"She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." - Luke 2:7
In these days of modern technology, we never miss a thing with TiVo, voice mail, DVD recorders, and camera phones. But even though our toys keep us from missing a phone call, they can also cause us to miss the real reason for the holiday season.
You can watch Christmas disappear in front of your eyes, in a heap of shredded wrapping paper, and find yourself saying, "I was so busy shopping, so busy attending this, going to that, that I think I actually missed the point of Christmas."
It might be surprising to know that the majority of people missed the very first Christmas as well. People just carried on with business as usual, paying no attention to what was happening just a few feet away.
In Luke chapter 2, we are introduced to an innkeeper who had no time for Christmas. In this familiar story, Mary and Joseph came to the innkeeper for a room, but because his inn was full, he turned them away.
The only place he had for this young pregnant woman and her husband was a stable, a cold, dark, and damp stable--which was more than likely a cave. He was too preoccupied with other things to make the time for Christmas.
There are people like this in the world today. They don't necessarily oppose or hate God outright. They are simply preoccupied. God and spiritual things do not concern them. Their interests lie more in what can immediately satisfy their own physical needs. The innkeeper was too busy to make room in the inn for the soon coming Messiah.
Let me ask you this: have you made room for Jesus this Christmas? If not, there is still time to refocus and make room for Christ this Christmas, today!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Emmanuel, God with Us
Today's Scripture
“Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel--which, when translated, means, God with us” (Matthew 1:23, AMP).
Today's Word
In the Bible, Jesus has many names that identify His character, or who He is. One of those names is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Before Jesus came, the Spirit of God resided in the temple of God and the people had to go through many rituals so they could be clean enough to go near to His Holy Spirit. Now, the scripture tells us that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He cleanses us and actually makes His home in our hearts. Jesus was the final sacrifice to purify us once so that His Spirit could dwell inside of us. Now, He is always with us!
Isn’t it good to know that God is as close to us as the very air we breathe! He is always with us which means His peace is always with us. His joy is always with us. His power is always with us, and His victory is always with us! The next time the enemy tries to tell you that you are alone, declare out loud that you serve Emmanuel—the God who is always with you!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for choosing to make Your home in me. Thank You for filling me with Your peace and joy. I bless You today, knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
“Behold, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel--which, when translated, means, God with us” (Matthew 1:23, AMP).
Today's Word
In the Bible, Jesus has many names that identify His character, or who He is. One of those names is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Before Jesus came, the Spirit of God resided in the temple of God and the people had to go through many rituals so they could be clean enough to go near to His Holy Spirit. Now, the scripture tells us that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He cleanses us and actually makes His home in our hearts. Jesus was the final sacrifice to purify us once so that His Spirit could dwell inside of us. Now, He is always with us!
Isn’t it good to know that God is as close to us as the very air we breathe! He is always with us which means His peace is always with us. His joy is always with us. His power is always with us, and His victory is always with us! The next time the enemy tries to tell you that you are alone, declare out loud that you serve Emmanuel—the God who is always with you!
A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for choosing to make Your home in me. Thank You for filling me with Your peace and joy. I bless You today, knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Vanishing Point
Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:13-14
Good fishermen will leave out early in the morning, when it is dark, calm and quiet outside. Fishermen don't sleep in and they don't waste time hitting the snooze button. They make the most out of all the time that is available in their day. Their wake up call might come so early, in fact, that they could get a glimpse of a morning fog.
Just like that momentary fog on the water, our time here on earth is evaporating. Are you spending your life putting off the things God wants you to do, thinking that there's plenty of time? Or are you seizing every moment and making good use of every minute?
In the verses above, James is telling us that time has no guarantees. He's challenging us to focus on what we can do today.
What are some of the things you have been procrastinating? Who has God laid on your heart and asked you to reach out to? Don't delay. Life is too short and too uncertain. So take every opportunity you can to find and fulfill your God-given purpose here on earth.
Dear God, Please help me to not put off the things you ask me to do. Reveal your plans to me so that I may know your purpose and will for my life. And help me seize every moment so that I can make a difference on this earth for you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
James 4:13-14
Good fishermen will leave out early in the morning, when it is dark, calm and quiet outside. Fishermen don't sleep in and they don't waste time hitting the snooze button. They make the most out of all the time that is available in their day. Their wake up call might come so early, in fact, that they could get a glimpse of a morning fog.
Just like that momentary fog on the water, our time here on earth is evaporating. Are you spending your life putting off the things God wants you to do, thinking that there's plenty of time? Or are you seizing every moment and making good use of every minute?
In the verses above, James is telling us that time has no guarantees. He's challenging us to focus on what we can do today.
What are some of the things you have been procrastinating? Who has God laid on your heart and asked you to reach out to? Don't delay. Life is too short and too uncertain. So take every opportunity you can to find and fulfill your God-given purpose here on earth.
Dear God, Please help me to not put off the things you ask me to do. Reveal your plans to me so that I may know your purpose and will for my life. And help me seize every moment so that I can make a difference on this earth for you. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Thanks to Who? - DevoMail with Skip Heitzig
Have you noticed how Hollywood pays lip service to faith? In show after show on TV around this time of year, we see people sitting down to a Thanksgiving dinner. The father will tell the guests, "Now we'll all tell what we're thankful for." And the guests are suitably impressed as everyone around the table recites their blessings to each other. They omit just one thing: Saying to whom they are thankful.
On "The Simpsons," son Bart is perhaps more honest than most. In one episode, Bart is "praying," and he says, "We paid for all this stuff ourselves. Thanks for nothing." We might laugh or shake our heads, but that's the attitude of a lot of people today, in popular entertainment and in real life. God is given credit for something only if it's seen as "miraculous." The more "ordinary" gifts are looked upon as being due to our own merit, talent, or hard work.
Yet, the Bible has a very different outlook on this: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). Notice that he says every good gift. Not only the physical necessities, but your intellect, your strength, and the skills that enable you to obtain what you need.
Moses warned the Israelites against forgetting God. In Deuteronomy 8:11-18, he listed a few of the many things God did for them in releasing them from Egyptian bondage. And he said, "Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God...then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth'" (v. 11, 17). On the contrary, he reminded them, "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth" (v. 18).
The Apostle Paul echoes this truth in 1 Corinthians 4:7: "And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?"
So, the proper response is thanksgiving to God for all the blessings in your life. Not an empty announcement to nobody-in-particular saying, "I'm glad I have all this stuff." An open, joyous offering of thanks to the One who provides all your needs and "satisfies our mouth with good things" (Psalm 103:5). You may have "bought all this stuff yourself" but ultimately, every good gift comes from God.
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!" (Psalm 136:1).
On "The Simpsons," son Bart is perhaps more honest than most. In one episode, Bart is "praying," and he says, "We paid for all this stuff ourselves. Thanks for nothing." We might laugh or shake our heads, but that's the attitude of a lot of people today, in popular entertainment and in real life. God is given credit for something only if it's seen as "miraculous." The more "ordinary" gifts are looked upon as being due to our own merit, talent, or hard work.
Yet, the Bible has a very different outlook on this: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). Notice that he says every good gift. Not only the physical necessities, but your intellect, your strength, and the skills that enable you to obtain what you need.
Moses warned the Israelites against forgetting God. In Deuteronomy 8:11-18, he listed a few of the many things God did for them in releasing them from Egyptian bondage. And he said, "Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God...then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth'" (v. 11, 17). On the contrary, he reminded them, "And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth" (v. 18).
The Apostle Paul echoes this truth in 1 Corinthians 4:7: "And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?"
So, the proper response is thanksgiving to God for all the blessings in your life. Not an empty announcement to nobody-in-particular saying, "I'm glad I have all this stuff." An open, joyous offering of thanks to the One who provides all your needs and "satisfies our mouth with good things" (Psalm 103:5). You may have "bought all this stuff yourself" but ultimately, every good gift comes from God.
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!" (Psalm 136:1).
Monday, November 3, 2008
Battling Discouragement - DevoMail with Skip Heitzig
There's an old story that the devil and his demons were having a meeting. The demons asked him what his most potent tool was to stop mankind from doing God's will. The devil told them it was discouragement. He said if he quit using everything else, he could still stop the work of the Lord if he were able to depress and discourage God's people.
The story is non-biblical and it's very simplistic, but it points up an important truth. Discouragement can sometimes be a tool of the enemy, and it can be a very effective one.
Take a look at Nehemiah, chapter 4. Nehemiah was trying to rebuild the wall around the city of Jerusalem. Their enemies had them surrounded. They ridiculed the work that had been done, saying that a fox could knock down the wall if it only leaned against it. Further, they were planning an attack. Between the toil and the danger, the people were bone tired. They saw the immensity of the task, and they were becoming discouraged.
Life is like that. It's not "a miracle a day" or "a song of celebration all the time," like you might hear on some Christian broadcasting. Discouragement arises, and Christians aren't immune to it. If you're prone to discouragement, try your best to avoid negative people, because they will bring you down to their level.
So, the people were thinking that the job was too big, and they were ready to quit. Fear is contagious--but so is faith. Look at Nehemiah's words in verse 14: "And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, ‘Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.'"
Nehemiah rallied them, and they returned to the work. One half of them would work while the other half stood guard in full armor. And the workers had their swords strapped to their sides (see v. 15-18). They were builders, but they were fighters also.
Like them, we are "separated on the wall." We need to rally together and get encouragement, and to get our "marching orders" from our Commander, the Lord. So here's my question for you today: Are you becoming tired and discouraged as you work for the Lord? Is some task weighing you down, making you feel that the world is crashing in around you?
Remember, it's the Lord's battle. Align yourself with God and His purposes. Get your eyes off the problems and onto the true and living God. In the words of Nehemiah, "Remember the Lord, great and awesome... Our God will fight for us" (v. 14, 20).
The story is non-biblical and it's very simplistic, but it points up an important truth. Discouragement can sometimes be a tool of the enemy, and it can be a very effective one.
Take a look at Nehemiah, chapter 4. Nehemiah was trying to rebuild the wall around the city of Jerusalem. Their enemies had them surrounded. They ridiculed the work that had been done, saying that a fox could knock down the wall if it only leaned against it. Further, they were planning an attack. Between the toil and the danger, the people were bone tired. They saw the immensity of the task, and they were becoming discouraged.
Life is like that. It's not "a miracle a day" or "a song of celebration all the time," like you might hear on some Christian broadcasting. Discouragement arises, and Christians aren't immune to it. If you're prone to discouragement, try your best to avoid negative people, because they will bring you down to their level.
So, the people were thinking that the job was too big, and they were ready to quit. Fear is contagious--but so is faith. Look at Nehemiah's words in verse 14: "And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, ‘Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.'"
Nehemiah rallied them, and they returned to the work. One half of them would work while the other half stood guard in full armor. And the workers had their swords strapped to their sides (see v. 15-18). They were builders, but they were fighters also.
Like them, we are "separated on the wall." We need to rally together and get encouragement, and to get our "marching orders" from our Commander, the Lord. So here's my question for you today: Are you becoming tired and discouraged as you work for the Lord? Is some task weighing you down, making you feel that the world is crashing in around you?
Remember, it's the Lord's battle. Align yourself with God and His purposes. Get your eyes off the problems and onto the true and living God. In the words of Nehemiah, "Remember the Lord, great and awesome... Our God will fight for us" (v. 14, 20).
By Grace Alone - DevoMail with Skip Heitzig
Is salvation God's work, or is it man's work, or is it both God's work and man's work? Another way to put it: Is faith in Jesus Christ alone enough to save us? Is grace enough?
In Acts 15, a group came forward in Jerusalem and told the brethren that they needed to be circumcised in order to be saved. These legalists were known as the Judaizers, and they were influential because they were very schooled in the Law; they were Pharisees. The books of Romans, Galatians and Hebrews hadn't been written yet, so the question of law versus grace hadn't been hammered out yet. It was because of the council in this chapter that this was done.
These men said it was "necessary" to obey the Law of Moses. Not that it would be nice for fellowship, but that you couldn't be saved without it. Imagine if these men had prevailed. We might be singing, "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Law of Moses," or perhaps "A mighty fortress is the Law..."
But remember this: Whenever any leader stands up and says, "You can't be saved unless you believe in Christ AND keep our rules, or obey our ceremonies, or whatever," they are denying the gospel.
Adding anything to the Gospel--be it circumcision, baptism, confirmation, extreme unction, any additional work--is saying "Jesus Christ is not a complete savior. He didn't do a good enough job." It's telling Him, "It was a good start, Jesus; now we'll finish the work."
But salvation is, according to the scripture, totally by God's grace through faith. As it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Now, you might say, "That's a pretty dangerous doctrine. You have to keep young Christians tethered with some rules, or they'll run wild." That's where you're wrong. There is no stronger tether than relationship. Not rules, not rituals--relationship. Rules without relationship leads to rebellion. Love that leads to relationship that leads to obedience...there's no stronger tether than that.
We don't obey God in order to earn His favor. We obey Him because we love Him. And "We love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Jesus Christ IS a complete savior. Jesus Christ DID do a complete work on the cross to secure our salvation. Faith in Jesus Christ IS enough.
In Acts 15, a group came forward in Jerusalem and told the brethren that they needed to be circumcised in order to be saved. These legalists were known as the Judaizers, and they were influential because they were very schooled in the Law; they were Pharisees. The books of Romans, Galatians and Hebrews hadn't been written yet, so the question of law versus grace hadn't been hammered out yet. It was because of the council in this chapter that this was done.
These men said it was "necessary" to obey the Law of Moses. Not that it would be nice for fellowship, but that you couldn't be saved without it. Imagine if these men had prevailed. We might be singing, "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the Law of Moses," or perhaps "A mighty fortress is the Law..."
But remember this: Whenever any leader stands up and says, "You can't be saved unless you believe in Christ AND keep our rules, or obey our ceremonies, or whatever," they are denying the gospel.
Adding anything to the Gospel--be it circumcision, baptism, confirmation, extreme unction, any additional work--is saying "Jesus Christ is not a complete savior. He didn't do a good enough job." It's telling Him, "It was a good start, Jesus; now we'll finish the work."
But salvation is, according to the scripture, totally by God's grace through faith. As it says in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Now, you might say, "That's a pretty dangerous doctrine. You have to keep young Christians tethered with some rules, or they'll run wild." That's where you're wrong. There is no stronger tether than relationship. Not rules, not rituals--relationship. Rules without relationship leads to rebellion. Love that leads to relationship that leads to obedience...there's no stronger tether than that.
We don't obey God in order to earn His favor. We obey Him because we love Him. And "We love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
Jesus Christ IS a complete savior. Jesus Christ DID do a complete work on the cross to secure our salvation. Faith in Jesus Christ IS enough.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
A Life of Becoming
"7But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken."[a]With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Probably the greatest obstacle to understanding God’s purpose for brokenness is this: Most believers think of Christianity as something we do. We pray. We read the Bible. We go to church. We sing hymns. We give money. We do and do—and assume that’s the Christian life. It’s not.
Authentic Christianity is about becoming rather than doing. The life of faith that God designed involves receiving Jesus into our hearts and allowing Him to change our habits, mindset, beliefs, interests, and concerns so we become more and more like Him.
Realizing this will change our perspective on the heartache we must endure. You see, when we recognize that the Christian life is about Jesus’ persistent work of “re-creation” in our lives, then the role of brokenness makes more sense. It’s the process God uses to strip us of things that have become, or may one day become, an obstacle to our growth. The Lord also uses this tool to address issues we may have declared “off limits” to Him, such as unhealthy behaviors or relationships that we rationalize.
God doesn’t want to be Lord of most of your life; He wants to be Lord of all of your life! So He zeroes in on areas of self-will and self-sufficiency to remove everything within us that relies on “self.” He uses brokenness to remove those inclinations so that we can live moment by moment, day by day, in full dependence on Him.
Open your heart, and ask God to reveal any selfish strongholds. Let Him break unhealthy behavior patterns.
Probably the greatest obstacle to understanding God’s purpose for brokenness is this: Most believers think of Christianity as something we do. We pray. We read the Bible. We go to church. We sing hymns. We give money. We do and do—and assume that’s the Christian life. It’s not.
Authentic Christianity is about becoming rather than doing. The life of faith that God designed involves receiving Jesus into our hearts and allowing Him to change our habits, mindset, beliefs, interests, and concerns so we become more and more like Him.
Realizing this will change our perspective on the heartache we must endure. You see, when we recognize that the Christian life is about Jesus’ persistent work of “re-creation” in our lives, then the role of brokenness makes more sense. It’s the process God uses to strip us of things that have become, or may one day become, an obstacle to our growth. The Lord also uses this tool to address issues we may have declared “off limits” to Him, such as unhealthy behaviors or relationships that we rationalize.
God doesn’t want to be Lord of most of your life; He wants to be Lord of all of your life! So He zeroes in on areas of self-will and self-sufficiency to remove everything within us that relies on “self.” He uses brokenness to remove those inclinations so that we can live moment by moment, day by day, in full dependence on Him.
Open your heart, and ask God to reveal any selfish strongholds. Let Him break unhealthy behavior patterns.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
FireProof - Never Leave Your Partner Behind
by Chet Nowlen
Two of my all time favorite Christian Movies are "Facing the Giants" and "Flywheel". Both were made by church members and volunteers in Albany, Georgia. These same church members and volunteers and just release their latest movie "Fire Proof" staring Kirk Cameron. It is in theaters now and is a must see movie - it is rated PG and is safe for the whole family to see.
Click on the title link below to see the movie trailer.
Two of my all time favorite Christian Movies are "Facing the Giants" and "Flywheel". Both were made by church members and volunteers in Albany, Georgia. These same church members and volunteers and just release their latest movie "Fire Proof" staring Kirk Cameron. It is in theaters now and is a must see movie - it is rated PG and is safe for the whole family to see.
Click on the title link below to see the movie trailer.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Prayer "Glory to You "
What shall I give you, Lord, in return for all Your kindness?
Glory to You for Your love.
Glory to You for Your mercy.
Glory to You for Your patience.
Glory to You for forgiving us all our sins.
Glory to You for coming to save our souls.
Glory to You for Your incarnation in the virgin's womb.
Glory to You for Your bonds.
Glory to You for receiving the cut of the lash.
Glory to You for accepting mockery.
Glory to You for Your crucifixion.
Glory to You for Your burial.
Glory to You for Your resurrection.
Glory to You who were preached to men and women.
Glory to You in whom they believed.
Glory to You who were taken up into heaven.
Glory to You who sit in great glory at the Father's right hand.
Glory to You whose will it is that the sinner should be saved through Your great mercy and compassion.
Glory to You for Your love.
Glory to You for Your mercy.
Glory to You for Your patience.
Glory to You for forgiving us all our sins.
Glory to You for coming to save our souls.
Glory to You for Your incarnation in the virgin's womb.
Glory to You for Your bonds.
Glory to You for receiving the cut of the lash.
Glory to You for accepting mockery.
Glory to You for Your crucifixion.
Glory to You for Your burial.
Glory to You for Your resurrection.
Glory to You who were preached to men and women.
Glory to You in whom they believed.
Glory to You who were taken up into heaven.
Glory to You who sit in great glory at the Father's right hand.
Glory to You whose will it is that the sinner should be saved through Your great mercy and compassion.
Owning Up
"You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." - Psalm 51:16-17
We've all messed up. When we allow God to examine our hearts, we are all going to discover problems in our lives. Some are painful. Some will be embarrassing. Some may be surprising; and some could be very difficult to overcome. The question we need to ask, though, is this: What should we do about these things when God brings them to our attention?
To help find an answer, there's no better place to look than at the life of David, the shepherd boy who God hand-picked to be King of Israel. He committed some really serious sins. First, he stole another man's wife. Then in order to cover it up, he murdered her husband, his loyal friend. When God confronted David about his sin, David responded the right way. He was heart-broken to realize how far he had strayed from God's ways. He wept with remorse and pleaded with God for forgiveness. He turned from his sin; he did not try to excuse himself, or minimize what he had done.
Pride often keeps us from responding to God with humility. We want to justify what we have done or rationalize it away: "it really wasn't that bad," or "it was someone else's fault." Those kind of responses are not what God is looking for. Only a "broken and contrite" heart can accept the enormity of the sin committed and realize its need for God.
Coming to a place of humility and brokenness is not easy; it is a very vulnerable position. But God is merciful and ready to restore you. To help you through those times, choose one of these verses to memorize:
Psalm 147:3 – He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 34:18 – The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A Prayer
Lord, I want to own up to my sins today. I ask your forgiveness for the wrongs I've committed against others and against you. Help me to live in humility with a broken and contrite heart, so you can restore me to a place of peace and reconciliation. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.
We've all messed up. When we allow God to examine our hearts, we are all going to discover problems in our lives. Some are painful. Some will be embarrassing. Some may be surprising; and some could be very difficult to overcome. The question we need to ask, though, is this: What should we do about these things when God brings them to our attention?
To help find an answer, there's no better place to look than at the life of David, the shepherd boy who God hand-picked to be King of Israel. He committed some really serious sins. First, he stole another man's wife. Then in order to cover it up, he murdered her husband, his loyal friend. When God confronted David about his sin, David responded the right way. He was heart-broken to realize how far he had strayed from God's ways. He wept with remorse and pleaded with God for forgiveness. He turned from his sin; he did not try to excuse himself, or minimize what he had done.
Pride often keeps us from responding to God with humility. We want to justify what we have done or rationalize it away: "it really wasn't that bad," or "it was someone else's fault." Those kind of responses are not what God is looking for. Only a "broken and contrite" heart can accept the enormity of the sin committed and realize its need for God.
Coming to a place of humility and brokenness is not easy; it is a very vulnerable position. But God is merciful and ready to restore you. To help you through those times, choose one of these verses to memorize:
Psalm 147:3 – He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 34:18 – The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A Prayer
Lord, I want to own up to my sins today. I ask your forgiveness for the wrongs I've committed against others and against you. Help me to live in humility with a broken and contrite heart, so you can restore me to a place of peace and reconciliation. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Blessed to be a Blessing
“For You make him to be blessed and a blessing forever…” - Psalm 21:6 (AMP)
God is love, and out of His love, He gives good gifts to His children. It pleases Him to see you prosper, and He longs to pour out His blessings upon you. He wants to lavish you with His goodness and grace so that you can be an example of His goodness by extending that blessing to those around you. We are blessed to be a blessing!We are never more like God than when we are filled with His love and giving to other people. Ask the Lord to show you ways to be a blessing to the people around you today. Sometimes, it only takes a smile or something simple to minister the love of God to a person’s heart. Other times, God may require that you give something greater or more valuable. But remember, God promises that when you give, it will be given back to you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over! That means you can’t out-give God! When your heart is to be a blessing to others, He will entrust you with even more of His resources. He’ll fill you with His blessings, and you’ll live the abundant life He has prepared for you!
Father in heaven, thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to the people around me. Show me how to share Your love with the people around me today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
God is love, and out of His love, He gives good gifts to His children. It pleases Him to see you prosper, and He longs to pour out His blessings upon you. He wants to lavish you with His goodness and grace so that you can be an example of His goodness by extending that blessing to those around you. We are blessed to be a blessing!We are never more like God than when we are filled with His love and giving to other people. Ask the Lord to show you ways to be a blessing to the people around you today. Sometimes, it only takes a smile or something simple to minister the love of God to a person’s heart. Other times, God may require that you give something greater or more valuable. But remember, God promises that when you give, it will be given back to you, pressed down, shaken together, and running over! That means you can’t out-give God! When your heart is to be a blessing to others, He will entrust you with even more of His resources. He’ll fill you with His blessings, and you’ll live the abundant life He has prepared for you!
Father in heaven, thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to the people around me. Show me how to share Your love with the people around me today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Take Heart
“God’s grace means that I can rest assured
that I’ll have everything I need
to be what He wants me to be and to do what He wants me to do
in the situation in which He’s placed me.
I’m no longer restricted to the limits of my own strength and wisdom.
By His grace, I’ve a new identity and a new potential.
I’m a child of God; the risen Christ now lives inside of me.
I need no longer fear people or circumstances;
I don’t have to feel weak in the face of suffering or temptation,
because I no longer rest in the resources of my own ability.
I’m in Christ and He’s in me.
This new identity gives me new potential
as I face the realities of life in this bent and broken world.
God’s grace gives me reason to ‘take heart.’”
-Paul David Tripp, “Psalm 27: Take Heart”
that I’ll have everything I need
to be what He wants me to be and to do what He wants me to do
in the situation in which He’s placed me.
I’m no longer restricted to the limits of my own strength and wisdom.
By His grace, I’ve a new identity and a new potential.
I’m a child of God; the risen Christ now lives inside of me.
I need no longer fear people or circumstances;
I don’t have to feel weak in the face of suffering or temptation,
because I no longer rest in the resources of my own ability.
I’m in Christ and He’s in me.
This new identity gives me new potential
as I face the realities of life in this bent and broken world.
God’s grace gives me reason to ‘take heart.’”
-Paul David Tripp, “Psalm 27: Take Heart”
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Dive In
"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses all knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:17b-19
Think about standing on the shores of a large body of water like a lake. You can see to the other side and get an idea of its size. You can take its temperature, and study the plants along its edges. You can talk about it and think about it and dream about it—all without ever getting wet.
But as long as you are standing on the shore, you have missed the essence of this lake, the water. You are not going to fully grasp its significance or strength until you get into the water, over your head.
The same can be said of the love of Christ. You can study it for years. You can take theology classes and skirt the surface of a Bible study. You can talk about it, look at it, and even dream about it—all without actually experiencing it. But to grasp the significance and strength of Jesus' love; to fully understand how his love can change your life, you've got to step off the shore and dive into the water of his love.
Only by diving headlong into a relationship with him will you truly begin to grasp how "wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." It surpasses knowledge; and it requires experience.
Dear God, I don't want to just stand on the shores of your love; instead, I want to experience the fullness of what it can do in my life. Thank you for providing a way for that to happen, through Jesus Christ. Help me each day to realize the significance of that relationship. And help me to show others that when they get off the shore and into the water, life will take on a new meaning and power. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.
Think about standing on the shores of a large body of water like a lake. You can see to the other side and get an idea of its size. You can take its temperature, and study the plants along its edges. You can talk about it and think about it and dream about it—all without ever getting wet.
But as long as you are standing on the shore, you have missed the essence of this lake, the water. You are not going to fully grasp its significance or strength until you get into the water, over your head.
The same can be said of the love of Christ. You can study it for years. You can take theology classes and skirt the surface of a Bible study. You can talk about it, look at it, and even dream about it—all without actually experiencing it. But to grasp the significance and strength of Jesus' love; to fully understand how his love can change your life, you've got to step off the shore and dive into the water of his love.
Only by diving headlong into a relationship with him will you truly begin to grasp how "wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." It surpasses knowledge; and it requires experience.
Dear God, I don't want to just stand on the shores of your love; instead, I want to experience the fullness of what it can do in my life. Thank you for providing a way for that to happen, through Jesus Christ. Help me each day to realize the significance of that relationship. And help me to show others that when they get off the shore and into the water, life will take on a new meaning and power. In Christ's name I pray, Amen.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Believe it and you shall be blessed
PLEASE READ WITH FAITH. This is an awesome prayer. Believe it and you shall be blessed. The problem with many of us is that we don't believe that God will open a window and pour out blessings that we won't have room to receive them. I dare anyone to try God. He is true to His word. God cannot lie and His promises are sure.
Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to You that You abundantly bless my family and me. I know that You recognize that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in You. Father, I send up a prayer request for blessings for not only the person, who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that th e power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in You is more powerful than anything. I thank you in advance for your blessings.
Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from all burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me. Father, I know how wonderful and mighty You are and if we just obey You and walk in Your Word and have the faith of a mustard seed, You will pour out blessings. I thank You now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come. I know You are not done with me yet.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen
Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to You that You abundantly bless my family and me. I know that You recognize that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in You. Father, I send up a prayer request for blessings for not only the person, who sent this to me, but for me and all that I have forwarded this message on to. And that th e power of joined prayer by those who believe and trust in You is more powerful than anything. I thank you in advance for your blessings.
Father God, deliver the person reading this right now from all burdens. Release your Godly wisdom that I may be a good steward over all that You have given me. Father, I know how wonderful and mighty You are and if we just obey You and walk in Your Word and have the faith of a mustard seed, You will pour out blessings. I thank You now Lord for the recent blessings I have received and for the blessings yet to come. I know You are not done with me yet.
In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen
Friday, September 12, 2008
Love Never Fails - DevoMail with Skip Heitzig
Karl Menninger was a psychiatrist and co-founder of the Menninger Foundation. He wanted to find out why people were in his clinic and what the root cause of their illness was. So he instructed his staff to treat all the patients in a loving manner, to create an "atmosphere of creative love." Within six months, the average time spent in the clinic was cut in half. Menninger concluded, "Love cures people--both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it."
What does love mean? Love is misunderstood because the word is so overused. In English, we use the same word for a variety of experiences. We use it to mean enjoying, liking, and even lusting. We say, "I love warm sunshine," or "I love ice cream," or "I love my wife, or "I love God." The Greek language, in which the New Testament was written, has four words for love. The highest of these is the word "agape," which means a self-sacrificing love that is consistent and unconditional.
And, of course, the most famous use of agape is in I Corinthians 13, which has been called "the love chapter" and "the hymn of love." This chapter says if love is not behind any good work, it's all meaningless. But I want to draw you to the center of the chapter, verses 4 to 8, "Love suffers long and is kind," etc. These verses are a marvelous description of the love of God. In fact, God is the only one who is that unconditional and that consistent in giving love to anyone.
God's ultimate demonstration of His love was in giving His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place. There are many familiar verses. John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son..." "Galatians 2:20: "...who loved me and gave Himself for me." Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
"So what does love really mean? It means that God, the one who knows everything about you, who knows all of the things even those closest to you don't know--even that one little area of your life you keep hidden--He knows, and He loves you anyway. Stay with me there a moment: He loves you anyway. He loves you consistently and unconditionally. And that's why Jesus Christ died--to wash your sins away.
The more you study the love of God, the more unfathomable you'll find it to be. I invite you to read over I Corinthians 13 slowly, and as you do, think of God's love. My wish for you today is that you'll let God's love cure you, heal you, and save you.
What does love mean? Love is misunderstood because the word is so overused. In English, we use the same word for a variety of experiences. We use it to mean enjoying, liking, and even lusting. We say, "I love warm sunshine," or "I love ice cream," or "I love my wife, or "I love God." The Greek language, in which the New Testament was written, has four words for love. The highest of these is the word "agape," which means a self-sacrificing love that is consistent and unconditional.
And, of course, the most famous use of agape is in I Corinthians 13, which has been called "the love chapter" and "the hymn of love." This chapter says if love is not behind any good work, it's all meaningless. But I want to draw you to the center of the chapter, verses 4 to 8, "Love suffers long and is kind," etc. These verses are a marvelous description of the love of God. In fact, God is the only one who is that unconditional and that consistent in giving love to anyone.
God's ultimate demonstration of His love was in giving His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in our place. There are many familiar verses. John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son..." "Galatians 2:20: "...who loved me and gave Himself for me." Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
"So what does love really mean? It means that God, the one who knows everything about you, who knows all of the things even those closest to you don't know--even that one little area of your life you keep hidden--He knows, and He loves you anyway. Stay with me there a moment: He loves you anyway. He loves you consistently and unconditionally. And that's why Jesus Christ died--to wash your sins away.
The more you study the love of God, the more unfathomable you'll find it to be. I invite you to read over I Corinthians 13 slowly, and as you do, think of God's love. My wish for you today is that you'll let God's love cure you, heal you, and save you.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
His Will, Not Mine
He went on a little farther and fell face down on the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine." - Matthew 26:39
There are some people who teach that we should never pray, "Not my will, but Yours be done," because it supposedly voids what you have just prayed for.
What nonsense. If Jesus prayed this, certainly we should follow His example.
He gave us the same pattern in the Lord's Prayer when He said, "May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). I never need to be afraid to say, "Lord, Your will be done."
Then there are those who say that we should only pray for something once; otherwise, we are demonstrating a lack of faith.
Yet Jesus taught His disciples, "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened" (Luke 11:9). We give up far too easily sometimes.
We won't always know the will of God in every situation. Then there are times when we will know the will of God, but we won't like it. Finally, there are times when we will know the will of God, but we don't understand it.
I like what the late D. L. Moody said, "Spread out your petition before God, and then say, 'Thy will, not mine, be done.' " Moody concluded, "The sweetest lesson I have learned in God's school is to let the Lord choose for me."
Have you found that to be true? We must never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
There are some people who teach that we should never pray, "Not my will, but Yours be done," because it supposedly voids what you have just prayed for.
What nonsense. If Jesus prayed this, certainly we should follow His example.
He gave us the same pattern in the Lord's Prayer when He said, "May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). I never need to be afraid to say, "Lord, Your will be done."
Then there are those who say that we should only pray for something once; otherwise, we are demonstrating a lack of faith.
Yet Jesus taught His disciples, "Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened" (Luke 11:9). We give up far too easily sometimes.
We won't always know the will of God in every situation. Then there are times when we will know the will of God, but we won't like it. Finally, there are times when we will know the will of God, but we don't understand it.
I like what the late D. L. Moody said, "Spread out your petition before God, and then say, 'Thy will, not mine, be done.' " Moody concluded, "The sweetest lesson I have learned in God's school is to let the Lord choose for me."
Have you found that to be true? We must never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
Monday, September 8, 2008
JAMI SMITH - ’FAITH IN YOU’ Song
I love to listen to this song:
JAMI SMITH ’FAITH IN YOU’ CD
OKLAHOMA CITY – Christian recording artist/worship leader Jami Smith will release her next CD, entitled Faith In You, this upcoming April. Faith in You, her 13th release, will reveal Jami's lyrical and musical tribute to God's faithfulness for those who follow Him, even in their most challenging times of life. Faith in You will kick off with a concert event in Oklahoma City on April 18.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Christian recording artist/worship leader Jami Smith will release her next CD, entitled Faith In You, this upcoming April. Faith in You, her 13th release, will reveal Jami's lyrical and musical tribute to God's faithfulness for those who follow Him, even in their most challenging times of life. Faith in You will kick off with a concert event in Oklahoma City on April 18.
Borne out of the tragic loss of a friend to breast cancer, Jami Smith has produced a collection of music and lyrics which reflects her sustaining faith and confidence in a mighty and loving God – one who meets our needs and stands by our side even in our darkest hours.
"I believe in a God who has not forgotten us," said Smith. "Even when all our circumstances are seemingly saying otherwise, for that very moment of desperation these songs exist, in hope that they will help us choose faith in an intangible sovereign God who we know by faith, is as close as our breathing."
"I hope and believe the music on Faith in You will present that message of hope in every season of our lives," she concluded.
Video vignettes of personal stories of tragedy and triumph amidst God's faithfulness will be shared by a variety of people including Steve Saint, son of martyred missionary Nate Saint, at the concert. Other special guests will be included in the evening including Crystal Woodman Miller, Columbine survivor and author of "Marked for Life."
Perfectly Timed
"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons."
- Galatians 4:4-5
God never does anything randomly. He doesn't decide on a whim to take action. He has a plan, a perfect plan for everyone. And that plan has been laid out for all of eternity.
So often, though, we look at the way we make decisions and we try to put God in the same box. We assume that because we have knee jerk reactions to situations and circumstances, surely God does the same thing. But he doesn't.
Did you notice the first few words of today's passage? "When the time had fully come." God had a plan to bring Jesus Christ to earth at a certain time. Jesus Christ came into the world at the perfect time, with everything arranged for the swift spread of the good news of God's salvation that is available to everyone—including you.
God's timing can be hard to understand. But it is perfect. If you are waiting on something from God, don't get discouraged. Instead, look at the perfect timing of his son's arrival, and trust that God has a perfect time for working in your life as well.
Dear God, I know that your timing in everything is perfect. I believe that you sent Jesus Christ to the earth at the perfect time. And because of that, I can have faith that you will act in my life at the right time and in the right way. Thank you for that. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
- Galatians 4:4-5
God never does anything randomly. He doesn't decide on a whim to take action. He has a plan, a perfect plan for everyone. And that plan has been laid out for all of eternity.
So often, though, we look at the way we make decisions and we try to put God in the same box. We assume that because we have knee jerk reactions to situations and circumstances, surely God does the same thing. But he doesn't.
Did you notice the first few words of today's passage? "When the time had fully come." God had a plan to bring Jesus Christ to earth at a certain time. Jesus Christ came into the world at the perfect time, with everything arranged for the swift spread of the good news of God's salvation that is available to everyone—including you.
God's timing can be hard to understand. But it is perfect. If you are waiting on something from God, don't get discouraged. Instead, look at the perfect timing of his son's arrival, and trust that God has a perfect time for working in your life as well.
Dear God, I know that your timing in everything is perfect. I believe that you sent Jesus Christ to the earth at the perfect time. And because of that, I can have faith that you will act in my life at the right time and in the right way. Thank you for that. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Something Better
"God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."
- Hebrews 11:40
Hebrews 11 is a book that captures the stories of many people who never got to witness the fulfillment of God's promise of the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. They lived their entire lives waiting. And though they faced persecution, they held fast to God's promise. They believed God and served him faithfully, even in the face of pain.
We may look at that reality and ask questions like, "Why would God allow those people to suffer? Why did he make them wait? Why not just answer their prayers and fulfill his promises immediately?"
The answer goes back to one simple, yet profound fact: God sees the whole picture.
None of us has the perspective on life that God has. He knew that while, yes, those people had to suffer for a season, there was a greater purpose behind it than they may have seen—his purpose.
Maybe you are facing a difficult time in your life. Or maybe you're just waiting to hear what God has in store for you. You read God's promises to you, but you wonder when those will be fulfilled. Don't grow impatient with God. Know that he has "something better for us." And remember, just because we may not see it doesn't mean that something better isn't there. It is. And God sees it before you do.
Dear God, I know that you have a perspective on life that I will never have. Yet, I still grow impatient at times when things don't work out the way I want them to, when you don't respond to me the way I want you to. Help me realize that no matter what I face, you have something better planned; I just need to be patient and wait on you. In Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen.
- Hebrews 11:40
Hebrews 11 is a book that captures the stories of many people who never got to witness the fulfillment of God's promise of the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. They lived their entire lives waiting. And though they faced persecution, they held fast to God's promise. They believed God and served him faithfully, even in the face of pain.
We may look at that reality and ask questions like, "Why would God allow those people to suffer? Why did he make them wait? Why not just answer their prayers and fulfill his promises immediately?"
The answer goes back to one simple, yet profound fact: God sees the whole picture.
None of us has the perspective on life that God has. He knew that while, yes, those people had to suffer for a season, there was a greater purpose behind it than they may have seen—his purpose.
Maybe you are facing a difficult time in your life. Or maybe you're just waiting to hear what God has in store for you. You read God's promises to you, but you wonder when those will be fulfilled. Don't grow impatient with God. Know that he has "something better for us." And remember, just because we may not see it doesn't mean that something better isn't there. It is. And God sees it before you do.
Dear God, I know that you have a perspective on life that I will never have. Yet, I still grow impatient at times when things don't work out the way I want them to, when you don't respond to me the way I want you to. Help me realize that no matter what I face, you have something better planned; I just need to be patient and wait on you. In Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Through the Storm - DevoMail with Skip Heitzig
I have to confess something: My favorite channel on television is the Weather Channel. Somebody once told me, "That's like MTV for old people," but I still like it. Their meteorologists are pretty busy right now, because we're at the peak of hurricane season. This week, Hurricane Gustav blew into the continental U.S. without doing too much damage, and right now there are three more storms strung out across the Atlantic--Hanna, Ike and Josephine. Ike is now officially a hurricane, and Hanna is widening. Where these storms will go, and what damage they will do, remains to be seen. But since these storms are certain, those in their path need to be prepared.
Acts 27 is an exciting story of some people who were unprepared for a storm, and of another who trusted God. I encourage you to read it. Paul was being taken to Rome by ship as a prisoner. He was an experienced traveler, and he knew the voyage was dangerous because of the time of year; he could predict that storms were ahead. So he warned the crew, but they sailed on anyway (Acts 27: 9Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned them, 10"Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also." 11But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.). Like our hurricanes, the storm they encountered also had a name, Euroclydon. They were at the mercy of the winds for two full weeks, as they threw everything overboard in the attempt just to survive. All they could do was to wait for it to blow through.
When they had all lost hope, Paul told them of seeing "an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve." The angel told him not to fear, and that everyone would live. "Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me" (Acts 27:23Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' 25So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.). Paul knew that God owned him, and that he was serving God. And, most importantly, he trusted God.
We all face hardships--storms--in our lives. Though we can't predict when, we know they will come. Storms are certain. You have endured yours, as I have mine. And we have been changed by them, hopefully for the better.
But being changed for the better involves your level of trust in God. So here's the most important point: Storms can bolster your confidence in God. They can make you better--if you remain calm in the midst of the storm and trust Him.
Today, there may not be a hurricane threatening to blow your home away. Your storm might be an illness, a divorce, a financial reversal, a child running from God. But know this: God will bring you through the storm. Ask yourself these three questions: Are you His? Are you serving Him? Are you trusting Him? I hope you can say "yes" to all three. I hope you can say, with Paul, "I believe God...just as He told me."
http://www.connectionradio.org
Acts 27 is an exciting story of some people who were unprepared for a storm, and of another who trusted God. I encourage you to read it. Paul was being taken to Rome by ship as a prisoner. He was an experienced traveler, and he knew the voyage was dangerous because of the time of year; he could predict that storms were ahead. So he warned the crew, but they sailed on anyway (Acts 27: 9Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast. So Paul warned them, 10"Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also." 11But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.). Like our hurricanes, the storm they encountered also had a name, Euroclydon. They were at the mercy of the winds for two full weeks, as they threw everything overboard in the attempt just to survive. All they could do was to wait for it to blow through.
When they had all lost hope, Paul told them of seeing "an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve." The angel told him not to fear, and that everyone would live. "Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me" (Acts 27:23Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me 24and said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.' 25So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.). Paul knew that God owned him, and that he was serving God. And, most importantly, he trusted God.
We all face hardships--storms--in our lives. Though we can't predict when, we know they will come. Storms are certain. You have endured yours, as I have mine. And we have been changed by them, hopefully for the better.
But being changed for the better involves your level of trust in God. So here's the most important point: Storms can bolster your confidence in God. They can make you better--if you remain calm in the midst of the storm and trust Him.
Today, there may not be a hurricane threatening to blow your home away. Your storm might be an illness, a divorce, a financial reversal, a child running from God. But know this: God will bring you through the storm. Ask yourself these three questions: Are you His? Are you serving Him? Are you trusting Him? I hope you can say "yes" to all three. I hope you can say, with Paul, "I believe God...just as He told me."
http://www.connectionradio.org
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Weight of Waiting
"Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered." - James 5:10-11
If we're honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we are not patient people. So when God tells us to wait in response to our prayers, we have a hard time. Wait, in our vocabulary, carries with it a negative connotation. "Wait" means we actually have to be patient. And so often our patience runs short and is followed quickly by discouragement.
When that happens we need to remember that God has given us example after example in the Bible of those who had to wait on the fulfillment of God's promises.
Maybe you're waiting for an answer from God right now, and you're beginning to get discouraged. If so, think about this: Not one person mentioned in the Old Testament ever got to see Jesus Christ. They never saw the fulfillment of God's ultimate promise.
Yet, they waited patiently and hoped eagerly. They were excited about spreading God's message and they looked forward to the day he would answer their prayers.
Don't give up hope while waiting on God. He will fulfill his promises to you; just have the patience to wait.
Dear God, You are the God of faith and promises. I know that you have promised to hear my prayers and to answer them according to your will. But so often, I grow impatient and want you to answer immediately. Help me to become more patient and to wait on you. And while I wait, help me to focus instead on the things you have given and all the times you have answered my prayers. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
If we're honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we are not patient people. So when God tells us to wait in response to our prayers, we have a hard time. Wait, in our vocabulary, carries with it a negative connotation. "Wait" means we actually have to be patient. And so often our patience runs short and is followed quickly by discouragement.
When that happens we need to remember that God has given us example after example in the Bible of those who had to wait on the fulfillment of God's promises.
Maybe you're waiting for an answer from God right now, and you're beginning to get discouraged. If so, think about this: Not one person mentioned in the Old Testament ever got to see Jesus Christ. They never saw the fulfillment of God's ultimate promise.
Yet, they waited patiently and hoped eagerly. They were excited about spreading God's message and they looked forward to the day he would answer their prayers.
Don't give up hope while waiting on God. He will fulfill his promises to you; just have the patience to wait.
Dear God, You are the God of faith and promises. I know that you have promised to hear my prayers and to answer them according to your will. But so often, I grow impatient and want you to answer immediately. Help me to become more patient and to wait on you. And while I wait, help me to focus instead on the things you have given and all the times you have answered my prayers. I pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Lay It Aside - DevoMail with Skip Heitzig
Dear Connection Friend,
Right now, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games are going on in Beijing. I love watching the Olympics because I'm a sports fan. I think the writers of the New Testament were, too. They were probably familiar with the ancient Olympic Games--which were still going on in the first century--because they often used the example of running a race to describe the Christian life. The apostle Paul in particular was fond of that metaphor. He used it several times in his epistles (see I Corinthians 9:24-25, II Timothy 2:5, 4:7; also Acts 20:24).
The writer of Hebrews gives an especially interesting example of the racing metaphor: "...Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). You see how sin is portrayed here. It's like a weight that drags you down. Imagine trying to run in a race with barbells chained to your ankles. The picture is really funny. You certainly wouldn't win the race. You might not even finish!
Also notice that we are to run with endurance. The Christian life isn't a 50-yard dash; it's more like a marathon. It takes great endurance. I remember the guys in my gym class in high school who were short-distance runners. When we had to run five miles in class, they weren't able to finish unless they paced themselves.
And sin "easily" ensnares us. We have a difficult time if we try to live as Christians while holding onto sin. How do we handle sin? The Bible says to run from it. It tells us to flee from idolatry (I Cor. 10:14), from sexual immorality (I Cor. 6:18), from greed (I Tim. 6:11), etc. Instead of being caught up in sin, we should concentrate on our goal. "Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14).
God promises His help in overcoming sin: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (I Cor. 10:13).
Last week at the Olympic opening ceremonies, the International Olympic Committee president reminded the athletes that they are role models for the world's youth and urged them to "reject" cheating. In the same way, we should reject sin. We should lay it aside and keep on running the race.Remember, the Christian life is a marathon. Finish the race well.
Right now, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games are going on in Beijing. I love watching the Olympics because I'm a sports fan. I think the writers of the New Testament were, too. They were probably familiar with the ancient Olympic Games--which were still going on in the first century--because they often used the example of running a race to describe the Christian life. The apostle Paul in particular was fond of that metaphor. He used it several times in his epistles (see I Corinthians 9:24-25, II Timothy 2:5, 4:7; also Acts 20:24).
The writer of Hebrews gives an especially interesting example of the racing metaphor: "...Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1). You see how sin is portrayed here. It's like a weight that drags you down. Imagine trying to run in a race with barbells chained to your ankles. The picture is really funny. You certainly wouldn't win the race. You might not even finish!
Also notice that we are to run with endurance. The Christian life isn't a 50-yard dash; it's more like a marathon. It takes great endurance. I remember the guys in my gym class in high school who were short-distance runners. When we had to run five miles in class, they weren't able to finish unless they paced themselves.
And sin "easily" ensnares us. We have a difficult time if we try to live as Christians while holding onto sin. How do we handle sin? The Bible says to run from it. It tells us to flee from idolatry (I Cor. 10:14), from sexual immorality (I Cor. 6:18), from greed (I Tim. 6:11), etc. Instead of being caught up in sin, we should concentrate on our goal. "Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14).
God promises His help in overcoming sin: "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (I Cor. 10:13).
Last week at the Olympic opening ceremonies, the International Olympic Committee president reminded the athletes that they are role models for the world's youth and urged them to "reject" cheating. In the same way, we should reject sin. We should lay it aside and keep on running the race.Remember, the Christian life is a marathon. Finish the race well.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Whom Shall I Fear? - DevoMail with Skip Heitzig
Dear Connection Friend,
Franklin Graham tells the story about a little girl he saw in Rwanda, after that country's civil war a few years ago. She was a refugee who had just witnessed the murder of her entire family, and she was sitting in the back of a truck, clutching a blanket and singing. He asked one of the soldiers what she was saying, and the soldier translated it: "Jesus loves me, this I know..." She had just lost everyone and everything that she knew, and she was singing praise to God!
Not many of us face such horrific circumstances in our lives, and that's by the mercy of God. But we all face battles where we are tempted to doubt the goodness or the power of God. This is part of spiritual warfare. Paul puts it this way: "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" (Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.").
The faithful Christian understands that there is an intense battle going on at all times. There are enemies all around, and hell doesn't give you a standing ovation when you commit your life to Christ. Jesus Himself knew warfare—His earthly ministry began with forty days of warfare with Satan in the wilderness, and it ended in Gethsemane, with Jesus sweating great drops of blood, before the last great battle on the cross.
As Christians, we are not exempt from suffering. It may come in the form of sickness or loss of a job, or through the terrible events like the little Rwandan girl experienced. Suffering intensifies spiritual warfare and the fear that may make us doubt the grace and the mercy of God.
Yet, we should not fear. Psalm 27 is a song of confidence in the Lord. It was written during the time when David was on the run from Saul, who was trying to kill him. Listen to what David says: "Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident... For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock" (Psalm 27:3 "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.", Psalm 27:5 "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.").
I encourage you to spend some time with this Psalm. Read it. Meditate on the truths it expresses. God knows and understands the battles you face. He knows, and He cares. Even if you are forsaken by everyone and everything else, the Lord will take care of you (Psalm 27:10 "Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.").Whatever the challenges, whatever the battles, we can all say, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1.
Franklin Graham tells the story about a little girl he saw in Rwanda, after that country's civil war a few years ago. She was a refugee who had just witnessed the murder of her entire family, and she was sitting in the back of a truck, clutching a blanket and singing. He asked one of the soldiers what she was saying, and the soldier translated it: "Jesus loves me, this I know..." She had just lost everyone and everything that she knew, and she was singing praise to God!
Not many of us face such horrific circumstances in our lives, and that's by the mercy of God. But we all face battles where we are tempted to doubt the goodness or the power of God. This is part of spiritual warfare. Paul puts it this way: "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" (Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.").
The faithful Christian understands that there is an intense battle going on at all times. There are enemies all around, and hell doesn't give you a standing ovation when you commit your life to Christ. Jesus Himself knew warfare—His earthly ministry began with forty days of warfare with Satan in the wilderness, and it ended in Gethsemane, with Jesus sweating great drops of blood, before the last great battle on the cross.
As Christians, we are not exempt from suffering. It may come in the form of sickness or loss of a job, or through the terrible events like the little Rwandan girl experienced. Suffering intensifies spiritual warfare and the fear that may make us doubt the grace and the mercy of God.
Yet, we should not fear. Psalm 27 is a song of confidence in the Lord. It was written during the time when David was on the run from Saul, who was trying to kill him. Listen to what David says: "Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident... For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock" (Psalm 27:3 "Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.", Psalm 27:5 "For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.").
I encourage you to spend some time with this Psalm. Read it. Meditate on the truths it expresses. God knows and understands the battles you face. He knows, and He cares. Even if you are forsaken by everyone and everything else, the Lord will take care of you (Psalm 27:10 "Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.").Whatever the challenges, whatever the battles, we can all say, "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Hearing From God
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
- Acts 4:29-31
When we read about God answering prayers in heart-thumping fashion, we want to experience the same kind of thing. Many times we want to feel the ground shake at the sound of God's voice, because if it did, then we would know for certain that God has answered us.
But when that doesn't happen; when God doesn't answer us the way we want or when we want, how often do we convince ourselves that God must not be listening?
The problem, though, isn't that God doesn't hear us. The problem is with our own perspective on his answers. Don't assume that because God's voice isn't booming down from heaven that he doesn't hear and respond to your prayers.
If you are praying for something right now, don't be disappointed if you don't get the answer you want, when you want it. Instead, trust that God, who knows the desires of your heart and the needs in your life, hears you when you call out to him. And trust that he has your best in mind whenever, wherever and however he answers you.
Dear God, Sometimes when I pray I convince myself of the best answer for that prayer. Help me instead to trust your answer, your timing and your ways. Help me to realize that your answer to my prayer will always be better than my answer. In Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen.
- Acts 4:29-31
When we read about God answering prayers in heart-thumping fashion, we want to experience the same kind of thing. Many times we want to feel the ground shake at the sound of God's voice, because if it did, then we would know for certain that God has answered us.
But when that doesn't happen; when God doesn't answer us the way we want or when we want, how often do we convince ourselves that God must not be listening?
The problem, though, isn't that God doesn't hear us. The problem is with our own perspective on his answers. Don't assume that because God's voice isn't booming down from heaven that he doesn't hear and respond to your prayers.
If you are praying for something right now, don't be disappointed if you don't get the answer you want, when you want it. Instead, trust that God, who knows the desires of your heart and the needs in your life, hears you when you call out to him. And trust that he has your best in mind whenever, wherever and however he answers you.
Dear God, Sometimes when I pray I convince myself of the best answer for that prayer. Help me instead to trust your answer, your timing and your ways. Help me to realize that your answer to my prayer will always be better than my answer. In Jesus Christ name I pray, Amen.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Fulfilling the Law of Christ
“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Devotional
It pleases God when we live in peace and unity; when we love and serve others and put their needs above our own. The bible says we are fulfilling the law of Christ when we carry each other’s burdens, when we pray for them and when we are supportive in their time of need. There are many ways to reach out to people and help carry their burdens. Just by giving an encouraging word or smile, you can help lighten the load for someone. When you pray and intercede for others in their day of difficulty, you are helping carry their burdens. Maybe there are other ways to help the people around you. Maybe you can pay for someone’s groceries, or give someone cash at the gas pump. Anytime you help others and reach out to them, it's as if you are directly lending a hand to God. Remember, in God's kingdom what you sow, you shall reap. When you help others, God promises to repay you. He'll make sure that people reach out to you in your time of need as well so that you can live in victory and blessing all the days of your life.
Heavenly Father, I want to fulfill Your law of love by serving and helping others. Show me how to be a blessing to the people around me so that I can help carry their burdens. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Devotional
It pleases God when we live in peace and unity; when we love and serve others and put their needs above our own. The bible says we are fulfilling the law of Christ when we carry each other’s burdens, when we pray for them and when we are supportive in their time of need. There are many ways to reach out to people and help carry their burdens. Just by giving an encouraging word or smile, you can help lighten the load for someone. When you pray and intercede for others in their day of difficulty, you are helping carry their burdens. Maybe there are other ways to help the people around you. Maybe you can pay for someone’s groceries, or give someone cash at the gas pump. Anytime you help others and reach out to them, it's as if you are directly lending a hand to God. Remember, in God's kingdom what you sow, you shall reap. When you help others, God promises to repay you. He'll make sure that people reach out to you in your time of need as well so that you can live in victory and blessing all the days of your life.
Heavenly Father, I want to fulfill Your law of love by serving and helping others. Show me how to be a blessing to the people around me so that I can help carry their burdens. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
The Armor of God
"Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm" (Ephesians 6:13 NLT).
God has fully equipped you today with everything you need to stand strong in the midst of any battle you may be facing. He's provided His full armor to protect your heart and mind. Ephesians 6:14-17, tells us about God's spiritual armor that covers us—He’s given us the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith which stops the fiery darts of the enemy, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. When you receive God's truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and His Word, you are fully protected to resist the enemy and stand firm. Remember, God holds victory in store for the upright. As you put on His armor by faith you will be positioned to receive His victory. You will be strengthened and empowered to live as an overcomer in every area of your life!
Isaiah 59:17 (New International Version)
He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Father in heaven, thank You for equipping me with everything I need to live as an overcomer in this life. I receive your full armor knowing that with You I can stand and overcome every obstacle. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
"Study the different Bible versions"
Ephesians 6:10-18 (Amplified Bible)
The Whole Armor of God
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. 11 Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 13 Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. 16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
Ephesians 6:10-18 (New Living Translation)
The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (New Life Version)
Things God Gives The Christian To Fight With
10 This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord's strength. 11 Put on the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will not fall into the traps of the devil. 12Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. 13 Because of this, put on all the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will be able to stand in that sinful day. When it is all over, you will still be standing. 14 So stand up and do not be moved. Wear a belt of truth around your body. Wear a piece of iron over your chest which is being right with God. 15 Wear shoes on your feet which are the Good News of peace. 16 Most important of all, you need a covering of faith in front of you. This is to put out the fire-arrows of the devil. 17 The covering for your head is that you have been saved from the punishment of sin. Take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
How And What To Pray For
18 You must pray at all times as the Holy Spirit leads you to pray. Pray for the things that are needed. You must watch and keep on praying. Remember to pray for all Christians.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (King James Version)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
God has fully equipped you today with everything you need to stand strong in the midst of any battle you may be facing. He's provided His full armor to protect your heart and mind. Ephesians 6:14-17, tells us about God's spiritual armor that covers us—He’s given us the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith which stops the fiery darts of the enemy, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. When you receive God's truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and His Word, you are fully protected to resist the enemy and stand firm. Remember, God holds victory in store for the upright. As you put on His armor by faith you will be positioned to receive His victory. You will be strengthened and empowered to live as an overcomer in every area of your life!
Isaiah 59:17 (New International Version)
He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Father in heaven, thank You for equipping me with everything I need to live as an overcomer in this life. I receive your full armor knowing that with You I can stand and overcome every obstacle. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
"Study the different Bible versions"
Ephesians 6:10-18 (Amplified Bible)
The Whole Armor of God
10 In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. 11 Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. 13 Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, 15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. 16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God.
18 Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people).
Ephesians 6:10-18 (New Living Translation)
The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (New Life Version)
Things God Gives The Christian To Fight With
10 This is the last thing I want to say: Be strong with the Lord's strength. 11 Put on the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will not fall into the traps of the devil. 12Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world. It is against the demon world that works in the heavens. 13 Because of this, put on all the things God gives you to fight with. Then you will be able to stand in that sinful day. When it is all over, you will still be standing. 14 So stand up and do not be moved. Wear a belt of truth around your body. Wear a piece of iron over your chest which is being right with God. 15 Wear shoes on your feet which are the Good News of peace. 16 Most important of all, you need a covering of faith in front of you. This is to put out the fire-arrows of the devil. 17 The covering for your head is that you have been saved from the punishment of sin. Take the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.
How And What To Pray For
18 You must pray at all times as the Holy Spirit leads you to pray. Pray for the things that are needed. You must watch and keep on praying. Remember to pray for all Christians.
Ephesians 6:10-18 (King James Version)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Whosoever
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life” - John 3:16 (NKJ)
Today's Word
When God sent His Son to the earth, He opened the door of salvation to whosoever would believe. That means, anyone can become a child of His and have everlasting life! Aren’t you glad He didn’t just come to save certain kinds of people? Aren’t you glad He didn’t have a bunch of rules and conditions for salvation? Before Jesus came, people had to observe many laws in order to be holy enough to go into the temple. They were constantly performing sacrifices to pay for their sins just so they could be around the presence of God. And even then, their sins were only covered up. But when Jesus came, He was the final sacrifice. And His blood didn’t just cover our sins, it washed us clean. Now, instead of just going to the temple to be near God, the Bible says we are the temple, and He chooses to live inside of us. Thank Him today for His mercy and for extending the gift of salvation to whosoever. As we celebrate Christmas together, remember, that Jesus is the ultimate gift. Do you receive Him today? If you’ve never asked Him into your life, there’s no better time than right now.
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus into this earth so that I can be free. Thank You for opening the door to eternal life. I'm a sinner, forgive me of all my sins, I accept the sacrifice Jesus paid. Come into my heart. I make You my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Today's Word
When God sent His Son to the earth, He opened the door of salvation to whosoever would believe. That means, anyone can become a child of His and have everlasting life! Aren’t you glad He didn’t just come to save certain kinds of people? Aren’t you glad He didn’t have a bunch of rules and conditions for salvation? Before Jesus came, people had to observe many laws in order to be holy enough to go into the temple. They were constantly performing sacrifices to pay for their sins just so they could be around the presence of God. And even then, their sins were only covered up. But when Jesus came, He was the final sacrifice. And His blood didn’t just cover our sins, it washed us clean. Now, instead of just going to the temple to be near God, the Bible says we are the temple, and He chooses to live inside of us. Thank Him today for His mercy and for extending the gift of salvation to whosoever. As we celebrate Christmas together, remember, that Jesus is the ultimate gift. Do you receive Him today? If you’ve never asked Him into your life, there’s no better time than right now.
A Prayer for Today
God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus into this earth so that I can be free. Thank You for opening the door to eternal life. I'm a sinner, forgive me of all my sins, I accept the sacrifice Jesus paid. Come into my heart. I make You my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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