The apostle Paul was called by God to bring the gospel to his generation. He had perhaps the most unexpected conversion in human history, as he previously had set himself to effectively destroy the Christian faith. But when Paul, known then as Saul of Tarsus, met the living Jesus, that all changed.
Among other things, this is what Jesus said to him:
"Now stand up! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and my witness. You are to tell the world about this experience and about other times I will appear to you. And I will protect you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am going to send you to the Gentiles" (Acts 26:16-17 NLT).
Christ's commission of Paul took the form of three words . . .
Paul's Past. Verse 16 says, "I have appeared to you." In other words, Paul had seen with his own eyes the risen Christ.
Paul's Present. Verse 17 says, "I will protect you." Nothing would stop Paul from completing his life and ministry. He would not be silenced until his God-appointed work was done. That did not mean it would be easy, for Jesus also told him he would "suffer." But he would finish his work or, as Paul said earlier, "finish his race with joy."
Paul's Future. Jesus tells Paul in verse 17, "Yes, I am going to send you to the Gentiles." Jesus was personally commissioning Paul to do this.
In the same way, we too have our past, present, and future.
1. Our Past: Jesus has "appeared" to us. No, not in the same way as He did for Paul, but He has made Himself known to us. There is even a special blessing for the person who has not "seen Him" in John 20:29: "Then Jesus told him, 'You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway.'"
2. Our Present: Jesus will rescue us. We will finish the life God has given us to live and the task He wants us to complete. In Isaiah 54, we read that "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper" (NKJV). Psalm 91 has even more promises of protection for the believer.
3. Our Future: Jesus is calling us. We all have a calling to fulfill, a task to complete, a race to run. We all have been called to live godly lives that glorify Him. We have all been called to "preach the gospel." We have been commissioned by Jesus Himself to "Go therefore into all the world (your home,your job, your community) . . ."
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
"Remembering God’s Priority"
37) The Lord said to Moses, 38) "Speak to the Israelites and tell them this: 'Tie several pieces of thread together and attach them to the corners of your clothes. Put a blue thread in each one of these tassels. Wear them from now on. 39) You will have these tassels to look at to remind you of all the Lord's commands. Then you will obey them and not be disloyal by following what your bodies and eyes want. 40) Then you will remember to obey all my commands, and you will be God's holy people. 41) I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.' " Num. 15: 37-41 (NCV)
At times, people will say, “I’ve made Jesus a part of my life.” But this statement reveals that they have missed the point. The truth is, Jesus can never be simply a part of life; at salvation, Jesus becomes our life—everything revolves around Him, because He is the central focus.
For the believer, the essence of living is to walk in childlike obedience to Christ. That means we express His righteous life simply by faith; to do this, we depend on the power of the Holy Spirit for enablement and divine grace for forgiveness when we stumble. And stumbling will occur because we live amidst two kingdoms that are in constant conflict. On the one hand, there’s the pull of the world, and on the other, the pull of God. In other words, Satan throws temptations our way, but from our Father comes the appeal of holiness, peace, and joy in Christ.
That’s why Jesus taught, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The way to do this is by opening God’s Word daily and letting Him use Scripture to flush from our minds anything that doesn’t fit with His priority (Rom. 12:2). We are also to remind ourselves frequently of His commands and His greatness (Ps. 105:4-5; Num. 15:37-41).
The battle is ongoing. And it rages not just in the realms of education, science, politics, and finances but also within every human heart. Since there’s no way to make it in life without Christ, it’s critical that we keep God’s priority as our own and make continual course corrections to stay on track.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
At times, people will say, “I’ve made Jesus a part of my life.” But this statement reveals that they have missed the point. The truth is, Jesus can never be simply a part of life; at salvation, Jesus becomes our life—everything revolves around Him, because He is the central focus.
For the believer, the essence of living is to walk in childlike obedience to Christ. That means we express His righteous life simply by faith; to do this, we depend on the power of the Holy Spirit for enablement and divine grace for forgiveness when we stumble. And stumbling will occur because we live amidst two kingdoms that are in constant conflict. On the one hand, there’s the pull of the world, and on the other, the pull of God. In other words, Satan throws temptations our way, but from our Father comes the appeal of holiness, peace, and joy in Christ.
That’s why Jesus taught, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The way to do this is by opening God’s Word daily and letting Him use Scripture to flush from our minds anything that doesn’t fit with His priority (Rom. 12:2). We are also to remind ourselves frequently of His commands and His greatness (Ps. 105:4-5; Num. 15:37-41).
The battle is ongoing. And it rages not just in the realms of education, science, politics, and finances but also within every human heart. Since there’s no way to make it in life without Christ, it’s critical that we keep God’s priority as our own and make continual course corrections to stay on track.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wanted: Disciples
If you are a true disciple of Jesus Christ, if you are living the Christian life as it was meant to be lived, then please talk about it. Some Christians who believe that if others observe the way they are living, if others see they are honest and love their family and work hard, then they will notice and will come to Jesus.
While it is true that others will notice, true disciples also need to step it up and tell others about what they believe. As Romans 10:13 says, "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"
In addition to being salt in the world, Christians are to be light as well. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world . . ." (Matthew 5:14). Someone who is being salt is stimulating in others a thirst for Christ. Someone who is being a light is someone who is proclaiming Christ. So let's be both. There is a place for living it, and there is a place for telling it.
But I would also add that if you are not living it, then please don't talk about it. If you are not going to really try to live as a Christian, then don't go tell others about Jesus, because you actually will do more harm than good.
The world needs to see true disciples of Jesus. What it doesn't need to see are any more bad examples. It doesn't need to see any more watered-down commitments. It doesn't need to see any more bland Christians who are trying to live in two worlds. What we need are living, breathing disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
While it is true that others will notice, true disciples also need to step it up and tell others about what they believe. As Romans 10:13 says, "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"
In addition to being salt in the world, Christians are to be light as well. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world . . ." (Matthew 5:14). Someone who is being salt is stimulating in others a thirst for Christ. Someone who is being a light is someone who is proclaiming Christ. So let's be both. There is a place for living it, and there is a place for telling it.
But I would also add that if you are not living it, then please don't talk about it. If you are not going to really try to live as a Christian, then don't go tell others about Jesus, because you actually will do more harm than good.
The world needs to see true disciples of Jesus. What it doesn't need to see are any more bad examples. It doesn't need to see any more watered-down commitments. It doesn't need to see any more bland Christians who are trying to live in two worlds. What we need are living, breathing disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
"Counting The Cost"
There is a cost to following Jesus, but I would also add there is a greater cost in not following Him. Whatever you give up to follow Christ will be more than made up to you in this life and certainly in the life to come.
Jesus said, "And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?" (Luke 14:27–28). In other words, "Don't do this on the impulse of a moment. Count the cost."
Yet some people who set out to follow Christ haven't counted the cost, like couples who rush into marriage. Once you have made a marriage commitment, it is a lifelong commitment. And if you are not willing to make it, then do everyone a favor and stay single. Count the cost.
The Bible records the story of someone who saw Jesus walk by and blurted out, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus had not called this person to follow Him; he just volunteered. So Jesus said, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head" (Luke 9:58). Loose paraphrase: "Buddy, I am not headed to the Jerusalem Ritz-Carlton. It is a rough life. I am headed to the cross. Are you sure about that?"
Sometimes in the impulse of the moment, someone will say, "I will follow Jesus," but they don't follow through on that commitment. They didn't count the cost.
We must realize that being a true disciple of Jesus is not easy. Therefore, we must count the cost.
**VIA HARVEST MINISTRIES**
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Jesus said, "And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple. But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?" (Luke 14:27–28). In other words, "Don't do this on the impulse of a moment. Count the cost."
Yet some people who set out to follow Christ haven't counted the cost, like couples who rush into marriage. Once you have made a marriage commitment, it is a lifelong commitment. And if you are not willing to make it, then do everyone a favor and stay single. Count the cost.
The Bible records the story of someone who saw Jesus walk by and blurted out, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus had not called this person to follow Him; he just volunteered. So Jesus said, "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head" (Luke 9:58). Loose paraphrase: "Buddy, I am not headed to the Jerusalem Ritz-Carlton. It is a rough life. I am headed to the cross. Are you sure about that?"
Sometimes in the impulse of the moment, someone will say, "I will follow Jesus," but they don't follow through on that commitment. They didn't count the cost.
We must realize that being a true disciple of Jesus is not easy. Therefore, we must count the cost.
**VIA HARVEST MINISTRIES**
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Monday, May 24, 2010
"God's Servants"
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the
shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry,
for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the
faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,
to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
- Ephesians 4:11-13
The Body of Christ functions as each member fulfills certain commands from God. We are responsible not only to carry out the roles God has given us, but also for the way we allow others to carry out their roles on our behalf. The way we treat those in leadership is a crucial part of life in the Body of Christ. Here are the three things that God requires of you as it relates to the messengers that God brings into your life.
1. Honor
First Timothy 5:17 says, "Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching." Those in leadership are to be honored especially those whom God calls to teach us His Word. That means that they are to be encouraged. That means that they are to be esteemed. That's your responsibility biblically; to make sure that you honor those who teach the Word.
2. Respect
First Thessalonians 5:12 adds, "We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you." So, you're to respect the people that teach God's Word to you, those who admonish you from the Scriptures. By respect, we mean deference. When push comes to shove, yield, give them the benefit of the doubt. No messenger is perfect. Those who have been around my church for any length of time have certainly seen my flaws. But we're on the subject of your responsibility right now which is honor, respect.
3. Submission
Hebrews 13:17 summarizes the treatment of church leaders this way, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account." Obedience is a huge responsibility. One of the things that you want to do as a hearer is to make it so that it's not hard for your elders to lead you.
Is it difficult to lead you? If you make it hard to lead you; if you're dishonoring, disrespecting, unresponsive to spiritual leadership, you're the one who loses in the end.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Great Faith
"Then Jesus answered, 'Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.'" Matthew 15:28 (NIV)
Devotion:
I used to covet others' faith. I'd watch the spiritual "giants" in my church and community and wonder why they were given a greater faith than me. It didn't seem fair. Even worse were people with great faith who never seemed to have any type of adversity. Do you know the kind of people I'm describing?
One day, I decided to get to know a person with obvious great faith. I think it was one of the best things I've done to increase my own faith. The first thing I learned was people with great faith got it from their abundance of trials, not from their lack of trials. Trusting God in one trouble gave them courage to trust Him in another. Before they knew it, they had developed great faith in God. Great faith didn't happen overnight; it was a process.
Through the course of trusting God, we discover several things about great faith. First, it leads to great undertakings. Take the Gentile woman with a demon-possessed daughter found in Matthew 15 - pause to read her story if you can. She cried out for Jesus to heal her daughter, but she received no response.
This action on Christ's part can seem confusing. Therefore, it is important to know that this woman was not only a Gentile, but was of Canaanite descent. The Canaanites were an immoral people God had commanded Israel to completely destroy during their invasion of Canaan under the command of Joshua. Israel did not fully obey God's order and some Canaanites survived the invasion. This woman was their descendant. Nonetheless, this didn't stop her from appealing to Jesus for mercy and help, by her attempts, the disciples urged Jesus to send her away. She was a nuisance to them, but to Jesus the woman was an example of great faith. She was determined to do whatever was necessary to get what she needed.
Great faith also brings about great expectations. If you're like me, you often don't expect great results from your labors and prayers. This is because we lack faith. This was not true of the Gentile woman. She expected the Savior to heal her daughter.
That's not all. Great faith awakens great earnestness. This woman didn't play by the rules so to speak. She didn't care what others thought about her actions. Crying, she fell at the feet of Jesus and worshiped Him. I've seen this kind of earnestness in others with great faith as well. They pray with persistence until God moves.
Great faith conquers great difficulties. The woman kept on pursuing Jesus even though He reminded her of her position as a Gentile, not a Jew. Christ responded to her begging, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs" (vs.26). In other words, why should He give her, a Gentile, what He had come to give the Jews?
Her answer to that was to agree with Him, "Yes, Lord." And then throw herself on His mercy again by adding, "...even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table" (vs. 27). She understood that even one morsel of God's power was more than enough to heal her daughter. Pleased with her faith, Jesus commended her.
Finally, great faith achieves great victories. Jesus rewarded the woman's faith by healing her daughter. Our difficulties can be overcome by expressing great faith in Christ's mercy and love, which provide for our needs.
Great faith isn't given to some and not to others. It is a choice we make to trust and pursue God even when at first there appears to be no response.
Dear Lord, my circumstances call for great faith. Today, I'm ready to undertake whatever I need to do in this situation. I expect You to hear and respond to all my concerns. With earnestness, I promise to seek Your will in this area so that I may be more than a conquer. Victory is already mine because I trust in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Do not give up. Find a mentor with great faith and become their student.
Practice great faith by expecting God to hear and meet your needs.
Reflections:
you ask God to provide for a need and then try to take care of it yourself? If so, why?
Do you think following the example of the Gentile woman will increase your faith?
Power Verses:
Mark 9:23b, "Everything is possible for him who believes." (NIV)
Psalm 130:5, "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, in his word I put my hope." (NIV)
DAWN
Devotion:
I used to covet others' faith. I'd watch the spiritual "giants" in my church and community and wonder why they were given a greater faith than me. It didn't seem fair. Even worse were people with great faith who never seemed to have any type of adversity. Do you know the kind of people I'm describing?
One day, I decided to get to know a person with obvious great faith. I think it was one of the best things I've done to increase my own faith. The first thing I learned was people with great faith got it from their abundance of trials, not from their lack of trials. Trusting God in one trouble gave them courage to trust Him in another. Before they knew it, they had developed great faith in God. Great faith didn't happen overnight; it was a process.
Through the course of trusting God, we discover several things about great faith. First, it leads to great undertakings. Take the Gentile woman with a demon-possessed daughter found in Matthew 15 - pause to read her story if you can. She cried out for Jesus to heal her daughter, but she received no response.
This action on Christ's part can seem confusing. Therefore, it is important to know that this woman was not only a Gentile, but was of Canaanite descent. The Canaanites were an immoral people God had commanded Israel to completely destroy during their invasion of Canaan under the command of Joshua. Israel did not fully obey God's order and some Canaanites survived the invasion. This woman was their descendant. Nonetheless, this didn't stop her from appealing to Jesus for mercy and help, by her attempts, the disciples urged Jesus to send her away. She was a nuisance to them, but to Jesus the woman was an example of great faith. She was determined to do whatever was necessary to get what she needed.
Great faith also brings about great expectations. If you're like me, you often don't expect great results from your labors and prayers. This is because we lack faith. This was not true of the Gentile woman. She expected the Savior to heal her daughter.
That's not all. Great faith awakens great earnestness. This woman didn't play by the rules so to speak. She didn't care what others thought about her actions. Crying, she fell at the feet of Jesus and worshiped Him. I've seen this kind of earnestness in others with great faith as well. They pray with persistence until God moves.
Great faith conquers great difficulties. The woman kept on pursuing Jesus even though He reminded her of her position as a Gentile, not a Jew. Christ responded to her begging, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs" (vs.26). In other words, why should He give her, a Gentile, what He had come to give the Jews?
Her answer to that was to agree with Him, "Yes, Lord." And then throw herself on His mercy again by adding, "...even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table" (vs. 27). She understood that even one morsel of God's power was more than enough to heal her daughter. Pleased with her faith, Jesus commended her.
Finally, great faith achieves great victories. Jesus rewarded the woman's faith by healing her daughter. Our difficulties can be overcome by expressing great faith in Christ's mercy and love, which provide for our needs.
Great faith isn't given to some and not to others. It is a choice we make to trust and pursue God even when at first there appears to be no response.
Dear Lord, my circumstances call for great faith. Today, I'm ready to undertake whatever I need to do in this situation. I expect You to hear and respond to all my concerns. With earnestness, I promise to seek Your will in this area so that I may be more than a conquer. Victory is already mine because I trust in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Do not give up. Find a mentor with great faith and become their student.
Practice great faith by expecting God to hear and meet your needs.
Reflections:
you ask God to provide for a need and then try to take care of it yourself? If so, why?
Do you think following the example of the Gentile woman will increase your faith?
Power Verses:
Mark 9:23b, "Everything is possible for him who believes." (NIV)
Psalm 130:5, "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, in his word I put my hope." (NIV)
DAWN
Friday, May 21, 2010
"Crucified with Christ"
Crucified with Christ
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
People sometimes will use the expression, "We all have our cross to bear." But our cross to bear is not whatever we find difficult in life. The cross to bear, so to speak, is the same for everyone: it is dying to self.
Dying to self means resisting the temptation to do what everyone else is doing when you know it is wrong. Dying to self means forgiving instead of harboring a grudge. Dying to self means putting down the remote control and picking up the Bible. Dying to self means praying when you would rather be sleeping. Dying to self means swallowing your pride and telling someone about Jesus Christ. Dying to self means doing what God wants you to do rather than doing what you want to do.
Jesus said, "Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33). That does not mean you must take a vow of poverty and give every possession away to be a disciple of Jesus. "Forsake all" literally could be translated, "Surrender your claim to, say good-bye to." This means that true disciples of Jesus are not possessed by their possessions.
When you die to yourself and take up the cross, you will experience joy and an overflowing life. The apostle Paul put it this way: "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
Are you a fan or a follower/disciple (one who is learning,being trained,instructed, corrected & committed to lead others by example)of Jesus Christ? If you want to be a disciple, then you must love God more than anyone or anything else. You must deny yourself. And you must take up the cross and follow Jesus.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
People sometimes will use the expression, "We all have our cross to bear." But our cross to bear is not whatever we find difficult in life. The cross to bear, so to speak, is the same for everyone: it is dying to self.
Dying to self means resisting the temptation to do what everyone else is doing when you know it is wrong. Dying to self means forgiving instead of harboring a grudge. Dying to self means putting down the remote control and picking up the Bible. Dying to self means praying when you would rather be sleeping. Dying to self means swallowing your pride and telling someone about Jesus Christ. Dying to self means doing what God wants you to do rather than doing what you want to do.
Jesus said, "Whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:33). That does not mean you must take a vow of poverty and give every possession away to be a disciple of Jesus. "Forsake all" literally could be translated, "Surrender your claim to, say good-bye to." This means that true disciples of Jesus are not possessed by their possessions.
When you die to yourself and take up the cross, you will experience joy and an overflowing life. The apostle Paul put it this way: "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
Are you a fan or a follower/disciple (one who is learning,being trained,instructed, corrected & committed to lead others by example)of Jesus Christ? If you want to be a disciple, then you must love God more than anyone or anything else. You must deny yourself. And you must take up the cross and follow Jesus.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Thursday, May 20, 2010
God's Economics For Tough Times
God's Economics For Tough Times (2)
Unless you lived through the Great Depression you've never experienced times like the present: bank failures, bailouts, housing repossessions, unemployment, etc. You can see fear on people's faces and sense it in their words. So, where do we turn? To politicians, economists, or our own resources? No human agency is capable of providing answers. So: know your source! The Bible predicted the shaking of human kingdoms and material entities: '[So] … that those things which cannot be shaken may remain' (Hebrews 12:27). But while bureaucracies, businesses and banks have been shaken to their very core, our King and His kingdom remain rock solid. The Bible says that '… God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work' (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV). Notice the 'alls' in this promise. What more could you ask for? Your family, health, spiritual, material, present and future security is guaranteed under the 'policies and resources' clause of God's unshakable kingdom! Man's economy is not your source. It's merely one conduit the King may, or may not use in providing what you need as a citizen of His kingdom. Relax, knowing God, your unfailing source, '… will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
The answer is: choose the right economy!
As a believer you must choose between two economies. The first is the kingdom of God where He rules and reigns, owns all resources and dispenses them generously to meet His people's needs, independent of global economic conditions. The second is the kingdom of this world where men compete selfishly to be number one. In God's upside-down kingdom the rules are reversed. He says, '"… My ways [are] higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts"' (Isaiah 55:9 NIV). In this world's kingdom where the rule is, 'Get what you can and can what you get,' you're always vulnerable to greed and manipulation. So God told His people, '… Choose for yourselves… whom you will serve… ' (Joshua 24:15 NIV). Which economy will you choose? If you are wise, you will put your faith in God's economy, trust Him, and 'don't worry about tomorrow!'
God's Economics For Tough Times (2)
Unless you lived through the Great Depression you've never experienced times like the present: bank failures, bailouts, housing repossessions, unemployment, etc. You can see fear on people's faces and sense it in their words. So, where do we turn? To politicians, economists, or our own resources? No human agency is capable of providing answers. So: know your source! The Bible predicted the shaking of human kingdoms and material entities: '[So] … that those things which cannot be shaken may remain' (Hebrews 12:27). But while bureaucracies, businesses and banks have been shaken to their very core, our King and His kingdom remain rock solid. The Bible says that '… God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work' (2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV). Notice the 'alls' in this promise. What more could you ask for? Your family, health, spiritual, material, present and future security is guaranteed under the 'policies and resources' clause of God's unshakable kingdom! Man's economy is not your source. It's merely one conduit the King may, or may not use in providing what you need as a citizen of His kingdom. Relax, knowing God, your unfailing source, '… will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:19 NIV).
God's Economics For Tough Times (3)
Fear makes us react emotionally, doing all the wrong things. We abandon the principles of Scripture and grab for all we can get, withholding and hoarding in case things get worse. Don't surrender to the fears rampant in our increasingly godless culture. Instead, faithfully follow God's economics for tough times. When Israel did this they enjoyed mega harvests. But when they withheld and hoarded what God provided, He said, '"You are under a curse-the whole nation of you…' (Malachi 3:9 NIV). Whether they experienced abundance or lack, depended on their attitude and actions towards God's economics. His principles required they '"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse,…' not a partial tithe (v. 10). If they'd 'Honour the Lord with… the firstfruits of all [their] crops,' their barns would 'overflow' and their vats 'brim over' (Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV). Jesus taught that if you '"give it will be given to you…' in an abundance determined by the '"… measure you use…' when giving (Luke 6:38 NIV). You, not the economy, determine the measure of your harvest by the measure of the seed you sow. The Bible says, '… He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6 NKJV)
The way it works in God's economy is, those who '… withhold unduly… come to poverty,' while those who '… give freely… gain even more… ' God promises, 'A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed' (Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV). Try it. God's principles work in any economy!
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
The Transforming Grace of God
28)We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan. 29)This is true because he already knew his people and had already appointed them to have the same form as the image of his Son. Therefore, his Son is the firstborn among many children. 30)He also called those whom he had already appointed. He approved of those whom he had called, and he gave glory to those whom he had approved of. Rom. 8:28-30 (GWT)
God has predestined every believer to be conformed to the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ. The process begins at salvation and continues until we join Him in heaven. The apostle Paul is a good example of the Lord’s power to transform an unrighteous man into an image-bearer of Jesus.
God changed a sinner into a saint. Paul was deeply religious before his conversion, but he relied on good works and a pious nature to gain divine acceptance. When he met the Lord on the road to Damascus, the future apostle learned that all of his religious zeal meant nothing. The only way for people to be acceptable before God is to receive the saving grace of Christ—He replaces our sin nature with a righteous spirit. And even though saints will sometimes falter and make mistakes, our heavenly Father remains patient and loving toward His children. He uses our failures to teach us more about Himself and His ways.
God changed a servant of sin into a servant of the Lord (Rom. 6:16). Paul was welcomed into the kingdom in spite of his hostility toward the church. He’d promoted blasphemy, punished believers, and cast his vote against those being put to death (Acts 26:10-11). The lesson here is that no one can sin beyond the Lord’s capacity to forgive.
The Father shapes and chisels His children until they mirror His Son. He turned one of the early church’s enemies into a wise and repentant leader. Commit to obey the Lord, and see what He will do in your life. He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (Phil. 1:6).
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
God has predestined every believer to be conformed to the likeness of His Son Jesus Christ. The process begins at salvation and continues until we join Him in heaven. The apostle Paul is a good example of the Lord’s power to transform an unrighteous man into an image-bearer of Jesus.
God changed a sinner into a saint. Paul was deeply religious before his conversion, but he relied on good works and a pious nature to gain divine acceptance. When he met the Lord on the road to Damascus, the future apostle learned that all of his religious zeal meant nothing. The only way for people to be acceptable before God is to receive the saving grace of Christ—He replaces our sin nature with a righteous spirit. And even though saints will sometimes falter and make mistakes, our heavenly Father remains patient and loving toward His children. He uses our failures to teach us more about Himself and His ways.
God changed a servant of sin into a servant of the Lord (Rom. 6:16). Paul was welcomed into the kingdom in spite of his hostility toward the church. He’d promoted blasphemy, punished believers, and cast his vote against those being put to death (Acts 26:10-11). The lesson here is that no one can sin beyond the Lord’s capacity to forgive.
The Father shapes and chisels His children until they mirror His Son. He turned one of the early church’s enemies into a wise and repentant leader. Commit to obey the Lord, and see what He will do in your life. He is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you (Phil. 1:6).
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Monday, May 17, 2010
"God's Guaranteed Protection"
"Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff, and I was told, 'Rise and measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out, for it is given over to the nations, and they will trample the holy city for forty-two months.'" - Revelation 11:1-2
God has made a commitment to protect His people. Nothing will thwart that. Now that's good news. It's a great thought to keep in mind when you are listening to all the bad news that's out there!
This word measure in Revelation 11:1 isn't about God finding out how big the temple is. God knows how big it is. That term measure is also used in Ezekiel 40 through 48. An angel there measured the temple with a ten-foot rod. It pictures God's intent to establish and protect His people. "Measure it" is a way of saying "All right. This is what belongs to Me. These are My people. This is what's on My heart." God was instructing John to mark the people under God's protection.
Revelation 11:1 also says, "...but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out...". In other words, God's not going to protect the heathen; God's going to protect His own people - the people within the household of faith. "...For it is given over to the nations and they will trample..." it. They will desecrate it.
We can see from elsewhere in Revelation and other prophecies that outsiders will trample and desecrate the City of Jerusalem for a time. But God's people, during that time of unparalleled darkness, will be totally protected. All that has been measured, God will protect.
If you're a blood-bought son or daughter of the Living God, through faith in Jesus Christ, there is a protection that extends to you that is hard to even calibrate. We know the Bible says that God has counted and knows the hair on my head, He saves my tears in a bottle, His eyes are always upon me, and my name is engraved upon His hand. I don't think we can begin to calculate the loving care and the protective interest that God has in our life. Even - no, not even - especially when difficult times come. God, far from backing off us, is moving toward us, rolling up His sleeves and saying, "I love you. I'm going to let you go through this. But I am on it! Measure the temple. Measure My people. Let's get the details down. I want My children to know I am taking care of them!"
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
God has made a commitment to protect His people. Nothing will thwart that. Now that's good news. It's a great thought to keep in mind when you are listening to all the bad news that's out there!
This word measure in Revelation 11:1 isn't about God finding out how big the temple is. God knows how big it is. That term measure is also used in Ezekiel 40 through 48. An angel there measured the temple with a ten-foot rod. It pictures God's intent to establish and protect His people. "Measure it" is a way of saying "All right. This is what belongs to Me. These are My people. This is what's on My heart." God was instructing John to mark the people under God's protection.
Revelation 11:1 also says, "...but do not measure the court outside the temple; leave that out...". In other words, God's not going to protect the heathen; God's going to protect His own people - the people within the household of faith. "...For it is given over to the nations and they will trample..." it. They will desecrate it.
We can see from elsewhere in Revelation and other prophecies that outsiders will trample and desecrate the City of Jerusalem for a time. But God's people, during that time of unparalleled darkness, will be totally protected. All that has been measured, God will protect.
If you're a blood-bought son or daughter of the Living God, through faith in Jesus Christ, there is a protection that extends to you that is hard to even calibrate. We know the Bible says that God has counted and knows the hair on my head, He saves my tears in a bottle, His eyes are always upon me, and my name is engraved upon His hand. I don't think we can begin to calculate the loving care and the protective interest that God has in our life. Even - no, not even - especially when difficult times come. God, far from backing off us, is moving toward us, rolling up His sleeves and saying, "I love you. I'm going to let you go through this. But I am on it! Measure the temple. Measure My people. Let's get the details down. I want My children to know I am taking care of them!"
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Friday, May 14, 2010
Deceiving Ourselves
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. — Psalm 139:23–24
Some people think they don't need forgiveness all that often. Yet Jesus taught us to pray, "And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us . . ." (Luke 11:4). In other words, Forgive us our shortcomings . . . our trespasses . . . what we owe to you . . . the wrong we have done.
If you want to see your prayers answered in the affirmative, then you must confess your personal sin. But sometimes we are not always conscious of the sins we commit, and there are different ways that sin can be defined. Sin is not merely breaking one of God's laws, however. Sin is also falling short of a mark. The Bible tells us, "For whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). So if I do something without the certainty it has the blessing of God, it can be sin. There are also sins of omission: "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).
Have you ever noticed that when you wear white, you seem to get your clothes dirty a little faster? In reality, I think that stains and dirt are just more noticeable against a white background. That is what happens when we come into the presence of God. As we see Him for who He is, we see ourselves for who we are.
So whether we think we need it, we still need to pray, "Forgive me my sins, . . ." because the Bible says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:9). The more you have grown spiritually, the more aware you will become of your own sin.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Some people think they don't need forgiveness all that often. Yet Jesus taught us to pray, "And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us . . ." (Luke 11:4). In other words, Forgive us our shortcomings . . . our trespasses . . . what we owe to you . . . the wrong we have done.
If you want to see your prayers answered in the affirmative, then you must confess your personal sin. But sometimes we are not always conscious of the sins we commit, and there are different ways that sin can be defined. Sin is not merely breaking one of God's laws, however. Sin is also falling short of a mark. The Bible tells us, "For whatever is not from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). So if I do something without the certainty it has the blessing of God, it can be sin. There are also sins of omission: "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin" (James 4:17).
Have you ever noticed that when you wear white, you seem to get your clothes dirty a little faster? In reality, I think that stains and dirt are just more noticeable against a white background. That is what happens when we come into the presence of God. As we see Him for who He is, we see ourselves for who we are.
So whether we think we need it, we still need to pray, "Forgive me my sins, . . ." because the Bible says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:9). The more you have grown spiritually, the more aware you will become of your own sin.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Call for a Believer
20) But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21) Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 2Tim 2: 21-22 (NKJ)
Years ago, God temporarily allowed me to have such physical ailments that I could do nothing but lie in bed. At first, this felt frustrating, but eventually I began to realize His plan for this trial. Life had become too busy for me to hear something the Lord needed to tell me. He certainly managed to get my attention by stilling my physical body!
After leading us to salvation, God still has work to do in our lives. If we listen carefully, we’ll be able to hear our Father directing us in three ways.
First, the Lord calls us to sanctification, which means being set apart by Him and for Him. Through His Spirit, He continually reminds us to use His power and resources so we can obey and live righteously.
Second, He calls us to service. God has planned good works for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10); He gives us abilities, time, and resources for that purpose.
Third, He calls us to accountability. Romans 14:12 teaches that one day we all will “give an account” of how we used the resources God placed at our disposal. This report will be based on two factors: the truth we’ve heard and the opportunities that were available. So we should be sure to listen daily as our heavenly Father reminds us to utilize everything we have for His glory.
Has life become so hectic that God’s voice is inaudible? Foster your own ability to listen by spending time in the Word and by waiting for answers when you pray. And teach your children to tune in so they can hear Him too. What a waste it would be to tackle life without guidance from above.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Years ago, God temporarily allowed me to have such physical ailments that I could do nothing but lie in bed. At first, this felt frustrating, but eventually I began to realize His plan for this trial. Life had become too busy for me to hear something the Lord needed to tell me. He certainly managed to get my attention by stilling my physical body!
After leading us to salvation, God still has work to do in our lives. If we listen carefully, we’ll be able to hear our Father directing us in three ways.
First, the Lord calls us to sanctification, which means being set apart by Him and for Him. Through His Spirit, He continually reminds us to use His power and resources so we can obey and live righteously.
Second, He calls us to service. God has planned good works for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10); He gives us abilities, time, and resources for that purpose.
Third, He calls us to accountability. Romans 14:12 teaches that one day we all will “give an account” of how we used the resources God placed at our disposal. This report will be based on two factors: the truth we’ve heard and the opportunities that were available. So we should be sure to listen daily as our heavenly Father reminds us to utilize everything we have for His glory.
Has life become so hectic that God’s voice is inaudible? Foster your own ability to listen by spending time in the Word and by waiting for answers when you pray. And teach your children to tune in so they can hear Him too. What a waste it would be to tackle life without guidance from above.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Sunday, May 9, 2010
FROM MOM TO MOMMY TO MOTHER
MOTHERS
Real Mothers don't eat quiche; They don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils Are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, Filthy ovens and happy kids. Real Mothers know that dried play dough Doesn't come out of carpets. Real Mothers don't want to know what The vacuum just sucked up...
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?' And get their answer when a little Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'
Real Mothers know that a child's growth Is not measured by height or years or grade...
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother.....
The Images of Mother
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!
14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
50 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she Shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!
BE BLESSED & HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
DAWN
Saturday, May 8, 2010
God Knows What We're Going Through
AS MY FAMILY TRIES TO COP WITH THIS HORRIBLE THING THAT HAS HAPPENED, I AM ENCOURAGED TO KNOW THAT WE'RE NOT ALONE....
The apostle Paul was in a Roman dungeon for his faithfulness to the gospel. But one night, Jesus Christ paid him a visit:
But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer (or courage), Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome." (Acts 23:11) Jesus was revealing to the great apostle that he was more than aware of his situation. Just because he was in a prison didn't mean that God had lost track of him.
There is a story of a minister who came to visit John Bunyan, the minister who wrote Pilgrim's Progress, in prison. He told Bunyan, "Friend, the Lord sent me to you, and I have been seeking for you in half the prisons in England." "No, that cannot be," Bunyan said. "For if the Lord had sent you to me, you would have come here at once, for He knows I have been here for years."
Jesus is there with us in our "prisons," as well. For some people, it is a literal jail cell they are in because they have broken the law. Yet, as they have asked for God's forgiveness, Jesus is with them there in that prison cell.
Maybe you are in a different kind of prison right now, the prison of a hospital bed. You would love to get up and just walk out, but you can't. Even so, Jesus is there in that hospital room, convalescent home, or room in their home, saying, "Be courageous. You are not alone, and I am fully aware of your suffering."
Perhaps it is a prison cell of mourning, because of the loss of a loved one through death. Whatever or wherever your prison is, Jesus is there with you now. Jesus also knows what lies ahead. That is why He came to Paul in this hour of need, because He knew he would need this special touch.
Paul was not really privy to what was going on all around him at this point. He did not know that 40 men had taken an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul! Sometimes, ignorance can be bliss. Many times, it's really a good thing that we don't know all that is swirling around us in both the supernatural and natural realm.
God reveals to us as much as we need to know, when we need to know it. Not necessarily more and certainly not less, but what we need to know. Your troubles, though unexpected, did not come as a surprise to God.
The military has a term it uses for sensitive information. If it is necessary for you to know something, it's on a "need-to-know basis." In the same way, God gives us what we "need to know," when we need it.
In closng, a quote from C.H. Spurgeon that should bring hope to any Christian facing a trial:
The Lord knows all about your troubles before they come to you; He anticipates them by His tender foresight. Before Satan can draw the bow, the preserver of men will put His beloved beyond the reach of the arrow. Before the weapon is forged in the furnace, and prepared on the anvil, He knows how to provide us with armor of proof which shall blunt the edge of the sword and break the point of the spear.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
The apostle Paul was in a Roman dungeon for his faithfulness to the gospel. But one night, Jesus Christ paid him a visit:
But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer (or courage), Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome." (Acts 23:11) Jesus was revealing to the great apostle that he was more than aware of his situation. Just because he was in a prison didn't mean that God had lost track of him.
There is a story of a minister who came to visit John Bunyan, the minister who wrote Pilgrim's Progress, in prison. He told Bunyan, "Friend, the Lord sent me to you, and I have been seeking for you in half the prisons in England." "No, that cannot be," Bunyan said. "For if the Lord had sent you to me, you would have come here at once, for He knows I have been here for years."
Jesus is there with us in our "prisons," as well. For some people, it is a literal jail cell they are in because they have broken the law. Yet, as they have asked for God's forgiveness, Jesus is with them there in that prison cell.
Maybe you are in a different kind of prison right now, the prison of a hospital bed. You would love to get up and just walk out, but you can't. Even so, Jesus is there in that hospital room, convalescent home, or room in their home, saying, "Be courageous. You are not alone, and I am fully aware of your suffering."
Perhaps it is a prison cell of mourning, because of the loss of a loved one through death. Whatever or wherever your prison is, Jesus is there with you now. Jesus also knows what lies ahead. That is why He came to Paul in this hour of need, because He knew he would need this special touch.
Paul was not really privy to what was going on all around him at this point. He did not know that 40 men had taken an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul! Sometimes, ignorance can be bliss. Many times, it's really a good thing that we don't know all that is swirling around us in both the supernatural and natural realm.
God reveals to us as much as we need to know, when we need to know it. Not necessarily more and certainly not less, but what we need to know. Your troubles, though unexpected, did not come as a surprise to God.
The military has a term it uses for sensitive information. If it is necessary for you to know something, it's on a "need-to-know basis." In the same way, God gives us what we "need to know," when we need it.
In closng, a quote from C.H. Spurgeon that should bring hope to any Christian facing a trial:
The Lord knows all about your troubles before they come to you; He anticipates them by His tender foresight. Before Satan can draw the bow, the preserver of men will put His beloved beyond the reach of the arrow. Before the weapon is forged in the furnace, and prepared on the anvil, He knows how to provide us with armor of proof which shall blunt the edge of the sword and break the point of the spear.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Friday, May 7, 2010
Fellowship with Jesus
38)The Lord and his disciples were traveling along and came to a village. When they got there, a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39)She had a sister named Mary, who sat down in front of the Lord and was listening to what he said. 40)Martha was worried about all that had to be done. Finally, she went to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me!" 41)The Lord answered, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, 42)but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her."
Two sisters, Mary and Martha, were busy preparing for Jesus’ visit. Upon His arrival, the first sister turned her attention to Him while the second was distracted by the preparations (v. 40). She became agitated that Mary was no longer helping. We may be thinking Martha is right—if there is still work to be done, her sister should not be sitting down. Then we hear Jesus’ perspective. Observing that Martha was worried and upset about many things when only one thing was needed, He said Mary had chosen what was better (v. 42).
There are some important lessons to be learned from this story. First, to have fellowship with Jesus, we may have to leave some things undone. Jesus knew how hard the women had been working and how much Martha longed to finish the tasks. But their greatest need was to spend time with Him. Their focus was to be on listening, learning, and interacting with Him.
The second lesson is that our choice to forgo an activity may be misunderstood. Martha certainly didn’t comprehend her sister’s decision. What’s more, if we fail to take time with Him, there may be unpleasant consequences. Martha’s distraction led to worry and agitation. Jesus invited her to choose the better way—namely, to be with Him.
Establishing a habit of communing with the Lord is essential to our spiritual health. Connecting with Him regularly will sharpen our focus on what is most important and help us separate what is good from God’s best. Even in our daily work, we can learn how to maintain an awareness of Him
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Two sisters, Mary and Martha, were busy preparing for Jesus’ visit. Upon His arrival, the first sister turned her attention to Him while the second was distracted by the preparations (v. 40). She became agitated that Mary was no longer helping. We may be thinking Martha is right—if there is still work to be done, her sister should not be sitting down. Then we hear Jesus’ perspective. Observing that Martha was worried and upset about many things when only one thing was needed, He said Mary had chosen what was better (v. 42).
There are some important lessons to be learned from this story. First, to have fellowship with Jesus, we may have to leave some things undone. Jesus knew how hard the women had been working and how much Martha longed to finish the tasks. But their greatest need was to spend time with Him. Their focus was to be on listening, learning, and interacting with Him.
The second lesson is that our choice to forgo an activity may be misunderstood. Martha certainly didn’t comprehend her sister’s decision. What’s more, if we fail to take time with Him, there may be unpleasant consequences. Martha’s distraction led to worry and agitation. Jesus invited her to choose the better way—namely, to be with Him.
Establishing a habit of communing with the Lord is essential to our spiritual health. Connecting with Him regularly will sharpen our focus on what is most important and help us separate what is good from God’s best. Even in our daily work, we can learn how to maintain an awareness of Him
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Thursday, May 6, 2010
A Constant Necessity
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. — Mark 1:35
Not only did Jesus command us to pray, but He also left us an example of prayer. Jesus was constantly praying. As He walked our planet and breathed our air as God in human form, He felt the need to be in constant communion with His Father. In fact, it was not uncommon to see Jesus praying while the disciples were sleeping.
When He fed the five thousand, He looked up toward heaven and asked God's blessing on the food. Matthew's Gospel tells us that mothers brought their children to Jesus so that He could lay His hands on them and pray for them. When He raised Lazarus from the dead, He first spoke to His Father, saying, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me" (John 11:41–42). Then Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come forth!"
We know that while He was in Gethsemane, He prayed, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). As He hung on the very cross of Calvary His first statement was, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). And later He prayed, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46).
The point is that if Jesus felt the necessity to pray constantly, then how much more should we? If you want to grow spiritually, then prayer must be a vital and regular part of your life. Pray all the time. Pray about all things. Jesus has given us that example to follow. So we, too, need to be people of prayer.
PRAY FOR SOMEONE TODAY & BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Not only did Jesus command us to pray, but He also left us an example of prayer. Jesus was constantly praying. As He walked our planet and breathed our air as God in human form, He felt the need to be in constant communion with His Father. In fact, it was not uncommon to see Jesus praying while the disciples were sleeping.
When He fed the five thousand, He looked up toward heaven and asked God's blessing on the food. Matthew's Gospel tells us that mothers brought their children to Jesus so that He could lay His hands on them and pray for them. When He raised Lazarus from the dead, He first spoke to His Father, saying, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me" (John 11:41–42). Then Jesus shouted, "Lazarus, come forth!"
We know that while He was in Gethsemane, He prayed, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39). As He hung on the very cross of Calvary His first statement was, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). And later He prayed, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46).
The point is that if Jesus felt the necessity to pray constantly, then how much more should we? If you want to grow spiritually, then prayer must be a vital and regular part of your life. Pray all the time. Pray about all things. Jesus has given us that example to follow. So we, too, need to be people of prayer.
PRAY FOR SOMEONE TODAY & BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Living By The Holy Spirit's Power
16 )So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17) The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Galatians 5:16-17 ( NLT)
No matter how long we have walked with God, our flesh never improves; it never becomes more like the Spirit over time! That's why we are told to crucify it and walk each day by the power God's indwelling Spirit provides. Listen: '… obey only the Holy Spirit's instructions… then you will not always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to… we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has His way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures… But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control… ' (Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23 TLB).
Is such a lifestyle possible? Yes, but you must do four things:
1) recognize that you are a target for the enemy and protect yourself with God's Word and prayer
2) get rid of the one sin that repeatedly defeats you: '… lay aside… the sin which so easily ensnares… ' (Hebrews 12:1 NKJV)
3) be continually filled with the Spirit's power. Without it, you lose every time
4) stand in God's strength, not your own. How? By fighting until you experience victory. His might, plus your choice to obey and keep on fighting, always lead to a clear and lasting victory!
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
No matter how long we have walked with God, our flesh never improves; it never becomes more like the Spirit over time! That's why we are told to crucify it and walk each day by the power God's indwelling Spirit provides. Listen: '… obey only the Holy Spirit's instructions… then you will not always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to… we naturally love to do evil things that are just the opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has His way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting each other to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures… But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control… ' (Galatians 5:16-17, 22-23 TLB).
Is such a lifestyle possible? Yes, but you must do four things:
1) recognize that you are a target for the enemy and protect yourself with God's Word and prayer
2) get rid of the one sin that repeatedly defeats you: '… lay aside… the sin which so easily ensnares… ' (Hebrews 12:1 NKJV)
3) be continually filled with the Spirit's power. Without it, you lose every time
4) stand in God's strength, not your own. How? By fighting until you experience victory. His might, plus your choice to obey and keep on fighting, always lead to a clear and lasting victory!
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Choosing to Grow
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. — 2 Timothy 2:22
From the moment you get up in the morning to the moment you lay your head down on your pillow at night, you will have made hundreds, maybe even thousands, of choices.
That is why ordering at some restaurants is no easy task. The menu resembles a small telephone book. There are too many options. One of the reasons I like In-N-Out Burger is that your options are simple: a hamburger, french fries, a drink, or maybe a shake. Of course, there are some variations to that, like adding cheese or ordering it animal-style. But that is pretty much it.
Life is filled with choices. There are some choices that don't mean a lot, while other choices mean a whole lot. And it comes down to this: we make our choices, and our choices make us. So if you want to grow spiritually, you will. And if you don't want to grow spiritually, you won't. Either you will go forward as a Christian, or you will go backward. Either you will progress, or you will regress. Either you will gain ground, or you will lose ground. And if you stand still, then you will lose ground.
The reason some Christians succeed while others who make a profession of faith fail miserably comes down to choices. It is not the luck of the draw or something that happens randomly. It is because people make the right choice to do the right thing. There are choices that will impair our spiritual growth, and there are choices that will enhance it.
That is why we need to make a commitment to seek to grow spiritually on a daily basis—not to just hold our ground, but to gain ground in our relationship with Christ. Let's commit ourselves to spiritual growth.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
From the moment you get up in the morning to the moment you lay your head down on your pillow at night, you will have made hundreds, maybe even thousands, of choices.
That is why ordering at some restaurants is no easy task. The menu resembles a small telephone book. There are too many options. One of the reasons I like In-N-Out Burger is that your options are simple: a hamburger, french fries, a drink, or maybe a shake. Of course, there are some variations to that, like adding cheese or ordering it animal-style. But that is pretty much it.
Life is filled with choices. There are some choices that don't mean a lot, while other choices mean a whole lot. And it comes down to this: we make our choices, and our choices make us. So if you want to grow spiritually, you will. And if you don't want to grow spiritually, you won't. Either you will go forward as a Christian, or you will go backward. Either you will progress, or you will regress. Either you will gain ground, or you will lose ground. And if you stand still, then you will lose ground.
The reason some Christians succeed while others who make a profession of faith fail miserably comes down to choices. It is not the luck of the draw or something that happens randomly. It is because people make the right choice to do the right thing. There are choices that will impair our spiritual growth, and there are choices that will enhance it.
That is why we need to make a commitment to seek to grow spiritually on a daily basis—not to just hold our ground, but to gain ground in our relationship with Christ. Let's commit ourselves to spiritual growth.
BE BLESSED!
DAWN
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Sacrificial Lamb
Hebrews 10:1-14
God’s grace has no limits. His mercy can reach the darkest part of our hearts. What’s more, the forgiveness Jesus offered on the cross stretches back to earth’s first day and forward to its last. Christ not only erased our past, present, and future sin; He also paid for the wrongs of every generation.
When the ancient Israelites brought a goat or a lamb to the temple for a sacrifice, they placed their hands on its head and confessed their sins. The priest then killed the animal and sprinkled some of its blood on the altar of atonement. The ritual symbolized a confessor’s payment for sin. But the lamb could not actually take on the sin and die in place of the Israelite (Heb. 10:4).
If an animal’s blood could actually erase a sin-debt, we’d still be offering those frequent sacrifices, and Jesus’ death would have been unnecessary. Yet we must remember that, though the act itself had no saving power, the ritual of sacrifice was God’s idea (Lev. 4). He established such offerings as a powerful illustration of the seriousness and penalty of sin. The practice also pointed to Christ’s perfect sacrificial death on our behalf and the salvation He offers. To use a modern metaphor, sacrifice can be thought of as a credit card. God accepted the lamb’s blood as temporary payment. When the bill came due, Jesus Christ paid the sin-debt in full.
Modern believers practice certain biblical rituals too. But we are not pardoned through prayer, Bible reading, or even the act of confession. Like the Israelites, we must also look to a lamb—the Lamb of God. When we receive Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, we are forgiven forever.
BE BLESSED
DAWN
God’s grace has no limits. His mercy can reach the darkest part of our hearts. What’s more, the forgiveness Jesus offered on the cross stretches back to earth’s first day and forward to its last. Christ not only erased our past, present, and future sin; He also paid for the wrongs of every generation.
When the ancient Israelites brought a goat or a lamb to the temple for a sacrifice, they placed their hands on its head and confessed their sins. The priest then killed the animal and sprinkled some of its blood on the altar of atonement. The ritual symbolized a confessor’s payment for sin. But the lamb could not actually take on the sin and die in place of the Israelite (Heb. 10:4).
If an animal’s blood could actually erase a sin-debt, we’d still be offering those frequent sacrifices, and Jesus’ death would have been unnecessary. Yet we must remember that, though the act itself had no saving power, the ritual of sacrifice was God’s idea (Lev. 4). He established such offerings as a powerful illustration of the seriousness and penalty of sin. The practice also pointed to Christ’s perfect sacrificial death on our behalf and the salvation He offers. To use a modern metaphor, sacrifice can be thought of as a credit card. God accepted the lamb’s blood as temporary payment. When the bill came due, Jesus Christ paid the sin-debt in full.
Modern believers practice certain biblical rituals too. But we are not pardoned through prayer, Bible reading, or even the act of confession. Like the Israelites, we must also look to a lamb—the Lamb of God. When we receive Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, we are forgiven forever.
BE BLESSED
DAWN
Sunday, May 2, 2010
WEEKEND DEVOTIONAL:The Cross: Grace Displayed
READ
Romans 3:21-27
At Calvary, the Lord displayed His grace for the entire world to see. The cross represents the intersection of His holiness and His love. From there, He poured out mercy on an undeserving population: all of humanity, including you and me. Our holy God is absolutely without fault. He’s so “perfectly perfect” that no earthly man or woman can look upon Him and live (Ex. 33:20). The problem has to do with our sinful nature—we all have an inborn desire to rebel against His authority (Rom. 3:10). Anyone who thinks otherwise is deceiving himself (1 John 1:8). It’s important to understand that God hates sin. He cannot abide evil in His presence, so He pronounced a death sentence on sinners (Rom. 6:23).
But Scripture also tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8), and He created people with the intention of caring for them. What’s more, the Lord desires that all people spend eternity with Him. Yet there remains the problem of our sin and the death penalty that we owe.
The Lord cannot violate His own nature. Though God loves mankind, His holiness would be compromised if He permitted the filth of sin into His presence. So the Father made a way to cleanse dirty hearts and transform wayward natures: He put the sin of all mankind on Jesus Christ’s shoulders.
The Father sent His holy Son to be a perfect sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus Christ took our sin upon Himself and died on the cross in our place. When we trust Him as our Savior and receive His forgiveness, we are made new—holy, perfect, and welcome in our Father’s presence.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Romans 3:21-27
At Calvary, the Lord displayed His grace for the entire world to see. The cross represents the intersection of His holiness and His love. From there, He poured out mercy on an undeserving population: all of humanity, including you and me. Our holy God is absolutely without fault. He’s so “perfectly perfect” that no earthly man or woman can look upon Him and live (Ex. 33:20). The problem has to do with our sinful nature—we all have an inborn desire to rebel against His authority (Rom. 3:10). Anyone who thinks otherwise is deceiving himself (1 John 1:8). It’s important to understand that God hates sin. He cannot abide evil in His presence, so He pronounced a death sentence on sinners (Rom. 6:23).
But Scripture also tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8), and He created people with the intention of caring for them. What’s more, the Lord desires that all people spend eternity with Him. Yet there remains the problem of our sin and the death penalty that we owe.
The Lord cannot violate His own nature. Though God loves mankind, His holiness would be compromised if He permitted the filth of sin into His presence. So the Father made a way to cleanse dirty hearts and transform wayward natures: He put the sin of all mankind on Jesus Christ’s shoulders.
The Father sent His holy Son to be a perfect sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus Christ took our sin upon Himself and died on the cross in our place. When we trust Him as our Savior and receive His forgiveness, we are made new—holy, perfect, and welcome in our Father’s presence.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
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