To God the Glory and Praise

·Friday, January 1, 2016

 

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation - the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ - for this will bring much glory and praise to God (Phil. 1:11).

Most of us have a childlike need to be acknowledged, accepted and even hugged now and then. Sometimes it becomes a childish yearning for prominence and fame. Someone said on occasion, “Even the greatest long for a gentle touch.” 

 

When writing to the people of Philippi, Paul showered them with praise and appreciation. They made him happy and were his partners in the gospel. God started a good work in them and they had a special place in his heart. His deepest desire was that they would grow to maturity. Everything they had already achieved and everything that was still to happen through their faith and good works dare not make them proud of their spiritual achievements. Their good qualities could be solely attributed to Christ and the Holy Spirit working in them.

 

Don’t pursue honor and glory for yourself. Don’t strive to see your name prominently displayed when you have done something worthwhile for God. Give God the credit and glory. Be prepared to stand aside and let other people praise God for what He did in and through you. Don’t destroy Christ’s work by your efforts to turn the spotlight on yourself. Thank the Lord that you were able to be involved and give Him all the honor and glory.

 

Lord my God, let the glory always go where it is due: to You. Amen.

Read Philippians 1:1-11

What Is It All About?

     I started out in life so carefree and happy. I was like a little butterfly with beautiful wings and a world of flowers to see. Life seemed wonderful as I looked to the future.
     It didn't take long and my views changed. I realized I had to perform to be accepted. Life seemed like a circus. There were hoops held out far into the future. If I jumped through the rings I received approval. If I didn't--well everybody else did.

     Life became a performance. Leap through the rings; make the football team, or the cheerleading squad, or the honor roll. Go to the right college and get a degree. I did some things I wished I hadn't, but everybody else did them--so--go on and hope to forget. Get a good job and make lots of money. At the right time get married, have the correct amount of children, buy a house--a nice big house, and a better car. I think I'm getting tired. Join a club--jump, jump, jump. Retirement, I have to think about retirement--buy stocks--hit some bumps, go, go, go.
     And suddenly, I stand before the last hoop. But, it isn't round, it's rectangular, and it's in the ground. The grass stops at the ragged edges. Here is where it all ends.
     What happened to me anyway? Life wasn't supposed to be this way. Where is the little butterfly with the beautiful wings? What happened to the flowers? Was I truly happy? What about my soul? Is this what it's all about?
     "God, what happened?"
     "I'm glad you finally asked," God said. "I will take you back and show you what went wrong and what your life could have been, if you would have chosen my way.
     When you were a child, I was with you. All children are in my care. (Matthew 19:13-14) Don't you remember the little butterfly with the beautiful wings?"
     My heart ached as I recalled those happy innocent days--gone, forever gone.
     God continued, "The time came when you became responsible for your decisions. Do you remember that argument you had with your Mom? It made you feel terrible, but you wouldn't admit that you were wrong. You chose to take your own way.
     I tried to stop you. Do you remember when your closest friend died? The lonesome feeling you had--that was me, talking to you. Deep in your heart you knew things weren't right, but you were afraid to change. You were afraid of what your friends would think, so you ignored me, and drifted farther away from me."
     God's voice grew sad. "Do you remember your years in college?"
     "Oh! God, don't remind me. I'm trying to forget those days," I begged.
     Gently, God said, "Forgetting doesn't take care of the sin (Ecclesiastes 12:14) I would have been glad to forgive you if you would have asked--but you never asked. (1 John 1:9) All those times you felt lonely and sad, that was me, calling you, but you didn't listen. Do you remember when you landed that good job? The pay was terrific, but did it do for you what you thought it would? (1 Timothy 6:9) I tried to tell you that contentment comes only from me. For a while you did consider taking my way, but it seemed too hard so you followed your own way. Oh, if only you would have come to me, I would have given you what you were searching for--peace in your heart, peace in your home, and confidence about the future." (Matthew 11:28)
     God continued, "You were so busy. I tried talking to you on those cool beautiful evenings, but you didn't hear. I tried to get your attention during the storms. I thought you might be listening, but you weren't. If only you would have listened, I could have helped you solve those problems between you and your spouse. It would have prevented so many heartaches. (1 Peter 3:7)
     If you would have prayed and asked me for wisdom, I would have helped you to deal with your son. It could be so different now. (Proverbs 29:17) But no, you were too busy, too wise, too big a man to turn to me."
     As God turned away, He said, "You wasted your life on your own selfish whims, and now you are lost forever." And then I felt myself slipping away from God, away . . . away.
     Lost--forever lost! What does it mean? It means being away from God--forever--in a place of torment prepared for the devil and his angels. (Matthew 14:41-42) But, you can change this. If you know things are not right with your life, admit it. Turn to God, repent of your sin, and surrender your will to Him. (Acts 2:37-38) God loves you, and wants to forgive you. (John 3:16) The price has already been paid. (Romans 5:8-11) Jesus died on the cross in your place. He paid the ransom so you could be saved. You can have peace and rest in your heart, and in the end--heaven. (John 14:1-3)
     This is what it is all about.

JESUS CALLING OCTOBER 10, 2015

TRUST ME ENOUGH to let things happen without striving to predict or control them. Relax, and refresh yourself in the Light of My everlasting Love. My Love-Light never dims, yet you are often unaware of My radiant Presene. When you project yourself into the future, rehearsing what you will do or say, you are seeking to be self-sufficient: to be adequate without My help. This is a subtle sin--so common that it usually slips by unnoticed.

     The alternative is to live fully in the present, depending on Me each moment. Rather than fearing your inadequacy, rejoice in My abundant supply. Train your mind to seek My help continually, even when you feel competent to handle something by yourself. Don't divide your life into things you can do by yourself and things that require My help. Instead, learn to rely on Me in every situation. This discipline will enable you to enjoy life more and to face each day confidently.

PSALM 37:3-6;  PHILIPPIANS 4:19

Funeral Service

A funeral service is being held in a church for a woman who has just passed away. At the end of the service, the pallbearers carrying the casket accidentally bump into a wall jarring the casket. They hear a faint moan. They open the casket and find that the woman is actually alive. She lives for another 10 years and then dies.  A ceremony is again held at the same churh and at the end of the ceremony the pallbearers are again carrying the casket out. As they are walking, the husband calls out, "Watch out for the wall!"

Sunday School

At Sunday School they were learning how God created everything, including human beings. Johnny was especially intent when the teacher told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs.
     Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, "Johnny, what is the matter?"
     Johnny responded, "I have pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife."

JESUS CALLING OCTOBER 9, 2015

YOU HAVE BEEN on a long, uphill journey, and your energy is almost spent. Though you have faltered at times, you have not let go of My hand. I am pleased with your desire to stay close to Me. There is one thing, however, that displeases Me: your tendency to complain. You may talk to Me as much as you like about the difficulty of the path we are following. I understand better than anyone else the stresses and strains that have afflicted you. You can ventilate safely to Me because talking with Me tempers your thoughts and helps you see things from My perspective.

     Complaining to others is another matter altogether. It opens the door to deadly sins such as self-pity and rage. Whenever you are tempted to grumble, come to Me and talk it out. As you open up to Me, I will put My thoughts in your mind and My song in your heart.

JEREMIAH 31:25;  PHILIPPIANS 2:14-15

JESUS CALLING OCTOBER 4, 2015

I AM THE CREATOR OF HEAVEN AND EARTH: Lord of all that is and all that will ever be. Although I am unimaginably vast, I choose to dwell within you, permeating you with My Presence. Only in the spirit realm could Someone so infinitely great live within someone so very small. Be awed by the Power and the Glory of My Spirit within you!

     Though the Holy Spirit is infinite, He deigns to be your Helper. He is always ready to offer assistance; all you have to do is ask. When the path before you looks easy and straightforward, you may be tempted to go it alone instead of relying on Me. This is when you are in the greatest danger of stumbling. Ask My Spirit to help you as you go each step of the way. Never neglect this glorious Source of strength within you.

JOHN 14:16-17;  JOHN 16:7;  ZECHZRIAH 4:6.

A Shimmering Quality

Verse: Genesis 1:27
Passage: Genesis 1:27-31

Just thinking about Eden gives me an ache in my chest. I find myself wondering about the pure and shimmering quality of life there that somehow slipped through our fingers.

     Just picture it. It was nothing to begin with. Nothing. And then God opened his mouth and spoke, and when he did, everything started taking shape. He used his words to make a world! He called forth forces of symmetry, beauty, and great power. He laid boundaries of order and balance and proportion. With the precision of a master clockmaker he set in motion the weights and wheels of a perfect creation. And then, seeing the beauty of his own handiwork, he proclaimed with pride, "Good. Good." And "Very good."

     Light, darkness, sky, land, water, winds and tides; plants, trees, sun, moon, stars and planets. And animals--flying, soaring, swimming, loping, crawling, galloping. All things in their vast array he created.

     Then finally he created human beings, both male and female--his shining glory, whom he put in charge of it all.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS:
Psalm8; Psalm 148:1-6; Isaiah 40:25-26; Revelation 4:11

AUTHOR: CLAIRE CLONINGER

September 25, 2015

POUR OUT ALL OF YOUR ENERGY into trusting Me. It is through trust that you stay connected to Me, aware of My Presence. Every step on your life-journey can be a step of faith. Baby steps of trust are simple for you; you can take them with almost unconscious ease. Giant steps are another matter altogether: leaping across chasms in semidarkness, scaling cliffs of uncertainty, trudging through the valley of the shadow of death. These feats require sheer concentration, as well as utter commitment to Me.

     Each of My children is a unique blend of temperament, giftedness, and life experiences. Something that is a baby step for you may be a giant step for another person, and vice versa. Only I know the difficulty or ease of each segment of your journey. Beware of trying to impress others by acting as if your giant steps are only baby ones. Do not judge others who hesitate in trembling fear before an act that would be easy for you. If each of My children would seek to please Me above all else, fear of others' judgments would vanish, as would attempts to impress others. Focus your attention on the path just ahead of you and on the One who never leaves your side.

Psalm 23:4;  Matthew 7:1-2;  Proverbs 29:25

Jesus Calling

COME TO ME AND LISTEN! Attune yourself to My voice, and receive My richest blessings. Marvel at the wonder of communing with the Creator of the universe while sitting in the comfort of your home. Kings who reign on earth tend to make themselves inaccessible; ordinary people almost never gain an audience with them. Even dignitaries must plow through red tape and protocol in order to speak with royalty.

     Though I am King of the universe, I am totally accessible to you. I am with you wherever you are. Nothing can separate you from My Presence! When I cried out from the cross, "It's finished!" the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This opened the way for you to meet Me face-to-Face, with no need of protocol or priests. I, the King of kings, am your constant Companion.

Isaiah 50:4;  Isaiah 55:2-3;  John 19:30;  Matthew 27:50-51

Is This God or Is This Satan?

 (Passage: Nehemiah 1:1-11) 

     Sometimes when we are in trouble we are not sure whether the trouble is the opposition of our enemy Satan or a punishment from God. It may be both, and in any case the thing to do is pray-first, confession of sin which is known; second, asking to be shown sin which has not been acknowledged; third, prayer for deliverance in God's way and in God's time.
     When the people of Israel were in great trouble and disgrace and the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down, Nehemiah sat down and wept. Then he mourned and fasted and prayed "for some days" (v. 4) before the God of heaven. The exile of the people and the destruction of the wall were surely the work of evil men, but they were also the means employed by a sovereign God to punish the people. "If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations" (v. 8). Nehemiah reminded God in his prayer of this threat, but he also reminded him of his promise: "If you return to me and obey . . . I will gather them" (v. 9). Nehemiah became the intercessor and the means in the hand of God for their restoration, just as their enemies had, under his sovereignty, been the means of their punishment.
     It is not required that we sort out all the possibilities- "Is this God?" or "Is this Satan?" It is required that we confess our sins and put our whole trust in the God who is in charge.

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE READINGS:
Psalm 32:1-11; Habakkuk 3:17-19

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

On Love

Some people say love is blind, but I think love is beautiful. Everything and everyone can feel love--
Birds, humans and animals--all living creatures.
Love means caring and showing understanding. Love means being there when someone is in need. Love is being a friend. You can love your pets, your doll, your favorite chair, Your friends and family. Love can be just about anything you want it to be. Love is a choice.

Stephanie Lee,  age 11

The Plastic Years

They pass so quickly, the days of youth,
And the children change so fast
And soon they harden in the mold,
And the plastic years are past.

Then shape their lives while they are young.
This be our prayer, our aim,
That every child we meet shall bear
The imprint of His name.
                    ---Martha Snell Nicholson

Marital Blessings

Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate, considerate, and loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing (Ephesians 5:23-25).

Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends (Romans 12:10).

Blessed are they who have a sense of humor, for this attribute will be a handy shock absorber (Proverbs 17:22).

Blessed are the married couples who abstain from alcoholic beverages which wreck far more homes than recognized (Proverbs 20:1).

Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime of fidelity (Ecclesiastes 9:9).

Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to each other and who make their home a place "where seldom is heard a discouraging word" (1 Peter 3:1,7).

Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord (Psalm 127:1-5).

Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set aside some time each day for the reading of the Bible and prayer (1 Timothy 4:3; 2 Timothy 2:15).

Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out their problems of adjustment without interference from relatives (Genesis 2:22-24).

Blessed is the couple who do not overspend (Proverbs 21:20).

Blessed are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and home to Christ and practice His teachings by being unselfish, loyal, and loving (Colossians 1:18).
        
                    --The Christian Builder, May 24, 1985

Control Versus Influence

     "We don't control our children's destiny; we only influence it."
     Many parents operate under the mistaken notion that control and influence are the same word. Control means we have 100 percent of the power over outcome. Influence means we have somewhere between 1 and 99 percent of the power over outcome.
     In reality, we can never be 100 percent responsible for the choices our children make. We can only be 100 percent responsible for what we do to try to influence them.
     A very heavy hand, in the long run, can lead to lip-service obedience, passive resistance, or even outright defiance. Our challenge is to continually look for ways to positively influence our children.
     One of the greatest tasks of parents is to develop a relationship with their children that motivates and inspires responsible behavior and promotes openness and trust.
     Many parents focus too much on dealing with surface behaviors and fail to connect on a deeper leve. Behavior is often the end result of a series of events involving one's thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and perceptions.
     To influence our children, they need to sense that it is "safe" to open up and let us "in."

"The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children"  Psalm 115:14

Three Kinds of Burdens

Burden is defined as "anything carried or endured, a load."

Some burdens we must bear alone (Galatians 6:5).
Choosing between right or wrong (Joshua 24:15).

Consequences of sin (2 Samuel 12:19--23).
Eternal judgment (2 Timothy 4:6--8).

Some burdens others can bear or we bear for others (Galatians 6:2).
Physical needs (Galatians 6:10).
Need for prayer (James 5:15--16).
Work of the church (1 Corinthians 3:5--9).

Some burdens we cast on the Lord (1 Peter 5:6--7).
Sin's debt (1 Peter 1:17--19).
Anxiety (Philippians 4:6).
Physical needs (Matthew 6:25--34).

Let us faithfully carry the burdens we have to endure on our own, but let others help us carry those that can be shared. And let's help others carry some loads. God is waiting with open arms to help you with your spiritual burdens. Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). --Roger Genung

Life Worth Living

A Restless World

This world is a restless place. We see people dashing about trying to find meaning in activity. Many dedicate themselves to gather riches. Others want all the pleasure of the sensual life. Still others want more leisure and arrange to work less and play more. Yet their spirits are not satisfied. Gadgets, pleasures, and possessions eventually lose their attractiveness. Every new diversion fills in for a time but quickly loses its appeal. Something seems to be missing. We all have our share of disappointments. Physical defects limit our activities. Family members need constant care. We feel trapped in a job or vocation because we lack expertise to take up other work. We spend money and go into debt hoping the next purchase will make life more tolerable. Our marriage has not proved to be what we had hoped. In vain we look for fulfillment and purpose. Is that all there is to life? Should there not be something meaningful to give us satisfaction, something more permanent? Surely, there is a solution.

What Is Life?

Life is a precious span of time allotted by the Creator. The Bible says it is like a shadow (1 Chronicles 29:15); as short-lived as grass and its flower (1 Peter 1:24); as fleeting as a vapor (James 4:14). While we are young we see life extending for years. As we get older, time seems to speed up. We can't accomplish what we had hoped for earlier. We are disappointed by a variety of hindrances that cramp our lifestyle.

What Is The Problem?
What contributes to the discontent of our spirits?

Life is an opportunity but also a responsibility. We are unhappy whenever we violate the good we know we should do. Sin against our fellow man brings about uneasiness and guilt. Sin against ourselves has its destructive effects on our peace of mind. We feel responsible for our deeds. Most people have a sort of intuition that life figures into a larger picture than the few short years here on earth. For many this means they need to recognize a higher spiritual power, a higher purpose at work in the universe. They may not always know who or what that is. Often people are dissatisfied with life because they fail to see it from God's perspective. They are ignorant of God's will and purpose for man, sometimes willingly so. Many fail to envision the eternal bliss of the faithful and would rather ignore the final reaping of the wicked and godless (Romans 6:23).

The Abundant Life Is Available

Jesus says in John 16:24, "Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." The joy that Jesus gives is not easily removed from a Christian's heart. At times we are heavy hearted because of temptations. The joy that is a fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence within runs deeper than those weights. It may not be that bubbling, light feeling all the time but simply a calm trust in the Lord that allows us to stand unwavering in trial and unconquered by the storm. Some may tell you that the Christian way is too restrictive to be enjoyed. They might think ty,hat in order to be happy you must be able to do as you please. Just try the Lord! You will find it is a pleasure to serve the One who died for you. It will become clear to you that the person who serves himself is really the one in bondage and the servant of Christ is the free man. True fulfillment is not found in following trends and fashions or patterning our lives to impress others. That kind of living becomes a compelling force and leads to bondage. When we are humble we are free. Free to be ourselves. Free to rest our minds from thoughts of what others are thinking of us.

JESUS OFFERS LIFE WORTH LIVING

In Matthew 11:28 we read, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Here the Son of God, Jesus Christ, offers rest to all who have burdens to bear, whose life-load seems more than they carry, whose life is unfulfilled, whose life lacks purpose. Come to the Lord and give Him your sin, your load of dissatisfaction, your unfulfilled emptiness, your frustration. Admit your inability to handle life's problems. Turn from what you know to be wrong in your life. Give your life over to Jesus. Trust Him to take you by the hand and lead you. Once you realize you need help in your life, you can come to Jesus and receive that help. As long as you feel independent and self-sufficient, He can do nothing for you. When you yield yourself to His care, there is hope for you. Jesus Christ can fill the deepest longing of your soul. Yield your life and will to Him. As you ask Him to fill you with His abundance, life in all its fullness will be yours.

Devotional: 3 Ways Change Comes Within Us

Submitting to God
We are all undergoing a transforming of the mind (Rom 12:1-2). It’s not easy, is it? If we’re going to live differently than the world, we must think differently, and that’s possible only when our minds are renewed by the Spirit of God. First of all, you and I need to submit ourselves to God. What does that look like? Instead of thinking only how we can change for God, consider that our desire to change is from God because God alone gives us the power to change by His Spirit. James touched on this somewhat when He said that God can draw near to us only if we humble ourselves (James 4:6), if we submit to Him so that the Devil will flee us (James 4:7), but we must have clean hands and a pure heart (James 4:8), meaning that we must confess our sins to Him (1 John 1:9). We must also submit ourselves to one another since we are members of the same family (Eph 5:21) and also submit to those in authority (1 Pet 2:13; Rom 13:1).

Slaves of Christ
Only God can give us the heart operation that is necessary to respond to Him by taking out our stony hearts and giving us a heart of flesh (Ezk 36:26) because we can walk with God only if He sends His Spirit to live within us (Ezk 36:27). It is useless to try and do this in our own human strength because we just can’t do it (John 15:5). The irony is that we were once slaves to sin but now have become slaves to Christ (1 Cor 7:22), and being set free from the slavery of sin, we are now slaves to God (Rom 6:22). When Christ sets us free from the slavery of sin, we are absolutely free (John 8:36), and it is the truth about the Son of God that sets us free (John 8:32). As a slave to God, we should seek to be an obedient slave from the heart (Eph 6:6) and not out of compulsion, but the danger is that we must not use our freedom from sin and the penalty of that sin as a cloak to sin (1 Pet 2:16).

Crucifying the Flesh
Paul saw himself as being crucified to his flesh, and it wasn’t really he who lived any longer, but Christ who lived in him (Gal 2:20) because the old man is dead. If you are indeed in Christ, your old body and sin nature were crucified, and now, instead of being a slave to sin, the old crucified man is gone. Did you not get the obituary notice and miss the funeral? At that point, the new man or woman in Christ has been freed from that bondage for good (Rom 6:6). Anyone who claims to belong to Christ must crucify or put to death the old flesh nature with all of its passions and desires (Gal 5:24). When someone comes to the door of your heart seeking the old man or woman, tell them that he or she has been put to death and that you can’t even take a message for them; the new resident who lives here is a new creation in Christ (1 Cor 5:17). If they’re looking for the old man or woman, tell them to visit the cemetery.

Conclusion
Jesus Christ has set us free from the bondage of sin. Here is how I would describe how he did it for me: He sought me, He caught me, He bought me, He taught me how I ought to be. Nothing about this is from me, but it’s all about He! I am a slave to Christ; therefore, I must submit to Him since my old man has been crucified. Does that make sense? I pray it does.

Your Daily Blessing for 5/18/15

Monday May 18, 2015

Your Daily Blessing

Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy. You have it in you. Wait it out. When those cursed annoyingly ferocious obstacles come barreling at you...plant your feet. Oh so quietly, yet firmly, say "I'm staying right here." May you be blessed with perseverance and patience to wait it out. Sooner or later it gets easier. Promise.

Spiritual Wisdom

The Wise Way

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building, someone may destroy overnight.
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, others may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough.
Give the world your best anyway.
In the final analysis, It's all between You and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
by Kent M. Keith

Forgive and Forget

"I will forgive their wickedness and will never again remember their sins" (Jer. 31:34).

A group of high-spirited students once played a prank on the principal of their college. The principal overreached and the whole business caused quite an upheaval. Lectures were canceled, there was an emergency staff meeting and punishment was meted out. During the course of the day, the students in question decided to apologize, and asked for a meeting with the principal. After listening to their story and apology, the principal answered, "Gentlemen, I accept your apology and there will be no punishment. The incident will be removed from the record books."

We human beings sometimes find it possible to forgive, but we seldom forget. God both forgives and forgets. God made it possible for the people of Israel to start over by forgiving and forgetting their unfaithfulness and disobedience.
Jesus offers you the same forgiveness. He is ready and waiting to let you start over with no record of past wrongs. If you turn back to Him, repent, confess and decide to break with your wicked ways, He accepts your confession and says, "I will never even give this another thought." The record is blank and He puts your sins behind you forever so that you can move on with a clear conscience. You don't need to feel guilty about anything anymore because you are now in the right relationship with God. You are now free to be a new, mature person "in Christ."

Father God, enable me to follow Your example and to forgive and forget. Amen.

Good Can Come from Bad?

I want you to know, my dearest brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News (Phil. 1:12)

When things go wrong in your life, try to remember that often, in some way or another, it happens to all people. The important question is how you react to misfortune, disappointment, and frustration. You can become panic-stricken and complain, "This is it; I've had it!" You can wallow in self-pity and say, "Just look at what happened to me. Why?" Or you could say, "This is a bit of a problem; let me find a way to turn it into something I can use to my advantage, and to the glory of God."

Paul used his exceptional gifts and intelligence to advance the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He traveled far and wide to preach and establish congregations. It was in fact while he was planning more journeys to spread the Good News that disaster struck. He was arrested and locked up. Did this mean it was the end of his mission? Not at all - he started working from prison. He used his time in jail to evangelize the guards and other prisoners and to write letters that help and guide us to this day. What some people saw as a disaster, Paul changed into an opportunity.

Do not allow misfortune to ruin you. Find a way to use it to your own advantage. Give it some serious thought and ask God in prayer what He is telling you through your misfortune. It isn't just a technique of looking for the silver lining to the dark cloud, but must be seen as something God wants you to grab hold of and use to His honor and glory.

Holy God, open my eyes to spot opportunities that You hide in my disappointment. Amen.

To God the Glory and Praise

May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation - the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ - for this will bring much glory and praise to God (Phil. 1:11).

Most of us have a childlike need to be acknowledged, accepted and even hugged now and again. Sometimes it becomes a childish yearning for prominence and fame. Someone said on occasion, "Even the greatest long for a gentle touch."

When writing to the people of Philippi, Paul showered them with praise and appreciation. They made him happy and were his partners in the gospel. God started a good work in them and they had a special place in his heart. His deepest desire was that they would grow to maturity. Everything they had already achieved and everything that was still to happen through their faith and good works dare not make them proud of their spiritual achievements. Their good qualities could be solely attributed to Christ and the Holy Spirit working in them.
Don't pursue honor and glory for yourself. Don't strive to see your name prominently displayed when you have done something worthwhile for God. Give God the credit and glory. Be prepared to stand aside and let other people praise God for what He did in and through you. Don't destroy Christ's work by your efforts to turn the spotlight on yourself. Thank the Lord that you were able to be involved and give Him all the honor and glory.

Lord my God, let the glory always go where it is due: to You. Amen.

Today's Prayer

Choices

Busy is a choice.
Stress is a choice.
Joy is a choice.
Choose well. Just for today, challenge yourself to fill your life with less heartache but more joy, less stress but more peace, and less stuff but more contentment.

What do you tell your brother or sister who is living in sin?

Matthew 18:15
If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

When a Christian Sins

We cannot judge someone who we consider a brother or sister in Christ until we’ve first dealt with sin in our own lives (Matt 7:3). But when grievous sin affects someone in the church and it is serious enough to affect the fellowship of the church, it must not be ignored. Like leaven spreads in bread, so sin can easily spread throughout the entire body unless it is dealt with (Gal 5:9). Jesus tells us the first thing we must do after we have examined our own life to be sure we’re not living in sin either. He tells us that we should go to that person first of all privately (Matt 18:15). This doesn’t mean that we call others in on this and say, “We need to pray for this brother or sister because they’re sinning.” That will not help them at all.

Go Together
The next step Jesus tells us is if we can’t get anywhere with them individually, we are to take a brother or sister with us so that the sin is truly worth confronting a fellow believer over (Matt 18:16). It could be that the sin is not really one at all, and it may be something where the Bible is silent, but if it’s not, then taking another person (not more than two) with you might lead to that person repenting. Then the issue can be dropped at that point.

The Last Resort
If the next step in pointing out grievous (and not a grey area) sin doesn’t work, the very unpleasant act must be brought before the entire church (Matt 18:17). Hopefully, it won’t come to that, but our church had an issue recently where we had to take drastic measures and disfellowshipped someone because of ongoing gossip that was unrepented of. This person also kept disrupting services, Sunday school, and church board meetings. We needed to do this because we know that God is a God of order and doesn’t allow for chaos to reign in His church (1 Cor 14:33). This was first bathed in prayer, and after repeatedly speaking with the individual, nothing worked. The person only hardened their heart. To have to put someone out of the church is a very hard thing to do, but it was done so that their spirit might be saved on the Day of the Lord (1 Cor 5:5).

A Closing Prayer
Righteous God, please give us the courage to confront unrepentant sin when we see it affecting the church and threatening to spread throughout the entire body of Christ. I know this is hard, but You say that You discipline every one of us when we need it or we wouldn’t be Your child (Heb 12:6). Give us the courage to do the right thing and what is best for them and the church, and it is in Jesus’ strong name I pray.
Amen

Sin

OBSERVATION:

 Sin will always be judged by God. Consequences from our past sins often come back to haunt us.
Sin brings judgment. Turn away from the sin that you enjoy. Seek help to remove the sin that reoccurs in your life. Don’t let patterns of sinfulness destroy your life; repent and seek Christ’s help.

GOOD NEWS FROM GOD! Part 2

Who Is God?

Why we should worship God?

• The true God is the creator of all things. He had no beginning and will never have an end. (Psalm 90:2) He is the Source of the good news found in the Bible. (1 Timothy 1:11) Since God gave us life, we should worship only him. (Read Revelation 4:11)

What is God like?

• No human has ever seen God because he is a Spirit, which means that he is a higher form of life than the physical creatures who live on earth. (John 1:18;  4:24) Nevertheless, we can discern God's personality from the things he has made. For instance, the variety of fruits and flowers tells us of his love and wisdom. The size of the universe tells us of his power. (Read Romans 1:20) We can learn even more about God's personality by reading the Bible. For example, it tells us what God likes and what he does not like, how he treats people, and how he reacts in different situations. (Read Psalm 103:7-10)

 Does God have a name?

• Jesus said: "Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified." (Matthew 6:9) Although God has many titles, he has only one name. In each language, it is pronounced differently. In English it is usually pronounced "Jehovah." But some people pronounce it "Yahweh." (Read Psalm 83:18) God's name has been taken out of many Bibles and replaced with the titles Lord or God. But when the Bible was written, it contained God's name some 7,000 times. Jesus made God's name known when he taught people about God. (Read John 17:26)

 Does Jehovah care about us?

• Does widespread suffering mean that Jehovah is a God who does not care about us? Some people claim that he makes us suffer to test us, but this is not true. (Read James 1:13) God has granted man the dignity of free will. Do we not appreciate our freedom to choose to serve God? (Joshua 24:15) But many choose to do bad things to others, so suffering abounds. It saddens Jehovah to see such injustice. (Read 2 Peter 2:9; 3:7, 13.)

  How can we draw closer to God?

• Jehovah invites us to draw close to him by speaking to him in prayer. He is interested in us individually. (Psalm 65:2; 145:18) He is willing to forgive. He recognizes our efforts to please him, even if we sometimes fail. So despite our imperfection, we really can enjoy a close relationship with God. (Read Psalm 103:12-14; James 4:8) Since Jehovah has given us life, we should love him more than we love anyone else. (Mark 12:30) As you express your love for God by learning more about him and doing as he asks, you will draw ever closer to him. (Read 1 Timothy 2:4; 1 John 5:3)

 


 

GOOD NEWS FROM GOD! Part 1

What is the Good News?
  

1.  What is the news from God?  God wants people to enjoy life on earth. He created the earth and everything on it because He loves mankind. Soon He will act to provide a better future for people in every land. He will relieve mankind of the causes of suffering. ( Read Jeremiah 29:11). No government has ever succeeded in eliminating violence, disease, or death. But there is good news. Shortly, God will replace all human governments with His own government. Its subjects will enjoy peace and good health. (Read Isaiah 25:8; 33:24; Daniel 2:44).
2. Why is the good news urgent? Suffering will end only when God clears the earth of bad people. (Zephaniah 2:3) When will that happen? God's Word foretold the conditions that now threaten mankind. Current events indicate that God's time to act is close. (Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5).
3. What should we do? We should learn about God from His Word, the Bible. It is like a letter to us from a loving father. It tells us how to enjoy a better way of life now and how to enjoy everlasting life on earth in the future. True, some may not like it that you are receiving help to understand the Bible. But the opportunity of a better future is too good to miss. (Read Proverbs 29:25;  Revelation 14:6-7). 

What is the Kingdom of God?

Would you say it is . . . 

• something within your heart?
• a figure of speech?
• a government in heaven?

THE BIBLE SAYS:
"The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed." -Daniel 2:44
"A son has been given to us; and the government will rest on his shoulder." -Isaiah 9:6

WHAT THAT CAN MEAN FOR YOU:

• A righteous government that can benefit you personally. -Isaiah 48:17-18.
• In a coming new world, life in perfect health and happiness. -Revelation 21:3-4.

CAN WE REALLY BELIEVE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS? 
Yes, for at least two reasons:

•   Jesus showed what God's Kingdom will accomplish. Jesus taught his followers to pray for God's Kingdom to come and for God's will to be done on earth. (Matthew 6:9-10) Jesus demonstrated how that prayer will be answered. While on earth, Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, and restored life to the dead! (Matthew 15:29-38; John 11:38-44) As the future Ruler of God's Kingdom, Jesus provided a beautiful preview of what that Kingdom will do for its subjects. -Revelation 11:15
• World conditions confirm that God's Kingdom will soon come. Jesus foretold that just before the Kingdom brings peace to the earth, our world would be plagued with wars, famines, and earthquakes. -Matthew 24:3, 7. We see those very conditions today. So we can be confident that God's Kingdom will soon bring an end to all such problems.

TO THINK ABOUT:
What will life be like under the rule of God's Kingdom? The Bible answers that question at PSALM 37:29 and ISAIAH 65:21-23. 

Will suffering ever end?

Would you say . . . 

• yes?
• no?
• maybe?

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS:

"God . . .  will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying, or pain."
-Revelation 21:3, 4 Contemporary English Version

WHAT THAT CAN MEAN FOR YOU:

• Assurance that God does not cause our problems. -James 1:13.
• Comfort from knowing that God feels for us when we suffer. -Zechariah 2:8. 
• Hope that all suffering will end. -Psalm 37:9-11.

CAN WE REALLY BELIEVE WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS?

Yes, for at least two reasons:

• God hates suffering and injustice. Consider how Jehovah God felt when his people in Bible times were cruelly mistreated. The Bible says that he was distressed because of "those who were treating them abusively." -Judges 2:18

God has strong feelings about those who harm others. For example, the Bible says that "hands that shed innocent blood" are detestable to him. -Proverbs 6:16, 17.

• God cares for us as individuals. Not only does each person know "his own plague and his own pain" but so does Jehovah! -2 Chronicles 6:29, 30.

Through his Kingdom, Jehovah will soon end the suffering of each individual. (Matthew 6:9, 10) In the meantime, he tenderly comforts those who sincerely look for him. -Acts 17:27; 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4.

TO THINK ABOUT:

Why does God allow suffering? The Bible answers that question at ROMANS 5:12 and 2 PETER 3:9.

God's love never ceases. Never. Though we spurn him. Ignore him. Reject him. Despise him. Disobey him. He will not change. Our evil cannot diminish his love. Our goodness cannot increase it. Our faith does not earn it anymore than our stupidity jeopardizes it. God doesn't love us less if we fail or more if we succeed. God's love never ceases.

Struggles

Think back to a struggle. Can you see something to be thankful for because of it?

Acts 5:41
Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name

Hindsight is 20/20
Obviously, we can see things easier when there has been some distance of time between an event and the time that it happened. Only then can we later understand that we should have been thankful for it. I remember being with a man who was with me sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and one lady slammed a door in our face in great anger. I thought like he did at the time, “Wow, that was rude,” but only later did we realize that we should be thankful because we were being rejected not because of who we were but because of Who Jesus is. It was a very hot and windy day. We were both thirsty and tired, and this door-slamming event didn’t feel good at the time, but only later did we feel joy about having been obedient to the Great Commission and being rejected for His sake (Matt 28:18-20/Acts 1:8). Looking back we saw that we both could be thankful for it (Matt 5:10-12; James 1:2).

Strength in the Struggle
I remember a young boy finding a cocoon. He took it home and said he wanted to wait for the butterfly to come out, so his parents put it in a jar with some holes punched into the lid so that air could get to it, but when the butterfly started opening the cocoon, the boy started helping it along. He tore part of the cocoon open so that the butterfly would have an easier time getting out. The butterfly did get out easier, as it didn’t have to struggle as much, but shortly after that the butterfly died. It seems that in the struggle to get out of the cocoon, the butterfly strengthens its wings, and it gives the wings time to dry out, too. When it received help, the wings were not strong enough to fly because there was less of a struggle for the butterfly to get out, and its wings were so weak that it simply lay down and died.

Strength in Adversity
In a biosphere experiment that a group of scientists had many years ago, they started having problems with the trees inside the self-contained unit. The trees started dying, and they couldn’t figure out why. Finally, after scientists could find no explanation for the trees dying, they came to understand that there needed to be some sort of wind in the biosphere. It seems that the trees grew so weak without having any wind resistance that the weight of their branches frequently pulled them off of the tree trunk. Scientific observations show that trees don’t grow most rapidly during times of rain or during times of sun. It seems that trees grow at their fastest rate and become the strongest during times of persistent and strong winds. The lesson is clear: When we think back to a time that we had struggled, maybe we should thank God for it because it’s likely made us stronger (1 Pet 1:6).

A Closing Prayer
Righteous God in heaven, I thank You for allowing me to face adversity, knowing that even the storms make me stronger, even if I don’t know it at the time (Acts 14:22). You know just how much is too much and the exact amount of struggle that is needed for me (1 Cor 10:13), so I thank You for the storms and praise You in all of this. In Jesus’ Holy Name I pray.
Amen

Life Lessons: God’s Presence at All Times Genesis 39:1—40:23

Life Lessons: God’s Presence at All Times

Genesis 39:1—40:23

SITUATION: Even though Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, God used that situation to bless Joseph. First, an Egyptian officer entrusted his household to Joseph. When Joseph rejected the sexual advances of the officer’s wife, she falsely accused Joseph of rape and had him jailed. Again, even in prison, God developed Joseph’s character.

OBSERVATION: In order to experience God’s power, leaders must often endure hardship. Then they emerge to make their contribution.

INSPIRATION: [A] leader must prepare for leadership in the same way Jesus prepared: by being willing to suffer.

     The words almost sound strange to modern ears. What do we know, in this wonderful country, of suffering? As a nation we have never known real want. . . . There have been, of course, earthquakes, floods . . . illness. There are riots and strikes and crimes. Violent death threatens us on the highways, in the cities. . . .

     To suffer simply means “to bear under.” A leader is [someone] who does not groan about burdens, but takes them—and with a dash of humor. He knows how to keep his mouth shut about his difficulties and how to live a day at a time, doing quietly what needs doing at the moment. . . . Don’t do it alone. Perhaps I seem to be belaboring the point, but lest the “rules” for leadership appear impossibly supernatural, we need to recall constantly that it is Christ who calls us; it is Christ who promises His presence and His strength. Who did He call to be disciples? Weren’t they quite ordinary men? None was outstanding, so far as we know, before his call to discipleship. It was not unusual gifts or an unusual spirituality or any position of temporal success already gained that drew Jesus’ attention to them. He spent a night in prayer to His Father, prior to the decision, and then, in accord with the Father’s will, issued the call. I pray . . . that you (and others who may read this) will answer the call to be willing to suffer in order to lead, to be last in order to be first. (From The Mark of a Man by Elisabeth Elliot)

APPLICATION: God often develops leaders through have humility and suffering. If you have a position of leadership, realize that suffering and success both come with the job. Both build character and ability. Take heart in the examples of Joseph and Jesus, two leaders who rose above suffering to lead and to love. Accept your problems today as opportunities for growth.

EXPLORATION: God’s Presence at All Times – Genesis 28:15;  Exodus 33:14;  Deuteronomy 20:1;  Isaiah 43:2;  Matthew 18:20; 28:20

Life Lessons: Relying on God Genesis 38:1-30

Life Lessons: Relying on God

Genesis 38:1-30

SITUATION: Onan and Judah shirked their moral responsibilities to produce a child by Tamar and preserve her husband’s line.

OBSERVATION: Trusting God is critical—especially when it is difficult to do so. Sometimes trusting in God’s help and timing seems to fight against our own interests and aspirations. Still, obeying and trusting God yields his blessing.

INSPIRATION: All my life, I just wanted to be a mother. Every year I received only one Christmas gift that truly counted: a doll. Not a Barbie doll or a fashion doll, but a baby doll. . . .

     At thirty-five I married. I had waited, determined not to make a mistake, and though I had dated some very sharp, attractive men, it was only when Will Anderson appeared that I knew the right man had come. . . . Will and I decided we wanted to try for a baby right away. . . . Now we shared a common dream. . . .

     Somehow, though, I thought the dream of having a baby would be easier to attain [than running a marathon]. That the hardest part had been waiting so many years for the right man to be my husband. But I quickly learned the word “infertility.” Strictly speaking, of course, I was not infertile. I could become pregnant all right, but each time I would miscarry during the first few weeks. During one year I was hospitalized eight times with pregnancy-related problems. . . .

     In this situation, no matter what medication, what shots, what torment I subjected my body to through surgeries and other procedures, I could not make a baby. I was completely stripped and broken. And I was suddenly empty enough of myself to see God in a way I had never seen Him before. (From Open Adoption by Ann Kiemel Anderson)

APPLICATION: Are you waiting patiently for God to work out his loving plan? Instead of trying to “make things happen,” trust God’s timing and submit your dreams to him.

EXPLORATION:  Relying on God – Psalm 32:10; 37:3;  Proverbs 3:5;  John 14:1;  Romans 9:33