiful woman, but she was not praised for her beauty. Paul used two words to describe Phoebe – words signifying leadership, respect, and trust. Romans 16:1 describes Phoebe as “a servant of the church.” The next verse further describes her as a “succourer” or “helper” of many, including Paul. Phoebe was a responsible and effective leader in the church. She used whatever gifts she had in the service of the Lord. She had a servant’s heart. She was a woman of influence and authority with the task of assisting the Romans in living out their Christian faith by living in harmony with each other.
Living in a culture that is largely driven by name and brand recognition, in order to “make it,” we often employ tactics of self-promotion. The honor we bestow on ourselves and one another is usually based on certain achievements, excellence in performance, or an act of bravery. Such commendations are largely subjective. I’m so glad God is not like man. We may look at our lives in despair unable to find something society calls “praiseworthy,” but God looks at the heart and honors us based on His point of view. In the New Testament Jesus bestowed honor on the most unusual people. He commended the responsive heart of a child (Mark 10:15), the contrite heart of a prostitute (Luke 7:44-50), and the humble heart of a sinner (Luke 18:13-14), to name a few.
“’Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NIV). Let Phoebe’s example encourage you to use your own gifts to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who need to hear it. And may you use your influence to serve and help those around you, and to heal wounds caused by conflict and rejection.
The story of Phoebe is found in Romans 16:1-2.
Romans 16 starts with the Apostle Paul’s introduction of Phoebe. Paul’s comments about Phoebe are words of recommendation to ensure that she is treated in a worthy manner. The word “commend” in Romans 16:1 means to entrust, to recommend, or to praise; it is an expression of approval. Some suggest that the reason for Phoebe’s special recommendation is that she was the deliverer of this letter to the Romans. Paul’s ability to trust Phoebe with this important letter alludes to the type of person she was.
Phoebe may have been a woman of great wealth, but she was not commended by Paul for her wealth. She may have been a beautiful woman, but she was not praised for her beauty. Paul used two words to describe Phoebe – words signifying leadership, respect, and trust. Romans 16:1 describes Phoebe as “a servant of the church.” The next verse further describes her as a “succourer” or “helper” of many, including Paul. Phoebe was a responsible and effective leader in the church. She used whatever gifts she had in the service of the Lord. She had a servant’s heart. She was a woman of influence and authority with the task of assisting the Romans in living out their Christian faith by living in harmony with each other.
Living in a culture that is largely driven by name and brand recognition, in order to “make it,” we often employ tactics of self-promotion. The honor we bestow on ourselves and one another is usually based on certain achievements, excellence in performance, or an act of bravery. Such commendations are largely subjective. I’m so glad God is not like man. We may look at our lives in despair unable to find something society calls “praiseworthy,” but God looks at the heart and honors us based on His point of view. In the New Testament Jesus bestowed honor on the most unusual people. He commended the responsive heart of a child (Mark 10:15), the contrite heart of a prostitute (Luke 7:44-50), and the humble heart of a sinner (Luke 18:13-14), to name a few.
“’Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18 NIV). Let Phoebe’s example encourage you to use your own gifts to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who need to hear it. And may you use your influence to serve and help those around you, and to heal wounds caused by conflict and rejection.
The Comfortable Church
The Comfortable Church
Matthew 28:16-20
I think it’s fairly evident that the society we live in is very self-centered, and this same characteristic can be present in a church. Whenever a local body of believers develops an inward focus, its fruitfulness in ministry begins to decrease, and each member’s Christian walk is hindered.
Many believers want their church to be cozy and comfortable. They come to listen to a nice sermon, fellowship with friends, and have their needs met. But Godnever intended for the gathering of His people to be like a country club; He calls us to join an army that will bring the gospel into enemy territory.
An effective church—one that poses a real threat to the Enemy—is a body of discipled people who have been taught the truth of Scripture, trained for service, and helped to mature spiritually. But all this is accomplished for the purpose of going out into the world, not for becoming a self-contained sanctuary of Christian comfort.
The urgency of the Lord’s command and the desperate condition of humanity should motivate us to leave the safety of our Christian fellowships and deliver the message of salvation through Jesus. To avoid this responsibility is to miss the Father’s plan for your life and the opportunity to help build His kingdom.
None of us want to waste time or energy on trivial things and thereby miss the exciting fulfillment of God’s will. He has called us, not to a life of comfortable tradition, but to an adventure of obedience. Answer His call—you’ll help fill His kingdom with people from every tribe and nation.
Matthew 28:16-20
I think it’s fairly evident that the society we live in is very self-centered, and this same characteristic can be present in a church. Whenever a local body of believers develops an inward focus, its fruitfulness in ministry begins to decrease, and each member’s Christian walk is hindered.
Many believers want their church to be cozy and comfortable. They come to listen to a nice sermon, fellowship with friends, and have their needs met. But Godnever intended for the gathering of His people to be like a country club; He calls us to join an army that will bring the gospel into enemy territory.
An effective church—one that poses a real threat to the Enemy—is a body of discipled people who have been taught the truth of Scripture, trained for service, and helped to mature spiritually. But all this is accomplished for the purpose of going out into the world, not for becoming a self-contained sanctuary of Christian comfort.
The urgency of the Lord’s command and the desperate condition of humanity should motivate us to leave the safety of our Christian fellowships and deliver the message of salvation through Jesus. To avoid this responsibility is to miss the Father’s plan for your life and the opportunity to help build His kingdom.
None of us want to waste time or energy on trivial things and thereby miss the exciting fulfillment of God’s will. He has called us, not to a life of comfortable tradition, but to an adventure of obedience. Answer His call—you’ll help fill His kingdom with people from every tribe and nation.
Samson desires a Philistine wife.
Judges 14
Samson desires a Philistine wife.
INSIGHT
Some people are strongly gifted and seem to see results, regardless of their personal worthiness. This is true of Samson. It is difficult to imagine a more unworthy vessel for the work of God. It is a challenge to decide if he carelessly disregards wisdom and the Word of God or whether his decision-making ability is somehow impaired. Nevertheless, in spite of his exceedingly foolish escapades, God uses him to bring judgment on the Philistines who have flaunted their hostility toward Jehovah.
PRAYER
Give God praise that He uses His people even though we are all unworthy vessels:
O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him? (Psalm 8:1-4).
Pray this confession as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
O Lord, correct me, but with justice;
Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing (Jeremiah 10:23-24).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:19-21).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Greater appreciation of God's mercy
Your activities for the day
Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this closing prayer:
Teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
Samson desires a Philistine wife.
INSIGHT
Some people are strongly gifted and seem to see results, regardless of their personal worthiness. This is true of Samson. It is difficult to imagine a more unworthy vessel for the work of God. It is a challenge to decide if he carelessly disregards wisdom and the Word of God or whether his decision-making ability is somehow impaired. Nevertheless, in spite of his exceedingly foolish escapades, God uses him to bring judgment on the Philistines who have flaunted their hostility toward Jehovah.
PRAYER
Give God praise that He uses His people even though we are all unworthy vessels:
O Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth,
Who have set Your glory above the heavens!
Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants
You have ordained strength,
Because of Your enemies,
That You may silence the enemy and the avenger.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him? (Psalm 8:1-4).
Pray this confession as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
O Lord, correct me, but with justice;
Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing (Jeremiah 10:23-24).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind.
Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in or steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also (Matthew 6:19-21).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Greater appreciation of God's mercy
Your activities for the day
Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this closing prayer:
Teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
Influential Women of the Bible: Lydia
Influential Women of the Bible: Lydia
The story of Lydia is found in Acts 16:11-15.
Acts chapter 16 introduces us to a woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira. She was a businesswoman, described as a dealer of purple cloth. The use of purple dye had to be gathered drop by drop from a certain shellfish. Because it was so expensive, purple dye was used on garments worn by royalty. As a craftsman in purple dyes, Lydia was a wealthy woman who had come to Philippi to practice her trade. Lydia was also a praying woman and a “worshipper of God.” This term was used for Gentiles who believed in the Jewish God, but were not yet believers in Christ.
Being led of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul travelled to Macedonia and stayed in Philippi for some days. It was at a prayer meeting in Philippi that Lydia heard Paul sharing the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through God’s divine work, she believed. The Bible says that the Lord opened her heart to respond to the message. She apparently was baptized right away along with the members of her household, which probably included children and servants. As soon as Lydia believed, she went to work for Christ. She invited Paul and his companions to stay at her house. She became a servant, tending to the needs of the missionaries. Later in Paul’s mission, he returned to Lydia’s home where he met with and encouraged believers.
It is interesting to note that the Holy Spirit directed Paul to Macedonia to a group of women who had already gathered for prayer. Could it be that the women’s faithfulness in prayer was a magnet that attracted God’s Spirit to move in Philippi? Likewise, your persistent prayers could be the key that unlocks the door to the opening of hearts of many to receive Christ. Find someone to agree in prayer for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit in your churches, homes, neighborhoods, and nation. Find assurance in these words of Jesus: “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:19).
The story of Lydia is found in Acts 16:11-15.
Acts chapter 16 introduces us to a woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira. She was a businesswoman, described as a dealer of purple cloth. The use of purple dye had to be gathered drop by drop from a certain shellfish. Because it was so expensive, purple dye was used on garments worn by royalty. As a craftsman in purple dyes, Lydia was a wealthy woman who had come to Philippi to practice her trade. Lydia was also a praying woman and a “worshipper of God.” This term was used for Gentiles who believed in the Jewish God, but were not yet believers in Christ.
Being led of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul travelled to Macedonia and stayed in Philippi for some days. It was at a prayer meeting in Philippi that Lydia heard Paul sharing the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through God’s divine work, she believed. The Bible says that the Lord opened her heart to respond to the message. She apparently was baptized right away along with the members of her household, which probably included children and servants. As soon as Lydia believed, she went to work for Christ. She invited Paul and his companions to stay at her house. She became a servant, tending to the needs of the missionaries. Later in Paul’s mission, he returned to Lydia’s home where he met with and encouraged believers.
It is interesting to note that the Holy Spirit directed Paul to Macedonia to a group of women who had already gathered for prayer. Could it be that the women’s faithfulness in prayer was a magnet that attracted God’s Spirit to move in Philippi? Likewise, your persistent prayers could be the key that unlocks the door to the opening of hearts of many to receive Christ. Find someone to agree in prayer for a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit in your churches, homes, neighborhoods, and nation. Find assurance in these words of Jesus: “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:19).
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Effective Witnesses
Effective Witnesses
Philippians 2:12-16
Some of the most effective witnesses are those who have gone through painful, trying circumstances. Consider how the gospel has spread in parts of the world that are poor, oppressed, and troubled. Or think of your response to the triumphant stories of former criminals, abuse victims, and religious prisoners. God’s power is manifest in man’s weakest moments.
Whether believers develop into stronger witnesses as a result of difficulties depends on their response to crisis. Many people make the mistake of focusing on the will of man instead of God’s sovereignty. Then they find it impossible to believe that God will bring positive results from their pain.
Those who rise above their circumstances understand that God uses every experience for good (Rom. 8:28). To trust that principle, we must realize that anything we experience is under the authority of a kind, loving Father. Paul’s time in prison yielded better and more abundant fruit than he could have produced any other way (Phil. 1:13). He spread the gospel to the most elite Roman soldiers because he was chained to one after another every day for years. As we turn our attention to Christ, He reveals opportunities for impacting people with the gospel. These are often chances we wouldn’t have had apart from trying circumstances.
You are always in God’s hand. Focusing upon His sovereign will and the good He has in store for you is not easy in hard times. I understand. But I also know that God never allows anything to touch us that He will not turn to our benefit and the good of His kingdom.
Philippians 2:12-16
Some of the most effective witnesses are those who have gone through painful, trying circumstances. Consider how the gospel has spread in parts of the world that are poor, oppressed, and troubled. Or think of your response to the triumphant stories of former criminals, abuse victims, and religious prisoners. God’s power is manifest in man’s weakest moments.
Whether believers develop into stronger witnesses as a result of difficulties depends on their response to crisis. Many people make the mistake of focusing on the will of man instead of God’s sovereignty. Then they find it impossible to believe that God will bring positive results from their pain.
Those who rise above their circumstances understand that God uses every experience for good (Rom. 8:28). To trust that principle, we must realize that anything we experience is under the authority of a kind, loving Father. Paul’s time in prison yielded better and more abundant fruit than he could have produced any other way (Phil. 1:13). He spread the gospel to the most elite Roman soldiers because he was chained to one after another every day for years. As we turn our attention to Christ, He reveals opportunities for impacting people with the gospel. These are often chances we wouldn’t have had apart from trying circumstances.
You are always in God’s hand. Focusing upon His sovereign will and the good He has in store for you is not easy in hard times. I understand. But I also know that God never allows anything to touch us that He will not turn to our benefit and the good of His kingdom.
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