1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
The word temptation in this verse also means test or trial. With that in mind, here are a couple of thoughts to encourage you today.
1. Whatever test, trial, or temptation you are facing today, it is "common to man." That means that you are not the only one who has gone through whatever you are facing.
It is comforting to know that others have faced similar problems before us and made it through!
2. God makes a way of escape with the trial or temptation. That means you're not stuck! Before your difficulty ever arose, God designed a way of escape. And that means of escape comes with the problem.
So if you find yourself embroiled in trials, tests, or temptations today, start looking for God's way of escape—it exists. Trust Him to guide you safely through and out of your difficulties!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
The End Game
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. —John 10:10
Have you ever wondered why things are as spiritually and morally dark as they are? It is because there is a mastermind behind it all that goes deeper than one's politics or worldview. I am talking about a spirit power that infiltrates culture, that infiltrates government, and that infiltrates lives. It is the prince of the power of the air—that is who Satan is. And he leads a lot of people down his path through the basest of temptations.
He has gotten a lot of mileage out of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I am amazed how generation after generation goes after this one hook, line, and sinker. Young kids today are out there doing the same stupid things that we did when we were kids. The sad thing is that when they get older, their kids probably will follow in their footsteps, as though they are the only generation that has ever discovered these things.
I gave my life to Jesus Christ at the age of 17 and went a different direction. But I know of friends that I went to high school with who have stayed in the same lifestyle they had back then. And when I have reconnected with some of them, it is obvious to me how the world has chewed them up and spit them out. Some are into their third and fourth marriages. Some have substance abuse problems. I have felt like saying, "Well, was it worth it? Was it a good ride?"
The end game of the devil is to steal, kill, and destroy. He may come with an enticing temptation. He may come with something dazzling that might even have an element of enjoyment in it at the beginning. But his end game, his ultimate goal, is to steal, kill, and destroy.
Copyright © 2010 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Have you ever wondered why things are as spiritually and morally dark as they are? It is because there is a mastermind behind it all that goes deeper than one's politics or worldview. I am talking about a spirit power that infiltrates culture, that infiltrates government, and that infiltrates lives. It is the prince of the power of the air—that is who Satan is. And he leads a lot of people down his path through the basest of temptations.
He has gotten a lot of mileage out of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. I am amazed how generation after generation goes after this one hook, line, and sinker. Young kids today are out there doing the same stupid things that we did when we were kids. The sad thing is that when they get older, their kids probably will follow in their footsteps, as though they are the only generation that has ever discovered these things.
I gave my life to Jesus Christ at the age of 17 and went a different direction. But I know of friends that I went to high school with who have stayed in the same lifestyle they had back then. And when I have reconnected with some of them, it is obvious to me how the world has chewed them up and spit them out. Some are into their third and fourth marriages. Some have substance abuse problems. I have felt like saying, "Well, was it worth it? Was it a good ride?"
The end game of the devil is to steal, kill, and destroy. He may come with an enticing temptation. He may come with something dazzling that might even have an element of enjoyment in it at the beginning. But his end game, his ultimate goal, is to steal, kill, and destroy.
Copyright © 2010 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Stay Alert!
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. —1 Peter 5:8
You have probably seen it on television at one time or another: some lions are hanging out, soaking in the rays, when along come the antelope. You can almost read the lions' thoughts as they size them up: Let's see, which one are we going to eat today? There is usually that lone antelope lagging behind all the rest by about 20 feet or so. That one looks like lion lunch. So the next thing you see is a lion covering an amazing amount of ground in a matter of seconds. And once the big cat sinks his claws into his prey and drags it down, you know it is all over for that antelope.
If you have ever watched a scene like this one, then you have an idea of how the devil operates. The Bible describes him as a "roaring lion, looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This hungry beast of prey is looking for his next meal, and he is ready to pounce.
In Job, we read how the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan was among them. God directed His remarks to the devil himself and asked, "Where have you come from?" (Job 1:6). And Satan answered, "I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that's going on" (verse 7).
He is checking everything out. He is watching. He is looking for vulnerability, weakness. He is looking for his next prey to bring down. That is his basic agenda. And the devil never takes a vacation. He doesn't take a month off, a week off, a day off, or even an hour off. He never takes a moment off. He is always busy with his well-organized network of demon powers that is helping him accomplish his purposes.
Copyright © 2010 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved
You have probably seen it on television at one time or another: some lions are hanging out, soaking in the rays, when along come the antelope. You can almost read the lions' thoughts as they size them up: Let's see, which one are we going to eat today? There is usually that lone antelope lagging behind all the rest by about 20 feet or so. That one looks like lion lunch. So the next thing you see is a lion covering an amazing amount of ground in a matter of seconds. And once the big cat sinks his claws into his prey and drags it down, you know it is all over for that antelope.
If you have ever watched a scene like this one, then you have an idea of how the devil operates. The Bible describes him as a "roaring lion, looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This hungry beast of prey is looking for his next meal, and he is ready to pounce.
In Job, we read how the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan was among them. God directed His remarks to the devil himself and asked, "Where have you come from?" (Job 1:6). And Satan answered, "I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that's going on" (verse 7).
He is checking everything out. He is watching. He is looking for vulnerability, weakness. He is looking for his next prey to bring down. That is his basic agenda. And the devil never takes a vacation. He doesn't take a month off, a week off, a day off, or even an hour off. He never takes a moment off. He is always busy with his well-organized network of demon powers that is helping him accomplish his purposes.
Copyright © 2010 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The Problem with Pride
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with the humble is wisdom.
"Pride," said Soviet dissident Alexander Solzhenitzyn, "grows in the human heart like lard on a pig." Pride is one of the few things that can grow in the human heart without any sustenance. And although it seems to flourish more visibly in some people, all the human race suffers under its malignant grip.
Pride has many different faces. It can try to demand control: "I want it my way"; "I want to be my own god, run my own show and submit to no one."
It can be seen in the stubborn-what the Scriptures call "stiff-necked" or "hard of heart." And it is most easily detected in those who carry themselves in an arrogant manner. When I was a kid we used to call kids like this stuck-up, snooty, snobbish, conceited or cocky.
It was the well-known evangelist Dwight L. Moody who commented on how God deals with pride: "God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves."
Daily I attempt to put "self" to death and ask that Jesus Christ might have unhindered access to every area of my life. Then, as I am tempted to get angry because things didn't go my way, I'm reminded that to give in to pride is death.
So what is the way of humility? To know God, and to know who you are in relation to Him. Philip Brooks once said: "The true way to be humble is not to stoop until you are smaller than yourself, but to stand at your real height against some higher nature that will show you what the real smallness of your greatness is."
My pride wants to say, "I don't need God-I'm perfectly happy without Him." But what amazes me is that real happiness comes when I'm willing to humble myself and do what He wills with my life. The process may be painful, but it also brings real joy.
Prayer: That God would show you the joy that comes with humility.
Discuss: In what areas of your life do you feel self-sufficient?
"Pride," said Soviet dissident Alexander Solzhenitzyn, "grows in the human heart like lard on a pig." Pride is one of the few things that can grow in the human heart without any sustenance. And although it seems to flourish more visibly in some people, all the human race suffers under its malignant grip.
Pride has many different faces. It can try to demand control: "I want it my way"; "I want to be my own god, run my own show and submit to no one."
It can be seen in the stubborn-what the Scriptures call "stiff-necked" or "hard of heart." And it is most easily detected in those who carry themselves in an arrogant manner. When I was a kid we used to call kids like this stuck-up, snooty, snobbish, conceited or cocky.
It was the well-known evangelist Dwight L. Moody who commented on how God deals with pride: "God sends no one away empty except those who are full of themselves."
Daily I attempt to put "self" to death and ask that Jesus Christ might have unhindered access to every area of my life. Then, as I am tempted to get angry because things didn't go my way, I'm reminded that to give in to pride is death.
So what is the way of humility? To know God, and to know who you are in relation to Him. Philip Brooks once said: "The true way to be humble is not to stoop until you are smaller than yourself, but to stand at your real height against some higher nature that will show you what the real smallness of your greatness is."
My pride wants to say, "I don't need God-I'm perfectly happy without Him." But what amazes me is that real happiness comes when I'm willing to humble myself and do what He wills with my life. The process may be painful, but it also brings real joy.
Prayer: That God would show you the joy that comes with humility.
Discuss: In what areas of your life do you feel self-sufficient?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Are you in a dry land?
But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea.
--Exodus 13:18
Have you ever experienced times of spiritual drought in your life? Most of us have at some time, and it's not unusual to feel like you're stuck and getting nowhere fast. Well, I think this is probably just how the children of Israel felt when Moses was leading them toward the Promised Land.
The Scripture says God "led the people around by the way of the wilderness," but truthfully, they were going around in circles much of that time. But don't think of this as some kind of exercise in futility or punishment. This was God leading his people according to his specific purposes! You see, there are certain lessons that can only be learned in the desert. And there are no shortcuts to spiritual growth and maturity.
Now, you and I need to remember that the Israelites journey through the wilderness is illustrative of our journey with God. And in his wisdom, God may take us on an extended journey through the wilderness to test us, to mature us, to prepare us, or to strengthen us for those things that we'll face down the road.
If you are in the wilderness, keep your eyes on him. Trust that God is working on your behalf to prepare you for all that he has promised.
--Exodus 13:18
Have you ever experienced times of spiritual drought in your life? Most of us have at some time, and it's not unusual to feel like you're stuck and getting nowhere fast. Well, I think this is probably just how the children of Israel felt when Moses was leading them toward the Promised Land.
The Scripture says God "led the people around by the way of the wilderness," but truthfully, they were going around in circles much of that time. But don't think of this as some kind of exercise in futility or punishment. This was God leading his people according to his specific purposes! You see, there are certain lessons that can only be learned in the desert. And there are no shortcuts to spiritual growth and maturity.
Now, you and I need to remember that the Israelites journey through the wilderness is illustrative of our journey with God. And in his wisdom, God may take us on an extended journey through the wilderness to test us, to mature us, to prepare us, or to strengthen us for those things that we'll face down the road.
If you are in the wilderness, keep your eyes on him. Trust that God is working on your behalf to prepare you for all that he has promised.
THERE ARE CERTAIN LESSONS THAT
CAN ONLY BE LEARNED IN THE DESERT.
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Cloak of Love
by Max Lucado
Do you own a cloak of love? Do you know anyone who needs one? When you cover someone with concern, you are fulfilling what Paul had in mind when he wrote the phrase “love … always protects” (1 Cor. 13:4–7 NIV).
The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament is known for its word study, not its poetry. But the scholar sounds poetic as he explains the meaning of protect as used in 1 Corinthians 13:7. The word conveys, he says, “the idea of covering with a cloak of love.”
Know anyone in need of a cloak of love?
A few years back I offered one to my daughters. The whirlwind of adolescence was making regular runs through our house, bringing with it more than our share of doubts, pimples, and peer pressure. I couldn’t protect the girls from the winds, but I could give them an anchor to hold in the midst. On Valentine’s Day, 1997, I wrote the following and had it framed for each daughter:
- - - - -
I have a special gift for you. My gift is warmth at night and sunlit afternoons, chuckles and giggles and happy Saturdays.
But how do I give this gift? Is there a store which sells laughter? A catalog that offers kisses? No. Such a treasure can’t be bought. But it can be given. And here is how I give it to you.
Your Valentine’s Day gift is a promise, a promise that I will always love your mother. With God as my helper, I will never leave her. You’ll never come home to find me gone. You’ll never wake up and find that I have run away. You’ll always have two parents. I will love your mother. I will honor your mother. I will cherish your mother. That is my promise. That is my gift.
Love, Dad
- - - - -
Know anyone who could use some protection? Of course you do. Then give some.
____________________________
From A Love Worth Giving
Copyright 2002, Max Lucado
Do you own a cloak of love? Do you know anyone who needs one? When you cover someone with concern, you are fulfilling what Paul had in mind when he wrote the phrase “love … always protects” (1 Cor. 13:4–7 NIV).
The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament is known for its word study, not its poetry. But the scholar sounds poetic as he explains the meaning of protect as used in 1 Corinthians 13:7. The word conveys, he says, “the idea of covering with a cloak of love.”
Know anyone in need of a cloak of love?
A few years back I offered one to my daughters. The whirlwind of adolescence was making regular runs through our house, bringing with it more than our share of doubts, pimples, and peer pressure. I couldn’t protect the girls from the winds, but I could give them an anchor to hold in the midst. On Valentine’s Day, 1997, I wrote the following and had it framed for each daughter:
- - - - -
I have a special gift for you. My gift is warmth at night and sunlit afternoons, chuckles and giggles and happy Saturdays.
But how do I give this gift? Is there a store which sells laughter? A catalog that offers kisses? No. Such a treasure can’t be bought. But it can be given. And here is how I give it to you.
Your Valentine’s Day gift is a promise, a promise that I will always love your mother. With God as my helper, I will never leave her. You’ll never come home to find me gone. You’ll never wake up and find that I have run away. You’ll always have two parents. I will love your mother. I will honor your mother. I will cherish your mother. That is my promise. That is my gift.
Love, Dad
- - - - -
Know anyone who could use some protection? Of course you do. Then give some.
____________________________
From A Love Worth Giving
Copyright 2002, Max Lucado
Thursday, February 11, 2010
"God put it there. He can take it away."
4 Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread (snow?) from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. 5 On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days."
--Exodus 16: 4-5
I gathered enough (snow) for yesterday. I gathered enough for today. I've gathered enough for the season, thank you. I couldn't resist this passage as I wondered out loud whether or not the Israelites had shovels or not to "gather" their manna each day. I remember my Dad saying once, after a long day of shoveling probably, that "God put the snow there - He can take it away."
There's probably a lot of people in the Northeast saying "Enough is enough." today. For those of you outside the region, consider that a blessing this week.
This passge, of course, was a lesson in faith for the Israelites. Would God continue to provide just enough sustenance for them each day? Or would they take more than their fair share, therefore, depending more on themselves than God? How often do we do the same today? Are three gallons of milk REALLY necessary to ride out the storm? Or should we have more faith in God's provision than that.
Enjoy the beauty of the snow, Fellas.
--Exodus 16: 4-5
I gathered enough (snow) for yesterday. I gathered enough for today. I've gathered enough for the season, thank you. I couldn't resist this passage as I wondered out loud whether or not the Israelites had shovels or not to "gather" their manna each day. I remember my Dad saying once, after a long day of shoveling probably, that "God put the snow there - He can take it away."
There's probably a lot of people in the Northeast saying "Enough is enough." today. For those of you outside the region, consider that a blessing this week.
This passge, of course, was a lesson in faith for the Israelites. Would God continue to provide just enough sustenance for them each day? Or would they take more than their fair share, therefore, depending more on themselves than God? How often do we do the same today? Are three gallons of milk REALLY necessary to ride out the storm? Or should we have more faith in God's provision than that.
Enjoy the beauty of the snow, Fellas.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Be Merciful
By Max Lucado
“Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Matthew 18:21 The Message
The Jewish law stipulated that the wounded forgive three times. Peter is willing to double that and throw in one more for good measure. No doubt he thinks Jesus will be impressed. Jesus isn’t. The Master’s answer still stuns us. “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy time seven.” (Matthew 18:22 The Message).
If you’re pausing to multiply seventy times seven, you’re missing the point. Keeping tabs on your mercy, Jesus is saying, is not being merciful.
“Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?” Matthew 18:21 The Message
The Jewish law stipulated that the wounded forgive three times. Peter is willing to double that and throw in one more for good measure. No doubt he thinks Jesus will be impressed. Jesus isn’t. The Master’s answer still stuns us. “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy time seven.” (Matthew 18:22 The Message).
If you’re pausing to multiply seventy times seven, you’re missing the point. Keeping tabs on your mercy, Jesus is saying, is not being merciful.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
A Place to Belong
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. -- Acts 2:41
When you come to know Christ, one of the things God wants is for you to make a commitment to a local church.
Now, many people choose a church like they choose a restaurant, partaking of whatever is being offered. But if you haven't done so already, I urge you to make a real commitment and to anchor yourself in particular to a local church. This is the pattern that the first followers of Christ practiced.
You see, church isn't just some place you go or something you do. Church is a place to believe… a place to belong… a place to become more like Christ Jesus! Can you see the difference?
At church we gain new perspective on life and on worship. We open God's Word together and receive wisdom and instruction for our lives. And together we develop godly character.
When you're around people who are living lives of faith and commitment in his church, you'll get inspired to live that way, too. So get where God can bless you and where he can bless others through you. Make a commitment to a local church.
CHURCH IS A PLACE TO BELIEVE… A PLACE TO BELONG… A PLACE TO BECOME MORE LIKE CHRIST JESUS!
When you come to know Christ, one of the things God wants is for you to make a commitment to a local church.
Now, many people choose a church like they choose a restaurant, partaking of whatever is being offered. But if you haven't done so already, I urge you to make a real commitment and to anchor yourself in particular to a local church. This is the pattern that the first followers of Christ practiced.
You see, church isn't just some place you go or something you do. Church is a place to believe… a place to belong… a place to become more like Christ Jesus! Can you see the difference?
At church we gain new perspective on life and on worship. We open God's Word together and receive wisdom and instruction for our lives. And together we develop godly character.
When you're around people who are living lives of faith and commitment in his church, you'll get inspired to live that way, too. So get where God can bless you and where he can bless others through you. Make a commitment to a local church.
CHURCH IS A PLACE TO BELIEVE… A PLACE TO BELONG… A PLACE TO BECOME MORE LIKE CHRIST JESUS!
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Doing vs. Being
by Charles R. Swindoll
Ecclesiastes 2:11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful.
My high school graduating class had its thirtieth anniversary reunion a number of summers ago. I'm sure they had a ball. A blast would better describe it, knowing that crowd. You gotta understand the east side of Houston back in the 1950s to have some idea of that explosive student body . . . a couple of thousand strong and a lot of 'em mean as a junkyard dog with a nail in his paw.
Since I wasn't able to attend the reunion, I decided to blow the dust off my yearbook and stroll down nostalgia lane. Faces aroused smiles and stories as one memory after another washed over me. Funny, I remembered a project we seniors were given before the yearbook went to press back in '52. We were asked to think about the next twenty years and answer, "What do I want to do?" The plan was to record our dreams and goals in the yearbook, then evaluate them when we met again at each subsequent reunion . . . you know, sort of a decade-by-decade checkup. Some of the goals are not fitting to repeat, but some are both interesting and revealing.
Several said: "Make a million bucks."
Others:
• "Win all-American honors and play professional football."
• "Be the concertmaster of a symphony orchestra."
• "Finish medical school and have a practice in Honolulu."
• "Become the world heavyweight boxing champion."
• "Make a living writing short stories, plays, and novels."
• "Travel abroad as a news correspondent."
• "Live fast, die young, and leave a good-looking corpse."
All sorts of goals. Some admirable, some questionable, some crazy, a few stupid.
Without wanting to sound needlessly critical, as I look back over three decades, I think we were asked to answer the wrong question. What we want to do is not nearly as important as what we want to be. And the longer I live the more significant that becomes. It's possible to do lots of things yet be zilch as a person.
Doing is usually connected with a vocation or career, how we make a living. Being is much deeper. It relates to character, who we are, and how we make a life. Doing is tied in closely with activity, accomplishments, and tangible things—like salary, prestige, involvements, roles, and trophies. Being, on the other hand, has more to do with intangibles, the kind of people we become down inside, much of which can't be measured by objective yardsticks and impressive awards. But of the two, beingwill ultimately outdistance doing every time. It may take half a lifetime to perfect . . . but hands down, it's far more valuable. And lasting. And inspiring.
Remember those familiar words from Colossians 3? Twice we read, "Whatever you do . . . whatever you do . . ." (Colossians 3:17, 23). It's almost as if the Lord is saying, "Makes no difference what it is, whatever you do . . . " But then He immediately addresses things that have to do with being. Like being thankful, being considerate, being obedient, being sincere, being diligent. Same pattern—God emphasizes being more than doing.
So then, are you giving thought these days to things that count? I hope so. Goal-setting and achieving are important, especially if we are in need of being motivated. Moving in the right direction is a great way to break the mold of mediocrity. It's helpful to ask, "What do I want to do?"
But while you're at it, take a deeper look inside. Ask yourself the harder question, "What do I want to be?" Then listen to your heart . . . your inner spirit. True treasures will emerge. Pick one or two to start with. Don't tell anybody, just concentrate some time and attention on that particular target. Watch God work. It will amaze you how He arranges circumstances so that the very target you and He decided on will begin to take shape within you. Sometimes it will be painful; other times, sheer joy. It won't happen overnight, but that's a major difference between doing and being. One may take only twenty years; the other, the better part of your lifetime.
One can be recorded in a yearbook and is easily forgotten; but the other requires a lifebook, which is on display forever.
Excerpted from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, Copyright © 1983 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by arrangement with Zondervan Publishing House.
Ecclesiastes 2:11 But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.
Ecclesiastes 4:4 Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Always be joyful.
My high school graduating class had its thirtieth anniversary reunion a number of summers ago. I'm sure they had a ball. A blast would better describe it, knowing that crowd. You gotta understand the east side of Houston back in the 1950s to have some idea of that explosive student body . . . a couple of thousand strong and a lot of 'em mean as a junkyard dog with a nail in his paw.
Since I wasn't able to attend the reunion, I decided to blow the dust off my yearbook and stroll down nostalgia lane. Faces aroused smiles and stories as one memory after another washed over me. Funny, I remembered a project we seniors were given before the yearbook went to press back in '52. We were asked to think about the next twenty years and answer, "What do I want to do?" The plan was to record our dreams and goals in the yearbook, then evaluate them when we met again at each subsequent reunion . . . you know, sort of a decade-by-decade checkup. Some of the goals are not fitting to repeat, but some are both interesting and revealing.
Several said: "Make a million bucks."
Others:
• "Win all-American honors and play professional football."
• "Be the concertmaster of a symphony orchestra."
• "Finish medical school and have a practice in Honolulu."
• "Become the world heavyweight boxing champion."
• "Make a living writing short stories, plays, and novels."
• "Travel abroad as a news correspondent."
• "Live fast, die young, and leave a good-looking corpse."
All sorts of goals. Some admirable, some questionable, some crazy, a few stupid.
Without wanting to sound needlessly critical, as I look back over three decades, I think we were asked to answer the wrong question. What we want to do is not nearly as important as what we want to be. And the longer I live the more significant that becomes. It's possible to do lots of things yet be zilch as a person.
Doing is usually connected with a vocation or career, how we make a living. Being is much deeper. It relates to character, who we are, and how we make a life. Doing is tied in closely with activity, accomplishments, and tangible things—like salary, prestige, involvements, roles, and trophies. Being, on the other hand, has more to do with intangibles, the kind of people we become down inside, much of which can't be measured by objective yardsticks and impressive awards. But of the two, beingwill ultimately outdistance doing every time. It may take half a lifetime to perfect . . . but hands down, it's far more valuable. And lasting. And inspiring.
Remember those familiar words from Colossians 3? Twice we read, "Whatever you do . . . whatever you do . . ." (Colossians 3:17, 23). It's almost as if the Lord is saying, "Makes no difference what it is, whatever you do . . . " But then He immediately addresses things that have to do with being. Like being thankful, being considerate, being obedient, being sincere, being diligent. Same pattern—God emphasizes being more than doing.
So then, are you giving thought these days to things that count? I hope so. Goal-setting and achieving are important, especially if we are in need of being motivated. Moving in the right direction is a great way to break the mold of mediocrity. It's helpful to ask, "What do I want to do?"
But while you're at it, take a deeper look inside. Ask yourself the harder question, "What do I want to be?" Then listen to your heart . . . your inner spirit. True treasures will emerge. Pick one or two to start with. Don't tell anybody, just concentrate some time and attention on that particular target. Watch God work. It will amaze you how He arranges circumstances so that the very target you and He decided on will begin to take shape within you. Sometimes it will be painful; other times, sheer joy. It won't happen overnight, but that's a major difference between doing and being. One may take only twenty years; the other, the better part of your lifetime.
One can be recorded in a yearbook and is easily forgotten; but the other requires a lifebook, which is on display forever.
Excerpted from Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, Copyright © 1983 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by arrangement with Zondervan Publishing House.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
I Will Rise
Fellas, I have a prayer request.
Over the weekend a press release in the UK suggested that a significant number of folks would be let go (~4,000) in our company. This is just two years after we saw significant reductions on the order of 50% in medicinal chemistry. This has caused a lot of folks to really start to worry about their future and I know that it can be very difficult emotionally from the time these things leak until the official announcements are made and we find out the reality of the cuts. I was feeling a bit of it myself on the way home yesterday and as I was praying for those in my department this song came on the radio - "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin. What an amazing song. It reminded me of Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
It also reminded me of what Colt McCoy said after getting injured and watching his team loss the national championship game. McCoy stated, "I always give God the glory. I never question why things happen the way they do. God is in control of my life. And I know that if nothing else, I'm standing on the Rock."
So, I ask you to pray for God's will to be done in our lives as we wait to hear our fate. Pray for peace for myself and my co-workers and that those of us who are brothers and sisters reflect God's light during this time.
Blessings,
cas
Over the weekend a press release in the UK suggested that a significant number of folks would be let go (~4,000) in our company. This is just two years after we saw significant reductions on the order of 50% in medicinal chemistry. This has caused a lot of folks to really start to worry about their future and I know that it can be very difficult emotionally from the time these things leak until the official announcements are made and we find out the reality of the cuts. I was feeling a bit of it myself on the way home yesterday and as I was praying for those in my department this song came on the radio - "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin. What an amazing song. It reminded me of Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
It also reminded me of what Colt McCoy said after getting injured and watching his team loss the national championship game. McCoy stated, "I always give God the glory. I never question why things happen the way they do. God is in control of my life. And I know that if nothing else, I'm standing on the Rock."
So, I ask you to pray for God's will to be done in our lives as we wait to hear our fate. Pray for peace for myself and my co-workers and that those of us who are brothers and sisters reflect God's light during this time.
Blessings,
cas
"I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin
There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
Deep Things
By Os Hillman
"He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light" (Job 12:22).
One of the great mysteries of the Kingdom is how God uses the darkest times in our lives to reveal greater depths of understanding of His ways. The only way we can receive these deeper things is to be driven to the depths of darkness. It is here that we discover important truths that He plans to use in our lives and the lives of others.
There is a process God uses to draw us into greater levels of intimacy. The first phase involves a depth of soul experience that causes great pain in our lives. We seek God for deliverance from the incredible emotional pain this causes. Our primary motivation for seeking God is to get out of our pain.
During this time, God meets us in the depths of darkness. We discover that He never left us but is in the midst of the darkness. We develop a new relationship with God. Gradually our motivation turns from removal of pain to love and intimacy with God. This is the place our Heavenly Father desires us to be.
During this season God will make spiritual deposits into your life. Others will be making withdrawals in the future from your life as well. You see, God reveals deep things in darkness that will be revealed in the light.
If you find yourself in great distress, know that God will bring your deep shadows into the light. The key to your deliverance is becoming satisfied in God. He becomes your all. He is your life. You will know your deliverance is near when your circumstances simply don't matter to you anymore.
Love the Lord your God with all your soul and see what things He will show you in the deep things of darkness.
Contact Os Hillman at www.marketplaceleaders.org.
"He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light" (Job 12:22).
One of the great mysteries of the Kingdom is how God uses the darkest times in our lives to reveal greater depths of understanding of His ways. The only way we can receive these deeper things is to be driven to the depths of darkness. It is here that we discover important truths that He plans to use in our lives and the lives of others.
There is a process God uses to draw us into greater levels of intimacy. The first phase involves a depth of soul experience that causes great pain in our lives. We seek God for deliverance from the incredible emotional pain this causes. Our primary motivation for seeking God is to get out of our pain.
During this time, God meets us in the depths of darkness. We discover that He never left us but is in the midst of the darkness. We develop a new relationship with God. Gradually our motivation turns from removal of pain to love and intimacy with God. This is the place our Heavenly Father desires us to be.
During this season God will make spiritual deposits into your life. Others will be making withdrawals in the future from your life as well. You see, God reveals deep things in darkness that will be revealed in the light.
If you find yourself in great distress, know that God will bring your deep shadows into the light. The key to your deliverance is becoming satisfied in God. He becomes your all. He is your life. You will know your deliverance is near when your circumstances simply don't matter to you anymore.
Love the Lord your God with all your soul and see what things He will show you in the deep things of darkness.
Contact Os Hillman at www.marketplaceleaders.org.
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