READ
2 Peter 2:1-3
People have an expectation that those who talk about God must also be serving Him and His people’s best interests. I wish that were always true. However, the many warnings about deceivers entering the church are as relevant today as when the New Testament writers penned them.
In case you think I am overstating the problem, let me point you to the words of Jesus: “See to it that no one misleads you” (Matt. 24:4). He warned that many would falsely claim God had sent them. Christ was not talking only about events in the decades of the early church. His caution was directed at the generations to come—particularly those living during the present earth’s last days.
The apostle Peter gives a helpful test with which to evaluate teachers and preachers of God’s Word:
1. A deceiver attempts to manipulate and exploit his hearers. He uses half-truths, exciting promises, and flowery language to draw in followers. In particular, we’re to be on guard against the erroneous doctrine that denies the truth of the entire Bible.
2. Many false teachers will have a problem with sensuality.
3. Most will also be greedy and materialistic. If we observe these habits in the life of a leader, we must reject his or her teaching.
How can you see past a false teacher’s camouflage, cunning, and/or charisma? Filling your mind with Scripture will enable you to compare what someone says and does with biblical truth. Follow the Psalmist’s example: treasure God’s Word in your heart so that you will not sin against Him (Ps. 119:11).
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
THE SPIRIT OF THE ANTICHRIST
READ
1 John 4:1-6
In the church, the word antichrist usually calls to mind the prophesied leader in power during the earth’s last days. But in the Bible, it more often refers to an anti-Christ spirit—in other words, demonic forces opposed to truth. Examples include false teachers (1 Tim. 4:1) and the negative influence of the world (1 Cor. 2:12). John urged his readers to stand against enemies of the faith by using scriptural principles to evaluate their words and actions.
We are living in an “enlightened” age—or at least people think we are. Anyone with an opinion and a platform is welcome to share his or her version of truth. Subtly false messages come from unlikely places, such as the business world, the entertainment industry, or the media. We might be tempted to think that these venues are separate from our faith. But just as our beliefs are to impact every aspect of our being, so a bit of poison injected into our professional life or leisure pursuits can contaminate other areas.
Believers, therefore, must be aware of the type of information and attitudes that enter the mind. We need a discerning spirit to look past speakers’ charisma and eloquence and assess their message. But we will recognize an anti-Christ attitude only if we have a heart full of Scripture against which to compare.
Your local bank teller knows when a counterfeit bill passes through her hands because she has memorized the feel of a real dollar. In the same way, believers with sound biblical knowledge will recognize and discard an anti-Christ message or attitude when it reaches their ears.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
1 John 4:1-6
In the church, the word antichrist usually calls to mind the prophesied leader in power during the earth’s last days. But in the Bible, it more often refers to an anti-Christ spirit—in other words, demonic forces opposed to truth. Examples include false teachers (1 Tim. 4:1) and the negative influence of the world (1 Cor. 2:12). John urged his readers to stand against enemies of the faith by using scriptural principles to evaluate their words and actions.
We are living in an “enlightened” age—or at least people think we are. Anyone with an opinion and a platform is welcome to share his or her version of truth. Subtly false messages come from unlikely places, such as the business world, the entertainment industry, or the media. We might be tempted to think that these venues are separate from our faith. But just as our beliefs are to impact every aspect of our being, so a bit of poison injected into our professional life or leisure pursuits can contaminate other areas.
Believers, therefore, must be aware of the type of information and attitudes that enter the mind. We need a discerning spirit to look past speakers’ charisma and eloquence and assess their message. But we will recognize an anti-Christ attitude only if we have a heart full of Scripture against which to compare.
Your local bank teller knows when a counterfeit bill passes through her hands because she has memorized the feel of a real dollar. In the same way, believers with sound biblical knowledge will recognize and discard an anti-Christ message or attitude when it reaches their ears.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Saturday, November 28, 2009
What God Deserves
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.
— Luke 17:15–16
I remember the first time I said, "Praise the Lord!" It seemed like a very awkward phrase to utter. All of my Christian friends would say it, and I thought, I am going to say that now. I consciously thought about it first. But I had a hard time getting it out. Once I did, it felt kind of good. So I said it again. It is a wonderful thing when "Praise the Lord" just flows from your lips.
In fact, that is what you were created to do. You were created to give glory to God. It is the highest use of your vocal chords, your mouth, and your lips. God wants to hear us give Him praise. We need to give God what He deserves, and that is glory. Psalm 29:2 tells us, "Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
Yet far too often we are like the 10 men who suffered with leprosy and called out loudly to Jesus for intervention. He graciously heard their prayer and healed all of them of their dreaded disease. But only one returned to thank Him. Jesus said in response, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?" (Luke 17:17).
Often we are quick to ask God for help during times of crisis, but we are very slow to offer Him thanks after He intervenes on our behalf. In doing so, we are essentially telling Him, "Thanks, God. See you next crisis." When those leprosy-stricken men saw Jesus, they cried out loudly for His touch. But only one came back to loudly thank Him (see Luke 17:15–16).
We should be as devoted in our praise to God as we are in crying out to Him for help.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE AN OTHER!
DAWN
— Luke 17:15–16
I remember the first time I said, "Praise the Lord!" It seemed like a very awkward phrase to utter. All of my Christian friends would say it, and I thought, I am going to say that now. I consciously thought about it first. But I had a hard time getting it out. Once I did, it felt kind of good. So I said it again. It is a wonderful thing when "Praise the Lord" just flows from your lips.
In fact, that is what you were created to do. You were created to give glory to God. It is the highest use of your vocal chords, your mouth, and your lips. God wants to hear us give Him praise. We need to give God what He deserves, and that is glory. Psalm 29:2 tells us, "Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
Yet far too often we are like the 10 men who suffered with leprosy and called out loudly to Jesus for intervention. He graciously heard their prayer and healed all of them of their dreaded disease. But only one returned to thank Him. Jesus said in response, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?" (Luke 17:17).
Often we are quick to ask God for help during times of crisis, but we are very slow to offer Him thanks after He intervenes on our behalf. In doing so, we are essentially telling Him, "Thanks, God. See you next crisis." When those leprosy-stricken men saw Jesus, they cried out loudly for His touch. But only one came back to loudly thank Him (see Luke 17:15–16).
We should be as devoted in our praise to God as we are in crying out to Him for help.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE AN OTHER!
DAWN
Friday, November 27, 2009
Our Godless Age
READ
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Scripture tells us that the years leading up to Christ’s return will be difficult. Because of man’s on-going rebellion against the Lord, ungodliness will continue to increase. In our own culture, opposition to Jesus is growing, and various sins that were once condemned are gaining acceptance. Many in our world have bought into Satan’s lie that we can live without the Lord and still find happiness, prosperity, and peace. The Devil tempted Eve to believe she could find satisfaction outside of God’s will, and he does the same with us today.
In 2 Timothy 3, we read about traits that will be common prior to Christ’s return:
“Lovers of self.” Self-centeredness (placing a priority on what will profit us most) and selfishness (wanting to keep what we have) will be rampant.
“Lovers of money.” The acquisition of wealth to fuel pleasures, provide security, or gain possessions will be a strong motivator. Greed leads many to lie, cheat, and steal.
“Boastful.” Pride caused Satan to be cast from heaven, and it prevents people from submitting to Jesus’ authority. Arrogance, which damages relationships and leads to financial ruin, will permeate society.
Other characteristics of the age will be abusive behaviors, unforgiving attitudes, and a lack of self-control.
It’s easy to see similarities between modern society and Scripture’s description of the years before Christ’s second coming. While discouraging, these prophetic signs are precursors of the day Jesus returns to set things right. Our hope is to rest in His promises, not in the circumstances around us.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Scripture tells us that the years leading up to Christ’s return will be difficult. Because of man’s on-going rebellion against the Lord, ungodliness will continue to increase. In our own culture, opposition to Jesus is growing, and various sins that were once condemned are gaining acceptance. Many in our world have bought into Satan’s lie that we can live without the Lord and still find happiness, prosperity, and peace. The Devil tempted Eve to believe she could find satisfaction outside of God’s will, and he does the same with us today.
In 2 Timothy 3, we read about traits that will be common prior to Christ’s return:
“Lovers of self.” Self-centeredness (placing a priority on what will profit us most) and selfishness (wanting to keep what we have) will be rampant.
“Lovers of money.” The acquisition of wealth to fuel pleasures, provide security, or gain possessions will be a strong motivator. Greed leads many to lie, cheat, and steal.
“Boastful.” Pride caused Satan to be cast from heaven, and it prevents people from submitting to Jesus’ authority. Arrogance, which damages relationships and leads to financial ruin, will permeate society.
Other characteristics of the age will be abusive behaviors, unforgiving attitudes, and a lack of self-control.
It’s easy to see similarities between modern society and Scripture’s description of the years before Christ’s second coming. While discouraging, these prophetic signs are precursors of the day Jesus returns to set things right. Our hope is to rest in His promises, not in the circumstances around us.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Thursday, November 26, 2009
FEASTING ON THE WORD
READ
Deuteronomy 8:1-6
The Bible should be the priority book in our literary diet. If we spent as much time in the Word as we do at the dinner table, our spirit and character would be strong and thriving. And no matter what our circumstances happened to be, we’d experience an inner joy. The satisfaction that comes from living an obedient life is not possible apart from Scripture.
In God’s Word, we find out how He thinks and what He does. We also discover the guiding principles for a successful life. After all, how can we trust God unless we know Him? And how can we be like Jesus unless we practice the habits He displays in Scripture?
God told the Israelites not to turn from His Word to the right or to the left. Only a straight route through His will would result in success, even when walled cities like Jericho stood in the way (Josh. 6:2). What this means in practical terms is that every time we must make a decision, we sift it through what we know of the Lord from Scripture. When we face a crisis, we dig into the Bible to answer the question, What would the Lord have me do? We do not live by reason, the opinion of others, or our own wisdom. Rather, we conform our minds, heart, and will to the biblical standard.
Bread will keep your stomach full, but your life will be empty without a holy daily meal that includes reading and meditation. Learn to recognize spiritual hunger pains, such as vague discontent or animosity toward the things of God—and quickly begin to feast on the Word.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE.
DAWN
Deuteronomy 8:1-6
The Bible should be the priority book in our literary diet. If we spent as much time in the Word as we do at the dinner table, our spirit and character would be strong and thriving. And no matter what our circumstances happened to be, we’d experience an inner joy. The satisfaction that comes from living an obedient life is not possible apart from Scripture.
In God’s Word, we find out how He thinks and what He does. We also discover the guiding principles for a successful life. After all, how can we trust God unless we know Him? And how can we be like Jesus unless we practice the habits He displays in Scripture?
God told the Israelites not to turn from His Word to the right or to the left. Only a straight route through His will would result in success, even when walled cities like Jericho stood in the way (Josh. 6:2). What this means in practical terms is that every time we must make a decision, we sift it through what we know of the Lord from Scripture. When we face a crisis, we dig into the Bible to answer the question, What would the Lord have me do? We do not live by reason, the opinion of others, or our own wisdom. Rather, we conform our minds, heart, and will to the biblical standard.
Bread will keep your stomach full, but your life will be empty without a holy daily meal that includes reading and meditation. Learn to recognize spiritual hunger pains, such as vague discontent or animosity toward the things of God—and quickly begin to feast on the Word.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE.
DAWN
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
READ
Psalm 50
At first glance, the words sacrifice and thanksgiving have little connection, yet Scripture combines them in one phrase. Sacrifice brings to mind images of painful relinquishment or costly service, whereas thanksgiving conveys a joyous response prompted by overflowing abundance and blessings.
Generally, thanksgiving can be thought of as a verbal expression of gratitude for something good. In public worship services, we thank the Lord for His blessings with prayers and songs of praise, but these hardly seem like a sacrifice.
To gain understanding of this concept, let’s consider some costly ways of giving thanks to God. Words can be cheap, but a godly life given wholly to the Lord is extremely valuable to Him and sacrificial for us. This is not about perfection but rather a heart that is bent toward obeying the Lord and a life surrendered to His will and purpose. Those living this kind of self-less, Christ-centered life can offer genuine thanks which delights God’s heart.
Giving is another expression of gratitude that is costly. Since the Lord is the source of all provision and wealth, our grateful response should be to give Him a portion of all He has given us. Generosity is a good barometer of the authenticity of gratitude.
Offering thanks to God begins with words, but like children who grow in appreciation as they mature, so we should be growing in expressions of gratitude to the Lord. Give Him your whole life as a sacrifice of thanksgiving—you’ll experience amazing benefits because you can never outgive God
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Psalm 50
At first glance, the words sacrifice and thanksgiving have little connection, yet Scripture combines them in one phrase. Sacrifice brings to mind images of painful relinquishment or costly service, whereas thanksgiving conveys a joyous response prompted by overflowing abundance and blessings.
Generally, thanksgiving can be thought of as a verbal expression of gratitude for something good. In public worship services, we thank the Lord for His blessings with prayers and songs of praise, but these hardly seem like a sacrifice.
To gain understanding of this concept, let’s consider some costly ways of giving thanks to God. Words can be cheap, but a godly life given wholly to the Lord is extremely valuable to Him and sacrificial for us. This is not about perfection but rather a heart that is bent toward obeying the Lord and a life surrendered to His will and purpose. Those living this kind of self-less, Christ-centered life can offer genuine thanks which delights God’s heart.
Giving is another expression of gratitude that is costly. Since the Lord is the source of all provision and wealth, our grateful response should be to give Him a portion of all He has given us. Generosity is a good barometer of the authenticity of gratitude.
Offering thanks to God begins with words, but like children who grow in appreciation as they mature, so we should be growing in expressions of gratitude to the Lord. Give Him your whole life as a sacrifice of thanksgiving—you’ll experience amazing benefits because you can never outgive God
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
"It Is Good to Give Thanks to God"
Throughout the Psalms, we are reminded and even commanded to give thanks to the Lord. Thanksgiving Day should never become a substitute for the daily expression of gratitude to God for all that He has done.
Because our culture is largely characterized by ingratitude, we need to work at developing a grateful heart. Even in prayer, we can become self-centered and drift from one petition to another without a word of praise to God. Giving thanks refocuses our attention onto the Lord as we remember His love and faithfulness and praise Him for who He is and what He has done.
Thanksgiving refreshes our souls as we spend time with God, concentrating on His goodness and grace. Anxiety is replaced with peace, and despondency with joy. If you wake up each morning and thank the Lord for deliverance from the power of sin, provision for all your needs, and guidance for the day ahead, what is left to cause worry or discouragement?
Gratitude to God for His faithfulness in the past increases faith and strengthens trust in Him for the future. Remember how He carried you in times of pain, helped you in periods of weakness, and supplied all your needs. You can trust Him with whatever lies ahead.
To establish a habit of thanksgiving, recall God’s lovingkindness in the morning, and recount His faithfulness at night. Thank Him for blessings—and also for the deep work He is doing in you through difficulties. As you start to see situations from His perspective, your gratitude and trust will grow.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
Because our culture is largely characterized by ingratitude, we need to work at developing a grateful heart. Even in prayer, we can become self-centered and drift from one petition to another without a word of praise to God. Giving thanks refocuses our attention onto the Lord as we remember His love and faithfulness and praise Him for who He is and what He has done.
Thanksgiving refreshes our souls as we spend time with God, concentrating on His goodness and grace. Anxiety is replaced with peace, and despondency with joy. If you wake up each morning and thank the Lord for deliverance from the power of sin, provision for all your needs, and guidance for the day ahead, what is left to cause worry or discouragement?
Gratitude to God for His faithfulness in the past increases faith and strengthens trust in Him for the future. Remember how He carried you in times of pain, helped you in periods of weakness, and supplied all your needs. You can trust Him with whatever lies ahead.
To establish a habit of thanksgiving, recall God’s lovingkindness in the morning, and recount His faithfulness at night. Thank Him for blessings—and also for the deep work He is doing in you through difficulties. As you start to see situations from His perspective, your gratitude and trust will grow.
BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING TO ONE ANOTHER!
DAWN
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