A LIFE LIVED WITH PURPOSE PRODUCES LASTING RESULTS

“The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. “—Proverbs 21:25

 

In the book of Genesis there is a story of two twin brothers, Jacob and Esau.  In their day and culture, the oldest son received the blessings of the father and got the inheritance.  This scripture reading gives us a picture of how an individual sacrificed his future for immediate gratification because he was hungry.  “Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary.   And Esau said to Jacob, ‘Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.’ Therefore his name was called Edom.  But Jacob said, ‘Sell me your birthright as of this day.’  And Esau said, ‘Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?’  Then Jacob said, ‘Swear to me as of this day.’ So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob.   And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright” (Genesis 25:29-34).  As you read over this scripture you probably thought, I can not believe that Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup.  You may have thought, how foolish!  However, stop and think beyond birthrights and a bowl of soup.  Is there anything of true value that you are trading for something of lesser worth?  In other words, what is your “bowl of soup?”

Have you pursued wealth and a career at the expense of family?  Maybe your busy schedule   has kept you from spending time with God in His Word each day.  Some people become involved in extra material affairs, trading the well-being of their family for the satisfaction of lustful desires.  Other sacrifices their health by consuming harmful or addictive substances, or even by overindulging in food.  The list of ways we make foolish, shortsighted choices is endless.

Some of the decision we make today could rob us of the blessings God wants to give to us.  When you yield to temptation in a moment of weakness, you are actually sacrificing your future for momentary pleasure.  We can not afford to live thoughtlessly, basing our decisions on immediate desires or feelings.  Since the principle of sowing and reaping cannot be reversed, we need to carefully consider what we are planting.  The harvest will come, and we will reap what we have sown—and more than we have sown.

Are you contemplating anything that could have serious long-term ramifications if you yield to the yearning?  A wise person evaluates choices by looking ahead to see what negative consequences could follow a course of action.  Do not let “a bowl of soup” hinder God’s wonderful plans for you.  I encourage you to live your life with purpose.

Prayer—Father I repent for making bad choices based on graining immediate gratification and I ask You to forgive me.  Lord I ask You to deliver me from making wrong choices, in Jesus Name. Amen.

YOUR HEART IS WHAT MATTERS TO GOD

“And He said, ‘what comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from with, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. Al these evil things come from within and defile a man.”—Mark 7:20-23

 

The outward appearance of a person is not important.  It is the condition of a person’s heart that matters to God.  However, mankind has not always understood this.  The covenant of circumcision was give to Abram in Genesis 17:9-14.  God said that any man who did not carry this sign of the covenant in his flesh was to be killed.  This placed a great importance on the act of circumcision.  The Apostle Paul tells us that Abraham had already been justified by faith before he was circumcised, in Romans 4:3-13.  Abram’s faith in God and His promise saved him at least thirteen years before He commanded Abram to be circumcised.

 

Down through the centuries, the Jews turned their focus to the outward act of circumcision instead of the inward act of faith as the reason for salvation.  This was a source of contention between Jesus and the religious leaders too.  They emphasized all the outward acts the Lord had commanded and were totally disregarding the condition of their hearts.  Jesus said that if an individual would cleanse their heart, their actions would inevitably change too. 

 

The condition of a person’s flesh is not the important thing.  God is interested in a person’s heart, not if their flesh has been circumcised or not.  Today, the religious questions center around the doctrine of water baptism, church membership, and other outward acts that some preach are necessary for salvation. 

 

Your faith in the love of God, as expressed through Jesus on the Cross and in His resurrection is the only thing God demands for your justification.  Religious rites mean nothing when it comes to salvation.  Your heart is what matters to God.  You can rejoice today that your heart safely trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that my heart is right with You and because it is out of the abundance of my heart my mouth will utter things that are pleasing to You, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD MEETS THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE

“Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” —Matthew 7:9-11

 

Yesterday, we read how the Lord, our Good Shepherd, pardons us and restores us back to Himself.  Today, let’s see how the Lord provides for our necessities.  There are many times, that before we even ask for help He delights in meeting those needs.  We could say it like this; He knows what we need physically, emotionally, and spiritually, and He is already at work, providing things that we may not even have thought of as yet. 

 

Have you ever thought how God is at work as a protector in your life?  Psalm 23:4 shows us that we are not to be fearful when we are going through difficulties.  “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”  Take note of the words, “rod” and “staff” in this scripture, as they help to give us understanding what the writer of the Psalms was referring to.  You see, in those days shepherds used these tools to defend their sheep from vicious animals.  Likewise, the Good Shepherd goes ahead of us clearing our path of the Enemy’s snares and entrapments, and He will pull us back to Himself when we cry out to Him. 

 

It is good to note that in Psalm 23 we are comforted by the fact that although God does not lead us around “the valley of the shadow of death,” rather, He leads us through it.  This means that God’s plan often requires us to walk through painful circumstances, facing those shadows and dark places in our lives; however, in the midst of the rough journey and difficult times, we can remain confident by keeping our eyes on the Shepherd, who leads us safely home.

Have you experienced the Lords’ provision, only to fall into subsequent doubt and fear because of loss or hardship?  He has not left you.  I want to encourage you today that God remains your faithful Good Shepherd, leading you through the darkness and into the light, where He is.  You can trust Him for your every provision.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that before I even know that I have a need You are moving in my behalf.  Thank You for protecting me from pitfalls, snares and hidden traps of the enemy and that You are always working in my behalf to provide for me, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

GOD RESTORES OUR SOUL

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.   He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.”—Psalm 23:2-3

 

Many people, Christians and non-Christians, are able to recognize today’s Scripture reading as a portion of the 23 Psalm.  However, no matter how often this much loved psalm is quoted or repeated, we seem to miss the full impact of its important message: God restores our soul.

 

There is only one way that the Lord is able to restore (set our souls right) and that is through fellowship with Him.  Even though we may stray far from His path at times, He remains, faithfully, the Good Shepherd.  Even when we are inclined to wander, He receives us back and is always willing to pardon the wayward sheep.   

 

Most people do not make a conscious decision to abandon their Heavenly Father.  Abandonment usually happens more cunningly, as a result of wandering desires and selfish attempts to meet our own needs.  When we strive to gain comfort and safety apart from God, we stray further and further from Him. 

 

Jesus gives to us a beautiful picture of the type of reception that awaits a “lost sheep” in Luke 15:3-7.  “So He spoke this parable to them, saying, ‘What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?’  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’  I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” 

 

Notice in these Scriptures that the shepherd does not scold or punish the rebellious sheep.  Instead of punishment, all of heaven celebrates because what was lost has now been found.  In a similar way, heaven, rejoices when a wandering child of God returns to the Good Shepherd. 

 

Today, examine your heart and listen to the Good Shepherds voice.  Is He calling you home to Him today?  Have you ranged to far from Him and need a closer fellowship with Him?  Respond to His voice today and He will restore your soul.

 

Prayer—Heavenly Father, I call out to You today and I ask You to forgive me for going my own way.  I repent Lord, and I ask You to restore my soul to You today, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

DETERMINATION AND EXPECTATION ARE NECESSARY WHILE WAITING

“Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord.”—Psalm 27:14

 

Are you currently waiting for the Lord to intervene in some way in your life, or in the life of a loved one?  One of the struggles we face as Christians is trying to understand sometimes there are delays over matters that seem so urgent to us. Only the Lord knows all of the reasons.  However, there are some lessons that we can learn from when Peter and John were arrested and put into jail. 

 

Peter and John were arrested and jailed because they preached in the name of Jesus, the resurrection from the dead, and people were being healed.  When they were brought up before the authorities they refused to compromise and would not cease to give their testimony.  They were threatened and released.  Peter and John returned to the people that they were with, and then began to worship and praise God.  The place was shaken where they were all gathered and they spoke the Word of God with boldness (Acts 4:1-31). 

 

The first lesson is: Determine Your Focus.  In the urgency of the moment, it is easy to center your attention on the need instead of on God.  Peter and John remained focus on their message, not on getting out of jail.  We may start out waiting for the Lord, but end up waiting for the answer we want.  Soon we become more interest in what God can do for us, rather than our focus remaining in Him.  Sometimes God delays until we get our focus back on Him.  He wants us to delight in Him; not in just what He can give to us.

 

Secondly, Release Your Expectations into His Hands.  Peter and John said, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. Fore we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20).  The Lord is working on your behalf, but sometimes we cling so tightly to a desired outcome that He must wait until we open our hands and let go of our own expectations.  Holding onto your own assumptions about how the Lord should intervene is emotionally exhausting.  But peace awaits those who trust that He will do what is in our best interests in every situation that we encounter.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you that I keep my focus upon You and I release my desire into Your hands as I wait for the answer, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

ALL YOUR GOOD IS THE RESULT OF GOD WORKING WITHIN YOU

“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”—Micah 6:8

 

A few months before my mother died, she told me that her favorite verse was Micah 6:8.  I never thought to ask her why this was her favorite scripture, but have pondered on it many times.  

 

Growing up, my mother had her hands full with raising five children, a husband and helping do the many necessary tasks on a farm.  During this time as a child, I suppose I had the normal feelings of any child that is one of many, and did not think that I was dealt with justly when punishment was dealt out—especially, if in my small mind that I did not start the argument.  Mercy, now that is what every child needs, who has just shot a hole in their dad’s Pick-up truck window with a bb gun.  No, in my mind growing up, particularly when punishment was being given, I did not think that justice and mercy were a part of my small world.  However, after I became an adult I began to understand that my parents were doing their best to rear children who would act fairly towards other people in business and personal relationships, and have a compassionate disposition towards others. 

 

Micah 6:8 tells us how we are to treat other people and what our attitude towards God should be.  We are admonished to deal fairly with people, and to be compassionate towards other people,   forgiving them.  “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:17 KJV).   The other admonishment that we are given in this Scripture is to have a respectful attitude towards God.  We are to remember that He is the big “I” and we are the little “i’s”.  Many years ago, I heard this phrase, “If it had not been for the Lord…”  Let us not ever forget that if it had not been for the lord’s justice and mercy we would die in our sins. 

 

He sent His Son, Jesus, to suffer the justice that we deserved and through His Mercy we receive forgiveness.   

 

Today, I challenge you to be a woman or man who seeks to treat all people according to God’s standard of justice. Do not cheat people in business. Fight oppression. Defend the defenseless. Allow God’s mercy to flow through you.  Take food to those who are hungry, clothing to those who are naked. Visit prisoners. Sponsor children living in poverty around the world.  Also walk humbly with God! Do not be boastful in your life and work.  All your good is the result of God working within you. Be humble in all things as you walk with God.  

 

Keep your eyes open as you step out your door and you will find opportunities to do good.  Needs are all around us, but we have become skilled at turning a blind eye. Open your eyes and see all around you the places where the Lord would have you do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with him.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for Your justice and mercy at work in me and through me.  I purpose to keep my eyes open for opportunities to demonstrate your justice and mercy in the world, in Jesus Name. Amen.

OVERCOMING THE SMALL THINGS WILL PREPARE YOU TO BE VICTORIOUS IN THE BIG THINGS

“He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”—Luke 16:10

 

David’s believed his past trials had prepared him for his future victory, “Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God” (1 Samuel 17:36).  This was the secret to David’s success in killing Goliath.  When no one was around watching what David was doing, he had killed a lion and a bear that had attached his father’s sheep.  He was not trying to be brave or to prove anything; in fact, he could have run away and no one who have known.  However, he chose to stand firm in his responsibilities and protect the sheep.

 

It was David’s victories over the lion and the bear that gave him the assurance and faith that God would also be with him to kill Goliath.  He knew that Israel was more precious to God than a few sheep.  David had learned to trust God when no one was looking so that when people were looking, his faith remained strong and was established. 

 

Many people dream of doing some great exploit, but they are not faithful in life’s everyday trials because they are not doing things for God.  Their focus has become skewed all the while that they are promoting themselves.  They are waiting for a great audience and then they think that they will be able to perform.  However, the people that are able to overcome in the small things will be victorious in the big things.  The Scripture tells us that promotion does not come from the east nor the west, but from the Lord. 

 

David’s faithfulness in the relatively small things was what enabled him to be ruler over much, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much…” (Luke 16:10).  Be faithful in the trials that you face today, and your faith will be strong and your heart in the right place for when the big tests and trials come your way.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for the trials that I overcome today are preparing me for my future victories, in Jesus Name. Amen.

THE WORD BRINGS ILLUMINATION FOR THE CHRISTIAN TO SEE

“Also He said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lamp stand?’”—Mark 4:21

 

In the passage of scripture for today’s reading, Jesus had just taught and explained the Parable of the Sower to His disciples.  He stressed the importance of God’s Word in our lives.   Just as a farmer can not have a harvest without planting seeds, we can not bear fruit without putting God’s Word into our hearts.   While still speaking about the importance of God’s Word, Jesus said that a candle must be put into a candlestick to shine its light.

 

The Psalmist wrote that God’s Word would light up your path, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).   Without the illumination of God’s Word, we are not able to see where we are going.  Jesus taught that it is God’s Word that sheds light on all of our situations and difficulties.  He said what is the purpose of having a light if it is not going to be used?  Why would anyone place a lamp under a bed or a basket to block the light?  That does not make any sense.  However, that is exactly what we often do with the light God has given to us.

 

How many times have we neglected meditating on God’s Word because of our busy schedules, and as a result we just stumbled blindly though our day?  The influence of God’s Word in our lives is not a luxury we can do without.  It is as essential as light in a dark room.  Light in the darkness enables us to function as if it were day—as long as the light is in a prominent place.

 

Your light is not in a prominent place if you are walking in darkness.  Here are some ways to check the validity of your light, and to know if you are walking in darkness.  Are you allowing an ungodly person to influence your decision, or are you seeking godly wisdom from those whose life exemplifies Christ?  Do your own self-interest and desires come before what you know to be what God’s desires are?  Does God have first place in your life, or are you putting other’s wants, needs and interest first?  God wants the body of Christ to mature and grown up and break out of the cycle of darkness, and walk in the light as He is in the light. 

 

Your heart is the candlestick on which you set the light of God’s Word.  As you mediate on it day and night, there is no circumstance or secret that will not be clearly revealed to you through the light of the Word, “For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.  If any has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:22-23).   You will see where you are going and not stumble today if His Word is shining brightly in your heart. 

 

Prayer—Father I ask you to reveal any hidden thing in my life that is in darkness.  I desire to walk in the light as your representative in the world.  I purpose to let my life shine, and I ask You to forgive me for allowing others to hide and dim my light.  I know that You will help me shine brightly for You, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

BY LOVE, THE LOVE OF GOD IS PERFECTED IN US

“No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.”—1 John 4:12

 

I read a story one time that has had a profound impact on my life.  The story went something like this: Many years ago that a pastor announced to his congregation that he would be preaching the following Sunday evening on the topic, “The Love of God.”   And when Sunday evening arrived, the congregation gathered to hear the message.  It was getting dark so the pastor quietly lit a candle and held it up to the crucifix that stood beside the altar.  Without saying a single word, he held the candle up and illuminated the crown of thorns that adorned the head of Jesus.  He, then, lowered the candle to the two wounded hands, and then to the wound in His side.  As the congregation watched in silence, he blew out the candle and left the sanctuary.  There was nothing else to say.

 

This story reminds us that love is the core value of the Christian faith and that God loves us. As the author of first John proclaims to us, “In this is love, not that we loved God but he loved us.” He even declares to us that God is love (vs.8).

 

We know that God is love because we have looked into the tomb and we have seen that it is empty.  Jesus became the sacrifice for our sins. He is the revelation of God’s endless love and commitment to us.

 

That is the good news that we offer to a love-starved world. Even as we long for God, God longs for us. And that longing that we share comes together in Jesus.  But there’s more to love than just being loved. “Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. If we love one another, God lives in us.”  Love shapes what we do as people of God because God is at work in us.

 

What we learn from scripture is that we are called to act on the love that we receive.  Acting out our love for one another is something that we learn from how God has acted out his love for us. God’s love for us resulted in his coming to us. The sacrifice made for us on the cross grew out of God’s relentless, and unyielding, and grace-driven love. God’s love for us is so fervent that he could not leave us as we were, lost in sin and unable to undo the stain that clings to us.  Out of love, Jesus acted. Out of love, Jesus paid the price for our sin so that we could be united to God.

 

All life is precious because God lives in us. All life is precious because God’s love is perfected in each and every one of us.

 

Our world would understand this love so much better if every once in a while we simply gathered together, lit a candle, and like that pastor so long ago, just held it up to the cross and saw for ourselves how God chose to love us. God’s love is about sacrifice, and that love is made perfect in us through his sacrifice on the cross.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that the tomb of Christ is empty and that Your love dwells in me because of the sacrifice of Christ.  Today I purpose in my heart to lay down my life for my neighbor thereby demonstrating that your love is perfected in me, in Jesus Name.  Amen.   

CONTENTMENT: A PLACE OF SUFFICIENCY IN CHRIST ALONE

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”—1 Timothy 6:6

 

I think that the best viewpoint of contentment that I have heard is — only wanting what you have.  Since most people are always looking to get what they do not have, we, then, ask the question, how do you achieve godly contentment?  How do you get to the point where you only want what you have, and no longer focus on trying to keep up with what other people have?   I think that the best way to answer that question is to look at Biblical examples, like Paul for instances.   He came to place in his life – not a physical place, but a spiritual place – where he felt divine contentment.  

 

Contentment in God’s Word means to be “self contained.”  In the context of this passage, we learn that Paul was thanking people for their love gifts to him, but he wanted them also to know that he was not dependent upon them because God had brought him to a place of sufficiency in Himself alone.  That is, Paul was able to say, “I have learned that I do not need anything or anybody else, but the Lord. I have Him, and therefore, I am self-contained, not self –sufficient.  I can do all things through Christ.”  Do you have contentment today in Christ alone?  Or are you trying to fill the void in your life by seeking things that other people have?  When we try to fill the void in our lives by seeking things that other people have, we are actually, seeking worldly contentment and not godly contentment.

 

The Scriptures sum up godly contentment in the simplest of terms for us, that "having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (I Timothy 6:8).   Today, let’s repent for seeking worldly contentment in things and not true godly contentment and ask the Lord to remove any pride in our hearts.

 

Prayer—Father, I repent for seeking worldly contentment in things and I ask you to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness.  Lord, I repent of pride and every false way, cleanse me and make me new so that what I sincerely desire is you and your sufficiency alone, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

JOY A CONTROLLING INFLUENCE

“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”—John 15:11

 

The born-again believer experiences the blessing of joy when they abide in Christ.  This joy is not based on emotional highs or lows, blessings or tests and trials, but on our relationship and fellowship with Christ.

 

Just like we get to know about people by being around them that same thing happens when we have fellowship with Christ.  We get an understanding of Christ and His character by fellowshipping with Him through reading the Scriptures, prayer and fellowship with other believers.   

 

John 15 verses 1-10 instructs us about abiding in Christ, bearing fruit, having our prayers answered, and continuing in Christ's love and obeying Him as true disciples.  These verses also points to one final climactic blessing: joy.   What a tremendous promise!   

 

Have you ever thought that every bit of the Christian life is designed for our joy?  Jesus wanted the joy He experienced in fellowship with the Father to remain in His disciples. In verse 10, He said, "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love."   Jesus is the example of the perfect abiding life resulting in full joy.  In the midst of all that Jesus suffered, He still had full joy because of His abiding relationship with the Father.  When you abide in Him, you'll have the same joy.

 

When David sinned and no longer sensed the presence of God, he cried out, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation" (Psalm 51:12).   He did not lose his salvation; he just lost the joy of it because he had ceased to abide in the fullest sense.

 

Peter refers to abiding joy as "joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8).  That is the kind of joy that Jesus had and that is the kind of joy that can belong to a Christian.

 

The Father’s desire for you is that your joy should be so full that it has a controlling influence on the rest of her or his life.  Today, if you are not experiencing the fullness of Christ’s joy in your life ask the Father to remove anything that is standing in the way of your joy and to restore it.

 

Prayer—Father, so many times I have let the things of this world block and rob me of my joy.  I ask You to remove any obstacle that stands in my way of receiving your true joy, and I ask You to restore to me the joy of my salvation, in Jesus Name. Amen.  

WHEN THE TRUTH OF GOD IS ATTACHED, CONTEND FOR THE FAITH

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”—Jude 1:3

 

In 1 Samuel 17, we are given a picture of an individual who dealt with someone who was much larger physically and more experience in battle.  However David, a teenager, under took such a fight to contend against the giant who had defied the armies of the living God.  David's short battle with Goliath was more than a fight between Israel and the Philistines.  It was a defense of Jehovah's name against those who doubted His supremacy.  As David pointed out, the only way a boy with a sling could defeat a giant warrior like Goliath was by the Lord's hand.  And that's exactly what happened.

 

In confronting Goliath, David showed real courage and faith. But we see that what drove him to face the giant was righteous indignation: "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?" (1 Sam. 17:26).  David believed that someone had to wipe away from Israel the reproach caused by Goliath's insults.  Since no one else would step forward, he volunteered to defend Yahweh's name.

 

Modern audiences often read this story merely as a battle scene wherein an inexperienced underdog toppled an ancient superhero.  We comfort ourselves that we will probably never have to deal with such a scenario.  But the real story is that David stood up for God.  Given how our culture scoffs at both the Father and Jesus Christ, believers will certainly spend some time in David's sandals.  The question is whether we will turn and run or stand and fight in God's name.

The book of Jude reminds us that when apostasy (the refusal to accept religious beliefs anymore), arises that we are to fight, to contend, to do battle.  We, like David, are to contend for the faith when false teachers emerge and when the truth of God is attacked.  The danger is as real today as it was in Jude’s day.  False teachers have crept into the church, turning God’s grace into unbounded license to do as they please.  Jude reminds people of God’s past dealing with unbelieving Israel, disobedient angels, and wicked Sodom and Gomorrah.  In the face of such danger Christians, should not be caught off guard. 

 

When Jude exhorted the believers to, “contend earnestly for the faith…,” the word “earnestly” is only used here in the whole of the New Testament.  Although there are similar words to it in the New Testament, but the exact word translated “earnestly” is only found in this verse (v. 3).  Jude is telling us that we must actively participate in a spiritual wrestling match.  This is something that we must stand up and take a stand for; just like David did.  It is the duty, the calling, the responsibility of those who are the called, the beloved, and kept for Jesus Christ.  Jude is writing to those people saying, “I’m writing YOU—you called, you beloved, you kept and I am telling you that you need to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all deliver to the saints (v. 1).    

 

You don't need a theology degree to combat those who would mock God.  I exhort you to purpose in your heart not to run from those who would mock God and call evil good and good evil.  Stand firm in your faith knowing that God is on your side and He has given you His Word.   Your "smooth stones" are the truths you have pulled from the Bible.  No enemy can win an argument against scripture.  Remember when someone may challenge God’s Word that: GOD’S WORD CAN WITHSTAND RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT. 

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are standing with me as I purpose in my heart to stand and contend for my faith.  I ask for Your wisdom and determination to stand firm in my faith regardless of others beliefs and arguments.  Help me to express Your love and compassion in the face of trouble and conflict, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

AS A BELIEVER, EVERY FAILURE CAN BE A STEPPING STONE TO SUCCESS

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”—Galatians 6:7

 

You may have heard the expression that God does not create any failures; however, when we look at the world around us, we can see failure.  Financial institutions have failed, a variety of types of business have been forced to close there doors, and all around the world we see relationships that have failed.  Failure can be a dreadful word.  No one likes to the think about failure, or experience it.  However, everyone can be subject to the attacks of failure.  Throughout the Scriptures, many of God’s servants suffered failures.  Some of the most successful men and women in history have experienced failure.  If God does not create failures, why then are we seeing so many of them?  I believe that there are times that God allows failure because we as humans are not perfect, and those individuals who go on to eventually succeed are the ones who understand the difference between temporary defeat and failure.  These are the ones who look beyond life’s occasional setbacks, and refuse to give up, no matter what obstacles that confront them.

 

Jesus’ parable of two men who had built a house is a vivid picture of both success and failure.  One of the men built the foundation of his house upon rock, the other on sand.  When the storms unleashed their fury, one house stood and the other fell.  “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fail, for it was founded on the rock.   But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand; and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell.  And great was its fall” (Matthew 7:24-27).  In this parable, we can find two principles that can protect us from lasting failure in our personal, family, business, and spiritual lives.

 

First, always build upon the strong, immovable foundation of truth.  Any aspect of life that violates truth is doomed to failure.  It may stand for a season, but eventually it will collapse.  The truth of Scripture should be our guide in business, as-well-as in our family life.  Detours around truth and honesty will always lead to disappointment and ultimately failure. 

Second, build for the storms of life that come.  What you build will be tested.  The consequences of shoddy work, laziness, dishonesty, though it may be well-hidden, will surely bring failure tomorrow.  You cannot escape the eternal principle: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

 

God is not the author of our failures thought He does allow it.  Even though we are His children and want what is best, we do not always know what is best: therefore, we may experience what looks like failure.  There are times that we allow ourselves to become sidetracked. Our priorities get out of order; our motivation becomes selfish; Christ is no longer the center of our lives.  These are times that God uses failure as a way of getting our attention; humbling us, and bringing us back to Himself. 

 

Always remember that there is a difference between failing and being a failure.  God does not make failures; however, sometimes He allows us to fail today in order to bring us success in our tomorrow.  God has planted in your every defeat the seeds of your future success.  Successful people are those who apply God’s remedy: humbling themselves before Him in repentance, surrendering to His will and His goals for their lives.  For the believer, every failure can be a stepping stone to success.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you that You have not made me a failure. Today I humble myself before You, and repent for doing things my way. I ask you to help me turn every situation in my life into a success, in Jesus Name. Amen.

ACCESS GOD’S SPIRITUAL RICHES BY FAITH

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”—Ephesians 1:3

 

Do you think of yourself as rich?  No matter how much money you have, if you are a believer in Jesus, you are extremely wealthy because God has lavished the riches of His grace upon you.  At the moment of salvation, He deposited into your account “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).  Why, then, do so many believers live in spiritual poverty?

 

1.      Ignorance.   Some Christians do not know about this unlimited spiritual “bank account,” and, therefore, they never draw upon it.

2.      Confusion.  Too many believers just do not know how to access the treasures of God’s grace.  As a result, they worry and complain about their needs and problems or in desperation come to the Lord begging and pleading for help, never realizing His abundant supply has already, been deposited into their account.

3.      Competing Interests.  Distraction by things of the world may be the most common reason.  Christians in this category focus on possessions, pressing responsibilities, and advancement but lack interest in God’s spiritual blessings.

 

The riches of God’s grace supersede any earthly wealth.  They give the peace and contentment that money can never buy, and their benefits reach all the way into eternity.

 

The only way to access God’s spiritual riches is by faith.  We do not have to beg or persuade the Lord to give what He has already made available to us.  Instead, we simply choose to believe that we are who He says we are and can do what He has called us to accomplish.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that Christ has made me abundantly wealthy in spiritual blessings.  Holy Spirit I ask you to help me access all that Christ possessed for me, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

OBEY GOD EVEN IN DIFFICULT TIMES

“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ‘We ought to obey God rather than men”—Acts 5:29

 

All over the world we are getting reports that Christians are being persecuted for their beliefs.  House pastors are being sent to prison and tortured, in one country, a group of believers had gathered in the church to pray when radical extremist burnt the church down.  While in other countries, believers are being exiled from their families, and turned into the streets to live.  In America, I am not personally aware that the degree of persecution that Christians suffer in some other countries occurs here. 

 

Because my parents thought that my husband and I had become involved in a cult, we were persecuted.  We literally had to leave our home and property.  We are like so many people that have chosen to obey God leaving all to follow Him, and have seen the fulfillment of Christ’s promise, as recorded in Luke 18:28-30.  “Then Peter said, ‘See, we have left all and followed You.’ So He said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.’”  At the time, the way was very difficult for us; however, through the Lord and the process of time, our relationship with my parents was healed.  Plus, we are still receiving many times more than what we financially and physically left, and we have the assurance of eternal life. 

 

Today, even if the way seems difficult, choose to obey God.  Your heavenly Father loves you, and He is working in your life behind the scenes creating a way of escape for you just like He did for Peter and the early disciples.

 

Mighty signs and wonders were being done, in the early days, of the Church.  So many people were being healed that they eventually began laying people in the street, so if Peter’s shadow fell on them, they would be healed.  The religious leaders became jealous of what was happening and placed the apostles into prison.  An angel of the Lord opened the prison door that night, and told them to stand in the temple to preach.  The next morning the apostles obeyed God and preached.  The religious leaders had them brought back into court telling them that they had been charged not to preach in the name of Jesus.  However, the apostles replied, “…we ought to obey God rather than men.”  They went on to preach that they had murdered Jesus, and that God had raised Him from the dead highly exalting Him; furthermore, they were witness of these things along with the Holy Spirit.  Eventually, the apostles were freed after they had been beaten and charged once again not to preach in the name of Jesus.  “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ” (Acts 5:12-42). 

 

The early believers were motivated to follow the Lord because of their conviction.    Peter and the other disciples recognized that God had carried out His divine plan of redemption in Jesus’ lie, death, and resurrection.  Convinced that salvation was found in Christ alone, they had the courage to speak boldly about their faith.  They did not alter their words, even when confronted with a powerful authority.  Instead, they gave allegiance to God and obeyed Him.

 

Their obedience was motivated by gratitude.  After betraying the Lord, Peter had wept over his failure (Mark 14:72).  Stop and think about the disciple’s joy to realize that Christ had forgiven him for his mistakes and restored him to a right relationship with God (Mark 16:7; John 21:15-17).  With his past behind him, Peter became a leader of the Jerusalem church, with a passion to obey fueled by a thankful heart.

 

God is in charge of our lives.  He has rescued us from the bondage of sin, forgiven us, and brought us into His family.  Grateful obedience should be our response too.  Like Peter, let us commit to following our heavenly Father wherever He leads.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you for loving and directing me even in the difficult times.  I purpose in my heart to choose to obey You even in the difficult times, when I can see no way of escape, I know that you are working in my behalf, and I will follow You wherever You lead, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BE AT PEACE DURING YOUR TIME OF WAITING

“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”—Proverbs 16:9

 

No one likes to wait, but have you ever wondered why?  It is because delays show us that we are not in control.  Someone or something else is behind the scenes calling the shots.  Although we may be able to identify the immediate cause—like an airplane or train delays, traffic light or the long lines to checkout in a grocery store—ultimately the One who is in controls is the Lord.  When we place our faith and trust in Him during these times of waiting our hearts remain at peace.

 

We must be cognizant that the enemy wants us to fret and get into worry and distress when the answer seems to be delayed.  You might have thought that the expression “waiting upon the Lord” applies only to seeking guidance from Him or an answer to prayer.  But it can mean so much more, when you remember that He is the one who is ultimately in control and not Satan.  We remind Satan that he has been defeated and that God is in charge of our lives.

 

Lazarus, a friend of Jesus, was very sick so his sisters sent word to Jesus.  When Jesus got the word, He said that he would not die from this sickness and delayed going to his bedside.  When Jesus told his disciples that He was going to Lazarus’ house, they did not want him to go because the Jews were trying to kill Him, and thought that Lazarus would recover.  However, Jesus plainly told them that he was dead.  When Jesus arrived, he discovered that Lazarus had been dead for four days.  Lazarus’ sisters were very upset and said that if Jesus would have been there he would not have died.   Likewise, the people who were with the sisters said that if Jesus’ had been there He could have kept Lazarus from dying.  Lazarus was raised from the dead by Jesus, but not when the people who loved and surrounded him thought that he should have been (John 11:1-44). 

In the Christian life, learning to wait is vitally important because until you do, you will never be able to walk in obedience to God.  Learning to wait is part of an effective prayer life, and experiencing the peace of resting in His loving care.  We do that when we remain our enemy that he is not going to push us into worry and frustration and that he is not the author of our days.   We must learn to trust in God’s judgment, in the big and small events of our life, even when we are irritated, impatient, or even angry.  If we are sensitive to His instruction, each delay has a lesson.

 

Prayer—Father I thank you that delays are no surprise to you help me be patience and remember You are in control in every area of my life, in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

GOD IS THE PEACE IN THE STORM

“In the multitude of my (anxious) thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!—Psalms 94:19 (Amplified)

 

I personally do not know of anyone who has not experienced a time of testing and trials, in their life.  The Apostle Paul gave us an example of his mind set concerning what he was going through when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 that, “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down, but not destroyed.”  In essence he was saying, we may be going through hard times, but we are not going to be overwhelmed by them.  Today you may be experiencing some difficult times, but I want to encourage you.   You Are Going To Make It!  God will never leave you, nor forsake you.  He will never leave your side.  He is always with you, always willing to calm the storms of life. 

 

A man brought his son to Jesus’ disciples for a mute spirit to be cast out.  The disciples did not have any success in casting out the mute spirit, so when Jesus came up to see what was happening, He asked the scribes what were they talking about.  The father replied that he had brought his son for deliverance of a mute spirit that would seize his son, throw him to the ground, and cause him to foam at the mouth and gnash his teeth.  Jesus had the son brought to him, and told the father when he questioned if Jesus could cast out the spirit, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:14-27). 

 

Although the father had witnessed the distressing trial of the demon spirit seizing his son from time-to-time, the father still called out for help.  Jesus is still responding to the call for help even when times seem the darkest saying, “if you can believe, all things are possible.”  Furthermore, Jesus is not intimidated when the devil puts on a show.  The Scripture says that the enemy goes about as a roaring lion…he is not a lion. When your heart seems to be overwhelmed with anxious thoughts, remember that the Father has never left your side.  Reach out to Him with faith today; He is the peace in the storm.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You that You are always with me even when I am not aware of Your presence. You are there, in Jesus Name, Amen.         

INTERCESSORS GOD’S AGENTS

“…then the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice.  He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor;…When the enemy comes in, like a flood the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.”—Isaiah 59:15, 16, 19

 

An intercessor is someone who prays on behalf of someone; the intercessor pleads on somebody’s behalf.  The Scriptures give to us many examples of intercessors who prayed or pleaded for individuals, groups of people and even nations.  Today the nations of the world need intercessors; people who will rise up and take their place as one of God’s agents in pushing back the forces of darkness that try to overtake people and nations.  One such individual who stood up in his nation’s time of crisis was a young man named David. 

 

I Samuel 17 is the account of David slaying Goliath, a mighty warrior, who was in the Philistine army.  In fact he represented the defiant army, who had come to do battle with Israel. No solider in the Israeli army dared fight him because of his huge stature as a giant. However this young teenage boy, representing his nation, stood up to the giant and killed him.

 

If we would look at David by the world’s standards, he did not look like someone who would be God’s agent.  He was young, his own brothers thought that he was arrogant, his family was not significant leaders in the community, and he had no experience as a military man.  However as we examine what David did when the enemy had came in, we can draw from this battle some attributes that made him God’s champion as an intercessor.  You can apply the same principles of David’s attributes that made him God’s champion as an intercessor into your life.

 

David was prepared ahead of time (“…he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, had put them in a shepherd’s band, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine” vs. 40). 

 

Prepare ahead of time—put on the armor of God.  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand it the evil day, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:11-18).

 

Be an expert (“Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth” vs. 49).  Shepherds always kept stones in their bags not waiting for an emergency to arrive before getting one.  The stones were smooth and round so they could go to their mark and not sail out of course.  Men of Israel were adept at slinging stones and many hundreds could throw at a hairsbreadth and never miss (Judges 20:16) David must have been among the best that used a sling. 

 

Be an expert in handling the Word of God (“But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” 2 Corinthians 4:2).

 

Be sure of your mark—run to the battle (“…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands…David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine” vs. 46-48).

 

Compassion pulls people from the fire (But you beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire. Hating even the garment defiled by the flesh” Jude 20-23).

 

An Agent of God, is one who loves God and has faith in His saving, delivering, and keeping ability.  One who is prepared with the Word of God to rescue people from the wiles of Satan.

 

Prayer—Lord today I yield myself to Your Holy Spirit to rescue people from the forces of satanic influence, in Jesus Name. Amen.

A SURRENDERED HEART SEEKS TO OBEY GOD

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”—Colossians 3:1-2

 

Like a lot of people I know, “Tom,” (not his real name), wanted to be more like Jesus.  Time-after-time, He went to the altar for prayer making the same resolution not to hit his wife when he became angry.  He pleaded for his wife to forgive him and each time she believed him and would stay with him, only to be battered and bruised the next time something went wrong in “Tom’s” life.  It was not until “Tom” learned that he could not change his behavior simply by making resolutions or by trying his best-efforts.  “Tom” was able to change when he acknowledged that his behavior was sinful and he genuinely repented. He applied the following three aspects of genuine repentance to his life, and he is now able to help people get free and stay free of anger.

 

You may not be a “wife-beater” in the sense that “Tom” was, but the Holy Spirit may point out something in your life as you read this today that needs to be surrendered to God.

 

1.       Conviction:  The Holy Spirit will reveal the areas in which we have sinned and convict us of wrongdoing.  Through Scripture, He will show us God’s standard and what needs to change.  Repentance begins with understanding where we have gone astray.

2.      Repentance:  The next step—grieving over our iniquity—is followed by confession to the Lord.  It is simply human nature to sense regret when caught in misbehavior, dealing with the consequences of poor choices, or feeling ashamed that people know about our sin.  In contrast, genuine sorrow arises from the knowledge that we have sinned against God.  True repentance will lead us to humble confession.

3.      Commitment to act:  Real repentance is complete when we wholeheartedly pledge to turn from our old ways and move toward righteousness.  God knows we will not live perfectly, but He looks for a surrendered heart that diligently seeks to obey Him.

 

Paul used strong language when telling the Church to turn from iniquity, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).   What sin are you struggling to overcome?  Have you genuinely repented, committing to turn from it permanently?

 

Today let’s ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to change.

 

Prayer—Father I thank You for the Holy Spirit.  Lord I surrender my heart a new to You and I ask that You shine Your light into my life.  Holy Spirit I ask that You show me any area of my life that I need to surrendered anew to You today.  Help me, Lord, to commit to walking in Your ways.  I know that according to Your Word that if I repent and confess my sin(s) that You will cleanse me from all unrighteousness and restore me back to Yourself and to the body of Christ.  I do that now in Jesus Name, I repent of ___________________ and I ask You to cleanse me from all unrighteousness, in Jesus Name.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

THE PROMISE MAKER KEEPS HIS WORD

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”—Hebrews 11:1

 

It is important to understand the meaning of four key words in the Hebrews 11:1.    The words are faith, substance, hope and evidence.  When the word “faith” is used it means what you believe in, substance has the meaning of assurance and confidence; whereas hope means to expect, and evidence is the proof.  So, if we place these words into the reading of Hebrews 11:1 and make it personal, the scripture would read, now what I believe in is the assurance of things that I expect for, the proof of things not seen.”  To gain further understanding of Hebrews 11:1 let me use the following example:  If I would call you on the telephone and tell you that I was coming right over to your house, and the doorbell rang a few minutes later; you would not be surprise that it was me when you opened the door.  But, if it was someone else, you would be surprised.  However, some people that read Hebrews 11:1 are surprised when the answer comes to them exactly what they have asked for, or they never expect an answer to come.  Today what is the quality of your faith?  Does your faith rest in the confident expectation that what believe will come to pass even before you see it with your natural eyes?

 

God promised Sarah a child when she was passed the childbearing age.  However, “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11:11). Sarah did not question if she had enough faith.  Quality faith is judging God faithful.  Sarah judged that the promise maker would keep His word. 

 

Many times I have heard people say, “Well I guess I just did not have enough faith.”  However, Jesus said that faith as small as a grain of mustard seed would remove mountains, and nothing would be impossible to you (Matthew 17:20). You have been given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3).  Faith is meant to be exercised and used.  Find in the Scripture where it is written concerning the answer that you need for your situation.  When you do, you are discovering the will of God, and then judge God faithful to His Word by believing and speaking His Word.  Your faith is not based on how much you have, but in quality. 

 

 Prayer—Father I thank you for the faith that you have given to me.  Never again will I be deceived into thinking that I do not have enough faith.  I choose to exercise and develop my faith, in Jesus Name. Amen.