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.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
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;
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