Scripture Of The Day:
Numerous articles and studies, both Christian and secular, show me a disturbing trend. In just one of them, well-known pollster George Gallup, Jr. has concluded, "Fewer than 10% of Americans are deeply committed Christians."
What disturbs me about that statistic is that far more than 10% of Americans claim to follow Christ when asked about faith or about their beliefs. But studies go on to reveal how most people who claim to believe in Jesus are just as likely to engage in unethical behavior or fall prey to the latest religious fad.
Far too many Christians are not deeply committed to their faith. And if you find yourself struggling today, then I have a suggestion for you. Make prayer a habit of your life!
Nehemiah had a deep and vibrant relationship with God. And that relationship was founded on prayer. In fact, as the book of Nehemiah opens up, we see Nehemiah petitioning God for days because his heart was troubled over his homeland of Judah. And as you read throughout the book of Nehemiah, prayer made all the difference in Nehemiah's life.
Without prayer, you will never stand apart from the world. And if you are to grow in your walk with God, you need to constantly be in communication with Him! So make prayer a priority in your life today!
A fervent prayer life with deepen your relationship with the Lord!
[By Dr. Jack Graham ]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Giving GOD Thanks
"And the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 'How long shall this wicked congregation grumble against me? I have heard the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against me. Say to them, 'As I live, declares the LORD, what you have said in my hearing I will do to you: your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness, and all of your number, listed in the census from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against me, not one shall come into the land where I swore that I will make you dwell, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. But your little ones, who you said would become a prey, I will bring in, and they shall know the land that you have rejected.' ' "
Life is all about choices.
Attitude is our first one. When I encounter a situation that is not what I think it should be, I must choose to see it like the proverbial glass half-full or the glass half- empty. Those two perspectives take me to two very different places depending on my attitude.
God cares very much about our choice between a negative attitude full of complaining and a grateful attitude full of faith. Apart from the Cross of Christ itself, I believe the most radical thing that He ever did in Scripture is in Numbers 14 where He said to a whole generation of His own children, "I can't take your grumbling anymore. Go on back into the wilderness and die." He loved these people; He miraculously and dramatically rescued them. But no matter what He did for them, they flat-out refused to stop their chorus of whining.
So, God decided to give their kids the blessing that they wouldn't let Him give to them. All because they refused to look at their situation with a grateful attitude. Very simply, God would have been pleased if they had listed all the ways He had protected and cared for them and then shouted a heart-felt, "Thank You, Lord." Their gratitude would have changed history.
Even pagans see the impact of a thankful attitude. Tune in to the talk show circuit and you'll hear this same word on the top of everyone's list on how to have a better life. A God-centered, faith-oriented, grateful life is a healthier, happier life—this from people who don't even know the Lord. Just imagine the joy available for those of us who are His own.
Yes, joy flows when you stop harping on the present, perhaps difficult circumstances and turn your attention to the blessings that are yours in Christ Jesus. How? Start by giving thanks for all that you have received from Him. Be personal and specific, rehearsing His faithfulness from big things to small. Like a fragrant offering, your gratitude rises to God and blesses Him and in turn, His blessing fills you with such faith that the pattern of your life turns from complaining to thankfulness.
[via James MacDonald]
Be Blessed!
Dawn - Numbers 14:26-3
Life is all about choices.
Attitude is our first one. When I encounter a situation that is not what I think it should be, I must choose to see it like the proverbial glass half-full or the glass half- empty. Those two perspectives take me to two very different places depending on my attitude.
God cares very much about our choice between a negative attitude full of complaining and a grateful attitude full of faith. Apart from the Cross of Christ itself, I believe the most radical thing that He ever did in Scripture is in Numbers 14 where He said to a whole generation of His own children, "I can't take your grumbling anymore. Go on back into the wilderness and die." He loved these people; He miraculously and dramatically rescued them. But no matter what He did for them, they flat-out refused to stop their chorus of whining.
So, God decided to give their kids the blessing that they wouldn't let Him give to them. All because they refused to look at their situation with a grateful attitude. Very simply, God would have been pleased if they had listed all the ways He had protected and cared for them and then shouted a heart-felt, "Thank You, Lord." Their gratitude would have changed history.
Even pagans see the impact of a thankful attitude. Tune in to the talk show circuit and you'll hear this same word on the top of everyone's list on how to have a better life. A God-centered, faith-oriented, grateful life is a healthier, happier life—this from people who don't even know the Lord. Just imagine the joy available for those of us who are His own.
Yes, joy flows when you stop harping on the present, perhaps difficult circumstances and turn your attention to the blessings that are yours in Christ Jesus. How? Start by giving thanks for all that you have received from Him. Be personal and specific, rehearsing His faithfulness from big things to small. Like a fragrant offering, your gratitude rises to God and blesses Him and in turn, His blessing fills you with such faith that the pattern of your life turns from complaining to thankfulness.
[via James MacDonald]
Be Blessed!
Dawn - Numbers 14:26-3
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Foundation of Wisdom
7) Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. 8) So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. 9) Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more. 10) Fear of the Lord is the foundation (beginning) of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 11) Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12) If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. Prov. 9: 7-12 (NLT)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Initially, the connection between these two concepts may be difficult to grasp: How can fearing God make us wise?
First, we need to understand what it means to fear the Lord. This term is used to describe an awesome reverence for God that moves us to acknowledge Him as the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth, submit to His will, and walk in obedience. The result of such a response will be the acquisition of wisdom.
Those who commit themselves to living for God’s purposes rather than their own will gain greater understanding of Him. The Holy Spirit will enable them to see circumstances and people from His divine perspective. This kind of wisdom reaches beyond human perception and gives us discernment to make decisions that fit into the Lord’s plans for our lives. Knowing that He always works for our best interests, we are empowered to walk confidently through both good and bad times.
But those who reject God’s instructions dishonor Him with their refusal to acknowledge His right to rule their lives. It’s foolish to rebel against His authority and think you can ever win. Those who won’t fear God will never know real wisdom.
What is your attitude toward the Lord? If you truly reverence Him, you will listen for His directions and heed His warnings. A desire to honor and please Him will motivate you to turn from evil and seek to live in obedience. And the result will be wisdom beyond human understanding.
{Pastor Charles Stanley}
Be Blessed!
Dawn
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Initially, the connection between these two concepts may be difficult to grasp: How can fearing God make us wise?
First, we need to understand what it means to fear the Lord. This term is used to describe an awesome reverence for God that moves us to acknowledge Him as the sovereign ruler of heaven and earth, submit to His will, and walk in obedience. The result of such a response will be the acquisition of wisdom.
Those who commit themselves to living for God’s purposes rather than their own will gain greater understanding of Him. The Holy Spirit will enable them to see circumstances and people from His divine perspective. This kind of wisdom reaches beyond human perception and gives us discernment to make decisions that fit into the Lord’s plans for our lives. Knowing that He always works for our best interests, we are empowered to walk confidently through both good and bad times.
But those who reject God’s instructions dishonor Him with their refusal to acknowledge His right to rule their lives. It’s foolish to rebel against His authority and think you can ever win. Those who won’t fear God will never know real wisdom.
What is your attitude toward the Lord? If you truly reverence Him, you will listen for His directions and heed His warnings. A desire to honor and please Him will motivate you to turn from evil and seek to live in obedience. And the result will be wisdom beyond human understanding.
{Pastor Charles Stanley}
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Walking Wisely
Read ~Ephesians 5:15-17
When Paul exhorts us to walk wisely, he gives three instructions to help us make godly choices. First, he says to “be careful how you walk” (Eph. 5:15). Because we live in a morally corrupt society, we must be vigilant about the way we think and act. Unless we deliberately choose to guard ourselves, we will simply do what comes naturally and go along with cultural influences.
Next, in verse 16, the apostle instructs us to make the most of our time. The Lord has entrusted each of us with 24 hours per day and various opportunities to participate in His plans for us. But so often we are tempted to squander our time and energy on our own pursuits without a thought of what our heavenly Father may have in mind for us.
In verse 17, Paul lays out the final exhortation: to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” In its broadest sense, God’s will for us is that we would each become the person He created us to be and do the work He planned for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10). Knowing this, we should look at every decision with consideration of whether our choice will further or hinder our heavenly Father’s purposes for us. To live thoughtlessly outside of His will is foolish.
The Lord wants us to walk wisely so that we can enjoy all the marvelous benefits that He’s promised in His Word and longs to give us. Wasted opportunities and time misspent can never be reclaimed. Let’s commit to make our lives count for Christ instead of merely living for ourselves.
[By Pastor Chalres Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
When Paul exhorts us to walk wisely, he gives three instructions to help us make godly choices. First, he says to “be careful how you walk” (Eph. 5:15). Because we live in a morally corrupt society, we must be vigilant about the way we think and act. Unless we deliberately choose to guard ourselves, we will simply do what comes naturally and go along with cultural influences.
Next, in verse 16, the apostle instructs us to make the most of our time. The Lord has entrusted each of us with 24 hours per day and various opportunities to participate in His plans for us. But so often we are tempted to squander our time and energy on our own pursuits without a thought of what our heavenly Father may have in mind for us.
In verse 17, Paul lays out the final exhortation: to “understand what the will of the Lord is.” In its broadest sense, God’s will for us is that we would each become the person He created us to be and do the work He planned for us to accomplish (Eph. 2:10). Knowing this, we should look at every decision with consideration of whether our choice will further or hinder our heavenly Father’s purposes for us. To live thoughtlessly outside of His will is foolish.
The Lord wants us to walk wisely so that we can enjoy all the marvelous benefits that He’s promised in His Word and longs to give us. Wasted opportunities and time misspent can never be reclaimed. Let’s commit to make our lives count for Christ instead of merely living for ourselves.
[By Pastor Chalres Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Climbing or Slipping?
[By Greg Laurie]
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9–10)
A father was talking with his daughter and her five-year-old-friend, Kristin, about birthdays. As it turned out, Kristin's birthday was just three days after his birthday. So he said to the little girl, "You know what, Kristin? Our birthdays are only three days apart!"
She looked at him for a moment and said, "Yeah, but you grew much faster than I did."
Why is it that we see more spiritual growth in the lives of some followers of Jesus and less in others? Every believer is either progressing or regressing spiritually. We are either growing, or we are drawing back. We are either gaining ground, or we are losing ground. It has been said the Christian life is like a greased pole: you are either climbing or slipping.
The bottom line is that it is really up to you as to whether you will grow spiritually. While it is true that God wants us to grow in our faith and wants us to deepen our knowledge of Him, He has also given us a free will. When we get ourselves aligned with the will of God and start walking accordingly, spiritual growth will begin to take place. So if you want to do the things that lead to spiritual growth, you will do them. You will make time for what is important.
And what is God looking for in our lives? He wants to see spiritual fruit. That is what it is all about: being a fruitful Christian, a growing believer. Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain . . . " (John 15:16).
So how are you doing in that regard? Are you bearing fruit? Are you growing spiritually?
* To know God is to know His Word
* To trust God is to trust His Word
* To love God is to is to love His Word
*The Word of God is revealed through His Son
( the Living Word) and the Holy Scriptures!
Be Blessed!
Dawn
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9–10)
A father was talking with his daughter and her five-year-old-friend, Kristin, about birthdays. As it turned out, Kristin's birthday was just three days after his birthday. So he said to the little girl, "You know what, Kristin? Our birthdays are only three days apart!"
She looked at him for a moment and said, "Yeah, but you grew much faster than I did."
Why is it that we see more spiritual growth in the lives of some followers of Jesus and less in others? Every believer is either progressing or regressing spiritually. We are either growing, or we are drawing back. We are either gaining ground, or we are losing ground. It has been said the Christian life is like a greased pole: you are either climbing or slipping.
The bottom line is that it is really up to you as to whether you will grow spiritually. While it is true that God wants us to grow in our faith and wants us to deepen our knowledge of Him, He has also given us a free will. When we get ourselves aligned with the will of God and start walking accordingly, spiritual growth will begin to take place. So if you want to do the things that lead to spiritual growth, you will do them. You will make time for what is important.
And what is God looking for in our lives? He wants to see spiritual fruit. That is what it is all about: being a fruitful Christian, a growing believer. Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain . . . " (John 15:16).
So how are you doing in that regard? Are you bearing fruit? Are you growing spiritually?
* To know God is to know His Word
* To trust God is to trust His Word
* To love God is to is to love His Word
*The Word of God is revealed through His Son
( the Living Word) and the Holy Scriptures!
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, February 21, 2011
Love’s Hidden Enemy
9) Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10) But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless. 11) When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12) Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.[a] All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. 13) Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. 1Cor. 13:9-13 (NLT)
The apostle Paul wrote that he once reasoned like a child, but he had now put childish ways behind him (1 Cor. 13:11). He was referring to the spiritual maturity process, whereby a believer’s self-centered ideas are replaced by a healthier perspective. But maturation is just that—a process—so some immature thinking may linger with the Christian. Based on our childhood experiences, we may wrongly believe . . .
• Lie #1—God’s love for us depends on how good we are. We act as if our behavior can positively or negatively impact His affection for us. But Scripture tells us that the Lord’s love is constant; it never varies.
• Lie #2—Acceptance by others has to do with performance, not who we are. With this mindset, we constantly try to please other people. But we can rest in the truth that God has adopted every believer into His family; we are fully accepted.
• Lie #3—Our security rests in social status, material things, or some other worldly prize.
This leads to anxiety and manipulation as we attempt to acquire what we lack. The truth is, we’ll experience peace when we realize Christ is our true source of security. These erroneous ideas represent a “hidden enemy of love,” because godly affection can’t flourish with immature attitudes. We must replace such beliefs with biblical truth.
Paul calls us to move toward maturity in our thinking and behavior. Clinging to immature ways can interfere with our sense of peace, security, and joy. But knowing the truth about God’s acceptance and recognizing that our security is in Him alone will lead to relationships characterized by His love.
[Via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
The apostle Paul wrote that he once reasoned like a child, but he had now put childish ways behind him (1 Cor. 13:11). He was referring to the spiritual maturity process, whereby a believer’s self-centered ideas are replaced by a healthier perspective. But maturation is just that—a process—so some immature thinking may linger with the Christian. Based on our childhood experiences, we may wrongly believe . . .
• Lie #1—God’s love for us depends on how good we are. We act as if our behavior can positively or negatively impact His affection for us. But Scripture tells us that the Lord’s love is constant; it never varies.
• Lie #2—Acceptance by others has to do with performance, not who we are. With this mindset, we constantly try to please other people. But we can rest in the truth that God has adopted every believer into His family; we are fully accepted.
• Lie #3—Our security rests in social status, material things, or some other worldly prize.
This leads to anxiety and manipulation as we attempt to acquire what we lack. The truth is, we’ll experience peace when we realize Christ is our true source of security. These erroneous ideas represent a “hidden enemy of love,” because godly affection can’t flourish with immature attitudes. We must replace such beliefs with biblical truth.
Paul calls us to move toward maturity in our thinking and behavior. Clinging to immature ways can interfere with our sense of peace, security, and joy. But knowing the truth about God’s acceptance and recognizing that our security is in Him alone will lead to relationships characterized by His love.
[Via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, February 18, 2011
Biblical Love
I was watching Joyce Meyer last night and she was talking about really loving one other, deciding that you won't be bitter and angry & just letting go & letting GOD. Choosing to love. Then I get this devotional this morning, so I think, maybe God is trynna tell ME something.........well, I'm listening!
Love Is the Greatest
1) If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2) If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3) If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 4) Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5) or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6) It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7) Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8) Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! ~ 1Cor. 13: 1-8 (NLT)
In today’s passage, Paul talks about love and its preeminence over speech, knowledge, generosity, and self-sacrifice (vv. 1-3). The apostle then describes the nature of biblical love, which is patient, kind, humble, and slow to anger (vv. 4-7).
However, we often struggle as we try to practice this model of unselfish affection. One reason is that the godly expression of caring doesn’t come naturally to us. Pure Christian love puts the other person ahead of our own interests, even when our human inclinations clamor to place self first (v. 5).
A second challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behavior. We remember their offense long after it has occurred. That’s not what our Lord did—He loved us while we were still sinners and forgave us for everything (Rom. 5:8; Luke 23:34).
Furthermore, it is easier to point out someone else’s unkindness toward us than to see where we have fallen short. Perhaps a close friend has spoken impatiently to us and we responded with angry words. How easily we can use Scripture to point out her mistake, but how hard to admit our own.
We are called to be loving towards God as well as those around us (Mark 12:30-31). We’ve received the Holy Spirit, who will help us learn how to care deeply for others.
Experiencing God’s affection and demonstrating it to others are to be two of our greatest joys. Take time to memorize the attributes of biblical love, and look for ways to practice them in your relationships. In times of stress, think about the list, and let the power of love transform your response.
[By Dr Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Love Is the Greatest
1) If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2) If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3) If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it;[a] but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. 4) Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5) or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6) It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7) Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8) Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages[b] and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! ~ 1Cor. 13: 1-8 (NLT)
In today’s passage, Paul talks about love and its preeminence over speech, knowledge, generosity, and self-sacrifice (vv. 1-3). The apostle then describes the nature of biblical love, which is patient, kind, humble, and slow to anger (vv. 4-7).
However, we often struggle as we try to practice this model of unselfish affection. One reason is that the godly expression of caring doesn’t come naturally to us. Pure Christian love puts the other person ahead of our own interests, even when our human inclinations clamor to place self first (v. 5).
A second challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behavior. We remember their offense long after it has occurred. That’s not what our Lord did—He loved us while we were still sinners and forgave us for everything (Rom. 5:8; Luke 23:34).
Furthermore, it is easier to point out someone else’s unkindness toward us than to see where we have fallen short. Perhaps a close friend has spoken impatiently to us and we responded with angry words. How easily we can use Scripture to point out her mistake, but how hard to admit our own.
We are called to be loving towards God as well as those around us (Mark 12:30-31). We’ve received the Holy Spirit, who will help us learn how to care deeply for others.
Experiencing God’s affection and demonstrating it to others are to be two of our greatest joys. Take time to memorize the attributes of biblical love, and look for ways to practice them in your relationships. In times of stress, think about the list, and let the power of love transform your response.
[By Dr Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Love God?
[By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price]
Scripture Of The Day: "Jesus replied, 'Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." - John 14:23 (NIV)
When I first got saved, I used to have a problem trying to relate to the Father and Jesus in an attitude of love. It was difficult because I had never seen Jesus or the Father, and the only way I knew to love was, in some way, to tell someone you loved them.
Or you could hug them, kiss them, hold their hand, cuddle them, or give them something. I tried telling God that I loved Him, but I never really felt satisfied that I was expressing that love. I could say, "I love you," and that was nice for starters, but that was not sufficient by itself. To me, there had to be some demonstration that went along with what I said.
One day, I was reading the Word, and I found out how to love God. I found out how to love Him in a way that I know I am loving Him, that He is receiving my love, and that He is satisfied with my demonstration of my love to Him.
Jesus says in the first part of John 14:21: "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me...."
I want to immediately arrest your attention to the fact that when Jesus says commandments, He is not just talking about the Ten Commandments. If you think only of the Ten Commandments, you will shortchange yourself.
Anything God says to do is a commandment. God does not fool around with suggestions. He does not mess with reading between the lines. He directly tells you what He wants. When He tells you, it is a command--no ifs, ands or buts about it.
The reason we should do it, according to Jesus, is out of love. If we love God, we should make it a point to do what He commands in John 14:21-23: "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And He who loves Me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?" Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word...."
That leaves a whole lot of people out of the picture. If you are doing God's Word, you are tithing. You are not a fornicator, an adulterer or adulteress, or a gossiper. You are not lying, nor stealing. You are doing everything God tells you to do in His Word. That also means that you are seeking the Kingdom of God first, and His righteousness. You have time for Bible studies. You have time for prayer.
Also notice that Jesus does not use the word perfect here. We should be glad for that. If the word perfect were in this verse, it would leave us all out. Praise God that word is not there.
Jesus goes on to say in John 14:23-24: "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and my Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me."
This is how God interprets your love to Him -- not by sending Him a card at Valentine's Day, not by sending Him a box of candy. Jesus says, "If a man loves Me, He will keep My word." If you love God, you will do His Word. Jesus also says, "He who does not love Me does not keep My words."
A person who does not love God is someone who is not doing His Word -- and you have to be the judge as to whether or not you are doing God's Word.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Scripture Of The Day: "Jesus replied, 'Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." - John 14:23 (NIV)
When I first got saved, I used to have a problem trying to relate to the Father and Jesus in an attitude of love. It was difficult because I had never seen Jesus or the Father, and the only way I knew to love was, in some way, to tell someone you loved them.
Or you could hug them, kiss them, hold their hand, cuddle them, or give them something. I tried telling God that I loved Him, but I never really felt satisfied that I was expressing that love. I could say, "I love you," and that was nice for starters, but that was not sufficient by itself. To me, there had to be some demonstration that went along with what I said.
One day, I was reading the Word, and I found out how to love God. I found out how to love Him in a way that I know I am loving Him, that He is receiving my love, and that He is satisfied with my demonstration of my love to Him.
Jesus says in the first part of John 14:21: "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me...."
I want to immediately arrest your attention to the fact that when Jesus says commandments, He is not just talking about the Ten Commandments. If you think only of the Ten Commandments, you will shortchange yourself.
Anything God says to do is a commandment. God does not fool around with suggestions. He does not mess with reading between the lines. He directly tells you what He wants. When He tells you, it is a command--no ifs, ands or buts about it.
The reason we should do it, according to Jesus, is out of love. If we love God, we should make it a point to do what He commands in John 14:21-23: "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And He who loves Me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, "Lord, how is it that you will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?" Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word...."
That leaves a whole lot of people out of the picture. If you are doing God's Word, you are tithing. You are not a fornicator, an adulterer or adulteress, or a gossiper. You are not lying, nor stealing. You are doing everything God tells you to do in His Word. That also means that you are seeking the Kingdom of God first, and His righteousness. You have time for Bible studies. You have time for prayer.
Also notice that Jesus does not use the word perfect here. We should be glad for that. If the word perfect were in this verse, it would leave us all out. Praise God that word is not there.
Jesus goes on to say in John 14:23-24: "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and my Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love me does not keep my words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me."
This is how God interprets your love to Him -- not by sending Him a card at Valentine's Day, not by sending Him a box of candy. Jesus says, "If a man loves Me, He will keep My word." If you love God, you will do His Word. Jesus also says, "He who does not love Me does not keep My words."
A person who does not love God is someone who is not doing His Word -- and you have to be the judge as to whether or not you are doing God's Word.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Covenant of Love
Scripture Of The Day: "For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" - Galatians 5:14 (NIV)
I know with all my heart that it is God's desire to touch through us and to love through us. God has delivered us out of bondage and sin. Before we are able to walk in the covenant that He established with Abraham, we have to walk in His love. Love is the answer to all things because love conquers all.
1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
The love described in this scripture is not about feelings or conditions, it is agape love, which is unconditional love. If we love one another and God dwells in us, we have covenant with Him.
Galatians 5:14 says, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Indeed the whole law has been summed up in this one precept. It is not an option, even if you don't like everything about an individual. God does not ask you to like the way someone does certain things, but He does command you to love one another. We need to be prepared for those who are not so loveable, but are crying out for what we have, the love of God.
Love is fondness, high regard, affection, tenderness, and yearning. If you don't have this love toward everyone in your life, then you are giving place to the enemy. Love never comes to an end, never fails, never disappears, and never passes away. We are people of the covenant, and part of that covenant is that we have love for God's people. Many things may fail, but love never fails.
This is my prayer in agreement with you: Father, we thank you that you are keeping covenant with us, and showing us how to love one another. We thank you for your Word because your Word never fails. It gives us all those things that we need and desire of you. We are keeping your Word before us and we thank you for your miracle-working power in our lives. We glorify you for it now, Father, in Jesus' name. Amen.
{By Dr. Brenda K. Goudeaux }
Be Blessed!
Dawn
I know with all my heart that it is God's desire to touch through us and to love through us. God has delivered us out of bondage and sin. Before we are able to walk in the covenant that He established with Abraham, we have to walk in His love. Love is the answer to all things because love conquers all.
1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
The love described in this scripture is not about feelings or conditions, it is agape love, which is unconditional love. If we love one another and God dwells in us, we have covenant with Him.
Galatians 5:14 says, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Indeed the whole law has been summed up in this one precept. It is not an option, even if you don't like everything about an individual. God does not ask you to like the way someone does certain things, but He does command you to love one another. We need to be prepared for those who are not so loveable, but are crying out for what we have, the love of God.
Love is fondness, high regard, affection, tenderness, and yearning. If you don't have this love toward everyone in your life, then you are giving place to the enemy. Love never comes to an end, never fails, never disappears, and never passes away. We are people of the covenant, and part of that covenant is that we have love for God's people. Many things may fail, but love never fails.
This is my prayer in agreement with you: Father, we thank you that you are keeping covenant with us, and showing us how to love one another. We thank you for your Word because your Word never fails. It gives us all those things that we need and desire of you. We are keeping your Word before us and we thank you for your miracle-working power in our lives. We glorify you for it now, Father, in Jesus' name. Amen.
{By Dr. Brenda K. Goudeaux }
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
No Greater Love
[By Dr Charles Stanley]
12) "This is (A)My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13)"(B)Greater love has no one than this, that one (C)lay down his life for his friends. 14)"You are My (D)friends if (E)you do what I command you. John 15:12-14 (NASB)
Perhaps the most intense love and protective instinct in the experience of mankind is that of parents toward their children. There is little that most mothers or fathers wouldn’t do for a baby. If a truck posed a threat to the little one, it wouldn’t surprise us if they jumped in front of the moving vehicle without a second thought.
Wouldn’t you like to be cared for with this kind of intensity? You are. In fact, the Lord’s love toward you is far deeper and more secure than that of even the most caring, tuned-in human parent. And what God did for us is proof. Romans 5:8 says that while we were living in disobedience, He sent His only Son to die on the cross for us.
Think about a father giving up his child for people who choose to rebel against him. What a tremendous sacrifice and cost! Jesus’ death took the place of the punishment that we deserved. If we accept this gift and decide to follow God, He no longer sees us as guilty. Rather, He justifies us, makes us righteous, and changes our ultimate destiny: instead of facing everlasting separation from Him, we will enjoy His presence eternally. What’s more, almighty God adopts us as His children forever. Our heavenly Father guides, protects, and counsels us as we walk through life—and promises us that we are secure in Him throughout eternity.
How incredible that the Creator of the universe would love you and me in this way! Do you know and experience the security and sweetness of His care? Gratitude and praise should flow from your heart. In turn, love others deeply out of thankfulness for the love that you have received.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
12) "This is (A)My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. 13)"(B)Greater love has no one than this, that one (C)lay down his life for his friends. 14)"You are My (D)friends if (E)you do what I command you. John 15:12-14 (NASB)
Perhaps the most intense love and protective instinct in the experience of mankind is that of parents toward their children. There is little that most mothers or fathers wouldn’t do for a baby. If a truck posed a threat to the little one, it wouldn’t surprise us if they jumped in front of the moving vehicle without a second thought.
Wouldn’t you like to be cared for with this kind of intensity? You are. In fact, the Lord’s love toward you is far deeper and more secure than that of even the most caring, tuned-in human parent. And what God did for us is proof. Romans 5:8 says that while we were living in disobedience, He sent His only Son to die on the cross for us.
Think about a father giving up his child for people who choose to rebel against him. What a tremendous sacrifice and cost! Jesus’ death took the place of the punishment that we deserved. If we accept this gift and decide to follow God, He no longer sees us as guilty. Rather, He justifies us, makes us righteous, and changes our ultimate destiny: instead of facing everlasting separation from Him, we will enjoy His presence eternally. What’s more, almighty God adopts us as His children forever. Our heavenly Father guides, protects, and counsels us as we walk through life—and promises us that we are secure in Him throughout eternity.
How incredible that the Creator of the universe would love you and me in this way! Do you know and experience the security and sweetness of His care? Gratitude and praise should flow from your heart. In turn, love others deeply out of thankfulness for the love that you have received.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Monday, February 14, 2011
Valentine’s Day Everyday
Scripture Of The Day: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" - Hebrews 12:2
You might say that love is in the air. Radio stations are playing romantic songs, advertisers are promoting sentimental gifts, and couples are planning evenings with that "special someone." Every February it's the same. We see hearts and cupids geared toward Valentine's Day, urging us to demonstrate our love for those around us. Don't get me wrong--there's nothing wrong with showing your love and affection for the people you love. The question isn't, "How do you show your love on Valentine's Day?" The real question is, "How do you show your love the rest of the year?"
Perhaps you should understand what love is and is not before you answer that question. First, love is not an abstract feeling of longing and infatuation that intensifies for certain holidays only to fizzle out a short time later. Second, love is not always romantic gestures and weekend getaways. In short, love isn't what we see on television or movies where we feel the "fuzzy feelings" and end up living happily ever after. Instead, according to the Bible, true love--agape love--is a consistent, faithful regard for another that holds another person higher than oneself. In other words, love is humble and willing to put other people first. The apostle Paul wrote, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up" (1 Cor. 13:4). Here we see that in addition to being humble, love treats other people with kindness and patience. The other thing to notice? Love doesn't get jealous. What a great description of love. One of the criticisms I hear about Christians is that they don't show agape love to others. As Valentine's Day approaches, why don't you look at these characteristics of a loving person and ask yourself, "Am I humble? Am I kind? Am I patient? Not given to jealousy?" If you can answer, "Yes," then you are exhibit Christ-like love.
There is no greater picture of love than Jesus Christ. As we seek to know and show what true love is, let's look to Jesus and follow His example of selfless love: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). The greatest example of love was when Christ hung on the Cross. Won't you remember how He has forgiven you and embrace His love today? In turn, won't you exhibit your faith and extend His love to those God has placed in your life, not just on Valentine's Day, but throughout the rest of the year? Then you will have a happy Valentine's Day...every day!
{By Skip Heitzig}
Be Blessed & Happy Valentines Day!
Dawn
You might say that love is in the air. Radio stations are playing romantic songs, advertisers are promoting sentimental gifts, and couples are planning evenings with that "special someone." Every February it's the same. We see hearts and cupids geared toward Valentine's Day, urging us to demonstrate our love for those around us. Don't get me wrong--there's nothing wrong with showing your love and affection for the people you love. The question isn't, "How do you show your love on Valentine's Day?" The real question is, "How do you show your love the rest of the year?"
Perhaps you should understand what love is and is not before you answer that question. First, love is not an abstract feeling of longing and infatuation that intensifies for certain holidays only to fizzle out a short time later. Second, love is not always romantic gestures and weekend getaways. In short, love isn't what we see on television or movies where we feel the "fuzzy feelings" and end up living happily ever after. Instead, according to the Bible, true love--agape love--is a consistent, faithful regard for another that holds another person higher than oneself. In other words, love is humble and willing to put other people first. The apostle Paul wrote, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up" (1 Cor. 13:4). Here we see that in addition to being humble, love treats other people with kindness and patience. The other thing to notice? Love doesn't get jealous. What a great description of love. One of the criticisms I hear about Christians is that they don't show agape love to others. As Valentine's Day approaches, why don't you look at these characteristics of a loving person and ask yourself, "Am I humble? Am I kind? Am I patient? Not given to jealousy?" If you can answer, "Yes," then you are exhibit Christ-like love.
There is no greater picture of love than Jesus Christ. As we seek to know and show what true love is, let's look to Jesus and follow His example of selfless love: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). The greatest example of love was when Christ hung on the Cross. Won't you remember how He has forgiven you and embrace His love today? In turn, won't you exhibit your faith and extend His love to those God has placed in your life, not just on Valentine's Day, but throughout the rest of the year? Then you will have a happy Valentine's Day...every day!
{By Skip Heitzig}
Be Blessed & Happy Valentines Day!
Dawn
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Eyes of True Love
Scripture Of The Day: “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” - Psalm 8:4-5
I looked in the mirror yesterday, and focused on what needed fixing. I did admire my disarming smile. But far more time was spent bemoaning my dreary, droopy eyes caused by another hard day’s work. Can you relate?
Funny how God sees something totally different when He gazes at me. I am not quite sure we realize just how crazy God is about us. In Isaiah 49:16, He says “I have inscribed you in the palms of my hands.” Only someone who is madly in love with you would take the trouble to tattoo your name in the palm of his hands!
If that was not enough, Psalm 17: 8 says, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye…” No doubt you’ve heard that scripture before. It sounds quite comforting. But what does it really mean to be “the apple of God’s eye?" Check it out in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. The original Hebrew translation for the word "apple" is not a fruit. It’s “pupil” or “the middle.” It’s also translated, “little man.”
When you look into the pupil of someone’s eyes, what do you see? A small reflection of yourself! Look closely next time. A little you looks back at you.
When God looks at us, He sees a small reflection of Himself! We are a reflection of God. How awesome is that? Just imagine how this one revelation could transform a destructive person’s worthless self-image. Depression, fear, self-defeat would all vanish if we saw ourselves as God does--through the eyes of His pure love.
The pupil is the center of the eye. Since we are the apple (pupil) of God’s eye, it’s reasonable to conclude we are the center of His attention. His daily focus is on us. Psalm 34:15 says “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” This love affair baffled another writer who asked, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5)
Our Heavenly Father looks at us and sees His undying love for mere mortals. His adoring gaze reminds Him of Jesus’ great victory at Calvary. That act re-united a father with his children who were lost and destitute. He calls us His “Beloved.” That means we are dearly loved. Now the question is what are we calling ourselves?
Take another look in the mirror; not the one in your bathroom. Take a look in the mirror of the Word of God. When you do, you are actually looking into God’s eyes. And when we look into God’s eyes (the Word, the Light), we see a small reflection of ourselves.
That’s one reason why it’s so critical to consistently read and study the Bible. It obliterates darkness and confusion. It reveals who we really are. It describes our worth and value to God, and our responsibility to Him. We learn to see ourselves as God sees us. It’s all written out in His “will and testament.”
There is no need for Christians to walk around defeated. Go back to the mirror and gaze in the Father’s eyes. Be reminded of who you are and “whose” you are. And also remember, “For he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8), and there will be hell to pay!
You can’t help but love such a God more dearly.
[By Sharon Frame]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
I looked in the mirror yesterday, and focused on what needed fixing. I did admire my disarming smile. But far more time was spent bemoaning my dreary, droopy eyes caused by another hard day’s work. Can you relate?
Funny how God sees something totally different when He gazes at me. I am not quite sure we realize just how crazy God is about us. In Isaiah 49:16, He says “I have inscribed you in the palms of my hands.” Only someone who is madly in love with you would take the trouble to tattoo your name in the palm of his hands!
If that was not enough, Psalm 17: 8 says, “Keep me as the apple of Your eye…” No doubt you’ve heard that scripture before. It sounds quite comforting. But what does it really mean to be “the apple of God’s eye?" Check it out in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. The original Hebrew translation for the word "apple" is not a fruit. It’s “pupil” or “the middle.” It’s also translated, “little man.”
When you look into the pupil of someone’s eyes, what do you see? A small reflection of yourself! Look closely next time. A little you looks back at you.
When God looks at us, He sees a small reflection of Himself! We are a reflection of God. How awesome is that? Just imagine how this one revelation could transform a destructive person’s worthless self-image. Depression, fear, self-defeat would all vanish if we saw ourselves as God does--through the eyes of His pure love.
The pupil is the center of the eye. Since we are the apple (pupil) of God’s eye, it’s reasonable to conclude we are the center of His attention. His daily focus is on us. Psalm 34:15 says “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” This love affair baffled another writer who asked, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:4-5)
Our Heavenly Father looks at us and sees His undying love for mere mortals. His adoring gaze reminds Him of Jesus’ great victory at Calvary. That act re-united a father with his children who were lost and destitute. He calls us His “Beloved.” That means we are dearly loved. Now the question is what are we calling ourselves?
Take another look in the mirror; not the one in your bathroom. Take a look in the mirror of the Word of God. When you do, you are actually looking into God’s eyes. And when we look into God’s eyes (the Word, the Light), we see a small reflection of ourselves.
That’s one reason why it’s so critical to consistently read and study the Bible. It obliterates darkness and confusion. It reveals who we really are. It describes our worth and value to God, and our responsibility to Him. We learn to see ourselves as God sees us. It’s all written out in His “will and testament.”
There is no need for Christians to walk around defeated. Go back to the mirror and gaze in the Father’s eyes. Be reminded of who you are and “whose” you are. And also remember, “For he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.” (Zechariah 2:8), and there will be hell to pay!
You can’t help but love such a God more dearly.
[By Sharon Frame]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Friday, February 11, 2011
The New Law: The Law of Love
[By Bishop Keith Butler]
Scripture Of The Day: ""Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (KJV)
Jesus did away with the Ten Commandments and he introduced the new law, the law of love. When you walk in love you are not going to steal from your neighbor. When you walk in love you are not going to bear false witness against your neighbor. When you walk in love you are not coveting what your neighbor has.
We see in the gospels that Jesus himself was standing in front of the religious leaders of the day, and their hearts were hardened. They could not even see the glory standing in front of them. And that is still true today. Some still have not recognized that Jesus is the Messiah. They are still looking for the Messiah, but He has already come; and He is going to come back again. That is why we pray for them in this regard, that when their hearts shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. And it will be done by the Spirit of the Lord.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. There is an unveiling from the letter of the law. There is the removing of the veil only to see grace and freedom, through Jesus.
Now the Word says that we are free. But we are not to allow our freedom to be used as an "opportunity or excuse for selfishness, but through love you should serve one another" (Gal. 5:13 AMP). In that case, it is inappropriate to say, "Well I am free, so I can just say anything I want." You unnecessarily offend others that way. Contrarily, we must allow love to direct our actions and our words to the end that those who observe our lifestyle would be led to receive the Messiah.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom)." ( 2 Corinthians 3:17 AMP)
The action that causes us to put on God’s dignity and to become all that He is, is looking into the Word. The Word says that we are changed. "Change" means to be transformed. In other words, there is a constant changing. The more you look into the mirror of the Word, the more you will think different, talk different, and act different. The more you get into the Word, the more you look just like Jesus in the earth, and the more His love will flow through you.
We have a ministry of bringing the unveiling light to others through the love of God, so that they, too, can be transformed into God’s image.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Scripture Of The Day: ""Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." - 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (KJV)
Jesus did away with the Ten Commandments and he introduced the new law, the law of love. When you walk in love you are not going to steal from your neighbor. When you walk in love you are not going to bear false witness against your neighbor. When you walk in love you are not coveting what your neighbor has.
We see in the gospels that Jesus himself was standing in front of the religious leaders of the day, and their hearts were hardened. They could not even see the glory standing in front of them. And that is still true today. Some still have not recognized that Jesus is the Messiah. They are still looking for the Messiah, but He has already come; and He is going to come back again. That is why we pray for them in this regard, that when their hearts shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. And it will be done by the Spirit of the Lord.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. There is an unveiling from the letter of the law. There is the removing of the veil only to see grace and freedom, through Jesus.
Now the Word says that we are free. But we are not to allow our freedom to be used as an "opportunity or excuse for selfishness, but through love you should serve one another" (Gal. 5:13 AMP). In that case, it is inappropriate to say, "Well I am free, so I can just say anything I want." You unnecessarily offend others that way. Contrarily, we must allow love to direct our actions and our words to the end that those who observe our lifestyle would be led to receive the Messiah.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom)." ( 2 Corinthians 3:17 AMP)
The action that causes us to put on God’s dignity and to become all that He is, is looking into the Word. The Word says that we are changed. "Change" means to be transformed. In other words, there is a constant changing. The more you look into the mirror of the Word, the more you will think different, talk different, and act different. The more you get into the Word, the more you look just like Jesus in the earth, and the more His love will flow through you.
We have a ministry of bringing the unveiling light to others through the love of God, so that they, too, can be transformed into God’s image.
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, February 10, 2011
God’s Boundless Love
Scripture Of The Day: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8
Sometimes as we go through life, we can begin to lose sight of God or question and doubt His love for us. We can become mired in erroneous thinking that God loves somebody else more than He loves us, which the Bible says is certainly untrue (Galatians 2:6). Circumstances in life can be very unfair, but our God remains the same as He has always been, which is love (1 John 4:8). God is love, He defines love, He does loving things, and He cannot do any unloving things. God's very character, nature, makeup, and personality is love.
The wonderful news is that God doesn't just keep His love to Himself, but He demonstrates it to the world. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." God spared nothing by giving us the most special and beloved gift which He could give, His Son, and He sent Him to a world which didn't deserve such a gift. We were sinners, not looking or even desiring to love God or even be loved by Him because we loved our sin and our own selfish ways. Yet God initiated love because love is Who He is; His own nature compelled Him to give us Jesus. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
God made man because He loved man and He wanted to have a relationship with man. Yet because of sin, man's only hope at being restored to fellowship with God was for a ransom to be paid. God demanded holiness, and we failed to measure up. Thus, God sent His perfect Son to live a perfect life and die in our place as a perfect sacrifice. Thus, as we repent of our sins and trust in Christ's work on the cross, we can be saved, forgiven, and free to enjoy a relationship with God forever. God loved the world so much that He gave up His Son to utter humiliation, even forsaking Him because of our sin which was placed upon Him (Mark 15:34), so that we could be received by Him (John 1:12-13). God has indeed demonstrated perfect and pure love beyond compare. We have never been loved like this, and only God can love us so perfectly. Only in knowing Him can we find perfect, grace-filled, redeeming, and restoring love. If and when we doubt God's love, we need only consider the cross.
But the love of God doesn't end here, for He keeps on giving good and perfect gifts. James 1:17 says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." He hasn't changed, for the same God Who did not spare His own Son is the same God we serve today. As Romans 8:32 says, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" Thus, God's love is not only demonstrated in the cross, though the cross sufficiently proves His love, but it is also manifested in the good and perfect blessings which He gives us in this life.
Yet let us not become so absorbed with this life such that we forget that the greatest gifts are yet to come in eternity. At that point, we will experience release from all pain, sorrow, and the burdens and troubles of this world (Revelation 21:4). The coming of Christ will bring with it an end to persecution, strife, struggles against sin, and every kind of hurt and betrayal. Relationships will be perfect, and we will see our Savior face to face. There we will worship Him, and He will bestow upon us the crown of life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:20) and all the rewards and honor due us (2 Corinthians 5:10).
The best is yet to come because Jesus is coming back, and we who have been redeemed will go to Him. Soon, and very soon, we will be able to enjoy the perfect Lover of our souls, the One Who alone is good, perfect, and the very definition of love. There, forever, we will bathe and bask in the overwhelming, wonderful, and boundless love of God.
[By Brent Barnett]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Sometimes as we go through life, we can begin to lose sight of God or question and doubt His love for us. We can become mired in erroneous thinking that God loves somebody else more than He loves us, which the Bible says is certainly untrue (Galatians 2:6). Circumstances in life can be very unfair, but our God remains the same as He has always been, which is love (1 John 4:8). God is love, He defines love, He does loving things, and He cannot do any unloving things. God's very character, nature, makeup, and personality is love.
The wonderful news is that God doesn't just keep His love to Himself, but He demonstrates it to the world. Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." God spared nothing by giving us the most special and beloved gift which He could give, His Son, and He sent Him to a world which didn't deserve such a gift. We were sinners, not looking or even desiring to love God or even be loved by Him because we loved our sin and our own selfish ways. Yet God initiated love because love is Who He is; His own nature compelled Him to give us Jesus. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."
God made man because He loved man and He wanted to have a relationship with man. Yet because of sin, man's only hope at being restored to fellowship with God was for a ransom to be paid. God demanded holiness, and we failed to measure up. Thus, God sent His perfect Son to live a perfect life and die in our place as a perfect sacrifice. Thus, as we repent of our sins and trust in Christ's work on the cross, we can be saved, forgiven, and free to enjoy a relationship with God forever. God loved the world so much that He gave up His Son to utter humiliation, even forsaking Him because of our sin which was placed upon Him (Mark 15:34), so that we could be received by Him (John 1:12-13). God has indeed demonstrated perfect and pure love beyond compare. We have never been loved like this, and only God can love us so perfectly. Only in knowing Him can we find perfect, grace-filled, redeeming, and restoring love. If and when we doubt God's love, we need only consider the cross.
But the love of God doesn't end here, for He keeps on giving good and perfect gifts. James 1:17 says, "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." He hasn't changed, for the same God Who did not spare His own Son is the same God we serve today. As Romans 8:32 says, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?" Thus, God's love is not only demonstrated in the cross, though the cross sufficiently proves His love, but it is also manifested in the good and perfect blessings which He gives us in this life.
Yet let us not become so absorbed with this life such that we forget that the greatest gifts are yet to come in eternity. At that point, we will experience release from all pain, sorrow, and the burdens and troubles of this world (Revelation 21:4). The coming of Christ will bring with it an end to persecution, strife, struggles against sin, and every kind of hurt and betrayal. Relationships will be perfect, and we will see our Savior face to face. There we will worship Him, and He will bestow upon us the crown of life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:20) and all the rewards and honor due us (2 Corinthians 5:10).
The best is yet to come because Jesus is coming back, and we who have been redeemed will go to Him. Soon, and very soon, we will be able to enjoy the perfect Lover of our souls, the One Who alone is good, perfect, and the very definition of love. There, forever, we will bathe and bask in the overwhelming, wonderful, and boundless love of God.
[By Brent Barnett]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
A Life of Peace
Read ~ Isaiah 26:2-4
Your home offers protection from the elements. So when a storm rolls in, you seek shelter within the safety of those four walls. The same principle applies to life’s storms. If we’ve built a solid house on a foundation of faith, then we’ve got a haven to run to when dark clouds gather and anxiety threatens to overwhelm us.
Let’s suppose I’ve got a problem that has me fretting. My stomach is in knots. Friends and family try to be understanding, but they’re growing weary of me taking my heartache out on them. I’m so focused on this issue that it feels as if I’m carrying a load on my shoulders. God offers a liberating alternative: “Cast your burden upon [Me] and [I] will sustain you” (Ps. 55:22). He does not erase the ills that invade this life. Instead, He shields us from the weight of worry by taking situations into His own hands.
However, the call to a free and peaceful life goes unheeded unless a person has confidence in the Lord. Trust is built through relationship—praying during daily trials and triumphs, seeking biblical guidance for decisions, and testing God’s Word to see that it is true and practical for this life. That’s how a house of faith is constructed brick by brick on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.
A believer who trusts in God receives the peace that Philippians 4:7 promises. But unshakeable peace isn’t instantaneous; it is cultivated through a consistent relationship with the Lord. A lifestyle of dependence upon Him is the key to weathering storms with supernatural calm.
[Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Your home offers protection from the elements. So when a storm rolls in, you seek shelter within the safety of those four walls. The same principle applies to life’s storms. If we’ve built a solid house on a foundation of faith, then we’ve got a haven to run to when dark clouds gather and anxiety threatens to overwhelm us.
Let’s suppose I’ve got a problem that has me fretting. My stomach is in knots. Friends and family try to be understanding, but they’re growing weary of me taking my heartache out on them. I’m so focused on this issue that it feels as if I’m carrying a load on my shoulders. God offers a liberating alternative: “Cast your burden upon [Me] and [I] will sustain you” (Ps. 55:22). He does not erase the ills that invade this life. Instead, He shields us from the weight of worry by taking situations into His own hands.
However, the call to a free and peaceful life goes unheeded unless a person has confidence in the Lord. Trust is built through relationship—praying during daily trials and triumphs, seeking biblical guidance for decisions, and testing God’s Word to see that it is true and practical for this life. That’s how a house of faith is constructed brick by brick on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.
A believer who trusts in God receives the peace that Philippians 4:7 promises. But unshakeable peace isn’t instantaneous; it is cultivated through a consistent relationship with the Lord. A lifestyle of dependence upon Him is the key to weathering storms with supernatural calm.
[Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Kept By His Love
Scripture Of The Day: "Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:39
When you go to a place like Disneyland with your children, you know where they are. You don't leave the park and forget them, because you protect what you love.
In the same way, God never forgets what He loves. Writing to first-century believers, Jude addressed his epistle, "to all who are called to live in the love of God the Father and the care of Jesus Christ (v. 1)." In the original language, it is in the perfect tense of which the nearest equivalent would read, "You are continually kept by Jesus Christ." It is a continuing result of a past action.
Whatever your difficulties may be today, you need to know that you are preserved in Christ, and that He will maintain His investment, which He purchased at the Cross. He will protect you, preserve you, and keep you.
Yet the Bible also tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21 NKJV). Is this a contradiction? No. It is merely two sides of the same coin. The Bible is teaching that God will keep us, but at the same time, we must keep ourselves in His love. We don't keep ourselves saved, but we keep ourselves safe.
There are things we must do on a daily basis to keep ourselves in a place where God can actively bless us, and to keep ourselves away from all that is unlike Him, and those things that would drag us down spiritually.
Attacks will come our way. Were it not for the preserving grace of God, none of us would make it. Clearly, we are preserved, protected, and kept by the power of God.
[By Greg Laurie]
Be Blessed & Enjoy!
Dawn
When you go to a place like Disneyland with your children, you know where they are. You don't leave the park and forget them, because you protect what you love.
In the same way, God never forgets what He loves. Writing to first-century believers, Jude addressed his epistle, "to all who are called to live in the love of God the Father and the care of Jesus Christ (v. 1)." In the original language, it is in the perfect tense of which the nearest equivalent would read, "You are continually kept by Jesus Christ." It is a continuing result of a past action.
Whatever your difficulties may be today, you need to know that you are preserved in Christ, and that He will maintain His investment, which He purchased at the Cross. He will protect you, preserve you, and keep you.
Yet the Bible also tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21 NKJV). Is this a contradiction? No. It is merely two sides of the same coin. The Bible is teaching that God will keep us, but at the same time, we must keep ourselves in His love. We don't keep ourselves saved, but we keep ourselves safe.
There are things we must do on a daily basis to keep ourselves in a place where God can actively bless us, and to keep ourselves away from all that is unlike Him, and those things that would drag us down spiritually.
Attacks will come our way. Were it not for the preserving grace of God, none of us would make it. Clearly, we are preserved, protected, and kept by the power of God.
[By Greg Laurie]
Be Blessed & Enjoy!
Dawn
Monday, February 7, 2011
Life’s Greatest Spiritual Secret
Scripture Of The Day: "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man." - Psalm 118:8 (ESV)
Have you ever struggled and fretted because your life wasn't going the way you wanted? Do you feel that way right now?
You have legitimate needs and desires. You know what would make you happy and you pray for it with all your might, asking God to help you get it. But if it doesn't come to pass, you may feel frustrated, disappointed, even bitter.
Sometimes you do get what you want, only to discover that it doesn't make you happy after all, just disillusioned.
Many Christians repeat this cycle their entire life, wondering what they're doing wrong. I should know. I was one of them.
A spiritual secret exists that can free you from this cycle: Trusting God. Trusting in the Lord.
"What?" you're asking. "That's no secret. I've read that dozens of times in the Bible and heard lots of sermons on it. What does he mean, secret?"
The secret lies in putting this truth into practice, by making it such a powerful theme in your life that you view every event, every sorrow, every prayer with the unshakable conviction that God is totally, spotlessly trustworthy.
That's where we mess up. We want to trust in anything rather than the Lord. We'll trust in our own abilities, in our boss's judgment of us, in our money, our doctor, even in an airline pilot. But the Lord? Well…
It's easy to trust in things we can see. Sure, we believe in God, but to allow him to run our life? That's asking a little too much, we think. The bottom line is that our wants may not agree with God's wants for us. After all, it's our life, isn't it? Shouldn't we have the say over it? Shouldn't we be the one who calls the shots? God gave us free will, didn't he?
Advertising and peer pressure tell us what's important: a high-paying career, a head-turning car, a drop-dead-gorgeous home, and a spouse or significant other who will make everyone else green with envy.
If we fall for the world's idea of what matters, we get trapped in what I call "The Loop of Next Time." The new car, relationship, promotion or whatever didn't bring you the happiness you expected, so you keep searching, thinking "Maybe next time." But it's a loop that's always the same, because you were created for something better, and deep down you know it.
When you finally reach the place where your head agrees with your heart, you're still hesitant. It's scary. Trusting in the Lord can require that you abandon everything you've ever believed about what brings happiness and fulfillment. It requires that you accept the truth that God knows what's best for you. But how do you make that leap from knowing to doing? How do you trust in the Lord instead of the world or yourself?
The secret lives within you: the Holy Spirit. Not only will he convict you of the rightness of trusting in the Lord, he'll help you do it. It's just too tough to do on your own. Because the Holy Spirit knows you better than you know yourself, he'll give you exactly what you need to make this change. He's infinitely patient, so he'll let you test this secret—trusting in the Lord—in little baby steps. He'll catch you if you stumble. He'll rejoice with you when you succeed.
As someone who has gone through cancer, the deaths of loved ones, broken relationships, and job layoffs, I can tell you that trusting in the Lord is a lifelong challenge. You never finally "arrive." Each new crisis calls for recommitment. The good news is that the more often you see God's loving hand working in your life, the easier this trusting becomes. When you trust in the Lord, you'll feel as if the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders. The pressure's off you now and on God, and he can handle it perfectly.
God will make something beautiful of your life, but he needs your trust in him to do it. Are you ready? The time to start is today, right now.
[Jack Zavada]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Have you ever struggled and fretted because your life wasn't going the way you wanted? Do you feel that way right now?
You have legitimate needs and desires. You know what would make you happy and you pray for it with all your might, asking God to help you get it. But if it doesn't come to pass, you may feel frustrated, disappointed, even bitter.
Sometimes you do get what you want, only to discover that it doesn't make you happy after all, just disillusioned.
Many Christians repeat this cycle their entire life, wondering what they're doing wrong. I should know. I was one of them.
A spiritual secret exists that can free you from this cycle: Trusting God. Trusting in the Lord.
"What?" you're asking. "That's no secret. I've read that dozens of times in the Bible and heard lots of sermons on it. What does he mean, secret?"
The secret lies in putting this truth into practice, by making it such a powerful theme in your life that you view every event, every sorrow, every prayer with the unshakable conviction that God is totally, spotlessly trustworthy.
That's where we mess up. We want to trust in anything rather than the Lord. We'll trust in our own abilities, in our boss's judgment of us, in our money, our doctor, even in an airline pilot. But the Lord? Well…
It's easy to trust in things we can see. Sure, we believe in God, but to allow him to run our life? That's asking a little too much, we think. The bottom line is that our wants may not agree with God's wants for us. After all, it's our life, isn't it? Shouldn't we have the say over it? Shouldn't we be the one who calls the shots? God gave us free will, didn't he?
Advertising and peer pressure tell us what's important: a high-paying career, a head-turning car, a drop-dead-gorgeous home, and a spouse or significant other who will make everyone else green with envy.
If we fall for the world's idea of what matters, we get trapped in what I call "The Loop of Next Time." The new car, relationship, promotion or whatever didn't bring you the happiness you expected, so you keep searching, thinking "Maybe next time." But it's a loop that's always the same, because you were created for something better, and deep down you know it.
When you finally reach the place where your head agrees with your heart, you're still hesitant. It's scary. Trusting in the Lord can require that you abandon everything you've ever believed about what brings happiness and fulfillment. It requires that you accept the truth that God knows what's best for you. But how do you make that leap from knowing to doing? How do you trust in the Lord instead of the world or yourself?
The secret lives within you: the Holy Spirit. Not only will he convict you of the rightness of trusting in the Lord, he'll help you do it. It's just too tough to do on your own. Because the Holy Spirit knows you better than you know yourself, he'll give you exactly what you need to make this change. He's infinitely patient, so he'll let you test this secret—trusting in the Lord—in little baby steps. He'll catch you if you stumble. He'll rejoice with you when you succeed.
As someone who has gone through cancer, the deaths of loved ones, broken relationships, and job layoffs, I can tell you that trusting in the Lord is a lifelong challenge. You never finally "arrive." Each new crisis calls for recommitment. The good news is that the more often you see God's loving hand working in your life, the easier this trusting becomes. When you trust in the Lord, you'll feel as if the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders. The pressure's off you now and on God, and he can handle it perfectly.
God will make something beautiful of your life, but he needs your trust in him to do it. Are you ready? The time to start is today, right now.
[Jack Zavada]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Weekend Devotional: The Best Wway to Fight Temptation
Temptation. There is no escaping it. But know this: it can help you to deepen and grow spiritually, causing you to cling that much tighter to the Lord Himself.
It's been said, "Christians are a lot like teabags. You don't know what they are made of until you put them in hot water." Perhaps you're in the "hot water" of temptation right now. God has given you a weapon to use, and it's called the Bible.
When Jesus faced His temptation in the wilderness, He gave us an example to follow, a template to apply. Being God, He could have sent Satan away or even removed Himself from the place where the enemy was. Instead, He faced Satan as a man and stood on ground that we too can occupy.
Each time Jesus was tempted, He quoted the Scripture. We read in Luke 4:12, "And Jesus answered and said to him, 'It is written, "You shall not tempt the LORD your God."'" You need to know and quote Scripture when you are tempted. The psalmist wrote, "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word" (Psalm 119:9) and "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!" (Psalm 119:11).
It's good to carry a Bible in your briefcase, backpack, or purse. But the best place to carry the Word of God is in your heart! Why? Because Satan can quote Scripture to you too! Satan entices you, trips you up, and then tells you "God will not forgive you!" We pull out the Sword and reply, "It is written, 'If we confess our sin. . .' " (1 John 1:9).
Satan whispers in your ear, "You've sinned, and now God condemns you!" We can come back with, "It is written, 'There is therefore now no condemnation' " (Romans 8:1). The devil tells us, "You're not going to make it. I'll get you. You'll fall again!" You reply, "It is written, 'And I will give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand' " (John 10:28).You can also say, "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it unto the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
Perhaps when tragedy hits, the enemy will say, "Your life is over, and ruined. God has abandoned you." You come back with God's Word! It is written, "He causes all things to work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28).
When a loved one dies, the enemy says, "That's it. They are gone. Death is the end!" You reply, "It is written that to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord" (see 2 Corinthians 5:8). Jesus also said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25).
I encourage you to memorize and use the Word of God when being tempted. It will make all the difference.
[via Greg Laurie]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
It's been said, "Christians are a lot like teabags. You don't know what they are made of until you put them in hot water." Perhaps you're in the "hot water" of temptation right now. God has given you a weapon to use, and it's called the Bible.
When Jesus faced His temptation in the wilderness, He gave us an example to follow, a template to apply. Being God, He could have sent Satan away or even removed Himself from the place where the enemy was. Instead, He faced Satan as a man and stood on ground that we too can occupy.
Each time Jesus was tempted, He quoted the Scripture. We read in Luke 4:12, "And Jesus answered and said to him, 'It is written, "You shall not tempt the LORD your God."'" You need to know and quote Scripture when you are tempted. The psalmist wrote, "How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word" (Psalm 119:9) and "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!" (Psalm 119:11).
It's good to carry a Bible in your briefcase, backpack, or purse. But the best place to carry the Word of God is in your heart! Why? Because Satan can quote Scripture to you too! Satan entices you, trips you up, and then tells you "God will not forgive you!" We pull out the Sword and reply, "It is written, 'If we confess our sin. . .' " (1 John 1:9).
Satan whispers in your ear, "You've sinned, and now God condemns you!" We can come back with, "It is written, 'There is therefore now no condemnation' " (Romans 8:1). The devil tells us, "You're not going to make it. I'll get you. You'll fall again!" You reply, "It is written, 'And I will give unto them eternal life and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand' " (John 10:28).You can also say, "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it unto the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
Perhaps when tragedy hits, the enemy will say, "Your life is over, and ruined. God has abandoned you." You come back with God's Word! It is written, "He causes all things to work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28).
When a loved one dies, the enemy says, "That's it. They are gone. Death is the end!" You reply, "It is written that to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord" (see 2 Corinthians 5:8). Jesus also said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me, though he may die, he shall live" (John 11:25).
I encourage you to memorize and use the Word of God when being tempted. It will make all the difference.
[via Greg Laurie]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Our Way or God’s Way?
Read ~Exodus 2:11-25
Whenever challenges come, there are two different ways to respond: God’s way or our way. Moses is an example of a man who, on separate occasions, tried out both options. In today’s passage, we see what happened when he took matters into his own hands. Although his motives were pure—namely, the relief of his peoples’ suffering—his method was wrong. Moses made three mistakes.
1. He focused on the difficulty instead of on the Lord. How often have you and I done the same thing? The unfairness or pain of a situation grabs our attention and in our quest for a solution, we forget our all-powerful God.
2. He relied on his own strength and understanding. When a problem arises, the most natural response is to do what we can to make it right.
3. He acted impulsively rather than waiting on the Lord. If a situation seems urgent, fixing the problem as fast as possible becomes our top priority.
Our way can look so logical at the time, but let’s consider how effective Moses was in achieving his goal. An Egyptian was killed, but the Hebrew people weren’t liberated. Moses was misunderstood by those he tried to help, and his life took an unexpected detour into the desert for 40 long years.
We’ve all followed Moses’ example at some point and suffered the consequences of self-reliance. But God didn’t reject Moses and cancel His plans for him. Instead, He refined the future leader’s character through trials and gave him another chance. Don’t you think the Lord will do the same for us?
[Via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Whenever challenges come, there are two different ways to respond: God’s way or our way. Moses is an example of a man who, on separate occasions, tried out both options. In today’s passage, we see what happened when he took matters into his own hands. Although his motives were pure—namely, the relief of his peoples’ suffering—his method was wrong. Moses made three mistakes.
1. He focused on the difficulty instead of on the Lord. How often have you and I done the same thing? The unfairness or pain of a situation grabs our attention and in our quest for a solution, we forget our all-powerful God.
2. He relied on his own strength and understanding. When a problem arises, the most natural response is to do what we can to make it right.
3. He acted impulsively rather than waiting on the Lord. If a situation seems urgent, fixing the problem as fast as possible becomes our top priority.
Our way can look so logical at the time, but let’s consider how effective Moses was in achieving his goal. An Egyptian was killed, but the Hebrew people weren’t liberated. Moses was misunderstood by those he tried to help, and his life took an unexpected detour into the desert for 40 long years.
We’ve all followed Moses’ example at some point and suffered the consequences of self-reliance. But God didn’t reject Moses and cancel His plans for him. Instead, He refined the future leader’s character through trials and gave him another chance. Don’t you think the Lord will do the same for us?
[Via Pastor Charles Stanley]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Whom Shall I Fear?
Scripture Of The Day: "For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock." - Psalm 27:5
Franklin Graham tells the story about a little girl he saw in Rwanda, after that country's civil war a few years ago. She was a refugee who had just witnessed the murder of her entire family, and she was sitting in the back of a truck, clutching a blanket and singing. He asked one of the soldiers what she was saying, and the soldier translated it: "Jesus loves me, this I know..." She had just lost everyone and everything that she knew, and she was singing praise to God!
Not many of us face such horrific circumstances in our lives, and that's by the mercy of God. But we all face battles where we are tempted to doubt the goodness or the power of God. This is part of spiritual warfare. Paul puts it this way: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
The faithful Christian understands that there is an intense battle going on at all times. There are enemies all around, and hell doesn't give you a standing ovation when you commit your life to Christ. Jesus Himself knew warfare—His earthly ministry began with forty days of warfare with Satan in the wilderness, and it ended in Gethsemane, with Jesus sweating great drops of blood, before the last great battle on the cross.
As Christians, we are not exempt from suffering. It may come in the form of sickness or loss of a job, or through the terrible events like the little Rwandan girl experienced. Suffering intensifies spiritual warfare and the fear that may make us doubt the grace and the mercy of God.
Yet, we should not fear. Psalm 27 is a song of confidence in the Lord. It was written during the time when David was on the run from Saul, who was trying to kill him. Listen to what David says: "Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident... For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock" (v. 3, 5).
I encourage you to spend some time with this Psalm. Read it. Meditate on the truths it expresses. God knows and understands the battles you face. He knows, and He cares. Even if you are forsaken by everyone and everything else, the Lord will take care of you (see v. 10).
Whatever the challenges, whatever the battles, we can all say, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (v. 1).
[Skip Heitzig]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Franklin Graham tells the story about a little girl he saw in Rwanda, after that country's civil war a few years ago. She was a refugee who had just witnessed the murder of her entire family, and she was sitting in the back of a truck, clutching a blanket and singing. He asked one of the soldiers what she was saying, and the soldier translated it: "Jesus loves me, this I know..." She had just lost everyone and everything that she knew, and she was singing praise to God!
Not many of us face such horrific circumstances in our lives, and that's by the mercy of God. But we all face battles where we are tempted to doubt the goodness or the power of God. This is part of spiritual warfare. Paul puts it this way: "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).
The faithful Christian understands that there is an intense battle going on at all times. There are enemies all around, and hell doesn't give you a standing ovation when you commit your life to Christ. Jesus Himself knew warfare—His earthly ministry began with forty days of warfare with Satan in the wilderness, and it ended in Gethsemane, with Jesus sweating great drops of blood, before the last great battle on the cross.
As Christians, we are not exempt from suffering. It may come in the form of sickness or loss of a job, or through the terrible events like the little Rwandan girl experienced. Suffering intensifies spiritual warfare and the fear that may make us doubt the grace and the mercy of God.
Yet, we should not fear. Psalm 27 is a song of confidence in the Lord. It was written during the time when David was on the run from Saul, who was trying to kill him. Listen to what David says: "Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident... For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock" (v. 3, 5).
I encourage you to spend some time with this Psalm. Read it. Meditate on the truths it expresses. God knows and understands the battles you face. He knows, and He cares. Even if you are forsaken by everyone and everything else, the Lord will take care of you (see v. 10).
Whatever the challenges, whatever the battles, we can all say, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (v. 1).
[Skip Heitzig]
Be Blessed!
Dawn
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Every Day in Every Way
[By Greg Laurie]
"Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." — Matthew 11:29
My wife is a very good driver. She is very careful. But I don't like to be driven around by my wife, because I am a consummate backseat driver. I am constantly giving her instructions: "Turn right . . . get in the right lane. Get in it now! Now! Okay . . . hurry! Go around that person. . . ." I think she has found it easier to just let me drive. Many times, we can be that way with God. He says, "Give me the steering wheel," but we are saying, "Lord, speed up. Speed up! Speed up!! No, Lord, get out of this lane. I don't like this. Change this. . . . " But He wants to be in control.
When Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you" (Matthew 11:29), He meant that we are to submit ourselves to Him every day in every way. A yoke was made of wood, handcarved to fit the neck and shoulders of the animal to prevent pain or discomfort. In ancient culture, the word "yoke" was a term that was used to describe submission. So when someone was described as being yoked to someone or something, it was communicating the idea that he or she was in submission to that person or thing.
So to be yoked to Jesus is to serve and obey Him. Before you bristle at that idea, consider this: everyone is yoked to someone or something. The question is to whom or what do you want to be yoked? Some are yoked to the power of sin. They are under its control. Some are yoked in a relationship with unbelievers, and the Bible warns very specifically against that (see 2 Corinthians 6:14). You are yoked to someone or something. So why not be yoked to Jesus?
Be Blessed!
Dawn
"Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls." — Matthew 11:29
My wife is a very good driver. She is very careful. But I don't like to be driven around by my wife, because I am a consummate backseat driver. I am constantly giving her instructions: "Turn right . . . get in the right lane. Get in it now! Now! Okay . . . hurry! Go around that person. . . ." I think she has found it easier to just let me drive. Many times, we can be that way with God. He says, "Give me the steering wheel," but we are saying, "Lord, speed up. Speed up! Speed up!! No, Lord, get out of this lane. I don't like this. Change this. . . . " But He wants to be in control.
When Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you" (Matthew 11:29), He meant that we are to submit ourselves to Him every day in every way. A yoke was made of wood, handcarved to fit the neck and shoulders of the animal to prevent pain or discomfort. In ancient culture, the word "yoke" was a term that was used to describe submission. So when someone was described as being yoked to someone or something, it was communicating the idea that he or she was in submission to that person or thing.
So to be yoked to Jesus is to serve and obey Him. Before you bristle at that idea, consider this: everyone is yoked to someone or something. The question is to whom or what do you want to be yoked? Some are yoked to the power of sin. They are under its control. Some are yoked in a relationship with unbelievers, and the Bible warns very specifically against that (see 2 Corinthians 6:14). You are yoked to someone or something. So why not be yoked to Jesus?
Be Blessed!
Dawn
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