Greetings from Paul
1 This letter is from Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus.
I am writing to all of God’s holy people in Philippi who belong to Christ Jesus, including the elders[a] and deacons.
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. 4 Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, 5 for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. 6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
7 So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. 8 God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.
9 I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ[b]—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Paul’s Joy That Christ Is Preached
12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters,[c] that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. 13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard,[d] knows that I am in chains because of Christ. 14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers[e] here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message[f] without fear.
15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. 19 For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Pleasing God vs. Pleasing Man
Do you find your walk with the Lord being held back by what you fear others will think about you? Do you find yourself more interested in what people think over what God thinks of you?
Galatians 1:10 "Do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the One I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I still wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
When posed with the questions above the first thought is to immediately say"No", but God knows our hearts. Paul was obviously not worried about trying to please the people around him. It's not that he didn't care about others. It's just that he was focused on serving the Lord. Many times you maybe too worried about what people think of you, which inhibits you from following God with your whole heart. Instead, follow those God-given desires with reckless abandon, because all that will matter in the end is fulfilling God's plan for your life. You are called to serve God without reserve, so fulfill His plan without letting others sidetrack you. We must constantly allow the Holy Spirit to purge our hearts, if we are to have them changed, and become better witnesses for Christ in the workplace.
One of the reasons for our actions may be that we tend to truly doubt the power of God. We want to believe it in our hearts, but it is still stuck somewhere in our heads. It is still a belief that has not yet become a value. The difference in a belief and a value is: a belief can be swayed and convinced to change over time, but a value is something that is deeply and firmly implanted in someone and a conviction that someone will actually die for.
I believe that the only way for a belief to become a value is to test it over and over, until the change occurs, and it finds a path from our minds into our hearts. For instance, I prayed for many sick and hurting people over the years without any known results, and while I believed that God could and would heal because the Word said so, it did not become a rock solid value until I saw God actually heal. Sad and even very doubting Thomas like but true!
Today when I pray for God to heal others who are hurting, I pray with much more expectancy, that God will move in their lives. Do I always see God heal those I am praying for? The answer is no, but I still continue to pray for others with great faith in God’s faithfulness, because I know the Word of God is true and that God does heal. If anyone now asks me if God heals, I would immediately say “certainly”, as it has become a value.
Another problem is the fact that man has really messed up the church over the years since Christ’s death and resurrection. We have come up with our own religious rules and regulations that God never intended us to follow. Man’s religious ways will always look silly to the world!
But even when we simply do the same things that Jesus did in the workplace we will find persecution. Jesus told us that we would be blessed for following Him, but that we would also be persecuted at the prophets before us were persecuted. 11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Salt and Light 13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Matthew 5:12-14 Jesus warned us that the world hated Him and that would also hate us. John 15:17-19
So being reminded of that, let’s get over ourselves, dies to ourselves each day, take up our cross and follow Him in the workplace. We will probably find that our actions that flow out of a heart full of him will have more results and be better accepted though, than just the religious efforts that we make at times. When our actions are guided by the Holy Spirit then the results are always astonishing and bear much fruit.
Let’s all simply become more intimate with God each day and trust that God will use the actions that flow out of our transformed hearts.
Let’s not be so concerned about what others think of us and more concerned about what God thinks of us. Let’s become living sacrifices for Christ in the workplace!
Lord, Fill us with Your holy presence today and empower us to be your servants in the workplace. Please give us the dedication to be Your servant alone. Help us not to be sidetracked by what others may think of us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Have another powerful and prosperous day of living to please God in the workplace and at home!
Galatians 1:10 "Do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the One I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I still wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
When posed with the questions above the first thought is to immediately say"No", but God knows our hearts. Paul was obviously not worried about trying to please the people around him. It's not that he didn't care about others. It's just that he was focused on serving the Lord. Many times you maybe too worried about what people think of you, which inhibits you from following God with your whole heart. Instead, follow those God-given desires with reckless abandon, because all that will matter in the end is fulfilling God's plan for your life. You are called to serve God without reserve, so fulfill His plan without letting others sidetrack you. We must constantly allow the Holy Spirit to purge our hearts, if we are to have them changed, and become better witnesses for Christ in the workplace.
One of the reasons for our actions may be that we tend to truly doubt the power of God. We want to believe it in our hearts, but it is still stuck somewhere in our heads. It is still a belief that has not yet become a value. The difference in a belief and a value is: a belief can be swayed and convinced to change over time, but a value is something that is deeply and firmly implanted in someone and a conviction that someone will actually die for.
I believe that the only way for a belief to become a value is to test it over and over, until the change occurs, and it finds a path from our minds into our hearts. For instance, I prayed for many sick and hurting people over the years without any known results, and while I believed that God could and would heal because the Word said so, it did not become a rock solid value until I saw God actually heal. Sad and even very doubting Thomas like but true!
Today when I pray for God to heal others who are hurting, I pray with much more expectancy, that God will move in their lives. Do I always see God heal those I am praying for? The answer is no, but I still continue to pray for others with great faith in God’s faithfulness, because I know the Word of God is true and that God does heal. If anyone now asks me if God heals, I would immediately say “certainly”, as it has become a value.
Another problem is the fact that man has really messed up the church over the years since Christ’s death and resurrection. We have come up with our own religious rules and regulations that God never intended us to follow. Man’s religious ways will always look silly to the world!
But even when we simply do the same things that Jesus did in the workplace we will find persecution. Jesus told us that we would be blessed for following Him, but that we would also be persecuted at the prophets before us were persecuted. 11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Salt and Light 13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." Matthew 5:12-14 Jesus warned us that the world hated Him and that would also hate us. John 15:17-19
So being reminded of that, let’s get over ourselves, dies to ourselves each day, take up our cross and follow Him in the workplace. We will probably find that our actions that flow out of a heart full of him will have more results and be better accepted though, than just the religious efforts that we make at times. When our actions are guided by the Holy Spirit then the results are always astonishing and bear much fruit.
Let’s all simply become more intimate with God each day and trust that God will use the actions that flow out of our transformed hearts.
Let’s not be so concerned about what others think of us and more concerned about what God thinks of us. Let’s become living sacrifices for Christ in the workplace!
Lord, Fill us with Your holy presence today and empower us to be your servants in the workplace. Please give us the dedication to be Your servant alone. Help us not to be sidetracked by what others may think of us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
Have another powerful and prosperous day of living to please God in the workplace and at home!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Crumbling Control
How Men Measure Themselves
Key Bible Verse: God … told them … "Fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters over … all the animals" (Genesis 1:28). Bonus Reading: Luke 12:22-24, 30-31
Greg struggles with physical and emotional abuse heaped on him in the past. As a result he's come to believe he is worthless. Instead he believes his worth is measured by the things he possesses. This includes a six-figure job, career awards, expensive cars, a fine home, a beautiful wife, and perfectly obedient children. In Greg's mind these demonstrate to the world that he's okay. Every ounce of strength Greg has is directed toward controlling this perfect world.
But the world isn't perfect. The job is falling apart, he has too much debt, the beautiful wife is fed up with his overbearing control, and the kids are rebelling. On top of that, Greg recognizes that the constant "wanting" never goes away. Though his friends, children, and wife love him, Greg can't receive their love because he fundamentally believes he's unlovable.
Men, to some degree, this is all of us. Control is a big deal for us, reflecting both the good and the bad outworking of our God-placed call to work and subdue the environment. We need to make up our minds that we're going to do it his way, not our way, if we ever hope to discover the real meaning of love.
—Jeff Jernigan in The Power of a Loving Man
Key Bible Verse: God … told them … "Fill the earth and subdue it. Be masters over … all the animals" (Genesis 1:28). Bonus Reading: Luke 12:22-24, 30-31
Greg struggles with physical and emotional abuse heaped on him in the past. As a result he's come to believe he is worthless. Instead he believes his worth is measured by the things he possesses. This includes a six-figure job, career awards, expensive cars, a fine home, a beautiful wife, and perfectly obedient children. In Greg's mind these demonstrate to the world that he's okay. Every ounce of strength Greg has is directed toward controlling this perfect world.
But the world isn't perfect. The job is falling apart, he has too much debt, the beautiful wife is fed up with his overbearing control, and the kids are rebelling. On top of that, Greg recognizes that the constant "wanting" never goes away. Though his friends, children, and wife love him, Greg can't receive their love because he fundamentally believes he's unlovable.
Men, to some degree, this is all of us. Control is a big deal for us, reflecting both the good and the bad outworking of our God-placed call to work and subdue the environment. We need to make up our minds that we're going to do it his way, not our way, if we ever hope to discover the real meaning of love.
—Jeff Jernigan in The Power of a Loving Man
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Enjoy Today.
by cas
When I was driving in today I heard a guy on the radio say something pretty convicting. He said that he was really trying to make an effort to enjoy everyday as a gift from God. He led into the comment referring to something as simply as just enjoying a conversation with his wife. This hit me really hard, as I all to often just try to rush through conversations with way to many people.
This ties in really nicely into the sermon we had at church on Sunday on contentment. I am always trying to fix things or make them better instead of just enjoying them for what they are. In Philippians, Paul tells us the secret to all things in verses 11-13
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Just remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.
Take time to pray about it and make a concerted effort to truly enjoy your day and show Christ's love!
When I was driving in today I heard a guy on the radio say something pretty convicting. He said that he was really trying to make an effort to enjoy everyday as a gift from God. He led into the comment referring to something as simply as just enjoying a conversation with his wife. This hit me really hard, as I all to often just try to rush through conversations with way to many people.
This ties in really nicely into the sermon we had at church on Sunday on contentment. I am always trying to fix things or make them better instead of just enjoying them for what they are. In Philippians, Paul tells us the secret to all things in verses 11-13
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Just remember 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.
Take time to pray about it and make a concerted effort to truly enjoy your day and show Christ's love!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Are you worried or stressed today?
With thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:6-7
Are you worried or stressed today?
As believers in Christ, we know we will have eternal peace when we get to heaven. But Philippians 4:4-9 offers some practical tips to help you cope with your anxieties and fears today.
Be thankful for everything. Don’t just thank God for the good things, thank Him for all things. Genuine gratitude and praise produce peace because God inhabits the praises of His people. God draws near when we praise Him.
Think on the right things. It’s nearly impossible to think two thoughts at once. So if you are thinking on the right and good things, you can’t think of the wrong things.
Do the right thing. One cure for worry is work. I’ve known a lot of people who have died of worry, but I’ve known very few who died of work. Put your faith to practice, get involved in life. Give yourself to meaningful ministry and live out the Christian life.
ARE YOUR THOUGHTS MORE POSITIVE OR MORE NEGATIVE? IF THEY’RE MORE NEGATIVE, PRAY THAT GOD WILL HELP YOU THINK ABOUT THE BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE INSTEAD OF THE WORRIES!
Are you worried or stressed today?
As believers in Christ, we know we will have eternal peace when we get to heaven. But Philippians 4:4-9 offers some practical tips to help you cope with your anxieties and fears today.
Be thankful for everything. Don’t just thank God for the good things, thank Him for all things. Genuine gratitude and praise produce peace because God inhabits the praises of His people. God draws near when we praise Him.
Think on the right things. It’s nearly impossible to think two thoughts at once. So if you are thinking on the right and good things, you can’t think of the wrong things.
Do the right thing. One cure for worry is work. I’ve known a lot of people who have died of worry, but I’ve known very few who died of work. Put your faith to practice, get involved in life. Give yourself to meaningful ministry and live out the Christian life.
ARE YOUR THOUGHTS MORE POSITIVE OR MORE NEGATIVE? IF THEY’RE MORE NEGATIVE, PRAY THAT GOD WILL HELP YOU THINK ABOUT THE BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE INSTEAD OF THE WORRIES!
Friday, January 23, 2009
TALK TO GOD ABOUT YOUR WORRIES TODAY.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. --Philippians 4:4-6
Do you need a little peace in your life?
The apostle Paul wrote some practical help for you in Philippians 4:4-9. Now keep in mind, he was in prison when he wrote it. So, Paul knew what he was talking about!
First, rejoice in all things. Paul knew how to keep from becoming calloused by life’s troubles. His life was full of God’s joy. Paul knew the importance of rejoicing and laughter.
Don’t worry. Trust God. Worry wastes your time and accomplishes nothing. Instead of being gripped by fear, worry, and stress, be gripped by the grace of God. Rest and relax in Him. He has promised to deliver you from all your fears.
Pray about everything. Really converse with God on a daily basis. Pray with an attitude of devotion and trust. That’s when prayer accomplishes something. When you pray, you won’t be immune from the problems of life, but you will be in touch with the Redeemer.
TALK TO GOD ABOUT YOUR WORRIES TODAY.
Do you need a little peace in your life?
The apostle Paul wrote some practical help for you in Philippians 4:4-9. Now keep in mind, he was in prison when he wrote it. So, Paul knew what he was talking about!
First, rejoice in all things. Paul knew how to keep from becoming calloused by life’s troubles. His life was full of God’s joy. Paul knew the importance of rejoicing and laughter.
Don’t worry. Trust God. Worry wastes your time and accomplishes nothing. Instead of being gripped by fear, worry, and stress, be gripped by the grace of God. Rest and relax in Him. He has promised to deliver you from all your fears.
Pray about everything. Really converse with God on a daily basis. Pray with an attitude of devotion and trust. That’s when prayer accomplishes something. When you pray, you won’t be immune from the problems of life, but you will be in touch with the Redeemer.
TALK TO GOD ABOUT YOUR WORRIES TODAY.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Just A Lump of Clay
This devotional was written by Jim Grams
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
Martin Luther once said, “God created the world out of nothing, and so long as we are nothing, He can make something out of us.” And yet, it is so very hard to be nothing. We like to think we’re somebody and when people tell us we’re wonderful, we want to believe every word. It is human nature to look at our successes and achievements.
I’m not saying we should dwell on our failures or live with constant self-criticism. I’m convinced that God doesn’t want that from us. But neither does He want us proud.
The very best way to be a servant of the Lord is to become a lump of clay in His hands. His design for our lives is perfect – Only He can take an ordinary lump of life and make it beautiful. I’m reminded of that wonderful chorus we used to sing. “Something beautiful, something good. All my confusion, He understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but He made something beautiful out of my life.”
God knows just what each of us needs to shape us perfectly. To become a lump of clay in God’s hands means total surrender on our part. The words He longs to hear from us are: “Here I am Lord, break me, mold me, and make me into whatever you want.”
We need to ask God to remind us that we are lumps of clay. Then we need to place our lives with their flaws and needs in His strong, creative hands. He will make us useful and we will bless others with a touch of His love.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
Martin Luther once said, “God created the world out of nothing, and so long as we are nothing, He can make something out of us.” And yet, it is so very hard to be nothing. We like to think we’re somebody and when people tell us we’re wonderful, we want to believe every word. It is human nature to look at our successes and achievements.
I’m not saying we should dwell on our failures or live with constant self-criticism. I’m convinced that God doesn’t want that from us. But neither does He want us proud.
The very best way to be a servant of the Lord is to become a lump of clay in His hands. His design for our lives is perfect – Only He can take an ordinary lump of life and make it beautiful. I’m reminded of that wonderful chorus we used to sing. “Something beautiful, something good. All my confusion, He understood. All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, but He made something beautiful out of my life.”
God knows just what each of us needs to shape us perfectly. To become a lump of clay in God’s hands means total surrender on our part. The words He longs to hear from us are: “Here I am Lord, break me, mold me, and make me into whatever you want.”
We need to ask God to remind us that we are lumps of clay. Then we need to place our lives with their flaws and needs in His strong, creative hands. He will make us useful and we will bless others with a touch of His love.
Going Deeper:
- Give God your life today….all of it. Just say, “Here I am Lord, I’m yours.”
- Expect God to mold you into a vessel of beauty, honor and usefulness.
- Thank God for making you what you are.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Waiting on God
Are you waiting on something from God? Are you able to be patient and stand firm?
James 5:8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, age five and Ryan, three. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson so she said; "Now boys, if Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.'" Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus."
This story cracked me up, but how true is it of our lives? We want what we want and we want it now!
M.H. Lount taught that "God's best gifts come slowly. We could not use them if they did not. Many a man, called of God to... a work in which he is pouring out his life, is convinced that the Lord means to bring his efforts to a successful conclusion. Nevertheless, even such a confident worker grows discouraged at times and worries because results do not come as rapidly as he would desire. But growth and strength in waiting are results often greater than the end so impatiently longed for. Paul had time to realize this as he lay in prison. “But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it” Romans 8:25. Moses must have asked, 'Why?' many times during the delays in Midian and in the wilderness. Jesus Himself experienced the discipline of delay in His silent years before His great public ministry began."
I do not think I have ever met anyone who said that they enjoy waiting on anything. It is not our nature to enjoy waiting. We want everything instantly, and in today’s society, instant is attainable in many ways. The problem is that we get what we want at times, through our own manipulation, and the end resulting is either non-satisfying or even destructive at times. Manipulation is of the devil and will always bring un-Godly results.
On the other hand, those who wait upon the Lord will be strengthened and empowered in ways that are often beyond our human understanding. “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31 The problem comes when we always attempt to reason out in our minds just what God is doing, instead of simply drawing closer to Him each day, and walking in and trusting in His faithfulness to finish the work that He began in us.
The key to waiting in peace will be what we do with our lives during the waiting periods. If we spend the majority of our time in stressing and/or manipulating, we will find the waiting painful and often depressing. On the other hand, if we can begin to learn to rest in and rely on God’s faithfulness, we will find a peace that passes our human understanding. A peace, that even though our circumstances may look and feel as gloomy as Jobs, will not cause our faith to fail and sustain us until the redemption of God draws near! "If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes” Job 14:14.
Perhaps you've been waiting on something for a long time and you're weary. You're not alone! Let's ask the Lord to renew our hearts and desires today, and give us a fresh infilling of strength to wait on His perfect timing. Good things come to those who WAIT!
Lord, cause us to rest in You and find the peace we need each day to wait upon what You are accomplishing in our lives. Draw us closer to You each day and help us to rest in Your faithfulness to us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen
James 5:8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.
A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, age five and Ryan, three. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson so she said; "Now boys, if Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.'" Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus."
This story cracked me up, but how true is it of our lives? We want what we want and we want it now!
M.H. Lount taught that "God's best gifts come slowly. We could not use them if they did not. Many a man, called of God to... a work in which he is pouring out his life, is convinced that the Lord means to bring his efforts to a successful conclusion. Nevertheless, even such a confident worker grows discouraged at times and worries because results do not come as rapidly as he would desire. But growth and strength in waiting are results often greater than the end so impatiently longed for. Paul had time to realize this as he lay in prison. “But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it” Romans 8:25. Moses must have asked, 'Why?' many times during the delays in Midian and in the wilderness. Jesus Himself experienced the discipline of delay in His silent years before His great public ministry began."
I do not think I have ever met anyone who said that they enjoy waiting on anything. It is not our nature to enjoy waiting. We want everything instantly, and in today’s society, instant is attainable in many ways. The problem is that we get what we want at times, through our own manipulation, and the end resulting is either non-satisfying or even destructive at times. Manipulation is of the devil and will always bring un-Godly results.
On the other hand, those who wait upon the Lord will be strengthened and empowered in ways that are often beyond our human understanding. “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31 The problem comes when we always attempt to reason out in our minds just what God is doing, instead of simply drawing closer to Him each day, and walking in and trusting in His faithfulness to finish the work that He began in us.
The key to waiting in peace will be what we do with our lives during the waiting periods. If we spend the majority of our time in stressing and/or manipulating, we will find the waiting painful and often depressing. On the other hand, if we can begin to learn to rest in and rely on God’s faithfulness, we will find a peace that passes our human understanding. A peace, that even though our circumstances may look and feel as gloomy as Jobs, will not cause our faith to fail and sustain us until the redemption of God draws near! "If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes” Job 14:14.
Perhaps you've been waiting on something for a long time and you're weary. You're not alone! Let's ask the Lord to renew our hearts and desires today, and give us a fresh infilling of strength to wait on His perfect timing. Good things come to those who WAIT!
Lord, cause us to rest in You and find the peace we need each day to wait upon what You are accomplishing in our lives. Draw us closer to You each day and help us to rest in Your faithfulness to us. In Jesus name we pray, Amen
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Are You Fresh For Everything?
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”John 3:3
Sometimes we are fresh for a prayer meeting but not fresh for cleaning boots!
Being born again of the Spirit is an unmistakable work of God, as mysterious as the wind, as surprising as God Himself. We do not know where it begins, it is hidden away in the depths of our personal life. Being born again from above is a perennial, perpetual and eternal beginning; a freshness all the time in thinking and in talking and in living, the continual surprise of the life of God. Staleness is an indication of something out of joint with God - "I must do this thing or it will never be done." That is the first sign of staleness. Are we freshly born this minute or are we stale, raking in our minds for something to do? Freshness does not come from obedience but from the Holy Spirit; obedience keeps us in the light as God is in the light.
Guard jealously your relationship to God. Jesus prayed "that they may be one, even as we are one" - nothing between. Keep all the life perennially open to Jesus Christ, don't pretend with Him. Are you drawing your life from any other source than God Himself? If you are depending upon anything but Him, you will never know when He is gone.
Being born of the Spirit means much more than we generally take it to mean. It gives us a new vision and keeps us absolutely fresh for everything by the perennial supply of the life of God.
Sometimes we are fresh for a prayer meeting but not fresh for cleaning boots!
Being born again of the Spirit is an unmistakable work of God, as mysterious as the wind, as surprising as God Himself. We do not know where it begins, it is hidden away in the depths of our personal life. Being born again from above is a perennial, perpetual and eternal beginning; a freshness all the time in thinking and in talking and in living, the continual surprise of the life of God. Staleness is an indication of something out of joint with God - "I must do this thing or it will never be done." That is the first sign of staleness. Are we freshly born this minute or are we stale, raking in our minds for something to do? Freshness does not come from obedience but from the Holy Spirit; obedience keeps us in the light as God is in the light.
Guard jealously your relationship to God. Jesus prayed "that they may be one, even as we are one" - nothing between. Keep all the life perennially open to Jesus Christ, don't pretend with Him. Are you drawing your life from any other source than God Himself? If you are depending upon anything but Him, you will never know when He is gone.
Being born of the Spirit means much more than we generally take it to mean. It gives us a new vision and keeps us absolutely fresh for everything by the perennial supply of the life of God.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Waiting
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 RSV
I’ve been learning a lot about waiting. I don't like to wait and I don't wait very well. I'm the guy who cuts across the grass to get there quick. I watch for the checkstand to open and try to get there first. When I played baseball I wouldn't wait on the curve ball, and in track I'd jump the gun at the start.
My friend Don Springer taught me a good lesson about waiting. I love to snorkel. There is almost nothing I would rather do than swim in the clear blue waters of the world looking at tropical fish, coral, and the water underworld. (Okay, so you think I'm strange!)
Don took me snorkeling in Napili Bay, Maui, Hawaii. He's a retired fireman who also likes to snorkel. He drove me crazy. He would stop for minutes at a time; I'm one of those people who is constantly swimming and moving to the next site.
But a funny thing happened when I would stop long enough to wait for Don. I saw more fish, more eels, more movements in the water than I had ever seen before in my life. Don taught me to stop, look, and listen in the water. Although I've snorkeled at Napili Bay before, I had never experienced Napili Bay until Don showed me how to wait.
It's a good lesson for life. Maybe we should quit rushing around trying to find God. Maybe we should stop, look, listen, and wait. He's there, you know. He has something to reveal and say to you today.
GOING DEEPER:
-What's the message to you in Psalm 27:14?
-In what areas of your life do you have a difficulty with waiting?
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 RSV
I’ve been learning a lot about waiting. I don't like to wait and I don't wait very well. I'm the guy who cuts across the grass to get there quick. I watch for the checkstand to open and try to get there first. When I played baseball I wouldn't wait on the curve ball, and in track I'd jump the gun at the start.
My friend Don Springer taught me a good lesson about waiting. I love to snorkel. There is almost nothing I would rather do than swim in the clear blue waters of the world looking at tropical fish, coral, and the water underworld. (Okay, so you think I'm strange!)
Don took me snorkeling in Napili Bay, Maui, Hawaii. He's a retired fireman who also likes to snorkel. He drove me crazy. He would stop for minutes at a time; I'm one of those people who is constantly swimming and moving to the next site.
But a funny thing happened when I would stop long enough to wait for Don. I saw more fish, more eels, more movements in the water than I had ever seen before in my life. Don taught me to stop, look, and listen in the water. Although I've snorkeled at Napili Bay before, I had never experienced Napili Bay until Don showed me how to wait.
It's a good lesson for life. Maybe we should quit rushing around trying to find God. Maybe we should stop, look, listen, and wait. He's there, you know. He has something to reveal and say to you today.
GOING DEEPER:
-What's the message to you in Psalm 27:14?
-In what areas of your life do you have a difficulty with waiting?
Friday, January 16, 2009
It's Time for a Funeral
By Os Hillman
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Gal 2:20).
"There's nothing wrong with you that a good funeral won't solve," I said to the woman. "I'll even send you flowers!" She smiled in response. I was speaking figuratively to the woman who was stressing out about an issue in her life.
Her problem was the same problem most of us have - too much of "us" and not enough of Jesus and the cross. Many of the daily problems in life can be solved by coming to an end of ourselves so Jesus can take over. I believe this is what the psalmist meant when he said: "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints" (Ps 116:15).
The apostle Paul recognized the need for a funeral too when he penned these words: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Rom 6:1-4).
Whenever we stress over a matter, get angry over a daily circumstance, or seek to have our own way - it is a sign there is still life in the grave. We need to fill it with dirt and smother the life of our flesh so that Christ may live freely, unhindered by the "old" man. Send yourself some flowers today. Have a good funeral.
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Gal 2:20).
"There's nothing wrong with you that a good funeral won't solve," I said to the woman. "I'll even send you flowers!" She smiled in response. I was speaking figuratively to the woman who was stressing out about an issue in her life.
Her problem was the same problem most of us have - too much of "us" and not enough of Jesus and the cross. Many of the daily problems in life can be solved by coming to an end of ourselves so Jesus can take over. I believe this is what the psalmist meant when he said: "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints" (Ps 116:15).
The apostle Paul recognized the need for a funeral too when he penned these words: "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Rom 6:1-4).
Whenever we stress over a matter, get angry over a daily circumstance, or seek to have our own way - it is a sign there is still life in the grave. We need to fill it with dirt and smother the life of our flesh so that Christ may live freely, unhindered by the "old" man. Send yourself some flowers today. Have a good funeral.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The New Employee
By Os Hillman -January 15
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Cor 4:7).
What would happen if Jesus took your place for a year in your workplace? Let's consider some hypothetical things that He might do.
He would do His work with excellence. He would be known around the office for the great work He did (Exodus 31:2).
He would develop new ideas for doing things better (Eph 3:20).
He would hang out with sinners in order to develop a relationship with them in order to speak to them about the Father (Mt 9:12).
He would strategically pray for each worker about their concerns and their needs. He would pray for those who even disliked Him (Mt 5:44).
He would rally the office to support a needy family during Christmas (Jer 22:16).
He would offer to pray for those who were sick in the office and see them get healed (Mt 14:14).
He would honor the boss and respect him/her (Titus 2:9).
He would consider the boss as His authority in His workplace (Rom 13:1).
He would be truthful in all his dealings and never exaggerate for the sake of advancement ( Ps 15:2).
He would be concerned about His city (Lk 19:41).
He would always have a motive to help others become successful, even at his own expense (Pr 16:2).
Hmm. Sounds like some good ideas we could each model.True Freedom
John 8:31-32 Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Thoughts on today's verse
There are few things more coveted than freedom. People die for it. People pray for it. People strive for it. True freedom comes from knowing truth. Knowing truth only comes by living in obedience to Jesus. Truth is not something you merely think about or believe. Truth is something you do, you live. Jesus' teaching always ends with the exclamation: Blessed are you who do these things! Only by doing will we ever know the truth that liberates us.
Prayer:
To the only true God be glory, honor, power, and praise. Father, I seek not only your presence in my daily life, but also your pleasure in the choices I make. Please teach me more of your truth as I pledge to live today in obedience to your word and your will. Through Jesus the living Word I pray. Amen.
Thoughts on today's verse
There are few things more coveted than freedom. People die for it. People pray for it. People strive for it. True freedom comes from knowing truth. Knowing truth only comes by living in obedience to Jesus. Truth is not something you merely think about or believe. Truth is something you do, you live. Jesus' teaching always ends with the exclamation: Blessed are you who do these things! Only by doing will we ever know the truth that liberates us.
Prayer:
To the only true God be glory, honor, power, and praise. Father, I seek not only your presence in my daily life, but also your pleasure in the choices I make. Please teach me more of your truth as I pledge to live today in obedience to your word and your will. Through Jesus the living Word I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Have You Ever Been Alone With God?
“When He was alone the twelve … asked of Him …” Mark 4:10
His Solitude with Us. When God gets us alone by affliction, heartbreak, or temptation, by disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted affection, by a broken friendship, or by a new fnendship - when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are dumbfounded, and cannot ask one question, then He begins to expound. Watch Jesus Christ's training of the twelve. It was the disciples, not the crowd outside, who were perplexed. They constantly asked Him questions, and He constantly expounded things to them; but they only understood after they had received the Holy Spirit (see John 14:26).
If you are going on with God, the only thing that is clear to you, and the only thing God intends to be clear, is the way He deals with your own soul. Your brother's sorrows and perplexities are an absolute confusion to you. We imagine we understand where the other person is, until God gives us a dose of the plague of our own hearts. There are whole tracts of stubbornness and ignorance to be revealed by the Holy Spirit in each one of us, and it can only be done when Jesus gets us alone. Are we alone with Him now, or are we taken up with little fussy notions, fussy comradeships in God's service, fussy ideas about our bodies? Jesus can expound nothing until we get through all the noisy questions of the head and are alone with Him.
His Solitude with Us. When God gets us alone by affliction, heartbreak, or temptation, by disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted affection, by a broken friendship, or by a new fnendship - when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are dumbfounded, and cannot ask one question, then He begins to expound. Watch Jesus Christ's training of the twelve. It was the disciples, not the crowd outside, who were perplexed. They constantly asked Him questions, and He constantly expounded things to them; but they only understood after they had received the Holy Spirit (see John 14:26).
If you are going on with God, the only thing that is clear to you, and the only thing God intends to be clear, is the way He deals with your own soul. Your brother's sorrows and perplexities are an absolute confusion to you. We imagine we understand where the other person is, until God gives us a dose of the plague of our own hearts. There are whole tracts of stubbornness and ignorance to be revealed by the Holy Spirit in each one of us, and it can only be done when Jesus gets us alone. Are we alone with Him now, or are we taken up with little fussy notions, fussy comradeships in God's service, fussy ideas about our bodies? Jesus can expound nothing until we get through all the noisy questions of the head and are alone with Him.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Your Use of Time
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
Thou hast made the moon to mark the seasons, the sun knows it’s time for setting. Psalm 104:19 RSV
Today you were handed from God 24 hours to live life to the fullest. That's 1440 minutes or 86,400 seconds. Sometimes we get so busy and distracted we miss the fact that each rising, sun brings new opportunities and adventures on this planet we call Earth. God gives us one new day at a time so that we aren't distracted by the future or paralyzed by the past. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make the most of today. Enjoy God's gift to you. You can accomplish a great deal with the 1440 minutes in a day. Today stop and take advantage of all that God has provided for you.
The greatest commodity you have at your fingertips is time. Everyone has the same amount of time to use or waste today. The happiness in your life depends on how you use your time. Periodically I need to take an evaluation of how I am using my time. This little list helps me keep perspective:
Thou hast made the moon to mark the seasons, the sun knows it’s time for setting. Psalm 104:19 RSV
Today you were handed from God 24 hours to live life to the fullest. That's 1440 minutes or 86,400 seconds. Sometimes we get so busy and distracted we miss the fact that each rising, sun brings new opportunities and adventures on this planet we call Earth. God gives us one new day at a time so that we aren't distracted by the future or paralyzed by the past. Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Make the most of today. Enjoy God's gift to you. You can accomplish a great deal with the 1440 minutes in a day. Today stop and take advantage of all that God has provided for you.
The greatest commodity you have at your fingertips is time. Everyone has the same amount of time to use or waste today. The happiness in your life depends on how you use your time. Periodically I need to take an evaluation of how I am using my time. This little list helps me keep perspective:
- Take time to THINK-it is the source of power.
- Take time to PLAY-it is the secret of perpetual youth.
- Take time to be FRIENDLY-it is the road to happiness.
- Take time to LOVE-it is a God-given privilege.
Take time to READ-it is a fountain of wisdom. - Take time to PRAY-it is the greatest power on earth.
- Take time to LAUGH-it is the music of the soul.
- Take time to GIVE-it is too short a day to be selfish.
- Take time to WORK-it is the price of success.
- Reread Psalm 104:19. What has God created to show us the importance of time?
- The paragraph above lists a number of ways you could spend your time each day. Take a few minutes to evaluate how you spend your time. Is your time divided appropriately between all of these important areas?
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Luke 9:23-27
Luke 9:23 Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 25 And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed? 26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels. 27 I tell you the truth, some standing here right now will not die before they see the Kingdom of God.”
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Confidence in Troublesome Times
Romans 8:35-39
Life is continually changing. At times I tell myself that if just a few pressing issues resolve, my days will be calmer. But as soon as those problems are settled, some new challenge always pops up. Even globally, we’re in a constant state of flux. The economy rises and then spirals downward. Gas prices increase and unemployment falls. A new conflict flares up every few months. Since we live in a fallen world, trouble is part of our reality. Life will never settle down to the point that we can sail along with uninterrupted ease.
Thankfully, God guides believers through times of turbulence (Psalm 23). He is the Good Shepherd who constantly abides with His world-weary lambs. Jesus vowed to His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18). And His promise was fulfilled in the person of the Holy Spirit, who was sent to indwell and care for each of God’s followers. Paul poetically described the Spirit as a seal placed around believers until they are called to their heavenly home. In other words, He provides a protective barrier against evil forces desiring to snatch us from God’s hand.
In the verses leading up to today’s reading, Paul defined his audience as the Lord’s children (Rom. 8:16). So let me be very clear that the promise of a holy protective presence is only for those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior. No one’s life will always be calm. But believers are assured of a Companion in the dark hours. You can be confident that God’s goodness and love will surround you until you dwell in His house forever. (Psalm 23:6).
Life is continually changing. At times I tell myself that if just a few pressing issues resolve, my days will be calmer. But as soon as those problems are settled, some new challenge always pops up. Even globally, we’re in a constant state of flux. The economy rises and then spirals downward. Gas prices increase and unemployment falls. A new conflict flares up every few months. Since we live in a fallen world, trouble is part of our reality. Life will never settle down to the point that we can sail along with uninterrupted ease.
Thankfully, God guides believers through times of turbulence (Psalm 23). He is the Good Shepherd who constantly abides with His world-weary lambs. Jesus vowed to His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans” (John 14:18). And His promise was fulfilled in the person of the Holy Spirit, who was sent to indwell and care for each of God’s followers. Paul poetically described the Spirit as a seal placed around believers until they are called to their heavenly home. In other words, He provides a protective barrier against evil forces desiring to snatch us from God’s hand.
In the verses leading up to today’s reading, Paul defined his audience as the Lord’s children (Rom. 8:16). So let me be very clear that the promise of a holy protective presence is only for those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior. No one’s life will always be calm. But believers are assured of a Companion in the dark hours. You can be confident that God’s goodness and love will surround you until you dwell in His house forever. (Psalm 23:6).
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
God Works in Every Circumstance
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. —Romans 8:28
God, in His mercy, can also take the tragedies of life and use them. God can take the most evil deed and work in spite of it.
The apostle Paul made this point in Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Paul includes what we perceive as “good things,” as well as the bad things.
It’s hard for us to understand how a bad thing can ultimately work together for good. There is nothing good about what happened to the 150,000 people who died in Southeast Asia during the 2004 tsunami. It was tragic beyond belief.
But God, in His infinite wisdom and love, somehow takes all the events of our lives, both good and bad, and blends them together ultimately for good. The good He intends, that is.
After that tragedy, Christian organizations mobilized to send much needed help and resources to the hurting people of Southeast Asia. People received much needed physical and spiritual help.
Back then and even now, God will work things together for good.
God, in His mercy, can also take the tragedies of life and use them. God can take the most evil deed and work in spite of it.
The apostle Paul made this point in Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Paul includes what we perceive as “good things,” as well as the bad things.
It’s hard for us to understand how a bad thing can ultimately work together for good. There is nothing good about what happened to the 150,000 people who died in Southeast Asia during the 2004 tsunami. It was tragic beyond belief.
But God, in His infinite wisdom and love, somehow takes all the events of our lives, both good and bad, and blends them together ultimately for good. The good He intends, that is.
After that tragedy, Christian organizations mobilized to send much needed help and resources to the hurting people of Southeast Asia. People received much needed physical and spiritual help.
Back then and even now, God will work things together for good.
Monday, January 05, 2009
Protecting Your Future
Genesis 25:27-34
Would you forfeit a double-share of your family’s inheritance for a bowl of soup? Esau did. In one impulsive bargain, he gave up his right both to lead the family and to take a lion’s share of his father’s wealth. From where many believers sit in safe and well-stocked homes, Esau’s actions seem ridiculous. But falling into this brand of temptation is not unique. Every person is enticed to sacrifice future blessing in favor of feeding current desires.
Esau had his priorities out of order. The Bible says he “despised” his birthright, but that does not mean he hated the benefits of being born first. More likely, Esau didn’t give much thought to his position—it was doing him little good in his current life. He lived dangerously as a hunter. So how could he inherit anything if a wild animal killed him? Therefore, he placed a higher value on his immediate need for a full belly.
Esau’s shortsightedness isn’t all that different from some common modern scenarios. 1) When people trade family time for extra work hours, they lose the comfort of a loving household. 2) When men and women ignore God’s marital standard of faithfulness, the result is a damaged or destroyed partnership. 3) When someone refuses a relationship with the Lord in order to maintain a sense of self-will, he forfeits eternity with God.
What is your “bowl of stew?” At some point, you will face a choice between future gain and present pleasure. Do not act on impulse like Esau. Consider your decisions carefully and seek God’s will.
Would you forfeit a double-share of your family’s inheritance for a bowl of soup? Esau did. In one impulsive bargain, he gave up his right both to lead the family and to take a lion’s share of his father’s wealth. From where many believers sit in safe and well-stocked homes, Esau’s actions seem ridiculous. But falling into this brand of temptation is not unique. Every person is enticed to sacrifice future blessing in favor of feeding current desires.
Esau had his priorities out of order. The Bible says he “despised” his birthright, but that does not mean he hated the benefits of being born first. More likely, Esau didn’t give much thought to his position—it was doing him little good in his current life. He lived dangerously as a hunter. So how could he inherit anything if a wild animal killed him? Therefore, he placed a higher value on his immediate need for a full belly.
Esau’s shortsightedness isn’t all that different from some common modern scenarios. 1) When people trade family time for extra work hours, they lose the comfort of a loving household. 2) When men and women ignore God’s marital standard of faithfulness, the result is a damaged or destroyed partnership. 3) When someone refuses a relationship with the Lord in order to maintain a sense of self-will, he forfeits eternity with God.
What is your “bowl of stew?” At some point, you will face a choice between future gain and present pleasure. Do not act on impulse like Esau. Consider your decisions carefully and seek God’s will.
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