ENCOURAGEMENT #3
Sorry that this is late. I had difficulty connecting to our server this morning. Here are some additional thoughts on encouragement.
1. Don't use encouragement as a form of manipulation. Encouragement
needs to be genuine, not phony or forced. The person you are attempting to encourage will most likely see right through you if you are encouraging for the wrong reasons.
2. Be specific and direct with your encouragement without adding
sarcasm or criticism to your comments. My mother-in-law was a great cook. My wife is an excellent cook. When we were first married, my mother-in-law lived with us. One night Jan cooked a fabulous dinner and afterwards my mother-in-law said, "This was a good dinner. Now when I make this ..."
3. Use random acts of kindness in your arsenal of encouragement
tools. Be creative. Cards, notes in unexpected places, flowers, candy, gifts, can all be used to express encouragement. It could be showing up at a friends house and helping him with a difficult project. I could go on and on - you get the idea.
4. Encouragement takes practices. The more you do it, the easier it
will be. It is worth it!
Make it a lifelong goal - encourage one person a day for the next year.
Just think - that's 365 people!!!
Great quote: The holy and most glorious God invites us to come to Him, to converse with Him, to ask from Him such things as we need, and to experience what a blessing there is in fellowship with Him. He has created us in His own image and has redeemed us by His own Son, so that in prayer with Him we might find our highest glory and salvation. Andrew Murray
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Encouragement (Part 2)
ENCOURAGEMENT (Part 2)
"Words kill, words give life -they're either poison or fruit - you choose!" Proverbs 18:21
I wanted to give some follow-up thoughts on encouragement to challenge your thinking.
1. Encouragement doesn't cost anything! It is a free gift. Yes, you
can do things that cost something to encourage someone like buying them a gift. But it can be something as simple as a note you write in your own handwriting.
I have a file of notes that I have received over the years. When I am discouraged or feeling sorry for myself, I will pull out that file and read a couple of those notes. They refresh and revive my spirits. Most of those notes came on just the right days - out of the blue.
2. Sometimes it is the people most closest to you that need the
encouragement the most.
I never doubted my Mom and Dad's love, but they were not the greatest encouragers. They would tell others how proud they were of me and my accomplishments. But my Dad went to his grave having never told me how proud he was of me.
Sometimes it is the people closest to us who need to hear words of encouragement from us.
3. Encouragement can change the course of a person's life.
There are thousands of stories of people who were ready to throw in the towel who because of a timely word of encouragement, hung in there and soared in the place where God called them to serve. Your pastor needs continual encouragement. Sometimes we make the assumption that everyone else is doing it, so why should it. Guess what - it ain't happening.
Make encouragement a part of your daily routine. It's a great investment.
Great quote: There is such a thing as taking ourselves and the world too seriously, or at any rate too anxiously. Half of the secular unrest and dismal, profane sadness of modern society comes from the vain idea that every man is bound to be a critic of life, and to let no day pass without finding some fault with the general order of things, or projecting some plan for its general improvement. And the other half comes from the greedy notion that a man's life does consist, after all, in the abundance of things that he possesseth, and that it is, somehow or other, more respectable and pious to be always at work trying to make a larger living, than it is to lie on your back in the green pastures and beside the still waters, and thank God that you are alive.
Henry Van Dyke
"Words kill, words give life -they're either poison or fruit - you choose!" Proverbs 18:21
I wanted to give some follow-up thoughts on encouragement to challenge your thinking.
1. Encouragement doesn't cost anything! It is a free gift. Yes, you
can do things that cost something to encourage someone like buying them a gift. But it can be something as simple as a note you write in your own handwriting.
I have a file of notes that I have received over the years. When I am discouraged or feeling sorry for myself, I will pull out that file and read a couple of those notes. They refresh and revive my spirits. Most of those notes came on just the right days - out of the blue.
2. Sometimes it is the people most closest to you that need the
encouragement the most.
I never doubted my Mom and Dad's love, but they were not the greatest encouragers. They would tell others how proud they were of me and my accomplishments. But my Dad went to his grave having never told me how proud he was of me.
Sometimes it is the people closest to us who need to hear words of encouragement from us.
3. Encouragement can change the course of a person's life.
There are thousands of stories of people who were ready to throw in the towel who because of a timely word of encouragement, hung in there and soared in the place where God called them to serve. Your pastor needs continual encouragement. Sometimes we make the assumption that everyone else is doing it, so why should it. Guess what - it ain't happening.
Make encouragement a part of your daily routine. It's a great investment.
Great quote: There is such a thing as taking ourselves and the world too seriously, or at any rate too anxiously. Half of the secular unrest and dismal, profane sadness of modern society comes from the vain idea that every man is bound to be a critic of life, and to let no day pass without finding some fault with the general order of things, or projecting some plan for its general improvement. And the other half comes from the greedy notion that a man's life does consist, after all, in the abundance of things that he possesseth, and that it is, somehow or other, more respectable and pious to be always at work trying to make a larger living, than it is to lie on your back in the green pastures and beside the still waters, and thank God that you are alive.
Henry Van Dyke
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The Gift of Encouragement
THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT
"Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need." Philippians 2:25
Martin Luther once said that "encouragement is oxygen to the soul."
Sometimes it seems that all we hear are the voices of those who choose to use their words to tear us down or discourage us. I have been surrounded times with people who tend to always look at life with a half-full glass mentality. Everything is negative. Life is viewed from "under-the-turf" rather than from above the turf!
I once read a cartoon of two old guys sitting on a park bench. The one was moaning about how awful the day was, and the other was the optimist.
The pessimist asked his friend how he be so cheerful. The optimist responded, "Every day I wake up on this side of the grass is a good day!"
Listen to what Henry Blackaby has to say about encouragers:
"Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. Their words give strength to those who are discouraged and comfort to those who are grieving. These people are sensitive to God's voice. They are not self-centered or unaware of the struggles of those around them. They are the ones we immediately seek when we enter a crisis. They welcome visitors when we are in distress, for their presence sustains us.
Scripture testifies of many whom God enabled to encourage others. When Moses was overwhelmed by his work, Jethro went to him and encouraged him. Jethro gave Moses wise counsel that eased his strain (Exodus 18:1-27). When Paul was imprisoned far from those who loved him, Epaphroditus risked his health and safety in order to go to Paul and minister to him (Philippians 2:25-30). Later, Paul urged Timothy to come and visit him, for Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy (2 Timothy 4:9; Philippians 2:19-20). Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark also. Mark was the kind of friend Paul needed when he was enduring hardship (2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 24). Paul also relied on Luke for encouragement. When everyone else was absent or preoccupied, Luke could be found with Paul (2 Timothy 4:11).
Paul experienced trials throughout his life, but God sustained him by placing godly friends around him who provided support in practical and sacrificial ways.
God wants to develop you into the kind of friend who can strengthen others. The words you share and the things you do can bring comfort and encouragement to your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your co-workers." (Experiencing God - the Devotional)
My prayer for me today is that I would be a man of encouragement with my family, my staff and my friends. And beyond that - people I meet and rub shoulders with along the way. I can't do it on my own - but I can through Christ!
Great quote: "Drag the skulking Agags of pride, snobbery, fear, prejudice, green envy and ugly grudge to the light, and hack them in pieces! These are the hidden scoundrels which keep tricking us into refusing the meek, lowly, brave, noble, generous, lovely, Christlike life which we know we ought to live." J. Sidlow Baxter
"Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need." Philippians 2:25
Martin Luther once said that "encouragement is oxygen to the soul."
Sometimes it seems that all we hear are the voices of those who choose to use their words to tear us down or discourage us. I have been surrounded times with people who tend to always look at life with a half-full glass mentality. Everything is negative. Life is viewed from "under-the-turf" rather than from above the turf!
I once read a cartoon of two old guys sitting on a park bench. The one was moaning about how awful the day was, and the other was the optimist.
The pessimist asked his friend how he be so cheerful. The optimist responded, "Every day I wake up on this side of the grass is a good day!"
Listen to what Henry Blackaby has to say about encouragers:
"Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. Their words give strength to those who are discouraged and comfort to those who are grieving. These people are sensitive to God's voice. They are not self-centered or unaware of the struggles of those around them. They are the ones we immediately seek when we enter a crisis. They welcome visitors when we are in distress, for their presence sustains us.
Scripture testifies of many whom God enabled to encourage others. When Moses was overwhelmed by his work, Jethro went to him and encouraged him. Jethro gave Moses wise counsel that eased his strain (Exodus 18:1-27). When Paul was imprisoned far from those who loved him, Epaphroditus risked his health and safety in order to go to Paul and minister to him (Philippians 2:25-30). Later, Paul urged Timothy to come and visit him, for Paul found strength and encouragement in Timothy (2 Timothy 4:9; Philippians 2:19-20). Paul asked Timothy to bring Mark also. Mark was the kind of friend Paul needed when he was enduring hardship (2 Timothy 4:11, Philemon 24). Paul also relied on Luke for encouragement. When everyone else was absent or preoccupied, Luke could be found with Paul (2 Timothy 4:11).
Paul experienced trials throughout his life, but God sustained him by placing godly friends around him who provided support in practical and sacrificial ways.
God wants to develop you into the kind of friend who can strengthen others. The words you share and the things you do can bring comfort and encouragement to your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your co-workers." (Experiencing God - the Devotional)
My prayer for me today is that I would be a man of encouragement with my family, my staff and my friends. And beyond that - people I meet and rub shoulders with along the way. I can't do it on my own - but I can through Christ!
Great quote: "Drag the skulking Agags of pride, snobbery, fear, prejudice, green envy and ugly grudge to the light, and hack them in pieces! These are the hidden scoundrels which keep tricking us into refusing the meek, lowly, brave, noble, generous, lovely, Christlike life which we know we ought to live." J. Sidlow Baxter
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Prayer Perspective
PRAYER PERSPECTIVE
"I love the Lord because He hath heard my voice and my supplications."
Psalm 116:1
I needed this perspective this morning in regards to prayer. Maybe you do to. It is written by the great missionary, Amy Carmichael.
"Sometimes people speak of God having answered their prayers, but what they mean is that He answered according to their desire and does something about which they are glad. If he does something different they say sadly, 'He has not answered.' All this is a mistake.
Prayer is ALWAYS heard if the one who prays comes to the Father in the NAME of our Lord Jesus. 'I love the Lord, because He hath heard' can be our word always, and also that other word, 'This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears
us: and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of Him.'
If we love Him, our real prayer is that His perfect will may be done, whatever the words are, and so it is certain that we have the petition even before we see it granted. The form the answer takes does not affect the fact.
I know sometimes we do not see how the thing granted is all that we desire. And yet it is! For after all, what the deepest in us wanted was not for our own natural will, but the will of the Father. So what is given is our heart's desire; He hath not witholden the request of our lips. But God always answers us in the deeps, never in the shallows of our soul. In hours of confusion I can remember this!" - Amy Carmichael (His Victorious Indwelling - Zondervan)
Good words for me today! I hope they will speak to your heart too.
Great Quote: You cannot expect and answer from God unless YOUR WILL is gone. You shut out your answers to prayer because you have a will about the thing for which you are praying." Edward Dennett
"I love the Lord because He hath heard my voice and my supplications."
Psalm 116:1
I needed this perspective this morning in regards to prayer. Maybe you do to. It is written by the great missionary, Amy Carmichael.
"Sometimes people speak of God having answered their prayers, but what they mean is that He answered according to their desire and does something about which they are glad. If he does something different they say sadly, 'He has not answered.' All this is a mistake.
Prayer is ALWAYS heard if the one who prays comes to the Father in the NAME of our Lord Jesus. 'I love the Lord, because He hath heard' can be our word always, and also that other word, 'This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears
us: and if we know that He hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desire of Him.'
If we love Him, our real prayer is that His perfect will may be done, whatever the words are, and so it is certain that we have the petition even before we see it granted. The form the answer takes does not affect the fact.
I know sometimes we do not see how the thing granted is all that we desire. And yet it is! For after all, what the deepest in us wanted was not for our own natural will, but the will of the Father. So what is given is our heart's desire; He hath not witholden the request of our lips. But God always answers us in the deeps, never in the shallows of our soul. In hours of confusion I can remember this!" - Amy Carmichael (His Victorious Indwelling - Zondervan)
Good words for me today! I hope they will speak to your heart too.
Great Quote: You cannot expect and answer from God unless YOUR WILL is gone. You shut out your answers to prayer because you have a will about the thing for which you are praying." Edward Dennett
Monday, November 26, 2007
HIS STRENGTH MADE PERFECT IN MY WEAKNESS
HIS STRENGTH MADE PERFECT IN MY WEAKNESS
"But he said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for His strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9
For 35+ years I have been involved in some way with church music. I had the wonderful privilege of directing the music programs of three churches in the Philadelphia area as well as directing the summer music program for seven years at Sandy Cove. While I absolutely loved directing choirs and ensembles, I found myself struggling for years with panic attacks, especially during major performances. Only my wife and a few close friends knew what was happening, and there were times that I was ready to dash off the platform because the anxiety was so intense.
One side of me would say, "I can't wait to do this ... and the other side would say ... "Why did you ever say you'd do this."
People who struggle with panic attacks do think they are crazy. It is hard to explain what is going on inside of you. As intense as they were for me, I found myself crying out to God for His help. Amazingly, He always heard my cry. My biggest fear was losing control or passing out - but I never did. He got me through each and every performance. I say HE because there is no other explanation to it other than HIS STRENGTH being made PERFECT in my weakness. Each and every performance for me was absolute dependence on Him to get me through it. Each performance was a faith-building, faith-walking step in trusting Him. And HE was faithful in every instance.
I can't really explain it, but at some point the panic attacks stopped.
I praise the Lord that during my ten+ years at America's KESWICK, I have not had a panic attack. The real test came on Saturday night. It was my privilege to direct the KESWICK CELEBRATION CHOIR comprised of 125 voices in presenting a Christmas cantata, IT TOOK A MIRACLE. I was hoping we would have 400-500 people in attendance for the musical - but God blessed us with over 800 plus the choir.
I was sitting in the back of the room watching all the people coming in and talking to the Lord. The old "feelings" were gone. For a few moments I felt myself feeling cocky - and then I repented of my cockiness and asked God to once again do His thing in my life. I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't "nervous" - wouldn't you be standing up in front of 900 people? Yes, there were butterflies, but gone was the panic and anxiety that I struggled with for so many years. I experienced again the reality of His grace - "His strength was made perfect in my weakness."
He is a God who can be trusted in ALL things. Is there an area of your life that you aren't trusting Him? Then surrender that area to Him today.
Great quote: The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Anonymous
"But he said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for His strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9
For 35+ years I have been involved in some way with church music. I had the wonderful privilege of directing the music programs of three churches in the Philadelphia area as well as directing the summer music program for seven years at Sandy Cove. While I absolutely loved directing choirs and ensembles, I found myself struggling for years with panic attacks, especially during major performances. Only my wife and a few close friends knew what was happening, and there were times that I was ready to dash off the platform because the anxiety was so intense.
One side of me would say, "I can't wait to do this ... and the other side would say ... "Why did you ever say you'd do this."
People who struggle with panic attacks do think they are crazy. It is hard to explain what is going on inside of you. As intense as they were for me, I found myself crying out to God for His help. Amazingly, He always heard my cry. My biggest fear was losing control or passing out - but I never did. He got me through each and every performance. I say HE because there is no other explanation to it other than HIS STRENGTH being made PERFECT in my weakness. Each and every performance for me was absolute dependence on Him to get me through it. Each performance was a faith-building, faith-walking step in trusting Him. And HE was faithful in every instance.
I can't really explain it, but at some point the panic attacks stopped.
I praise the Lord that during my ten+ years at America's KESWICK, I have not had a panic attack. The real test came on Saturday night. It was my privilege to direct the KESWICK CELEBRATION CHOIR comprised of 125 voices in presenting a Christmas cantata, IT TOOK A MIRACLE. I was hoping we would have 400-500 people in attendance for the musical - but God blessed us with over 800 plus the choir.
I was sitting in the back of the room watching all the people coming in and talking to the Lord. The old "feelings" were gone. For a few moments I felt myself feeling cocky - and then I repented of my cockiness and asked God to once again do His thing in my life. I'd be lying to you if I said I wasn't "nervous" - wouldn't you be standing up in front of 900 people? Yes, there were butterflies, but gone was the panic and anxiety that I struggled with for so many years. I experienced again the reality of His grace - "His strength was made perfect in my weakness."
He is a God who can be trusted in ALL things. Is there an area of your life that you aren't trusting Him? Then surrender that area to Him today.
Great quote: The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything. Anonymous
Sunday, November 25, 2007
An Attitude of Gratitude
AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
Most who read this are recovering from eating too much on Thanksgiving.
Some of you couldn't escape your wife's insistence that you join her for "Black Friday" shopping. I hope you're looking forward to the Lord's Day and the privilege of being in church with brothers and sisters in Christ.
We're still in the Thanksgiving weekend, and it's certainly appropriate to think about what some call "an attitude of gratitude." I wish the "gratitude attitude" were catching. We live in a world of complainers.
Think about it. If it's too cold, we complain. If it's too hot, we complain. If we get rain, we complain. If it's too dry, we complain.
Complaining has become the great American pastime, and it's not limited to non-Christians. As one who serves in leadership in a church, I know complaining. Men in my church who have served in leadership in the past will no longer serve. The complainers cornered them every time they came to church! They were tired of it and decided not to serve in another leadership role. It's hard to blame them for their decision.
Here's the deal. You're either part of the solution or a part of the problem. If the complaint virus has infected you, you're definitely part of the problem. If you choose an "attitude of gratitude," you're automatically a part of the solution. Just by your choice, you encourage those around you and see the good things happening in your life and church. Sure, you'll see things you don't like or things you think should be different. Your "attitude of gratitude" will help you address those issues in a much more positive way.
Scripture gives us some simple instructions that, if obeyed, help us develop "attitudes of gratitude." The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5, tells us to "rejoice always." (vs. 16) Just a couple of verses further in the chapter he tells us to give thanks for everything. (vs.
18) In Philippians 2:14, the apostle tells us to do all things without complaining. If people like you and me choose to obey those instructions, we'll find that "gratitude attitude" growing in our lives.
When it does, we become problem-solvers, not problem-causers.
I pray God will give you a wonderful holiday weekend. I pray, too, that He will spur you to pursue a "gratitude attitude." (Pastor John Strain
-- First Baptist Toms River)
Great Quote:
Lord, often have I thought to myself, I will sin but this one sin more, and then I will repent of it, and of all the rest of my sins together. So foolish was I, and ignorant. As if I should be more able to pay my debts when I owe more: or as if I should say, I will wound my friend once again, and then I will lovingly shake hands with him - but what if my friend will not shake hands with me?
Most who read this are recovering from eating too much on Thanksgiving.
Some of you couldn't escape your wife's insistence that you join her for "Black Friday" shopping. I hope you're looking forward to the Lord's Day and the privilege of being in church with brothers and sisters in Christ.
We're still in the Thanksgiving weekend, and it's certainly appropriate to think about what some call "an attitude of gratitude." I wish the "gratitude attitude" were catching. We live in a world of complainers.
Think about it. If it's too cold, we complain. If it's too hot, we complain. If we get rain, we complain. If it's too dry, we complain.
Complaining has become the great American pastime, and it's not limited to non-Christians. As one who serves in leadership in a church, I know complaining. Men in my church who have served in leadership in the past will no longer serve. The complainers cornered them every time they came to church! They were tired of it and decided not to serve in another leadership role. It's hard to blame them for their decision.
Here's the deal. You're either part of the solution or a part of the problem. If the complaint virus has infected you, you're definitely part of the problem. If you choose an "attitude of gratitude," you're automatically a part of the solution. Just by your choice, you encourage those around you and see the good things happening in your life and church. Sure, you'll see things you don't like or things you think should be different. Your "attitude of gratitude" will help you address those issues in a much more positive way.
Scripture gives us some simple instructions that, if obeyed, help us develop "attitudes of gratitude." The Apostle Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 5, tells us to "rejoice always." (vs. 16) Just a couple of verses further in the chapter he tells us to give thanks for everything. (vs.
18) In Philippians 2:14, the apostle tells us to do all things without complaining. If people like you and me choose to obey those instructions, we'll find that "gratitude attitude" growing in our lives.
When it does, we become problem-solvers, not problem-causers.
I pray God will give you a wonderful holiday weekend. I pray, too, that He will spur you to pursue a "gratitude attitude." (Pastor John Strain
-- First Baptist Toms River)
Great Quote:
Lord, often have I thought to myself, I will sin but this one sin more, and then I will repent of it, and of all the rest of my sins together. So foolish was I, and ignorant. As if I should be more able to pay my debts when I owe more: or as if I should say, I will wound my friend once again, and then I will lovingly shake hands with him - but what if my friend will not shake hands with me?
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Direction or Focus
Direction or Focus
"Behold, as the eyes of the servants look to the hand of their masters ... so our eyes look to the Lord our God ... Psalm 123:2
I read this great devotional yesterday written by Oswald Chambers ...
"This verse is a description of total reliance on God. Just as the eyes of a servant are riveted on his master, our eyes should be directed and focused on God. This is how knowledge of His countenance is gained and how God reveals Himself to us (see Isaiah 53:1). Our spiritual strength begins to be drained when we stop lifting our eyes to Him. Our stamina is sapped, not so much through external troubles surrounding us but through problems in our thinking. We wrongfully think, 'I suppose I've been stretching myself a little too much, standing too tall and trying to look like God instead of being and ordinary humble person.' We have to realize that no effort can be too high.
For example, you came to a crisis in your life, took a stand for God, and even had the witness of the Spirit as a confirmation that what you did was right. But now, maybe weeks or even years have gone by, and you are slowly coming to the conclusion, 'Well, maybe what I did showed too much pride or was superficial. Was I taking a stand a bit too high for me?' Your 'rational' friends come and say, 'Don't be silly. We knew you when you first talked about this spiritual awakening that is was a passing impulse, that you couldn't hold up under the strain. And anyway, God doesn't expect you to endure.'
You respond by saying, 'Well, I suppose I was expecting too much.' That SOUNDS humble to say, but it means that your reliance of God is gone, and you are now relying on worldly opinion. The danger comes when, no longer relying on God, you neglect to focus your eyes on Him. Only when God brings you to a sudden stop will you realize that you have been the loser. Whenever there is spiritual drain in your life, correct it immediately. Realize that something has been coming between you and God, and change or remove it at once." - My Utmost for His Highest - Oswald Chambers
Good challenge for today? I think so!
Great quote: When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must- but just DON'T YOU QUIT.
"Behold, as the eyes of the servants look to the hand of their masters ... so our eyes look to the Lord our God ... Psalm 123:2
I read this great devotional yesterday written by Oswald Chambers ...
"This verse is a description of total reliance on God. Just as the eyes of a servant are riveted on his master, our eyes should be directed and focused on God. This is how knowledge of His countenance is gained and how God reveals Himself to us (see Isaiah 53:1). Our spiritual strength begins to be drained when we stop lifting our eyes to Him. Our stamina is sapped, not so much through external troubles surrounding us but through problems in our thinking. We wrongfully think, 'I suppose I've been stretching myself a little too much, standing too tall and trying to look like God instead of being and ordinary humble person.' We have to realize that no effort can be too high.
For example, you came to a crisis in your life, took a stand for God, and even had the witness of the Spirit as a confirmation that what you did was right. But now, maybe weeks or even years have gone by, and you are slowly coming to the conclusion, 'Well, maybe what I did showed too much pride or was superficial. Was I taking a stand a bit too high for me?' Your 'rational' friends come and say, 'Don't be silly. We knew you when you first talked about this spiritual awakening that is was a passing impulse, that you couldn't hold up under the strain. And anyway, God doesn't expect you to endure.'
You respond by saying, 'Well, I suppose I was expecting too much.' That SOUNDS humble to say, but it means that your reliance of God is gone, and you are now relying on worldly opinion. The danger comes when, no longer relying on God, you neglect to focus your eyes on Him. Only when God brings you to a sudden stop will you realize that you have been the loser. Whenever there is spiritual drain in your life, correct it immediately. Realize that something has been coming between you and God, and change or remove it at once." - My Utmost for His Highest - Oswald Chambers
Good challenge for today? I think so!
Great quote: When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest, if you must- but just DON'T YOU QUIT.
Friday, November 23, 2007
TOMORROW STARTS THE DIET
TOMORROW STARTS THE DIET
I have been really frustrated with my diet lately. I have not been victorious with my eating or exercise and it has been troubling me. Recently when I was out to lunch with a friend, we were discussing the woes of our eating troubles and lack of exercise and he said, "After the holidays I am going to start back and ..."
Well here is a poem that I found last year on Crosswalk.com. Please keep reading after the poem:
T'was The Night of Thanksgiving
T'was the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep The leftovers beckoned - the Dark meat and white But I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation The thought of a snack became infatuation. So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door and Gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes, Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes. I felt myself swelling so plump and so round, Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.
I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie. But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees...
Happy eating to all, pass the cranberries, please.
May your stuffing be tasty. May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes ' n gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious. May your pies take the prize.
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.
(Crosswalk.com)
Now suppose I told you that I have discovered the perfect diet food?
Guaranteed that you can eat as much of it as you want, at anytime during the day and you will never put on a pound! It is carb-free, sodium free, but it does contain sugar - natural sugar. Experts who have eaten it say that when you eat it, it is sweeter than honey! Unlike most diet plans, once you buy the initial product, you never have to buy it again. It's not a 30-day supply for ..... it is a diet food that will last forever. It comes in several versions and it is a cross-cultural product.
There are several cautions that I must make:
1. There are times when this food will cause you to make some
lifestyle changes.
2. On some days it will be difficult to swallow, but still easy to
digest.
3. Once you eat it, you may find yourself craving more and more.
4. Once you eat it, you may find yourself thinking about throughout
the day - it's the diet food that gives and gives again and again.
And while there are many critics how have questioned it effectiveness, this product has been around for centuries and has a proven track record!
So if you want to get started today - open your Bible! Start reading from Genesis and work your way through Revelation! You will never gain a pound and you will never go away hungry! Don't wait until after the holidays - start today!
Great quote: Jesus says to you and me, 'I want to share with you what I have achieved. I want to live in you. I want to share my risen life with you.' How do we get it? We cannot buy it, cannot earn it, cannot work for it-no matter how hard we try. In fact the harder we try, the less likely we are of getting it, because the point is that it is a free gift! We can only accept it free! We can only receive it! We don't get it by being good! We get it by grace, i.e. Jesus Christ living in us. -- Cyril Brooks
Thanks for reading Freedom Fighters! Yes, the cantata tomorrow night is not September 24th - it is November 24th! Check out the website for
details: www.americaskeswick.org.
I have been really frustrated with my diet lately. I have not been victorious with my eating or exercise and it has been troubling me. Recently when I was out to lunch with a friend, we were discussing the woes of our eating troubles and lack of exercise and he said, "After the holidays I am going to start back and ..."
Well here is a poem that I found last year on Crosswalk.com. Please keep reading after the poem:
T'was The Night of Thanksgiving
T'was the night of Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't sleep I tried counting backwards, I tried counting sheep The leftovers beckoned - the Dark meat and white But I fought the temptation with all of my might.
Tossing and turning with anticipation The thought of a snack became infatuation. So I raced to the kitchen, flung open the door and Gazed at the fridge, full of goodies galore.
I gobbled up turkey and buttered potatoes, Pickles and carrots, beans and tomatoes. I felt myself swelling so plump and so round, Till all of a sudden, I rose off the ground.
I crashed through the ceiling, floating into the sky With a mouthful of pudding and a handful of pie. But, I managed to yell as I soared past the trees...
Happy eating to all, pass the cranberries, please.
May your stuffing be tasty. May your turkey be plump.
May your potatoes ' n gravy have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious. May your pies take the prize.
May your Thanksgiving dinner stay off of your thighs.
(Crosswalk.com)
Now suppose I told you that I have discovered the perfect diet food?
Guaranteed that you can eat as much of it as you want, at anytime during the day and you will never put on a pound! It is carb-free, sodium free, but it does contain sugar - natural sugar. Experts who have eaten it say that when you eat it, it is sweeter than honey! Unlike most diet plans, once you buy the initial product, you never have to buy it again. It's not a 30-day supply for ..... it is a diet food that will last forever. It comes in several versions and it is a cross-cultural product.
There are several cautions that I must make:
1. There are times when this food will cause you to make some
lifestyle changes.
2. On some days it will be difficult to swallow, but still easy to
digest.
3. Once you eat it, you may find yourself craving more and more.
4. Once you eat it, you may find yourself thinking about throughout
the day - it's the diet food that gives and gives again and again.
And while there are many critics how have questioned it effectiveness, this product has been around for centuries and has a proven track record!
So if you want to get started today - open your Bible! Start reading from Genesis and work your way through Revelation! You will never gain a pound and you will never go away hungry! Don't wait until after the holidays - start today!
Great quote: Jesus says to you and me, 'I want to share with you what I have achieved. I want to live in you. I want to share my risen life with you.' How do we get it? We cannot buy it, cannot earn it, cannot work for it-no matter how hard we try. In fact the harder we try, the less likely we are of getting it, because the point is that it is a free gift! We can only accept it free! We can only receive it! We don't get it by being good! We get it by grace, i.e. Jesus Christ living in us. -- Cyril Brooks
Thanks for reading Freedom Fighters! Yes, the cantata tomorrow night is not September 24th - it is November 24th! Check out the website for
details: www.americaskeswick.org.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS
I am thankful this morning for our Freedom Fighter family and for your willingness to be a part of my life. I trust that our journey together is a good picture of "iron sharpening iron" as we grow more and more in our walk with the Lord.
I pray that the words of this hymn will be a good reminder today of God's faithfulness in your life and mine:
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not; As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hands have provided -- Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!
Have a blest Thanksgiving.
Great quote:
"...all the graces of Christianity are at once imparted, in conversion...so that when one is bestowed (given) all are bestowed, and not a single one merely. A true convert, at the moment he is converted is possessed not of one or two, but of all holy principles, and all gracious dispositions. They may be feeble, indeed, like the faculties and powers of an infant, but they are all truly there, and will be seen flowing out progressively in every kind of holy feeling toward both God and man. In every real convert there are as many graces as there were in Jesus Christ himself." Jonathan Edwards, Charity and its Fruits
I am thankful this morning for our Freedom Fighter family and for your willingness to be a part of my life. I trust that our journey together is a good picture of "iron sharpening iron" as we grow more and more in our walk with the Lord.
I pray that the words of this hymn will be a good reminder today of God's faithfulness in your life and mine:
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God, my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not; As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hands have provided -- Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest, Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!
Have a blest Thanksgiving.
Great quote:
"...all the graces of Christianity are at once imparted, in conversion...so that when one is bestowed (given) all are bestowed, and not a single one merely. A true convert, at the moment he is converted is possessed not of one or two, but of all holy principles, and all gracious dispositions. They may be feeble, indeed, like the faculties and powers of an infant, but they are all truly there, and will be seen flowing out progressively in every kind of holy feeling toward both God and man. In every real convert there are as many graces as there were in Jesus Christ himself." Jonathan Edwards, Charity and its Fruits
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Commit Your Way to the Lord
COMMIT YOUR WAY TO THE LORD
"Commit your way to the Lord ..." Psalm 37:5
"Talk to God about WHATEVER may be pressuring you and then commit the entire matter into His hands. Do this so that you will be free from the confusion, conflicts, and cares that fill the world today. In fact, anytime you are preparing to do something, undergoing some trial, or simply pursuing your normal business, tell the Father about it. Acquaint Him with it; yes, even BURDEN HIM WITH IT, and you will have put the concern and cares of the matter behind you. From that point forward, exercise quiet, sweet diligence in your work, recognize your dependence on Him to carry the matter for you. Commit your cares and yourself with them, as one burden, to your God ...
You will find it impossible to 'commit your way to the Lord,' unless your way has met with His approval. It can only be done through faith, for if there is even the slightest doubt in your heart that your way is not a good one, faith will refuse to have anything to do with it. Also, this committing of your way to Him must be continuous, not just one isolated action. And not matter how unexpected or extraordinary His guidance may seem and no matter how close to the edge of the cliff He may lead you, never snatch the guiding reins from His hands.
Are you willing to submit all your ways to God, allowing Him to pass judgment on them? There is NOTHING a Christian needs to more closely examine than his own confirmed views and habits, for we are so prone to taking God's divine approval of them for granted. And that is why some Christians are so anxious and fearful. They have obviously not truly committed their way to the Lord and left it with Him. They took it to Him but walked away with it again." -- Streams in the Desert
(Zondervan)
Good word for today! Something to think about: And yet I do love a kind of light, melody, fragrance, food, embracement when I love my God; for He is the light, the melody, the fragrance, the food, the embracement of my inner self - there where is a brilliance that space cannot contain, a sound that time cannot carry away, a perfume that no breeze disperses, a taste undiminished by eating, a clinging together that no satiety will sunder. This is what I love when I love my God. Augustine
We'd love to have you join us for our Christmas Spectacular on Saturday evening, September 24, 2007. A 100-voice choir will present the Christmas cantata, "IT TOOK A MIRACLE." Come early and walk through our room of Christmas trees depicting the names of Christ. Trees and living nativity will be on display 1-6 and the cantata is at 7:00 PM. The program will be in the Activity Center. Call today for information:
732-350-1187.
"Commit your way to the Lord ..." Psalm 37:5
"Talk to God about WHATEVER may be pressuring you and then commit the entire matter into His hands. Do this so that you will be free from the confusion, conflicts, and cares that fill the world today. In fact, anytime you are preparing to do something, undergoing some trial, or simply pursuing your normal business, tell the Father about it. Acquaint Him with it; yes, even BURDEN HIM WITH IT, and you will have put the concern and cares of the matter behind you. From that point forward, exercise quiet, sweet diligence in your work, recognize your dependence on Him to carry the matter for you. Commit your cares and yourself with them, as one burden, to your God ...
You will find it impossible to 'commit your way to the Lord,' unless your way has met with His approval. It can only be done through faith, for if there is even the slightest doubt in your heart that your way is not a good one, faith will refuse to have anything to do with it. Also, this committing of your way to Him must be continuous, not just one isolated action. And not matter how unexpected or extraordinary His guidance may seem and no matter how close to the edge of the cliff He may lead you, never snatch the guiding reins from His hands.
Are you willing to submit all your ways to God, allowing Him to pass judgment on them? There is NOTHING a Christian needs to more closely examine than his own confirmed views and habits, for we are so prone to taking God's divine approval of them for granted. And that is why some Christians are so anxious and fearful. They have obviously not truly committed their way to the Lord and left it with Him. They took it to Him but walked away with it again." -- Streams in the Desert
(Zondervan)
Good word for today! Something to think about: And yet I do love a kind of light, melody, fragrance, food, embracement when I love my God; for He is the light, the melody, the fragrance, the food, the embracement of my inner self - there where is a brilliance that space cannot contain, a sound that time cannot carry away, a perfume that no breeze disperses, a taste undiminished by eating, a clinging together that no satiety will sunder. This is what I love when I love my God. Augustine
We'd love to have you join us for our Christmas Spectacular on Saturday evening, September 24, 2007. A 100-voice choir will present the Christmas cantata, "IT TOOK A MIRACLE." Come early and walk through our room of Christmas trees depicting the names of Christ. Trees and living nativity will be on display 1-6 and the cantata is at 7:00 PM. The program will be in the Activity Center. Call today for information:
732-350-1187.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Overtaken By Blessing
OVERTAKEN BY BLESSING
"And all these things shall come upon you, and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 28:2
I have shared with you in recent days that we have been facing a huge financial challenge. At times, for me, it is very overwhelming. We have been praying for a "big" miracle, and yet, as our CFO reminded us last week, we have seen "little" miracles occurring that are all adding up.
One little (big) for instance is a gift of $5000 we received on Friday from a foundation that we have been trying to get on board with us for two years. The folks who have been working with us in getting grants were discouraged because it seemed every door has been shut. When I saw the envelope in my mail pile on Friday, I assumed it was yet another rejection. Shame on me - it was a notice of a grant of $5000. Praise God for the way He is providing.
Henry Blackaby's devotional for today was timely for me: "When you walk in fellowship with God, you do not have to ask Him to bless you. He WANTS to bless you! Just as you enjoy surprising someone you love with unexpected gifts, God delights in giving you His gifts in times and ways that you might never expect.
God's blessings often come in the midst of your EVERY DAY life - and encouraging telephone call in the middle of a busy morning or a letter you receive at the end of a hard day. A friend may drop by to help when you are overwhelmed, or you may receive unexpected financial help at a time of need. Often, God's blessings do not come in spectacular ways but in the ORDINARY busyness of life. They come just when you need it most.
Blessings come as a result of obedience. When you walk closely with the Lord, blessings will come, regardless of whether you seek them.
Blessings from obedience will also come to those around you - to your children and to your grandchildren. Solomon enjoyed vast wealth during his reign, but God's blessing upon him came largely as a result of his father David's obedience in the previous generation. God promised Abraham that his obedience would bring blessing to all the families of the earth. (Genesis 12:2-3)
Do not take God's gifts for granted. When you receive an unexpected blessing, thank God for His continuing love and be alert to recognize the next time His blessing overtakes you! (from Experiencing God ... The Devotional - Broadman Holman)
Great Quote: In Christ we have...
A love that can never be fathomed,
A life that can never die,
A righteousness that can never be tarnished, A peace that can never be understood, A rest that can never be disturbed, A joy that can never be diminished, A hope that can never be disappointed, A glory that can never be clouded, A light that can never be darkened, A purity that can never be defiled, A beauty that can never be marred, A wisdom that can never be baffled, Resources that can never be exhausted.
Jesus is our all in all! -- Anonymous
"And all these things shall come upon you, and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God." Deuteronomy 28:2
I have shared with you in recent days that we have been facing a huge financial challenge. At times, for me, it is very overwhelming. We have been praying for a "big" miracle, and yet, as our CFO reminded us last week, we have seen "little" miracles occurring that are all adding up.
One little (big) for instance is a gift of $5000 we received on Friday from a foundation that we have been trying to get on board with us for two years. The folks who have been working with us in getting grants were discouraged because it seemed every door has been shut. When I saw the envelope in my mail pile on Friday, I assumed it was yet another rejection. Shame on me - it was a notice of a grant of $5000. Praise God for the way He is providing.
Henry Blackaby's devotional for today was timely for me: "When you walk in fellowship with God, you do not have to ask Him to bless you. He WANTS to bless you! Just as you enjoy surprising someone you love with unexpected gifts, God delights in giving you His gifts in times and ways that you might never expect.
God's blessings often come in the midst of your EVERY DAY life - and encouraging telephone call in the middle of a busy morning or a letter you receive at the end of a hard day. A friend may drop by to help when you are overwhelmed, or you may receive unexpected financial help at a time of need. Often, God's blessings do not come in spectacular ways but in the ORDINARY busyness of life. They come just when you need it most.
Blessings come as a result of obedience. When you walk closely with the Lord, blessings will come, regardless of whether you seek them.
Blessings from obedience will also come to those around you - to your children and to your grandchildren. Solomon enjoyed vast wealth during his reign, but God's blessing upon him came largely as a result of his father David's obedience in the previous generation. God promised Abraham that his obedience would bring blessing to all the families of the earth. (Genesis 12:2-3)
Do not take God's gifts for granted. When you receive an unexpected blessing, thank God for His continuing love and be alert to recognize the next time His blessing overtakes you! (from Experiencing God ... The Devotional - Broadman Holman)
Great Quote: In Christ we have...
A love that can never be fathomed,
A life that can never die,
A righteousness that can never be tarnished, A peace that can never be understood, A rest that can never be disturbed, A joy that can never be diminished, A hope that can never be disappointed, A glory that can never be clouded, A light that can never be darkened, A purity that can never be defiled, A beauty that can never be marred, A wisdom that can never be baffled, Resources that can never be exhausted.
Jesus is our all in all! -- Anonymous
Monday, November 19, 2007
A Recipe for Gossip
A RECIPE FOR GOSSIP
"The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's most innermost parts." Proverbs 18:8
I just saw this recipe in a magazine add this weekend:
SINFULLY RICH CHOICE MORSELS
Ingredients
1 Cup pride - Proverbs 21:24
¾ cup hearsay - Ephesians 4:29
½ cup evil suspicions - 1 Timothy 6:3-4
¼ cup grumbling - 1 Corinthians 10:10
1 tablespoon of bitterness - Ephesians 4:29 ¾ tablespoon slander - Leviticus 19:16
2 teaspoons yeast of exaggeration - 1 Corinthians 5:8
3 teaspoons of slurring the situation - Psalm 15:3 Pinch of flattery - Jude 16 Just a dash of unfaithfulness to Jesus - John 6:66
Directions
1. Mix together all ingredients in a bowl of betrayal. - Proverbs 16:28; Matthew 26:23
2. Pour into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil; constantly stirring - Proverbs 6:14
3. Prepare in a dark kitchen. - John 3:20
4. Turn on low and simmer overnight. - Ephesians 4:26-27
5. Sprinkle with the truth (optional) - Romans 1:25
6. Serve hot to itching ears, warm to those not minding their own business and cold to those fearful - Acts 14:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Timothy 4:3
Good to think about today as we begin this new week. (From World Magazine ad)
GREAT QUOTE: To trust Him means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. (Clive Staples) C. S. Lewis
"The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's most innermost parts." Proverbs 18:8
I just saw this recipe in a magazine add this weekend:
SINFULLY RICH CHOICE MORSELS
Ingredients
1 Cup pride - Proverbs 21:24
¾ cup hearsay - Ephesians 4:29
½ cup evil suspicions - 1 Timothy 6:3-4
¼ cup grumbling - 1 Corinthians 10:10
1 tablespoon of bitterness - Ephesians 4:29 ¾ tablespoon slander - Leviticus 19:16
2 teaspoons yeast of exaggeration - 1 Corinthians 5:8
3 teaspoons of slurring the situation - Psalm 15:3 Pinch of flattery - Jude 16 Just a dash of unfaithfulness to Jesus - John 6:66
Directions
1. Mix together all ingredients in a bowl of betrayal. - Proverbs 16:28; Matthew 26:23
2. Pour into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil; constantly stirring - Proverbs 6:14
3. Prepare in a dark kitchen. - John 3:20
4. Turn on low and simmer overnight. - Ephesians 4:26-27
5. Sprinkle with the truth (optional) - Romans 1:25
6. Serve hot to itching ears, warm to those not minding their own business and cold to those fearful - Acts 14:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:11, 2 Timothy 4:3
Good to think about today as we begin this new week. (From World Magazine ad)
GREAT QUOTE: To trust Him means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. (Clive Staples) C. S. Lewis
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Obedient Children
OBEDIENT CHILDREN
We have a men's Bible study group at our church that is working through First Peter. Peter addresses the obedience theme of yesterday's Freedom Fighter. He tells those to whom he wrote to live as "obedient children." The contrast he gives them is unmistakable.
His readers receive clear instruction. They are not to conform themselves to the former lusts. Rather, they must choose to be holy (obedient) in all your conduct. The issue is simple. God is holy. You are to be like God. Therefore, be holy! (1 Peter 1:13-16)
Holiness develops in Peter's thinking by choosing obedience over disobedience. They learn new behaviors as they grow in grace and knowledge. They resist the temptations to revert to old behaviors. All the instruction is prefaced by reminders that Jesus is coming again. (1 Peter 1:2-11) Peter's audience lived with almost daily persecution. Their commitment to obedience demanded something so worthwhile that it would serve as a constant motivation. Jesus coming again offered them the hope they needed.
It is my opinion that those who live in yoke with Jesus never live in easy times. We may not suffer like brothers in some parts of our world. Our trials may come from a different direction. Living obediently in a corrupt world just isn't easy. We, like Peter's readers, need hope. Their hope is our hope!
In that hope rests the very best reason for choosing obedience over disobedience. Consistent obedience over time proves the "genuineness of our faith." (1:7) When Jesus comes back, all Freedom Fighters want Him to know we're the real deal. We do love him. We do trust Him. We do want to live as He lives.
I ask you to notice three things from the early words of Peter's letter. First, he offers them five reminders of Jesus return-that's encouragement. Then Peter tells them to choose obedience since they know the "end of the story." That's instruction. Jesus is coming back; live with that expectation. Finally, Peter wrote to people living in community. That's accountability. They pursued obedience together. Peter didn't expect them to pursue holiness alone.
Peter's words live on in Scripture for us. We need the encouragement. We need the instruction. We need the accountability. Together, they help us choose obedience, and obedience leads us to victory! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist Toms River)
Something to think about: A renewed mind has an utterly changed conception, not only of reality, but of possibility. A turn away from the kingdom of this world to the Kingdom of God provides a whole set of values based not on the human word, but on Christ's. Impossibilities become possibilities. -- Elisabeth Elliot
We have a men's Bible study group at our church that is working through First Peter. Peter addresses the obedience theme of yesterday's Freedom Fighter. He tells those to whom he wrote to live as "obedient children." The contrast he gives them is unmistakable.
His readers receive clear instruction. They are not to conform themselves to the former lusts. Rather, they must choose to be holy (obedient) in all your conduct. The issue is simple. God is holy. You are to be like God. Therefore, be holy! (1 Peter 1:13-16)
Holiness develops in Peter's thinking by choosing obedience over disobedience. They learn new behaviors as they grow in grace and knowledge. They resist the temptations to revert to old behaviors. All the instruction is prefaced by reminders that Jesus is coming again. (1 Peter 1:2-11) Peter's audience lived with almost daily persecution. Their commitment to obedience demanded something so worthwhile that it would serve as a constant motivation. Jesus coming again offered them the hope they needed.
It is my opinion that those who live in yoke with Jesus never live in easy times. We may not suffer like brothers in some parts of our world. Our trials may come from a different direction. Living obediently in a corrupt world just isn't easy. We, like Peter's readers, need hope. Their hope is our hope!
In that hope rests the very best reason for choosing obedience over disobedience. Consistent obedience over time proves the "genuineness of our faith." (1:7) When Jesus comes back, all Freedom Fighters want Him to know we're the real deal. We do love him. We do trust Him. We do want to live as He lives.
I ask you to notice three things from the early words of Peter's letter. First, he offers them five reminders of Jesus return-that's encouragement. Then Peter tells them to choose obedience since they know the "end of the story." That's instruction. Jesus is coming back; live with that expectation. Finally, Peter wrote to people living in community. That's accountability. They pursued obedience together. Peter didn't expect them to pursue holiness alone.
Peter's words live on in Scripture for us. We need the encouragement. We need the instruction. We need the accountability. Together, they help us choose obedience, and obedience leads us to victory! (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist Toms River)
Something to think about: A renewed mind has an utterly changed conception, not only of reality, but of possibility. A turn away from the kingdom of this world to the Kingdom of God provides a whole set of values based not on the human word, but on Christ's. Impossibilities become possibilities. -- Elisabeth Elliot
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Victory
VICTORY
I sat in a pastor's meeting recently. We were talking about living a life of victory. One of the pastors commented that he liked to talk more about obedience than victory. He wasn't discounting the promise of victory; he was making the point that obedience is evidence of victory.
As he went on explaining his thoughts, he said something that I've thought of several times in the last month. Some people, he said, will do the right thing because it's good for them and they don't want to suffer the shame and embarrassment of someone catching them. Some people will do the right thing because of concern for their family and friends-they don't want to bring grief or reproach on their loved ones. Ultimately, the pastor said, the people who really live their lives with consistent obedience are those who are concerned for God's reputation.
I look forward to getting with my pastor friend soon to discuss his thoughts. He's on to something, I think! If our view of God is as lofty as I think it should be, we'll make good choices out of concern for His reputation. All of us know that our sin (lack of victory and obedience) affects others. We don't live in isolation. How many of us consider how our sin, our wrong choices, affects God and His reputation in our world?
During the last month, I've faced temptation. I've had to make choices between right and wrong. Choosing the right thing because I fear exposure may keep me out of trouble. Choosing to do the right thing out of respect for my wife, kids and church family is admirable. As a man who wants to finish well, those motivations are less than best. I've thought often in the last month that my love for God must drive my choices and my desire to honor Him in every area of my life.
It's really as simple as 1 Corinthians 10:31: "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." The best possible way to live in freedom is to make the right choices for the right reason-the glory of God! (Pastor John Strain - First Baptist Toms River)
Great quote: "Christian, mark well this double paradox of the spiritual life; in ourselves we are weak even when we are strong; in Christ we are strong even when we are weak. Self-sufficiency is INSUFFICIENCY. Christ-sufficiency is ALL-SUFFICIENCY!" Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter
I sat in a pastor's meeting recently. We were talking about living a life of victory. One of the pastors commented that he liked to talk more about obedience than victory. He wasn't discounting the promise of victory; he was making the point that obedience is evidence of victory.
As he went on explaining his thoughts, he said something that I've thought of several times in the last month. Some people, he said, will do the right thing because it's good for them and they don't want to suffer the shame and embarrassment of someone catching them. Some people will do the right thing because of concern for their family and friends-they don't want to bring grief or reproach on their loved ones. Ultimately, the pastor said, the people who really live their lives with consistent obedience are those who are concerned for God's reputation.
I look forward to getting with my pastor friend soon to discuss his thoughts. He's on to something, I think! If our view of God is as lofty as I think it should be, we'll make good choices out of concern for His reputation. All of us know that our sin (lack of victory and obedience) affects others. We don't live in isolation. How many of us consider how our sin, our wrong choices, affects God and His reputation in our world?
During the last month, I've faced temptation. I've had to make choices between right and wrong. Choosing the right thing because I fear exposure may keep me out of trouble. Choosing to do the right thing out of respect for my wife, kids and church family is admirable. As a man who wants to finish well, those motivations are less than best. I've thought often in the last month that my love for God must drive my choices and my desire to honor Him in every area of my life.
It's really as simple as 1 Corinthians 10:31: "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." The best possible way to live in freedom is to make the right choices for the right reason-the glory of God! (Pastor John Strain - First Baptist Toms River)
Great quote: "Christian, mark well this double paradox of the spiritual life; in ourselves we are weak even when we are strong; in Christ we are strong even when we are weak. Self-sufficiency is INSUFFICIENCY. Christ-sufficiency is ALL-SUFFICIENCY!" Dr. J. Sidlow Baxter
Friday, November 16, 2007
Justification By Life
JUSTIFICATION BY LIFE
"What use it is, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has not works? Can that faith save him?" James 2:14
The Gospel is a message not just for our salvation, but our on-going sanctification. The Gospel that we heard preached to us, is the Gospel that we need to preach to ourselves on a daily basis.
Listen to these words from devotional writer, Glynn Evans:
"I must not entertain a short-sighted view of justification by faith. I must believe in JUSTIFICATION BY LIFE also. Too often I have held the opinion that justification only has to do with my SINS, whereas the Bible clearly says, 'The just one shall live by his faith' (Hebrews 10:38).
That means more than just the initial act of faith whereby I come alive in Jesus Christ and my sins are justified in God's sight. True enough, thank God, but there is more! I am called upon by God to justify more than my sins; I am called upon to justify my way of life before men.
It is relatively easy to justify my sins. One believing look at Calvary's cross is sufficient for that! But God calls on me to keep believing on Him as I believed at Calvary so that HE can effectively demonstrate in me that HE is capable of handling my life. By continually trusting HIS WORD with wholehearted reliance, I justify God before the eyes of the world.
Too often I have been lulled into the temptation to trust God to pardon my sins, only to refuse to trust Him in the mechanical, everyday matters of life - whom do I marry, where do I work, what should I buy, how shall I serve, what should I do with my leisure, and hundreds of similar details. In short, I have justified my sins but I do not justify my life by faith.
Justification by life works both ways - manward and Godward. Can I justify before God my worry, my anxiety about money (hmmmmmm)matters, my fretting about the future, or my frustration about my children? Or does my simple reliance on Him and His Word make my life 'justified,' that is, God saying yes to every attitude and bent of mind?
'Justified by faith,' yes, but not once and for all but every day and IN every way. The result of justification by life is 'The Lord ...
delighteth in his way.' (Psalm 37:23) from DAILY WITH THE KING (Moody
Press)
Good word for today!
Something to think about: "Once you have accepted Christianity, then some of its main doctrines should be deliberately held before you mind every day. That is why daily praying, and Scripture reading and church going are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed...if you examined one hundred people who had lost their faith in Christianity I wonder how many of them would turn out to have been reasoned out of it by honest argument? Do not most people simply drift away?" C S Lewis, Mere Christianity
"What use it is, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has not works? Can that faith save him?" James 2:14
The Gospel is a message not just for our salvation, but our on-going sanctification. The Gospel that we heard preached to us, is the Gospel that we need to preach to ourselves on a daily basis.
Listen to these words from devotional writer, Glynn Evans:
"I must not entertain a short-sighted view of justification by faith. I must believe in JUSTIFICATION BY LIFE also. Too often I have held the opinion that justification only has to do with my SINS, whereas the Bible clearly says, 'The just one shall live by his faith' (Hebrews 10:38).
That means more than just the initial act of faith whereby I come alive in Jesus Christ and my sins are justified in God's sight. True enough, thank God, but there is more! I am called upon by God to justify more than my sins; I am called upon to justify my way of life before men.
It is relatively easy to justify my sins. One believing look at Calvary's cross is sufficient for that! But God calls on me to keep believing on Him as I believed at Calvary so that HE can effectively demonstrate in me that HE is capable of handling my life. By continually trusting HIS WORD with wholehearted reliance, I justify God before the eyes of the world.
Too often I have been lulled into the temptation to trust God to pardon my sins, only to refuse to trust Him in the mechanical, everyday matters of life - whom do I marry, where do I work, what should I buy, how shall I serve, what should I do with my leisure, and hundreds of similar details. In short, I have justified my sins but I do not justify my life by faith.
Justification by life works both ways - manward and Godward. Can I justify before God my worry, my anxiety about money (hmmmmmm)matters, my fretting about the future, or my frustration about my children? Or does my simple reliance on Him and His Word make my life 'justified,' that is, God saying yes to every attitude and bent of mind?
'Justified by faith,' yes, but not once and for all but every day and IN every way. The result of justification by life is 'The Lord ...
delighteth in his way.' (Psalm 37:23) from DAILY WITH THE KING (Moody
Press)
Good word for today!
Something to think about: "Once you have accepted Christianity, then some of its main doctrines should be deliberately held before you mind every day. That is why daily praying, and Scripture reading and church going are necessary parts of the Christian life. We have to be continually reminded of what we believe. Neither this belief nor any other will automatically remain alive in the mind. It must be fed...if you examined one hundred people who had lost their faith in Christianity I wonder how many of them would turn out to have been reasoned out of it by honest argument? Do not most people simply drift away?" C S Lewis, Mere Christianity
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Self-Sins
SELF-SINS
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
When we submit ourselves to the Lord and ask Him to do HIS work in us, we better be ready for Him to do exactly what we ask Him to do. If we ask Him, like David did, to search our hearts, He will do it ... Today's devotional is one of those "heart-searchers" that is a stinger - but necessary. Read it and go back to the Cross and allow Him to search your heart anew:
"To be specific, the self-sins are:
* Self-righteousness
* Self-pity
* Self-confidence
* Self-sufficiency
* Self-admiration
* Self-love
And a hosts of others like them. They dwell too deep within us and too much a part of our natures to come to our attention till the light of God is focused upon them.
The grosser manifestations of these sins - egotism, exhibitionism, self-promotion - are strangely tolerated in us, even in circles of impeccable orthodoxy. They are so much in evidence as actually, for many people, to become identified with the gospel. I trust it is not a cynical observation to say that they appear these days to be a requisite for popularity in some sections of the church visible. Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice ...
Self is the opaque veil that hides the face of God from us. It can be removed only in spiritual experience, never by mere instruction. We may as well try to instruct leprosy out of our system. We must invited the cross to do its deadly work within us. We must bring our self-sins to the cross for judgment."
A.W. Tozer - Tozer on Christian Leadership (Christian Publications) Will you take some time today and allow Him to search your heart. Are there any SELF-SINS that need to be addressed in your life?
Something to think about: Sin forsaken is the best evidence of sin forgiven. Anonymous
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
When we submit ourselves to the Lord and ask Him to do HIS work in us, we better be ready for Him to do exactly what we ask Him to do. If we ask Him, like David did, to search our hearts, He will do it ... Today's devotional is one of those "heart-searchers" that is a stinger - but necessary. Read it and go back to the Cross and allow Him to search your heart anew:
"To be specific, the self-sins are:
* Self-righteousness
* Self-pity
* Self-confidence
* Self-sufficiency
* Self-admiration
* Self-love
And a hosts of others like them. They dwell too deep within us and too much a part of our natures to come to our attention till the light of God is focused upon them.
The grosser manifestations of these sins - egotism, exhibitionism, self-promotion - are strangely tolerated in us, even in circles of impeccable orthodoxy. They are so much in evidence as actually, for many people, to become identified with the gospel. I trust it is not a cynical observation to say that they appear these days to be a requisite for popularity in some sections of the church visible. Promoting self under the guise of promoting Christ is currently so common as to excite little notice ...
Self is the opaque veil that hides the face of God from us. It can be removed only in spiritual experience, never by mere instruction. We may as well try to instruct leprosy out of our system. We must invited the cross to do its deadly work within us. We must bring our self-sins to the cross for judgment."
A.W. Tozer - Tozer on Christian Leadership (Christian Publications) Will you take some time today and allow Him to search your heart. Are there any SELF-SINS that need to be addressed in your life?
Something to think about: Sin forsaken is the best evidence of sin forgiven. Anonymous
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
God is Faithful
GOD IS FAITHFUL
"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
This devotional reading for today was one I shared with you back in 2004, but I needed to be reminded of this truth today in my own life. I pray that it will encourage you too.
"God never calls us to do anything without faithfully keeping His Word and enabling us to do it. We are not always faithful to do what God tells us, but He remains faithful and stand by His Word to fulfill what HE has promised (Isaiah 46:11).
When the children of Israel reached the Red Sea, they might have concluded that God had abandoned His promise to them. The sea was barring their advance, and the murderous Egyptian army was racing to overtake them! Yet God proved then, as He has ever since, that HE is absolutely faithful to EVERY WORD He speaks to His children.
God may have spoken to you about something in particular - a ministry in your church, the way you raise your children, or what you should do in your job. You have obeyed Him, but now you face a Red Sea experience. It seems that what you THOUGHT God want to accomplish is not happening!
Perhaps your ministry has not been well received, or your children are rebelling, those at your workplace are criticizing your actions (or your unpaid bills are mounting!). TRUST IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD! It is His nature to be faithful.
The testimony of people throughout the ages is expressed by the psalmist, who declared: "I have been young, and now I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His descendants begging bread."
(Psalm 37:25)
Regardless of how bleak your PRESENT circumstances are, DO NOT LOSE HOPE! No one has ever experienced unfaithfulness on God's part! Allow time for God to reveal His faithfulness to you. Some day you will reflect on what God has done and praise Him for His absolute faithfulness to you." - Dr. Henry Blackaby Experiencing God Day-By-Day (Broadman Holman)
Something to think about: "We can all see God in exceptional things, but it requires the growth of spiritual discipline to see God in every detail. Never believe that the so-called random events of life are anything less than God's appointed order. Be ready to discover His divine designs anywhere and everywhere." Oswald Chambers
"He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:24
This devotional reading for today was one I shared with you back in 2004, but I needed to be reminded of this truth today in my own life. I pray that it will encourage you too.
"God never calls us to do anything without faithfully keeping His Word and enabling us to do it. We are not always faithful to do what God tells us, but He remains faithful and stand by His Word to fulfill what HE has promised (Isaiah 46:11).
When the children of Israel reached the Red Sea, they might have concluded that God had abandoned His promise to them. The sea was barring their advance, and the murderous Egyptian army was racing to overtake them! Yet God proved then, as He has ever since, that HE is absolutely faithful to EVERY WORD He speaks to His children.
God may have spoken to you about something in particular - a ministry in your church, the way you raise your children, or what you should do in your job. You have obeyed Him, but now you face a Red Sea experience. It seems that what you THOUGHT God want to accomplish is not happening!
Perhaps your ministry has not been well received, or your children are rebelling, those at your workplace are criticizing your actions (or your unpaid bills are mounting!). TRUST IN THE CHARACTER OF GOD! It is His nature to be faithful.
The testimony of people throughout the ages is expressed by the psalmist, who declared: "I have been young, and now I am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His descendants begging bread."
(Psalm 37:25)
Regardless of how bleak your PRESENT circumstances are, DO NOT LOSE HOPE! No one has ever experienced unfaithfulness on God's part! Allow time for God to reveal His faithfulness to you. Some day you will reflect on what God has done and praise Him for His absolute faithfulness to you." - Dr. Henry Blackaby Experiencing God Day-By-Day (Broadman Holman)
Something to think about: "We can all see God in exceptional things, but it requires the growth of spiritual discipline to see God in every detail. Never believe that the so-called random events of life are anything less than God's appointed order. Be ready to discover His divine designs anywhere and everywhere." Oswald Chambers
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Wrong Judgment
WRONG JUDGMENT
"Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap." Galatians 6:7
This reminder from the pen of devotional author, A. W. Tozer, is one that we should burn into our hearts and minds often:
"Sin, I repeat, in addition to anything else it may be, is always and act of wrong judgment. To commit a sin a man must for the moment believe that things are different from what they really are; he mist confound values; he must see the moral universe out of focus; he must accept a lie as truth and see truth as a lie; he must ignore the signs on the highway and drive with his eyes shut; he must act as if he had no soul, and not accountable for his moral choices.
Sin is never a thing to be proud of. No act is wise that ignores remote consequences, and sin always does. Sin only sees today, or at most tomorrow; never the day after tomorrow, next month or next year. Death and judgment are pushed aside as if they did not exist and the sinner becomes for the time a practical atheist who by his act denies not only the existence of God but concept of life after death ...
The notion that the careless sinner is the smart fellow and the serious-minded Christian, though well-intentioned, is a stupid dolt altogether out of touch with life will not stand up under scrutiny. Sin is basically an act of moral folly, and the greater the folly, the greater the fool." -- A.W. Tozer on Christian Leadership (Christian Publications)
Something to think about: Watch the morning watch. Do not see the face of man until you have seen the face of God. Before you enter on the day with its temptations, look up into His face and hide His Word in your heart. Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer
"Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap." Galatians 6:7
This reminder from the pen of devotional author, A. W. Tozer, is one that we should burn into our hearts and minds often:
"Sin, I repeat, in addition to anything else it may be, is always and act of wrong judgment. To commit a sin a man must for the moment believe that things are different from what they really are; he mist confound values; he must see the moral universe out of focus; he must accept a lie as truth and see truth as a lie; he must ignore the signs on the highway and drive with his eyes shut; he must act as if he had no soul, and not accountable for his moral choices.
Sin is never a thing to be proud of. No act is wise that ignores remote consequences, and sin always does. Sin only sees today, or at most tomorrow; never the day after tomorrow, next month or next year. Death and judgment are pushed aside as if they did not exist and the sinner becomes for the time a practical atheist who by his act denies not only the existence of God but concept of life after death ...
The notion that the careless sinner is the smart fellow and the serious-minded Christian, though well-intentioned, is a stupid dolt altogether out of touch with life will not stand up under scrutiny. Sin is basically an act of moral folly, and the greater the folly, the greater the fool." -- A.W. Tozer on Christian Leadership (Christian Publications)
Something to think about: Watch the morning watch. Do not see the face of man until you have seen the face of God. Before you enter on the day with its temptations, look up into His face and hide His Word in your heart. Frederick Brotherton (F. B.) Meyer
Monday, November 12, 2007
A Sobering Thought
A SOBERING THOUGHT
"Get up, sanctify the people, and say, 'Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the Lord God of Israel: 'There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you." Joshua 7:13
This morning in my quiet time I was reminded of the sobering thought that my sin not only impacts me, but everyone and everything around me. In the arena of addiction, we say that for every man's addiction impacts at least ten other people in his or her life. We teach that addiction is sin - so if you follow this through to its logical conclusion - just think about the impact of YOUR sin on the lives of others.
Listen to these sobering words from the pen of author, Dr. Henry Blackaby: "Just as the obedience of one Christian can bring blessing to others, the sin of one Christian can bring harm to many others. The children of Israel were rapidly advancing into the Promised Land. They had experienced a miraculous victory over the city of Jericho, and they were continuing toward their next conquest. To their surprise they met decisive defeat as they attempted to capture the small town of Ai.
They sought God's explanation for their failure, and He provided it. He revealed that someone among them had disobeyed His clear command not to keep any possession from Jericho. The disobedience of ONE man and his family had paralyzed an entire nation! Achan thought he could conceal his sin and it would not affect anyone else. God chose to demonstrate the destructive power of one sin to His people. One act of disobedience cost Achan and his family their lives. It caused his countrymen to lose the battle; innocent soldiers were killed. His sin had serious repercussions for others, denying them the blessing, power, and victory of God.
YOUR SIN [AND MINE] will have an impact on others. Choosing to disobey God may cost you your family God's blessing. The power of God may be absent from your church [or ministry] because you are living in disobedience. Your friends may suffer because you are not living righteously. Diligently seek to obey every word from God, for you do not know how your disobedience could affect those around you. Scripture promises that if you will obey the Lord, your life will be a channel of blessing to others." (See Psalm 37:25-26)
Sobering words that we need to hear as we begin this new week.
Something to think about: "No one whose senses have been exercised to know good and evil but must grieve over the sight of zealous souls seeking to be filled with the Spirit while they are yet living in a state of moral carelessness or borderline sin. Such a thing is a moral contradiction. Whoever would be filled and indwelt by the Spirit should first judge his life for ANY hidden iniquities; he should courageously expel from his heart everything which is out of accord with the character of God as revealed by the Holy Scriptures." - A. W. Tozer
Join us this Thursday night, November 15th for our Men's Fellowship Night. Great food and fellowship, worship, a challenge from God's Word and time to play and enjoy each other afterwards in our Activity Center. I will have the privilege of sharing God's Word with you. Dinner is at 6:15 PM. Call today for reservations and information: 732-350-1187.
"Get up, sanctify the people, and say, 'Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says the Lord God of Israel: 'There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you." Joshua 7:13
This morning in my quiet time I was reminded of the sobering thought that my sin not only impacts me, but everyone and everything around me. In the arena of addiction, we say that for every man's addiction impacts at least ten other people in his or her life. We teach that addiction is sin - so if you follow this through to its logical conclusion - just think about the impact of YOUR sin on the lives of others.
Listen to these sobering words from the pen of author, Dr. Henry Blackaby: "Just as the obedience of one Christian can bring blessing to others, the sin of one Christian can bring harm to many others. The children of Israel were rapidly advancing into the Promised Land. They had experienced a miraculous victory over the city of Jericho, and they were continuing toward their next conquest. To their surprise they met decisive defeat as they attempted to capture the small town of Ai.
They sought God's explanation for their failure, and He provided it. He revealed that someone among them had disobeyed His clear command not to keep any possession from Jericho. The disobedience of ONE man and his family had paralyzed an entire nation! Achan thought he could conceal his sin and it would not affect anyone else. God chose to demonstrate the destructive power of one sin to His people. One act of disobedience cost Achan and his family their lives. It caused his countrymen to lose the battle; innocent soldiers were killed. His sin had serious repercussions for others, denying them the blessing, power, and victory of God.
YOUR SIN [AND MINE] will have an impact on others. Choosing to disobey God may cost you your family God's blessing. The power of God may be absent from your church [or ministry] because you are living in disobedience. Your friends may suffer because you are not living righteously. Diligently seek to obey every word from God, for you do not know how your disobedience could affect those around you. Scripture promises that if you will obey the Lord, your life will be a channel of blessing to others." (See Psalm 37:25-26)
Sobering words that we need to hear as we begin this new week.
Something to think about: "No one whose senses have been exercised to know good and evil but must grieve over the sight of zealous souls seeking to be filled with the Spirit while they are yet living in a state of moral carelessness or borderline sin. Such a thing is a moral contradiction. Whoever would be filled and indwelt by the Spirit should first judge his life for ANY hidden iniquities; he should courageously expel from his heart everything which is out of accord with the character of God as revealed by the Holy Scriptures." - A. W. Tozer
Join us this Thursday night, November 15th for our Men's Fellowship Night. Great food and fellowship, worship, a challenge from God's Word and time to play and enjoy each other afterwards in our Activity Center. I will have the privilege of sharing God's Word with you. Dinner is at 6:15 PM. Call today for reservations and information: 732-350-1187.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
The Sweet Aroma of Sacrifice
The Sweet Aroma of Sacrifice
I am going to preach on the topic "He Is Worthy of Our Sacrifice" this morning. God's Word, from beginning to end, reminds us that offering sacrifices to God is a good and right thing to do. Our culture tells us to live for ourselves and take care of ourselves before we think of others . . . if we ever think of them.
The original idea behind Freedom Fighters was to encourage men who struggle with addictions to overcome them and those who don't struggle to avoid the behaviors that could create problems. All of us who have struggled with any kind of addiction know that selfishness kicks in big time when we want a "fix" for whatever addiction plagues us.
Selfishness is the opposite of sacrifice. It pushes us to put ourselves before everyone and everything else. It makes us the center of our universe and anything that robs us of that centrality is unacceptable. Too many Christians live with that mentality, allowing their own selfish desires for money, power, influence, and satisfaction to govern them.
Consider the woman John tells us about in John 12:1-8. She anointed the feet of Jesus with costly oil and wiped His feet with her hair. Most Bible commentators believe that ointment or oil was the most precious thing she owned. She chose to sacrifice it as a gift of love to Jesus! Those who were His followers questioned her decision. John tells us that Judas objected. Other gospel writers include other disciples in the objection. Some really thought she could have used the oil in better ways. Judas wanted it sold and put in the common purse so he could steal the money. The lady wanted nothing more than to sacrifice to serve Jesus.
And here is the line that captures my attention: And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. One lady gives one costly gift. The aroma of that gift changed the ambience of the room! Everyone knew from the fragrance, that her gift was of great worth.
You and I can make choices every day between sacrifice and selfishness. We can bring the aroma of sacrifice to those around us. Or, we can bring the stench of selfishness. What scent do you and I bring when we enter a room? Whether we sacrifice specifically for Jesus or for those who follow Him or for those who need to know Him, the aroma will fill the room and bring praise to Jesus. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: "You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and our purpose become one." -- Oswald Chambers
I am going to preach on the topic "He Is Worthy of Our Sacrifice" this morning. God's Word, from beginning to end, reminds us that offering sacrifices to God is a good and right thing to do. Our culture tells us to live for ourselves and take care of ourselves before we think of others . . . if we ever think of them.
The original idea behind Freedom Fighters was to encourage men who struggle with addictions to overcome them and those who don't struggle to avoid the behaviors that could create problems. All of us who have struggled with any kind of addiction know that selfishness kicks in big time when we want a "fix" for whatever addiction plagues us.
Selfishness is the opposite of sacrifice. It pushes us to put ourselves before everyone and everything else. It makes us the center of our universe and anything that robs us of that centrality is unacceptable. Too many Christians live with that mentality, allowing their own selfish desires for money, power, influence, and satisfaction to govern them.
Consider the woman John tells us about in John 12:1-8. She anointed the feet of Jesus with costly oil and wiped His feet with her hair. Most Bible commentators believe that ointment or oil was the most precious thing she owned. She chose to sacrifice it as a gift of love to Jesus! Those who were His followers questioned her decision. John tells us that Judas objected. Other gospel writers include other disciples in the objection. Some really thought she could have used the oil in better ways. Judas wanted it sold and put in the common purse so he could steal the money. The lady wanted nothing more than to sacrifice to serve Jesus.
And here is the line that captures my attention: And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. One lady gives one costly gift. The aroma of that gift changed the ambience of the room! Everyone knew from the fragrance, that her gift was of great worth.
You and I can make choices every day between sacrifice and selfishness. We can bring the aroma of sacrifice to those around us. Or, we can bring the stench of selfishness. What scent do you and I bring when we enter a room? Whether we sacrifice specifically for Jesus or for those who follow Him or for those who need to know Him, the aroma will fill the room and bring praise to Jesus. (Pastor John Strain -- First Baptist of Toms River)
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: "You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and our purpose become one." -- Oswald Chambers
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Don't Give Up
DON'T GIVE UP
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed." (Romans 4:18)
I shared this Freedom Fighter devotional in 2005, but today it seems so appropriate. Right now we are going through so many issues and it seems that it goes from bad to worse ... So I needed these words this morning:
"Abraham's faith seemed to be in complete agreement with the power and constant faithfulness of Jehovah. By looking at the OUTER CIRCUMSTANCES in which he was placed, he had no reason to expect the fulfillment of God's promise. Yet he believed the Word of the Lord and looked forward to the time when his descendants would be 'as numerous as the stars in the sky.' (Genesis 26:4)
Dear soul, you have not been given only one promise, like Abraham, BUT A THOUSAND PROMISES! And you have been given the example of many faithful believers as a pattern for your life. Therefore it is simply to your advantage to rely with confidence upon the Word of God. And although He may delay in sending His help, and the evil you are experiencing may SEEM to get worse and worse, do not be weak. Instead, be strong and rejoice, for God usually steps forward to save us when we least expect it, fulfilling His promises in a MIRACULOUS way!
He generally waits to send His help until the time of our greatest need, so that HIS hand will be plainly seen in our deliverance. He chooses HIS method so we will not trust in anything that we may SEE or FEEL, as we are prone to do, but will place our trust solely on HIS WORD -- which we may ALWAYS depend upon, no matter our circumstances.
Remember, the very time for faith to work is when our SIGHT begins to fail. And the greater the difficulties, the easier it is for faith to work, for as long as WE can see certain NATURAL SOLUTIONS to our problems, we will not have faith. -- Streams in the Desert (Zondervan)
Thank You, Lord! I needed that today!
Something to think about: Faith never works as easily as when our natural prospects fail." George Mueller
"Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed." (Romans 4:18)
I shared this Freedom Fighter devotional in 2005, but today it seems so appropriate. Right now we are going through so many issues and it seems that it goes from bad to worse ... So I needed these words this morning:
"Abraham's faith seemed to be in complete agreement with the power and constant faithfulness of Jehovah. By looking at the OUTER CIRCUMSTANCES in which he was placed, he had no reason to expect the fulfillment of God's promise. Yet he believed the Word of the Lord and looked forward to the time when his descendants would be 'as numerous as the stars in the sky.' (Genesis 26:4)
Dear soul, you have not been given only one promise, like Abraham, BUT A THOUSAND PROMISES! And you have been given the example of many faithful believers as a pattern for your life. Therefore it is simply to your advantage to rely with confidence upon the Word of God. And although He may delay in sending His help, and the evil you are experiencing may SEEM to get worse and worse, do not be weak. Instead, be strong and rejoice, for God usually steps forward to save us when we least expect it, fulfilling His promises in a MIRACULOUS way!
He generally waits to send His help until the time of our greatest need, so that HIS hand will be plainly seen in our deliverance. He chooses HIS method so we will not trust in anything that we may SEE or FEEL, as we are prone to do, but will place our trust solely on HIS WORD -- which we may ALWAYS depend upon, no matter our circumstances.
Remember, the very time for faith to work is when our SIGHT begins to fail. And the greater the difficulties, the easier it is for faith to work, for as long as WE can see certain NATURAL SOLUTIONS to our problems, we will not have faith. -- Streams in the Desert (Zondervan)
Thank You, Lord! I needed that today!
Something to think about: Faith never works as easily as when our natural prospects fail." George Mueller
Friday, November 09, 2007
The Cost of Quitting
THE COST OF QUITTING"For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. You have not yet resisted blood, striving against sin." Hebrews 12:3-4
This thing called the Christian life is not for the faint of heart, my friend. In fact, there are days that we all feel like throwing in the towel and quitting. A. W. Tozer's devotional reading for today was especially meaningful to me today:
"Is Satan opposes the new convert he opposes more bitterly the Christian who is pressing toward a higher life in Christ. The Spirit-filled life is not, as many suppose, a life of peace and quiet pleasure. It is likely to be something quite the opposite.
Viewed one way it is a pilgrimage through a robber-infested forest; viewed another, it is a grim warfare with the devil. Always there is struggle, and sometimes there is a pitched battle with our own nature where the lines are so confused that it is all but impossible to locate the enemy or to tell which impulse is of the Spirit and which of the flesh ...
My point here is that if we want to escape the struggle we have but to draw back and accept the currently accepted low-keyed Christian life as the normal one. That is all Satan wants. That will ground our power, stunt our growth and render us harmless to the kingdom of darkness.Compromise will take the pressure off. Satan will not bother a man who has quit fighting. But the cost of quitting will be a life of peaceful stagnation. We sons of eternity just cannot afford such a thing." A. W. Tozer -- ON CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Habits are first cobwebs, then cables. The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken. Samuel Johnson
This thing called the Christian life is not for the faint of heart, my friend. In fact, there are days that we all feel like throwing in the towel and quitting. A. W. Tozer's devotional reading for today was especially meaningful to me today:
"Is Satan opposes the new convert he opposes more bitterly the Christian who is pressing toward a higher life in Christ. The Spirit-filled life is not, as many suppose, a life of peace and quiet pleasure. It is likely to be something quite the opposite.
Viewed one way it is a pilgrimage through a robber-infested forest; viewed another, it is a grim warfare with the devil. Always there is struggle, and sometimes there is a pitched battle with our own nature where the lines are so confused that it is all but impossible to locate the enemy or to tell which impulse is of the Spirit and which of the flesh ...
My point here is that if we want to escape the struggle we have but to draw back and accept the currently accepted low-keyed Christian life as the normal one. That is all Satan wants. That will ground our power, stunt our growth and render us harmless to the kingdom of darkness.Compromise will take the pressure off. Satan will not bother a man who has quit fighting. But the cost of quitting will be a life of peaceful stagnation. We sons of eternity just cannot afford such a thing." A. W. Tozer -- ON CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: Habits are first cobwebs, then cables. The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken. Samuel Johnson
Thursday, November 08, 2007
You Can't Escape Him
YOU CAN'T ESCAPE HIM
"Where can I go to escape You Spirit?" Psalm 139:7
We've all been there at times in our lives. We find ourselves doing something we shouldn't be doing - going places we shouldn't be going - reading, watching, playing something we shouldn't. We look to the right or left to see if anyone is watching and conclude - nobody knows! BUT GOD DOES! He sees and knows all.
Remember a definition I shared with you from Bill Gothard on the FEAR OF THE LORD - "God knows, sees, and weighs EVERY ONE of my thoughts, deeds, words and actions."
This truth rang true yesterday. One of our staff members left for vacation earlier in the week and went into hiding. We were concerned because no one had heard from him including his family. Yesterday our staff gathered together at 9:15 AM to pray that he would call so that we would know that he was safe. We agreed together that GOD KNEW where he was. Though he might have thought he could hide - the God of the universe knew PRECISELY where He was (by the way - He is the one who has the best GPS system! Beats anything that we mere humans could invent!)
We concluded praying at 9:30 AM and at 9:45 AM this young man called me! Was I surprised? Not at all! God answers prayer. HE KNOWS and WE CAN'T ESCAPE HIM.
I read these verses this morning from Psalm 36 in THE MESSAGE: "God's love is meteoric, his loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, his verdicts oceanic. Yet in His largeness NOTHING GETS LOST; not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks!
Are you trying to hiding from Him today? Trying to pull the wool over His eyes hoping HE won't catch you? Well wake up, my friend - YOU CAN'T ESCAPE HIM! Run back to Him today.
Something to think about: "If we, as the church, do not get back to spiritual visions, glimpses of heaven, and an awareness of a greater glory and life, we will lose our faith. Our altar will become nothing but cold, empty stone, never blessed with a visit from heaven." - Joseph Parker
"Where can I go to escape You Spirit?" Psalm 139:7
We've all been there at times in our lives. We find ourselves doing something we shouldn't be doing - going places we shouldn't be going - reading, watching, playing something we shouldn't. We look to the right or left to see if anyone is watching and conclude - nobody knows! BUT GOD DOES! He sees and knows all.
Remember a definition I shared with you from Bill Gothard on the FEAR OF THE LORD - "God knows, sees, and weighs EVERY ONE of my thoughts, deeds, words and actions."
This truth rang true yesterday. One of our staff members left for vacation earlier in the week and went into hiding. We were concerned because no one had heard from him including his family. Yesterday our staff gathered together at 9:15 AM to pray that he would call so that we would know that he was safe. We agreed together that GOD KNEW where he was. Though he might have thought he could hide - the God of the universe knew PRECISELY where He was (by the way - He is the one who has the best GPS system! Beats anything that we mere humans could invent!)
We concluded praying at 9:30 AM and at 9:45 AM this young man called me! Was I surprised? Not at all! God answers prayer. HE KNOWS and WE CAN'T ESCAPE HIM.
I read these verses this morning from Psalm 36 in THE MESSAGE: "God's love is meteoric, his loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, his verdicts oceanic. Yet in His largeness NOTHING GETS LOST; not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks!
Are you trying to hiding from Him today? Trying to pull the wool over His eyes hoping HE won't catch you? Well wake up, my friend - YOU CAN'T ESCAPE HIM! Run back to Him today.
Something to think about: "If we, as the church, do not get back to spiritual visions, glimpses of heaven, and an awareness of a greater glory and life, we will lose our faith. Our altar will become nothing but cold, empty stone, never blessed with a visit from heaven." - Joseph Parker
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
HE KNOWS
HE KNOWS
"God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan.
God won't put up with rebels; he'll cull them from the pack. Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath." Psalm 34:15-18 (The Message)
It is no coincidence that I read these verses today from Psalm 34 in my personal quiet time. I am always amazed (and shouldn't be) at how timely HIS WORD is in my life. How does HE KNOW what I need? Yet He does.
The past 48 hours have been gut-wrenching for me and several of my key leaders as we have been wrestling through a staff issue. My prayers have been disjointed and have not made sense. I have found myself crying out to the Lord not knowing even what to ask or how to ask.
I love the fact that He not only keeps His eye on me -- but his ears are sensitive enough to my cries, my groanings and moanings! Romans 8 reminds me that the Holy Spirit takes those moans and groans and puts them in perspective when I pray!
Right now I feel like I have been kicked in the gut because of a someone who has betrayed my trust and done something really stupid. It is hard to not become cynical and untrusting. But I was comforted and blessed this morning by the reminder that HE KNOWS -- HE'S THERE -- and HE IS IN CONTROL.
While I don't have to understand it, like it, or agree -- I WILL REJOICE and I can rest in knowing that He has a greater plan than right now doesn't make sense.
I will continue to cry out and moan and groan (not in a bad way) for a brother who is in trouble -- and I can rest in the fact that HE HEARS! That is a great comfort to me today. How about you? What are you facing right now? HE KNOWS!
Something to think about: One of the most subtle burdens God ever puts on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning other souls. He reveals things in order that we may take the burden of these souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them. It is not that we bring God into touch with our minds, but that we rouse ourselves until God is able to convey His mind to us about the one for whom we intercede. -- Oswald Chambers
"God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan.
God won't put up with rebels; he'll cull them from the pack. Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath." Psalm 34:15-18 (The Message)
It is no coincidence that I read these verses today from Psalm 34 in my personal quiet time. I am always amazed (and shouldn't be) at how timely HIS WORD is in my life. How does HE KNOW what I need? Yet He does.
The past 48 hours have been gut-wrenching for me and several of my key leaders as we have been wrestling through a staff issue. My prayers have been disjointed and have not made sense. I have found myself crying out to the Lord not knowing even what to ask or how to ask.
I love the fact that He not only keeps His eye on me -- but his ears are sensitive enough to my cries, my groanings and moanings! Romans 8 reminds me that the Holy Spirit takes those moans and groans and puts them in perspective when I pray!
Right now I feel like I have been kicked in the gut because of a someone who has betrayed my trust and done something really stupid. It is hard to not become cynical and untrusting. But I was comforted and blessed this morning by the reminder that HE KNOWS -- HE'S THERE -- and HE IS IN CONTROL.
While I don't have to understand it, like it, or agree -- I WILL REJOICE and I can rest in knowing that He has a greater plan than right now doesn't make sense.
I will continue to cry out and moan and groan (not in a bad way) for a brother who is in trouble -- and I can rest in the fact that HE HEARS! That is a great comfort to me today. How about you? What are you facing right now? HE KNOWS!
Something to think about: One of the most subtle burdens God ever puts on us as saints is this burden of discernment concerning other souls. He reveals things in order that we may take the burden of these souls before Him and form the mind of Christ about them. It is not that we bring God into touch with our minds, but that we rouse ourselves until God is able to convey His mind to us about the one for whom we intercede. -- Oswald Chambers
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
I WILL REJOICE
I WILL REJOICE!
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, no fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls - Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17-18
The Lord knew that I needed this devotional this morning. I trust it will be a blessing to your life:
"At times it seems that everything around you is collapsing. Endeavors you invested in may fail. People to who you minister may disappoint you. The business or career you worked hard to build may crumble. These times, as difficult as they are, are opportunities to stop and examine what is truly important to you.
Habakkuk witnessed the collapse of most of what mattered to him. Yet through the loss, failure, and disappointment, he was able to distinguish between what was precious to him and what was transitory and empty. He came to the point where he could sincerely say that even in EVERYTHING around him failed, he still would rejoice in God. If the fig tree bore no fruit; if the vine produced no grapes; if the flocks and herds stopped reproducing; he would still praise God.
His praise might not come easily, as he watched everything fall short of his expectations, but he would praise God nonetheless. Habakkuk could not make fig trees produce figs. He could not control the productivity of the flocks and herds, but he could control HIS response to God. HE CHOSE TO PRAISE THE LORD!
Do things seem to be falling apart around you? You can still praise God. Your praise for Him does not depend on the success of your endeavors but on God's nature and His love and faithfulness to you. Ask God to help you look past worldly concerns to understand the reasons you have to praise Him."
From Experiencing God - The Devotional - Henry Blackaby (Broadman and Holman)
Something to think about: "Christians with the most spiritual depth are generally those who have been taken through the most intense and deeply anguishing fires of the soul. If you have been praying to know more of Christ, do not be surprised if He leads you through the desert or through a furnace of pain." Mrs. Cowman
"Though the fig tree may not blossom, no fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls - Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17-18
The Lord knew that I needed this devotional this morning. I trust it will be a blessing to your life:
"At times it seems that everything around you is collapsing. Endeavors you invested in may fail. People to who you minister may disappoint you. The business or career you worked hard to build may crumble. These times, as difficult as they are, are opportunities to stop and examine what is truly important to you.
Habakkuk witnessed the collapse of most of what mattered to him. Yet through the loss, failure, and disappointment, he was able to distinguish between what was precious to him and what was transitory and empty. He came to the point where he could sincerely say that even in EVERYTHING around him failed, he still would rejoice in God. If the fig tree bore no fruit; if the vine produced no grapes; if the flocks and herds stopped reproducing; he would still praise God.
His praise might not come easily, as he watched everything fall short of his expectations, but he would praise God nonetheless. Habakkuk could not make fig trees produce figs. He could not control the productivity of the flocks and herds, but he could control HIS response to God. HE CHOSE TO PRAISE THE LORD!
Do things seem to be falling apart around you? You can still praise God. Your praise for Him does not depend on the success of your endeavors but on God's nature and His love and faithfulness to you. Ask God to help you look past worldly concerns to understand the reasons you have to praise Him."
From Experiencing God - The Devotional - Henry Blackaby (Broadman and Holman)
Something to think about: "Christians with the most spiritual depth are generally those who have been taken through the most intense and deeply anguishing fires of the soul. If you have been praying to know more of Christ, do not be surprised if He leads you through the desert or through a furnace of pain." Mrs. Cowman
Monday, November 05, 2007
IF YOU LACK WISDOM
IF YOU LACK WISDOM ... ASK
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5
We all face those times in our lives when we are at our wits end. We face a challenge, a problem, a difficult situation, throw up our hands and say, "I don't know what to do!" We find ourselves needing wisdom for the challenges and problems we face like:
* Paying bills
* Dealing with debt
* Problems with our businesses
* Challenges with our kids
* Issues with our boss or fellow employees
* Decisions about our future
The word "lack" means a deficit of some kind; a short-fall, a shortage.
We all face those times when we find ourselves backed into a corner and there is no apparent answer or solution to the challenge we are dealing with. We need wisdom - divine wisdom to help up us.
There is a difference between "education" and "wisdom." One writer says, "Education givens you information and facts; but wisdom gives you principles, solutions, and answers. Wisdom gives you special insight that helps you know what to do. Wisdom contains the principles that will lead you out of that baffling situation and into a place where things begin to work again! Wisdom guides you to do what is right. Man has education, but God has wisdom."
When you and I are lacking wisdom - we have the privilege of ASKING our heavenly Father for the wisdom needed to make right decisions. The word wisdom means to be adamant in requesting and demanding assistance to meet tangible needs. It also expresses the idea that the one asking has a full expectation to receive what has been firmly requested. And by the way - the word "ask" is not a suggestion, but a command!
Listen to what this devotional author wrote: "You see, God wants us to come to Him for wisdom FIRST instead of trying to figure things out on our own. Instead of relying on your EDUCATION and the books on your shelf to give you the answers that you need, go to GOD FIRST and firmly ask for wisdom. Approach Him with respect and honor, but also be bold.
As a child of God, you have a right to request wisdom from God when you need it.
When your mind is suddenly enlightened and you miraculously see exactly what you need to do or what steps you need to take, those problems that have seemed so mountainous will melt before you. You see, your biggest problem is not the one that is staring you right in the face. Your biggest problem is your lack of wisdom about how to deal with that situation."
I know that today I am facing a difficult challenge. This verse today was EXACTLY what I needed for today. "If anyone is baffled and doesn't know what to do ... he should be bold to ask ..." That's what I am doing today! How about you? Are you needing wisdom? Cry out to him and ASK with boldness and confidence.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: In perplexities - when we cannot tell what to do, when we cannot understand what is going on around us - let us be calmed and steadied and made patient by the thought that what is hidden from us is not hidden from Him. Frances Ridley Havergal
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5
We all face those times in our lives when we are at our wits end. We face a challenge, a problem, a difficult situation, throw up our hands and say, "I don't know what to do!" We find ourselves needing wisdom for the challenges and problems we face like:
* Paying bills
* Dealing with debt
* Problems with our businesses
* Challenges with our kids
* Issues with our boss or fellow employees
* Decisions about our future
The word "lack" means a deficit of some kind; a short-fall, a shortage.
We all face those times when we find ourselves backed into a corner and there is no apparent answer or solution to the challenge we are dealing with. We need wisdom - divine wisdom to help up us.
There is a difference between "education" and "wisdom." One writer says, "Education givens you information and facts; but wisdom gives you principles, solutions, and answers. Wisdom gives you special insight that helps you know what to do. Wisdom contains the principles that will lead you out of that baffling situation and into a place where things begin to work again! Wisdom guides you to do what is right. Man has education, but God has wisdom."
When you and I are lacking wisdom - we have the privilege of ASKING our heavenly Father for the wisdom needed to make right decisions. The word wisdom means to be adamant in requesting and demanding assistance to meet tangible needs. It also expresses the idea that the one asking has a full expectation to receive what has been firmly requested. And by the way - the word "ask" is not a suggestion, but a command!
Listen to what this devotional author wrote: "You see, God wants us to come to Him for wisdom FIRST instead of trying to figure things out on our own. Instead of relying on your EDUCATION and the books on your shelf to give you the answers that you need, go to GOD FIRST and firmly ask for wisdom. Approach Him with respect and honor, but also be bold.
As a child of God, you have a right to request wisdom from God when you need it.
When your mind is suddenly enlightened and you miraculously see exactly what you need to do or what steps you need to take, those problems that have seemed so mountainous will melt before you. You see, your biggest problem is not the one that is staring you right in the face. Your biggest problem is your lack of wisdom about how to deal with that situation."
I know that today I am facing a difficult challenge. This verse today was EXACTLY what I needed for today. "If anyone is baffled and doesn't know what to do ... he should be bold to ask ..." That's what I am doing today! How about you? Are you needing wisdom? Cry out to him and ASK with boldness and confidence.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: In perplexities - when we cannot tell what to do, when we cannot understand what is going on around us - let us be calmed and steadied and made patient by the thought that what is hidden from us is not hidden from Him. Frances Ridley Havergal
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Stay in the Secret Place
STAY IN THE SECRET PLACE
"My voice shall thou hear in the morning, O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." Psalm 5:3
Here is some practical advice on getting alone with God from one of America's beloved devotional writers, A. W. Tozer:
"Retire from the world each day to some private spot, even if it be only the bedroom (for a while I retreated to the furnace room for want of a better place). Stay in the secret place till the surrounding noises begin to fade out of your heart and a sense of God's presence envelopes you.
Deliberately tune out the unpleasant sounds and come out of your closet determined not to hear them. Listen for the inward VOICE till you learn to recognize it. Stop trying to compete with others. Give yourself to God, and then be what and who you are without regard to what others think.
Reduce your interests to a few. Don't try to know what will be of no service to you. Avoid the digest type of mind - short bits of unrelated facts, cute stories and bright sayings. Learn to pray inwardly every moment. After a while you can do this even while you work. Practice candor, childlike honesty, humility. Pray for a single eye. Read less, but read more of what is important to your inner life.
Call home your roving thoughts. Gaze on Christ with the eyes of your soul. Practice spiritual concentration." From TOZER ON CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP (CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS)
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: How to understand a Bible passage: Read it through. Think it clear. Write it down. Pray it in. Live it out. Pass it on. - Dr. Adrian Rogers
"My voice shall thou hear in the morning, O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." Psalm 5:3
Here is some practical advice on getting alone with God from one of America's beloved devotional writers, A. W. Tozer:
"Retire from the world each day to some private spot, even if it be only the bedroom (for a while I retreated to the furnace room for want of a better place). Stay in the secret place till the surrounding noises begin to fade out of your heart and a sense of God's presence envelopes you.
Deliberately tune out the unpleasant sounds and come out of your closet determined not to hear them. Listen for the inward VOICE till you learn to recognize it. Stop trying to compete with others. Give yourself to God, and then be what and who you are without regard to what others think.
Reduce your interests to a few. Don't try to know what will be of no service to you. Avoid the digest type of mind - short bits of unrelated facts, cute stories and bright sayings. Learn to pray inwardly every moment. After a while you can do this even while you work. Practice candor, childlike honesty, humility. Pray for a single eye. Read less, but read more of what is important to your inner life.
Call home your roving thoughts. Gaze on Christ with the eyes of your soul. Practice spiritual concentration." From TOZER ON CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP (CHRISTIAN PUBLICATIONS)
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: How to understand a Bible passage: Read it through. Think it clear. Write it down. Pray it in. Live it out. Pass it on. - Dr. Adrian Rogers
Friday, November 02, 2007
The Power of Prayer
THE POWER OF PRAYER
"Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God."
(Acts 12:5)
Do I really believe in the power of prayer. So much of what I do, I try to do in my own strength, and then when I am desperate, I pray. God has been showing me that this is one of the most powerful resources available to me - and yet how little I really use it.
This morning these words burned into my heart from STREAMS IN THE
DESERT:
"Prayer is the link that connects me to God. It is the bridge that spans every gulf and carries us safely over every chasm of danger or need. Do I really know the power of our supernatural weapon of prayer? Do I dare ask to use it with authority of a faith that not only asks but also commands? God baptizes us with holy boldness and divine confidence, for He is not looking for great people but people who will dare to prove the greatness of their God!
In my prayers, above everything else, beware of LIMITING God, not only through unbelief but also by thinking I know exactly what He can do.
Learn t expect the unexpected, BEYOND ALL that I ask or think.
So each time I intercede through prayer, first be quiet and worship God in His glory. Think of what HE can do, how He delights in Christ His Son, and on my place in Him - then expect great things.
Am I experiencing sorrow? Prayer can make my time of affliction one of strength and sweetness. Am I experiencing happiness? Pray can add a heavenly fragrance to my time of joy. Am I in grave danger from some outward or inward enemy? Prayer can place an angel by my side whose very touch could shatter a millstone into smaller grains of dust than the flour it grinds, and whose glance could destroy and entire army.
What will prayer do for YOU? My answer is this: Everything that God can do for you!" Streams in the Desert - Mrs. Cowman (Zondervan)
Will you join me on this prayer adventure? Are you willing to use the weapon that God has given us? I trust you will. And lets together expect great things!
Something to think about: "My personal life may be crowded with small, petty happenings, altogether insignificant. But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God." - Oswald Chambers
"Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God."
(Acts 12:5)
Do I really believe in the power of prayer. So much of what I do, I try to do in my own strength, and then when I am desperate, I pray. God has been showing me that this is one of the most powerful resources available to me - and yet how little I really use it.
This morning these words burned into my heart from STREAMS IN THE
DESERT:
"Prayer is the link that connects me to God. It is the bridge that spans every gulf and carries us safely over every chasm of danger or need. Do I really know the power of our supernatural weapon of prayer? Do I dare ask to use it with authority of a faith that not only asks but also commands? God baptizes us with holy boldness and divine confidence, for He is not looking for great people but people who will dare to prove the greatness of their God!
In my prayers, above everything else, beware of LIMITING God, not only through unbelief but also by thinking I know exactly what He can do.
Learn t expect the unexpected, BEYOND ALL that I ask or think.
So each time I intercede through prayer, first be quiet and worship God in His glory. Think of what HE can do, how He delights in Christ His Son, and on my place in Him - then expect great things.
Am I experiencing sorrow? Prayer can make my time of affliction one of strength and sweetness. Am I experiencing happiness? Pray can add a heavenly fragrance to my time of joy. Am I in grave danger from some outward or inward enemy? Prayer can place an angel by my side whose very touch could shatter a millstone into smaller grains of dust than the flour it grinds, and whose glance could destroy and entire army.
What will prayer do for YOU? My answer is this: Everything that God can do for you!" Streams in the Desert - Mrs. Cowman (Zondervan)
Will you join me on this prayer adventure? Are you willing to use the weapon that God has given us? I trust you will. And lets together expect great things!
Something to think about: "My personal life may be crowded with small, petty happenings, altogether insignificant. But if I obey Jesus Christ in the seemingly random circumstances of life, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God." - Oswald Chambers
Thursday, November 01, 2007
God Answers Prayer
GOD ANSWERS PRAYER
"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my door." Proverbs 8:34
Yesterday was one of those incredible days of experiencing God is a wonderful way. I shared with you that we were having a special day of prayer to cry out to God about our finances. My prayer was that God would meet our need in a way that would point directly toward what only HE could do so that we couldn't get the credit for the answers.
Well we had a very special answer to prayer. At the end of the day I stopped in to talk with our CFO and he said, "So is the $10,000 a part of an estate or just a gift?" I had a puzzled look on my face and said, "What $10,000 gift?" He explained who the gift was from and I went back to my office to read the letter that came with the gift.
I laughed and cried when I read the letter. The gift was from the Board of another ministry that was dissolving because their President had gone home to be with the Lord. I laughed because this lady was one of my dearest friend/mentor/encourager - Dr. B! If she had still be alive, she would have been right there with us yesterday participating in our day of prayer and encouraging us to trust a "Prayer-answering-God!"
Now the gift could have come several days ago and it would still be a blessing. But for it to come yesterday of all days was one of those "kissed-by-God" moments for me. A reminder that HE DOES ANSWER PRAYER. And He did it through someone who has already gone home! It was like Dr. B was saying to me from heaven: "Keep on truckin' and trustin!"
My heart resonated with these verses in Psalm 28 from THE MESSAGE: "Blessed be God - He heard me praying. He proved He's on my side. I've thrown my lot in with him. Now I'm jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him!"
I will share some additional insights with you tomorrow, but please hear me: GOD IS A GOD WHO IS DELIGHTED WHEN HIS KIDS CRY OUT TO HIM! Have you talked to HIM lately? Today's a great day to start doing it!
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: "If we are to live out His plan carefully [for our lives], then besides consecration to Christ there must be daily consultation with Him, for He is the Master of the plan in all details. We should practice consulting Him about EVERYTHING, but especially about those things which seem like frustrations or contradictions." - J. Sidlow Baxter
"Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my door." Proverbs 8:34
Yesterday was one of those incredible days of experiencing God is a wonderful way. I shared with you that we were having a special day of prayer to cry out to God about our finances. My prayer was that God would meet our need in a way that would point directly toward what only HE could do so that we couldn't get the credit for the answers.
Well we had a very special answer to prayer. At the end of the day I stopped in to talk with our CFO and he said, "So is the $10,000 a part of an estate or just a gift?" I had a puzzled look on my face and said, "What $10,000 gift?" He explained who the gift was from and I went back to my office to read the letter that came with the gift.
I laughed and cried when I read the letter. The gift was from the Board of another ministry that was dissolving because their President had gone home to be with the Lord. I laughed because this lady was one of my dearest friend/mentor/encourager - Dr. B! If she had still be alive, she would have been right there with us yesterday participating in our day of prayer and encouraging us to trust a "Prayer-answering-God!"
Now the gift could have come several days ago and it would still be a blessing. But for it to come yesterday of all days was one of those "kissed-by-God" moments for me. A reminder that HE DOES ANSWER PRAYER. And He did it through someone who has already gone home! It was like Dr. B was saying to me from heaven: "Keep on truckin' and trustin!"
My heart resonated with these verses in Psalm 28 from THE MESSAGE: "Blessed be God - He heard me praying. He proved He's on my side. I've thrown my lot in with him. Now I'm jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to him!"
I will share some additional insights with you tomorrow, but please hear me: GOD IS A GOD WHO IS DELIGHTED WHEN HIS KIDS CRY OUT TO HIM! Have you talked to HIM lately? Today's a great day to start doing it!
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: "If we are to live out His plan carefully [for our lives], then besides consecration to Christ there must be daily consultation with Him, for He is the Master of the plan in all details. We should practice consulting Him about EVERYTHING, but especially about those things which seem like frustrations or contradictions." - J. Sidlow Baxter
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