Christ’s S.O.S Outreach, Inc.

The Good Soil

2012-02-10T19:00:00.002-08:00

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 3-5; Luke 20:1-26

Today's Thoughts: The Good Soil

"And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit, and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty." Matthew 13:23

Gardening is definitely not a hobby for those of us who want nice looking finger nails. After planting flowers for a few hours, my appearance seemed to reflect gardening as a contact sport. I had dirt everywhere. I spent most of my time digging and scrapping and hoeing and massaging the dirt. Placing the flowers in the ground was the easy part.

I was talking to my daughter while planting. I said to her, "Jesus talks about seeds falling on good soil or dirt. What do you think it takes to recognize good dirt over bad dirt?" She said, "Well, I think good dirt is darker than bad dirt. It would be darker because it should be wetter than bad dirt." Her observation was very good. The areas that we planted with moister soil did have a darker color because the sprinklers covered that area better. We also found healthier plants in the darker dirt.

I also thought about this spiritually. As we acknowledge our sinfulness, we understand the darkness of our hearts. It is then through the moistening of the Holy Spirit to wet our hearts to receive Jesus as our Savior, that we are redeemed from our sin. That kind of soil is then ready for the Lord to plant His Words in our hearts to bring forth flowers or fruits of righteousness in His time.

The first step is the preparation of the soil. Praise God that He is willing to get His hands dirty for us! We might not like seeing how dark the dirt is but it is in understanding our sinful state that Jesus can do a beautiful work in the end. Remember, seed...time... and harvest!

Psst... I'm Praying For You

2012-02-10T19:00:00.001-08:00

Psst... I'm Praying For You

Dick Staub

(RNS)-- I have a confession to make. I love to pray... for strangers.

I don't know when my praying for strangers started. Perhaps it was when an ambulance left our neighborhood and I realized that some hapless soul trapped in a failing body needed medical assistance that I was incapable of offering. So I offered what I could: a prayer.

During visits to Disneyland, I've seen families erupt into anger and frustration and I've prayed for relief from whatever pressures they brought into the happiest place on earth.

On a flight, I spotted another passenger just ahead of me wiping a tear from an eye, and I've asked God to help them remember that some day "God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

I've watched the news and seen a fiancé whose partner was washed away in a tsunami, or a mother whose child is waiting for a kidney transplant, or an elderly person about to lose their home. I've prayed for them as if they are my own family.

Catharine Doherty said in her classic book Poustinia, "If I touch God I must touch man." Shouldn't a deeper connection with God inevitably lead to a richer connection with our fellow humans?"

I've prayed for authors I interviewed on my old radio show because I've sensed their fictional work is the product of some inner, festering wound that was being lanced, their eloquent words coated in personal pain.

Once, during an advertising break, a National Book Award winner started weeping. "I don't know why I'm telling you this, but last week I tried to take my own life." A prayer was said and cell phone numbers were exchanged as my anonymous practice became more personal.

People often feel alone in this world, as if God is absent or silent or both. Maybe it's because we are failing to love as we should by being with people and praying for them. "Human beings," Rabbi Menachem Mendel said centuries ago, "are God's language."

A few weeks ago I discovered a soul mate in novelist River Jordan, whose new book, Praying for Strangers, warmly and humorously tells how she fulfilled a New Year's resolution to pray for one stranger each day for a full year.

The idea was born of a mother's heart when her two sons were being deployed to war zones and she felt compelled to pray selflessly instead of just for her boys. Cocktail parties, bus stops, book signings, newspaper articles and kitchens soon became the scene of her walk-by prayers.

Frequently, as she told a stranger she had prayed for them, it became clear she was a timely emissary from God. One women said, "I was just praying this morning and praying for other people, but I stopped and asked the Lord, `God, is there anybody in this whole wide world who is praying for me?"'

Jordan came to understand what evangelist F.B. Meyer meant when he said, "The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer."

The idea of "paying it forward" has become practically a cliché, but in a world so filled with suffering and pain, there still seems to be more than enough room for the idea of "praying it forward."

Prayer, of course, should never replace hands-on help and assistance for friends or stranger in need. But think about it: what would happen if every person on our planet said one heartfelt prayer for one stranger they encountered each day?

I can't know for sure if praying for strangers is good for them, but I can tell you that it's been good for me. Once you take seriously Jesus' commandment to love one another, you find yourself connected to the whole of humanity. And when I do something to relieve someone else's suffering, I relieve some of my own.

Dick Staub is author of the just-released About You: Fully Human and Fully Alive and the host of The Kindlings Muse (www.thekindlings.com). His blog can be read at www.dickstaub.com.

I was blind, now I see."

2012-02-10T19:00:00.000-08:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see."

JOHN 9:25

We are the man born blind in John 9. It is not that he can improve himself, or gradually come to the place where he can see something. He is BORN blind, and he can see nothing but darkness until the Lord, the Light of the world, makes him see.

So many blind people hope to improve their seeing through sermons, meetings, and more teachings. But one moment of seeing is worth ten thousand years of learning. It is better to sit at the feet of an ignorant man who has seen the Lord than it is to be instructed by the most educated Bible teacher who is blind to the things of God.

I Need to Know the Truth

2012-02-07T16:23:00.005-08:00

I Need to Know the Truth
Ginny L. Yttrup
She Reads Featured Author

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32 (NIV)

Devotion:
The diagnosis was unexpected. Unsettling. And followed by tears of...relief? I climbed into my car, fastened the seatbelt, and wiped away the tears. Why am I relieved by difficult news? I wondered.

As my doctor's words ran through my mind, so did a surprising phrase: I'm not crazy. The relief, I recognized, was founded in the truth that the diagnosis revealed.

When did I start believing I was crazy? I recalled the chronic pain I've suffered for the last two years. As I did, familiar accusations ran through my mind: You're such a wimp. There's nothing wrong with you. You're crazy. Ah, there it was, the lie that had slithered unbidden into my mind and nested there.

I've spent many of my adult years uncoiling the lies I've believed about myself. Venomous lies that poisoned my mind following a dozen years of childhood sexual abuse: You're worthless. No one will ever love you. And the heartbreaker... God doesn't care.

I'm not the only one who has believed the lies, right?

You don't have to be a survivor of childhood abuse to believe lies. I think they're part of the human condition. And women seem especially susceptible. Perhaps that susceptibility is an imprint of the fall when Eve believed that first untruth the serpent hissed at her in the garden.

But good news comes with the truth. Not our truth. But the Truth — Jesus Christ.

The Bible says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus..." (Romans 8:1). In other words, when condemning accusations coil around my mind, I know — I can be fully assured — they're not from God. And if they're not from God, they're not worth believing.

I'm learning to combat the lies by submitting them to the Truth, Jesus.

When the enemy says, "You're worthless."

Jesus says, "You are a pearl of great value."

When the enemy says, "No one will ever love you."

Jesus says, "You are My beloved."

When the enemy says, "God doesn't care."

Jesus says, "I gave my life that you might have eternal life."

After my doctor's appointment when I recognized I'd fallen prey to the lies again, another thought went through my mind: You'll never get it right. Good grief! This time, I had to laugh. I was aware of the crafty serpent and wasn't falling for another lie. Instead, I turned to Jesus and thanked Him for the freedom found in Him, the Truth.

While the enemy will continue to try and thwart God's truth, we can know he's already lost the battle. It's a done deal. In Genesis 3 we read that the head of the serpent will be crushed under Jesus' heel, defeating him for all time. He holds no real power over us.

The longer we walk with Jesus, and the more we seek His truth, the more we'll recognize His voice and enjoy the freedom found in Him. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. (Galatians 5:1, NIV)

Dear Lord, I pray that I'll recognize Your voice above all others. Give me ears to hear You. Teach me how to live in the freedom of Your truth and thank You for the gift of Your grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Write down what you sense Jesus is whispering to your heart?

Ask Him to show you what lies you need to submit to Him, the Truth, today?

Join the She Reads online fiction book club as we discuss the themes found in this month's featured selection, specifically hope, healing, and redemption.

Reflections:
How would my life look different if I was living in freedom?

Power Verses:
Romans 8:1-2, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." (NIV)

Galatians 5:1, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Bringing the Gospel of the Kingdom into the Marketplace

2012-02-07T16:23:00.003-08:00

Bringing the Gospel of the Kingdom into the Marketplace by S. Michael Craven

Last week I shared Dr. Samuel Gregg's insightful commentary, Christians in a Post-Welfare State World. In it, Dr. Gregg argues, "the Social Democratic/progressive dream of a welfare state … has clearly run its course. It will end in a fiscal Armageddon when the bills can't be paid, or when political leaders begin dismantling the Leviathans of state-welfare to avert financial disaster. Either way, the welfare state's impending demise is going to force Christians to seriously rethink how they help the least among us."

Given the economic teetering-on-the-brink now threatening Europe and with similar realizations emerging in many American cities and states, Gregg's prediction is hard to argue against. Generous social-welfare programs funded by an entity (i.e., the state) with no actual means of creating wealth are simply unsustainable. You just can't keep paying for burgeoning public entitlements that depend on the earnings of fewer people than the state provides for.

Despite the pending failure of Democratic Socialism, Americans' faith in the free market system is also falling. According to a poll conducted by GlobeScan, a polling and consultancy firm, only 59 percent of Americans agreed "strongly" or "somewhat" that the free market was the best system for the world's future. That's a significant drop from 80 percent in the 2002 poll. Among those earning less than $20,000 a year, the drop in confidence is even more dramatic, falling from 76 to 44 percent between 2002 and 2010, according to the poll. GlobeScan released the latest figures this month after conducting its research between June and September of 2010.

This shouldn't come as a surprise given the Great Recession of 2008, considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The collapse of our nation's most venerable financial institutions, the unbridled greed of Wall Street, and systemic incompetence among government authorities decimated trillions of dollars in personal savings and private assets. While there were no doubt many complex economic factors involved—at the heart of what went wrong is widespread moral failure.

From unqualified home buyers borrowing more than they could afford and defaulting on their loans to banks, and Wall Street investors recklessly leveraging their assets for high risk gains, the entire system became a house of cards ultimately doomed by rampant greed, selfishness, and irresponsibility.

At this point, you may be tempted to think, What does this have to with Christian faith or theology? In short, everything! I believe the free market economic system is the best available for promoting human creativity and flourishing, creating a sustainable and stable society, and alleviating poverty. However, I also believe that free market capitalism is among the most monstrous and oppressive systems when severed from a coherent ethical framework and compelling moral restraint.

This has become the case in the West. As society increasingly rebels against the authority of God and the church is less capable of integrating complex theological truths into every aspect of life and society, our economic philosophy has become Darwinian. The self-proclaimed titans of industry and business exalt themselves as the "most fit"—predators among prey—justifying their rapacious consumption and self-indulgence as a right of their station in the "food chain."

As such, there is perhaps no other area of society and culture where the church can make a tangible impact for good and offer a visible witness of the kingdom than by reforming business through the principles of Christianity.

This has been a growing interest of mine over the last two years, as business remains the one area of culture where Christians maintain a broad presence. The fact is, it would take generations just to penetrate, much less transform, the cultural spheres of academia, the arts, and media. It will also take generations to impact the arena of business and government if we continue to languish in theological vacuity and therefore fail to integrate biblical values into our economic structures.

However, our very presence in the marketplace puts the church far ahead in this effort. What remains is a renewed theological focus reclaiming business as mission combined with an effective means of engaging Christian business leaders. This has been the focus of my time, energy, and study for more than two years, and recently I have identified what I believe is the final piece necessary to implementation.

I am not quite ready to share the details today but they will be forthcoming in the next few weeks and the program ready to unveil by June 2011. There have been just a few times over the last twelve years when the Lord has made my vision so clear and my resolve so established. I can say that this is one of those times. For those who love the Lord, their desire is to make a difference, to see the Lord glorified and his church faithful. This is certainly my desire. I don't travel, study, write, speak and teach because I have nothing else to do; I do this because I am driven by a burden to see God's church quickened and renewed so that Christ may be lifted up in a meaningful way. I believe what we are about to launch will contribute mightily to this vision.

© 2011 by S. Michael Craven

Feeling Emotional

2012-02-07T16:23:00.001-08:00

Feeling Emotional
Rachel Olsen

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me." John 14:1 (NLT)

Devotion:
Frustration hit me full force about a quarter 'til dawn that morning. I woke up to find my child was sick, again. With my husband away on business, it was up to me to help the young boy who was standing beside my bed coughing.

He'd been sick the better part of that month with cold after cold. I thought he was finally turning the corner. I thought we were done with decongestants, germy tissues, and Clorox wipes. That is, until that morning.

The first thing I felt was frustrated.

When my child is out of commission, it puts me out of commission as well. He was already behind on his school work, and I was already behind on about a half-dozen things. I could feel my stress level rising as I poured the cough syrup into the plastic measuring cup.

I thought about the things I was supposed to accomplish — the scheduled meetings, the deadlines, the errands. A scowl settled into my forehead. I closed the medicine cabinet door with much more force than really necessary.

I felt sorry for my pitiful son. And I felt disappointed that my prayers had not prevented this relapse in illness. I felt angry that yet another day would be interrupted by some virus. And I felt bad because I knew I wasn't handling it well.

I felt, I felt, I felt ... all I was doing was feeling, letting my emotions spread out and lay claim over every aspect of my day.

I had this notion in my head that a mature Christian wouldn't be feeling this way. Shouldn't I be so spiritual that I'm above getting upset over things like this?

After taking care of my son, I sat down and scanned the gospels to see if Jesus ever felt emotionally strained. Sure enough, I found instances where Jesus is described as feeling "deeply troubled" and "distressed." (Mark 14:33, John 13:21, John 12:27, NLT)

If Jesus got emotionally agitated, then it's unrealistic for me to expect to go through life without feeling some stress. The problem isn't my emotions, it's my reaction to them. The trouble comes when I give them free reign in my heart and mind.

That's when I become unstable.
That's when I lose sight of God.
That's when I say or do things I regret.

Jesus spoke today's key verse to His disciples, knowing what their futures would hold. He knew His death was coming and it would trigger fear, sorrow and doubt in their hearts. Not wanting them to wallow in those emotions, He counseled them ahead of time to keep their focus on God and all that He'd been teaching them.

Jesus, knowing what our day holds, speaks the same words to us. He tells us to not let our emotions fly about, creating an unstable and troubled heart. Instead, our trustworthy Lord tells us to focus our attention on Him.

Eventually, I made the decision that morning to pray and place my trust in God, despite how my day was shaping up and despite how volatile my emotions felt. He calmed my anxious heart, and my son seemed to feel better as well.

It feels good when I trade in my troubled emotions for a source of strength that will get me through my day. And that's one feeling I think Jesus would love for me to wallow in.

Dear Lord, I want to be ruled by Your Spirit, not by my emotions. Help me to focus on You today and not my troubles. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Start your day praying for God to give you the mind of Christ, and emotions that are submitted to Him.

On days when you get off track, like I did today, resolve to shorten the amount of time between the emotional trigger and the moment when you release your feelings and the situation into God's care.

Reflections:
What is getting the best of me today? Anger? Bitterness? Depression? Fear? Lust? Greed? Frustration? Or Christ?

Am I willing to release these emotions to God and not let my heart be troubled?

Power Verses:
Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (NIV)

Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)

Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

GREAT RULE #2 QUOTES:

2012-02-03T13:19:00.000-08:00

GREAT RULE #2 QUOTES:

"The only difference between success and failure is the ability to take action."
-Alexander Graham Bell

"The future is purchased by what you do in the present."
-Unknown

"Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day, while failure is simply a few errors in judgement, repeated every day. It is the cumulative weight of our disciplines and our judgements that leads us to either fortune or failure."
-Jim Rohn

"Approach the start of each day with something in mind and end the day with one word...DONE."
-Unknown

"Success is neither magical nor mysterious. Success is the natural consequence of consistently applying the basic fundamentals."
-Jim Rohn

"All great masters are chiefly distinguished by the power of adding a second, a third, and perhaps a fourth step in a continuous line. Many a man has taken the first step. With every additional step you enhance immensely the value of your first."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

--

Rose Vidal
Executive Director

http://facebook.com/outreach2004
352-509-6032

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"All things were created through Him and for Him."

2012-01-27T17:37:00.002-08:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"All things were created through Him and for Him."

COLOSSIANS 1:16

In the beginning, when man walked with God, there was an obvious Heavenly Order in the earth. This simply meant that Christ was in His rightful place. When Christ has the preeminence, when He has the centrality and the supremacy, then all is well.

God created all things "by Him and for Him" and installed Him as Lord of All. With Christ in His rightful place the rest of creation could proceed. Six times in the Book of Genesis God declared that what He had just made was "good." When the work was finally completed, God judged the final state of things to be "very good" (Genesis 1:31) and by far the greatest benefit of living under this Heavenly Order was the spiritual condition of man before the fall. Spiritually he was at peace with himself and at peace with his God. In a word, the state of things as they existed in the Heavenly Order was perfect. It was, quite literally, heaven on earth.

Forget the Past and Press On to What's Ahead

2012-01-27T17:37:00.001-08:00

Forget the Past and Press On to What's Ahead

Karol Ladd, Author

Not that I have alrerady obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philipians 3: 12 - 14).

Looking Forward

Wilma Rudolph could have given up many times the pursuit of her dreams. As the twentieth child of twenty-two kids in her family, she was born in 1940 with polio and also suffered bouts of pneumonia and scarlet fever. Although some said she might never walk, Wilma's loving family worked hard to make sure she received the medical treatment and physical therapy she needed. Wilma started wearing a leg brace when she was five years old. One day at age 11, she decided she had enough of the leg brace, and so she took off the brace and walked down the aisle at church, never to wear it again. When she was 13, Wilma became involved in basketball and track at school. Her running improved to such an extent that she began winning races, and she was invited to a training camp at Tennessee State. There she trained with Ed Temple, who became one of the most influential persons in her life.

In 1956, as a sophomore in high school, Wilma competed in her first Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. Although she did not place in her 200 meter competition, her relay team earned the bronze medal. Wilma's persistence and enthusiasm led her to train even harder. She went back to the Olympics in 1960, having already broken a world record in the Olympic trials in the 200 meter. At the Olympics in Rome, she became the first American woman to win three gold medals (100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, and 400 meter relay) and was honored in her hometown's first racially-integrated parade. Wilma went on to receive numerous honors and awards, including the Sullivan Award for amateur U.S. athletes and induction into the Black Sports Hall of Fame, the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame, the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, and the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Wilma worked her way through college and eventually became a coach and a teacher, but her greatest pride and joy were her four children. Wilma's story has inspired thousands of others to persevere through trials and pursue their dreams. She could have given into discouragement many times, but instead she didn't look back; she looked forward. She pressed on with determination to win the gold. She didn't use her challenges from the past as an excuse to hold her back from achieving her goals.

Often it is our past that plays a big part in our sense of defeat in life. We can become gripped with memories of failures from the past, or we can become stifled by earlier mistakes. Hurts, pains, and disappointments can grow into bitterness, anger, and frustration and serve to keep us on the bench rather than in the game. Paul recognized the importance of letting go of the past and leaning in toward what is ahead. He needed to do it in his own life, not only to forget the regrettable things he had done (like persecuting the church) but also to let go of the pride of the accomplishments he had achieved in the past. Either one would slow him down.

One of the disciplines every sprinter is taught early on in training is to never glance back at competitors during the race. This one simple move can slow her down and cause her to miss out on winning the race. In the same way, we must keep our focus forward and on the goal of knowing Christ and growing in Him. We must relinquish the power that the past holds on us, let go of the past hurts, defeats, embarrassments, mistakes, and even the past accomplishments in which we may tend to wallow. Living with our eyes looking back will only discourage us and trip us up. We are told in Scripture to look back at one thing, and that is the goodness of the Lord and what He has done for us.

Thanking God for His blessings will strengthen us, but rehearsing wounds, mistakes, and miseries will only serve to weaken us. Now, I know it is impossible to erase all the memories from your life. Paul wasn't talking about voiding every memory from your brain. He was basically saying he was no longer affected or influenced by the past. A runner stays focused on where she is going, not where she has been. Whether we are being burdened by regrets of things we did in the past or glorying in things we did in the past, it is time to move forward.

Author and Bible teacher Warren W. Wiersbe put it this way, "Forgetting those things which are behind does not suggest an impossible feat of mental and psychological gymnastics by which we try to erase the sins and mistakes of the past. It simply means that we break the power of the past by living for the future. We cannot change the past, but we can change the meaning of the past. There are things in Paul's past that could have been weights to hold him back, but they became inspirations to speed him ahead. The events did not change, but his understanding of them changed."

God can use the situations in the past to make us wiser and stronger. Let us not allow our past to render us powerless, but rather let us give our past to God and thank Him for the lessons learned. We are to run forward, pressing on to what God has prepared ahead for us. He has a plan for each of us. Don't become entangled in what has happened behind you. Seek God's help in overcoming the grip the past has on your life. In the Old Testament, Lot's wife turned to a pillar of salt. Why? Because she looked back. In the same way, allowing our mind to replay old tapes over and over again can stifle us and rob us of our ability to move forward. We must guard our gaze and concentrate on what God has ahead of us.

Karol Ladd is a gifted Bible teacher

Mine, Mine, Mine!

2012-01-27T17:37:00.000-08:00

Mine, Mine, Mine!
Lysa TerKeurst

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4 (NIV)

Devotion:
I am a magnet for strange.

Seriously.

Recently I was outside with my three dogs soaking up the sunshine. After being in snowy Pennsylvania the weekend before, I needed the warmth of the Carolinas to soak deeply into my bones. Southern girls don't do snow in the spring.

Anyhow, back to the sunshine and dogs. We got a new puppy named "Willow" for Christmas. Well, our other dogs Champ and Chelsea aren't sure what to think of precious, little three-pound, Willow.

She annoys them. In every way.

I thought it would be a good investment for the dog relations in our home if I spent time with them outside to help them all feel the love. So, I sat on the ground and loved on each dog.

They enveloped me in a flurry of wet kisses, fur, and stinky dog breath. I was having a ball. And they were all getting along. Bliss.

Until...Willow came and sat on my lap. Claiming the prized location of closeness with me, I don't think she realized the signal she was sending. Champ suddenly backed up and growled. His tail stopped wagging. And he was not happy.

"Oh Champ," I reassured him, "Willow is a baby. Be nice."

More growling.

"No sir! Champ, be nice. Come here. I can love on you while Willow sits in my lap," I reassured him once again, while rubbing behind his ears.

He seemed to be happy again, and licked my cheek.

More bliss.

But then, out of the blue, he walked beside me, looked straight at Willow, lifted his leg, and drenched me in tee-tee!

What in the world!? I couldn't believe what was happening.

After recovering from my shock and changing my clothes, I Googled it.

Some say Champ was marking his territory. "That's MY mama!"

His strong expression of "MINE" was a stark reminder to me of just how disgusting a heart bent on self can be. Champ couldn't enjoy all he was experiencing in the moment, because he was so laser focused on the one way he felt slighted.

SELFishness! ME! MINE! MINE! MINE!

Several years ago, God challenged me to recognize and refute selfishness by seeing — really seeing all that I've been given. And never looking at a blessing I was given as something just for me. I always make myself think two things...

1. Thank You God for entrusting this blessing to me. I know it is a gift from You.

2. How can I use this as an opportunity to bless someone else? The blessing will be more rewarding if it's not all about me.

Do these things come naturally? Not at first. Not in a 'me first,' Mine! Mine! Tee-tee on others kind of world.

But we aren't called to live according to the norm, doing what comes naturally.

We are called to rise above. Be set apart. Be different. Be pure in every way. "Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure" (1 John 3:3).

What blessing do you have that might need to be shared today? What blessing do I have that might need to be shared today?

Right in the midst of what we're doing today, how can we graciously and purely represent Christ as we RE-present Him everywhere we go?

Good stuff to ponder as I washed my smelly outfit that day.

Dear Lord, thank You for every good and perfect gift You have given me. Help me to put others before me and to have a heart to see them as You do. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

What opportunity has been given to you recently that you can in turn pass on to others? Will you take the initiative to do that today?

Reflections:
The journey will be more rewarding if it's not all about me. Do I agree with this statement? Have I done this before? How will I plan to implement this going forward?

Power Verses:
Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." (NIV)

Romans 12:3, "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." (NIV)

Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

2012-01-24T05:42:00.006-08:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"As many of you as were
baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
GALATIANS 3:27

What does it mean to be baptized? It is to go down into death and to come back up into Life. We were baptized into Christ. The water of baptism does not merely signify the washing away of sins, but the death of the sinner. We go down into the water, and we are brought up out of the water. If we were to stay under the water for long we would surely die. But we are quickly lifted back up out of the "grave." This represents death and resurrection.

The outward sign of water baptism is meant to represent an inward spiritual truth - that I am baptized indeed, not into water only, but into Christ. I died with Him, and I was raised with Him. If I am one with Him then His death is my death; when He is raised, I too am raised. God has placed us in Christ, and since we are joined to the Lord, we are one spirit with Him. The Branches will go the way of the Vine. The Body will go the way of the Head.

Desiring to Grow

2012-01-24T05:42:00.005-08:00

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 10-11; Luke 21:20-38

Today's Thoughts: Desiring to Grow

"As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby," 1 Peter 2:2

This spring season, several birds decided to reside under the eaves of my home. I have enjoyed watching the activities of the parents in relation to their babies. I am continually in awe of God's awesome provisions, especially in nature, and especially for those that can appear so helpless. The other day, I was watching some of the baby birds take their first flights. There were about four of them hanging out on the rain gutter, side by side. One, then another, then another would take off, flying in dizzying patterns with unsteady wings. Just when I thought one might fall, he (or she) would somehow get back up to the original starting point. I could almost sense its own relief when it made it back to safety.

For us, we are not so different from these baby birds learning to fly. When we first come to Christ, we are ready to jump out and take off in our new life. And the Lord loves our hearts that are completely devoted to doing just that-going for all that He has for us. However, just as we had to grow and mature physically as a baby into an adult, we must grow and mature spiritually in our walk with Christ. As we are growing spiritually, we need the pure milk of God's Word. We grow stronger and faster when we are feeding on His Word every day. The more we study the Word, the more we are able to take those flights of faith.

Paul and Peter both warned the Christians in their day to make sure that they stay in the Word of God. There is no substitute and no quick fix to gain wisdom and knowledge in the Lord. We will continue to age physically and mature in one sense, but our spiritual maturity can be stagnant and stumped, despite our chronological age. Some Christians still need the pure milk while others are devouring real meat (I Corinthians 3:1-3). Put the Word in your heart and mind and pray that your spiritual maturity is evidenced in the ways that God uses you to take longer and more steady flights with Him and for Him every day.

Following Him

2012-01-24T05:42:00.004-08:00

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 16-18; Luke 22:47-71

Today's Thoughts: Following Him

And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him." But the people answered him not a word. 1Kings 18:21

Do you ever find yourself faltering between two opinions? Have you ever felt torn between decisions and not sure of what to do? Maybe we get torn sometimes because we are focusing more on the what, than on the Who. Whether we want to admit it, everything comes down to a choice. We must choose between who, what and how almost everyday of our lives. The Bible makes it clear that we are to choose whom we will follow. There really is no middle road.

The problem lies in the fact that we do not like to think of ourselves as choosing to follow a false god, like Baal. But when we turn from following the Lord, we are turning to follow something else. We get caught up in life's activities and look for God only when we need Him. Did we just choose those activities over the Lord? Probably so. How do we make sure that we choose God first in everything?

We must make the Lord our priority everyday. We must start our day with Him, praying about our schedules, asking for His guidance, reading His word for instruction, and worshiping Him with grateful hearts. We must learn to practice these things every day.

If we put these actions into practice, then we will find ourselves following God, without faltering. God knows our hearts and He wants us to want Him more than anything else. He wants us to stop choosing the what in our lives and start choosing the Who, Jesus Christ. Start your day with the Lord and ask Him to guide you. Beware of choosing to serve the false gods of this world. The Lord will help you if you just ask Him.

What Agreements Have You Made with the Enemy?

2012-01-24T05:42:00.003-08:00

What Agreements Have You Made with the Enemy?

Cliff Young

How does Egypt, the most populous country in the Arab world under autocratic rule for thirty years, "all of a sudden" turn the tide on the tyranny they have faced for so long? In a similar manner to how we must face strongholds in our own lives.

At a spiritual boot camp I attended recently with four hundred other men, we were challenged to deal with our wounds, live more passionately and courageously, and grow closer to God. In order to reach that point though, we had to confront the question, "What agreements have you accepted for yourself and made with the enemy?"

This "agreement," as explained to us, is something we have received as truth, taken ownership of and controls our everyday lives—and not in a good way. What many of us discovered was, we may have accepted a misguided comment or thought and allowed it to shape who we have become, and stands in the way of who we should be.

Maybe you have been told a long time ago, "You'll never amount to anything," "You'll always be overweight," or "You'll never get married" and have believed it to this day. Maybe it even came from a well-meaning parent, a close friend, or a caring teacher; nevertheless it has turned into a standard by which you live.

Perhaps you've wanted to try something new, and you heard, "You won't be able to do it." "You'll get hurt." "You're too old." Maybe the agreement you bought into was, "Why bother, 'it' will never change" (i.e. trying to better a relationship, a job or a lifestyle).

Even though some of those comments may have been intended to "protect" or "guide" you in some way, many came from those who have made their own agreements and, consciously or unconsciously, are standing in the way of you reaching your calling.

Inspired by the launch of the Russian rocket Sputnik in 1957, and chronicled in the movie October Sky,Homer Hickam's dream was to "go into space." He was told by his father, a perennial coal miner, to "put all this nonsense (of building rockets) behind you (and work in the mines)." While struggling with his father's wishes, Homer's teacher, Miss Riley, told him, "Sometimes you can't listen to what anyone else says; you just got to listen inside."

We are often prone to receiving an abundance of advice, as singles, from those who have "been there" before and some of us have taken their discouraging words and allowed them to become truth in our lives. As believers of Jesus, we need to be listening to the voice of God through the Holy Spirit for our direction, more than anyone else's.

We can find encouragement from and gain insight through some of those in his Word who have been in comparable situations.

Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt ... O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue … O Lord, please send someone else to do it" (Ex. 3:11, 4:10, 13).

God personally instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh, yet he still argued with God about his abilities. At some point along the way, Moses must have accepted the notion he couldn't speak nor lead and tried to convince the One who gave him those gifts.

Many of us may have had similar conversations with God or with ourselves when we were faced with a challenging situation. Maybe we have resigned ourselves into thinking, "I can't do it," "It's not for me," "How in the world could I….?" Instead of listening to someone else, believing the enemy or doubting ourselves, perhaps we should put more trust in God.

Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth" (1 Sam. 17:33).

David could have taken that comment to heart and no one would have thought less of him for not fighting Goliath, however David knew who his strength came from.

David said to Saul, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Sam. 17:37).

Every time we choose to give up on ourselves based upon what someone else tells us or as a result of our fears, we confirm those agreements and they become a greater stronghold in our lives. It doesn't matter what you hear from others, unless you receive it. If you have taken ownership and believe "You'll never succeed" or "You'll always be single," it will probably be true.

Homer started to believe he "had to" give up his dream and work in the mines like everyone else until Miss Riley convinced him, "As long as you are alive on this planet—you have a choice" (and we do too). Homer decided not to accept the words of his father into his life and followed his passion that led him to winning the 1960 National Science Fair for rocket propulsion and becoming an aerospace engineer for NASA.

One reason many of us don't live up to God's expectation for our lives is because we allow ourselves to accept something less than the best for it. We tell ourselves we can't do it, we aren't worthy, it's for someone else or we're "OK" if we don't.

For all of those false agreements we have made in the past, it is time we start denouncing them if we ever want to move forward and achieve what God wants for us.

Don't look back upon your life wishing you had done something differently—go forward and change it. Don't blame someone else or make excuses for what you haven't done—it's your choice and time to make a difference. Don't offer up to others what they can't do—encourage and help others to believe in the seemingly impossible.

So, how did Egypt rid themselves of 30 years of tyranny?

For generations they were told they couldn't, for years they feared what wouldhappen, and for decades they accepted what they were given. When the revolution in Tunisia showed them and the world it was possible to stand up for their rights, it empowered Egypt, along with many other countries, to believe "they could" and subsequently fought for their freedom.

What do you need freedom from today? What eternal changes can you make if you decide to renounce strongholds and agreements previously confirmed with yourself and the enemy? What will you be able to accomplish through the strength of the Lord?

Today, in the name of Jesus, break the agreement you have with _____ and live the extraordinary life God has called you to.

Cliff Young is a contributing writer to Sandlot Stories (ARose Books), as well as the monthly column, "He Said-She Said," in Crosswalk.com's Singles Channel. An architect and former youth worker, he now works with Christian musicians and consults for a number of Christian ministries. Got feedback? Send your comments and questions to cydmg@yahoo.com.

"Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way

2012-01-24T05:42:00.002-08:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"Narrow is the gate and difficult is the way

which leads to life, and there are few who find it."
MATTHEW 7:14

We cannot walk the narrow path until we have entered the narrow gate. But we cannot assume that because we have entered the narrow gate we are now finished. Most people lay stress on the gate, and their goal is to get people just far enough through the gate that they can claim salvation. But the narrow gate is only the beginning.

The narrow gate only opens the door to the narrow way. It is the narrow way which leads to Life, and few find it. Fewer still walk to the end of it.

How Did Christianity Spread?

2012-01-24T05:42:00.001-08:00

How Did Christianity Spread?

The earliest Christians did not have church buildings. They typically met in homes. (The first actual church building so far found is at Dura Europos on the Euphrates, dating about 231.) They did not have public ceremonies that would introduce them to the public, and they had no access to the mass media of their day. So, how can we account for their steady and diverse expansion over the first three centuries?

After the Apostle Paul, we do not run across many "big names" as missionaries in the first few hundred years of Christian history. Instead, the faith spread through a multitude of humble, ordinary believers whose names have been long forgotten.

Early Christianity was primarily an urban faith, establishing itself in the city centers of the Roman Empire. Most of the people lived close together in crowded tenements. There were few secrets in such a setting. The faith spread as neighbors saw the believers' lives close-up on a daily basis.

And what kind of lives did they lead? Justin Martyr, a noted early Christian theologian, wrote to Emperor Antoninus Pius and described the believers: "We formerly rejoiced in uncleanness of life, but now love only chastity; before we used the magic arts, but now dedicate ourselves to the true and unbegotten God; before we loved money and possessions more than anything, but now we share what we have and to everyone who is in need; before we hated one another and killed one another and would not eat with those of another race, but now since the manifestation of Christ, we have come to a common life and pray for our enemies and try to win over those who hate us without just cause."

In another place Justin points out how those opposed to Christianity were sometimes won over as they saw the consistency in the lives of believers, noting their extraordinary forbearance when cheated and their honesty in business dealings.

Adapted from ChristianHistoryTimeline.com.

The Resurrection: Conflicting Accounts?

2012-01-18T04:06:00.006-08:00

The Resurrection: Conflicting Accounts?

Alfred Edersheim

Two events in the life of Jesus, while of utmost importance, come down to us with only the scarcest of details: His birth and His resurrection. Far from suggesting these events are legendary, the writers' reverential silence suits their intent to reveal the complete truth of what happened.

In the case of the resurrection, the four accounts—and Paul's letters—unequivocally confirm that Jesus rose physically from the tomb. But, on the other hand, each writer presents limited details from the forty days that Christ appeared to His disciples (Acts 1:3). We can attribute this partly to the limited information each of the writers had about the events and partly to the goal each had in mind with their retelling of the life of Christ.

Luke in particular compresses the narrative so much that the events of forty days excitedly spill from one to the next and distinctions of timing are difficult to pick out. While seeming to have gathered information from a number of sources, he focuses mainly on what happened in and around Jerusalem. Matthew gives us more of a Galilean account—as if he prefers to rush back to the place where he first learned to know Jesus.

With his characteristic brevity, Mark merely provides a short summary, but a summary in accord with one living in Jerusalem at the time. John relates events from both Jerusalem and Galilee but pays particular attention to the moments that reveal Christ as the Son of God. Finally, Paul, who saw Jesus "last of all" (1 Corinthians 15:8), describes the testimonies of the principal eyewitnesses, since he seems to have taken time to become familiar with the facts.

The gospel accounts of the resurrection give only a glimpse of all that happened. Providing a detailed timeline was not the point. Instead, the writers wanted to capture the testimonies of those who saw Jesus alive again so that others might believe.

Adapted from The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim (Book V, Chapter XVI).

How to Adjust Your Parenting Style for the Teen Years

2012-01-18T04:06:00.005-08:00

How to Adjust Your Parenting Style for the Teen Years

Mark Gregston

Most of us tend to parent the same way we were parented. Even those of us who vowed, "I'll never do that to my kids," often fall back to imitating what we saw from our parents. The problem is that the world has changed. Our parents would have been horrified by what our kids casually experience and discuss amongst themselves today. Things are different, and your kids are changing every day as well. Are you keeping up?

I went to Chicago recently—and I'm here to tell you that it's a bad idea for a thin-blooded Texan to make a trip up north in the middle of winter! It was COLD. Fortunately before I left, I got a big warm coat (though it wasn't big and warm enough) and a hat and gloves to wear. I could have said, "I shouldn't have to wear something different," but I likely would have ended up in the Chicago morgue. Making that adjustment didn't change who I was, it was simply a wise response to changing circumstances.

In the same way, parents need to adjust. But they sometimes dig in their heels and refuse to change their parenting style to respond to the changes in the maturity of their children as they get older. But teens need their parents to recognize their growing maturity. To adjust from controlling to coaching them doesn't mean you are surrendering your core values or throwing up your hands in futility and giving up; it means you are meeting your kids at their level and respecting their individuality.

Parents who are unwilling to adjust tend to push away their teenagers or cause them to rebel. I'm not saying that your child should be allowed to walk all over you; rules and boundaries must be set and maintained. But adjusting can help your kids think you're keeping up with their age and are in touch with their world—so they'll be more likely to lean on you when they need help or to discuss the issues in their life.

Back in the Dark Ages when I grew up, information turned over every eleven years. Today, it happens every nine months. The pace of change has quickened, and if we are inflexible and refuse to acknowledge those changes, our kids see us as "dinosaurs," out of touch with their world. It's more vital than ever that we stay engaged with our kids. That means we need to know what's going on in their lives and in their culture (which probably means we're going to have to learn a new language or two) and to fit in with the way they relate to others in their world.

Unfortunately, another important authority in our kids' life isn't adjusting. Lifeway Resources recently did a study that showed 85% of kids never attend church again after they graduate from high school. It shows that there's a huge disconnect between kids and the Church. After talking to and working with thousands of young people, I've discovered that many of them feel like what they're being taught there simply doesn't apply to the world in which they live. The Church isn't answering the questions many of them are asking, and we can fail to so in our homes as well.

A New Way to Talk

The commanding communication style used when your kids were younger won't work well when they are adolescents. So stop lecturing; start discussing. Stop talking; start listening. Please understand that I'm not saying the old way is wrong. It's fine and it is needed for the care and nurturing of younger kids. But the changes in the thinking process of your teen will require a new way to talk to them if you want to really get through to them. Modifying the presentation doesn't change the content of the message or the values of the messenger. It just makes it easier for you to get through to your teenager.

Many well-meaning parents think they can protect their kids by sheltering them. They spend very little time preparing them for the real world because they aren't in danger at the moment. But they can only keep their kids isolated for so long. At some point they're going out into that world—to a job, to college, to marriage—and it is vital that they be prepared for that day. When you taught your kids to swim, you probably didn't pick them up and throw them in the deep end of the pool. You started them out splashing around in the shallow water, and gradually increased their exposure until they were ready and able to swim on their own.

Here's a practical application of this principle: most parents wait too long to give their teens privileges and responsibilities. Typically they drag their feet for about six months past the point where they should have. I tell parents, "If you're thinking about letting your teen do something, you probably should already have done it." If they have to fight for their independence, they are actually in self-preservation mode; they innately know they need to test out freedom to adjust to the world in which they will have to survive.

Having said that, I remain absolutely committed to protecting kids from danger. For instance, I strongly urge parents not to let their 10-13 year old kids attend sleepovers or to be in the homes of their friends unattended. That may sound old-fashioned, but it is at that early age that much harmful experimentation goes on. If you look at the statistics of the first use of drugs, alcohol and sexual experimentation, it falls into that age range and anecdotal evidence points to kids picking up these habits when alone with their friends. Give your kids freedoms, but as we say in the horse world "let out the reins" slowly. Don't do it in areas that will threaten their safety and their future, especially at the very impressionable "tween" years.

Breaking the Mold

One way to adjust your style is that instead of just telling your teenagers what to do (the way most of us were raised) have discussions with them; spend time working out the practical applications of the truths you have taught them. Rather than lecturing, ask questions. When you start asking questions, you convey a powerful positive message to them that they need to begin thinking on their own. Asking questions makes them feel valued—at the most devaluing stage of their lives. It empowers them to begin asking their own questions of you and about the negative things their peers may ask them to be involved in.

The answers you get to your questions will help you identify areas in which you may need to adjust or strengthen your teaching. Do not be judgmental or reactionary. If they are a teenager, you have already taught them all you're going to teach them about your values; now affirm and guide them toward what is right. If I'm counseling with a young person and they give a negative answer, I say something like, "That's interesting." I don't say "That's wrong." I then keep the conversation going (with more questions) and try to guide them rather than smother them. They'll often come around to the right decision — based on the values they've been taught — if it is discussed openly and without condemnation.

Adjusting to your teen's age and maturity is like hitting a moving target. It's not something you can do just once. As they grow and mature and face new challenges, you need to keep changing right along with them. The relationship is far more important than minor issues. Don't violate your principles, but do focus on what matters most and set aside the rest. They say "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," but don't wait until your teen spins out of control to make the needed changes. Engage your child now, on their level, and make any changes or adjustments in order to improve your relationship with them and to prepare them for the all too soon day in which they will be out on their own.

Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder and director of Heartlight, a therapeutic boarding school located in East Texas. Call 903-668-2173. Visit http://www.heartlightministries.org, or to read other articles by Mark, visit http://www.markgregston.com.

Sometimes I Just Wanna Quit

2012-01-18T04:06:00.003-08:00

Application Steps:

Sometimes I Just Wanna Quit
Renee Swope

"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great." Psalm 18:35 (NIV, 1984)

Devotion:
I love my kids, but I haven't always liked being a mom.

Once my boys became toddlers who wouldn't listen to me or do what I told them, I kind of panicked. I looked around at other moms who seemed to know what they were doing and wondered, "What is wrong with me?"

Their children seemed to listen when they told them no. Why wouldn't my child keep his hands to himself or stay in the cart at the grocery store? Why did he not understand when I told him I could not buy everything his little hand could touch? And how come no one told me that being a mom would be so hard?

I felt like such a failure.
Almost every day I would compare how I felt on the inside to how other moms looked like they had it all together on the outside.

I held up my feelings of inadequacy and thoughts of insecurity in contrast to moms who dressed their children in matching outfits and adorned themselves with attitudes of grace and wisdom. I wondered how in the world they pulled it off with a smile. I could barely get a shower, get my kids dressed and get us out the door before lunch.

I just wanted to quit.
One day I came home from running too many errands with two very tired and fussy kids. I put them down for an early nap and started looking for pink construction paper so I could write "I QUIT" on it. I'd decided to turn in my "pink slip" to my husband when he came home from work that day.

It was just too hard, and I was tired of feeling like I would never be "good enough" as a mom.

But instead, I needed a new place to start.
I didn't really start becoming the mom God created me to be until the day I was ready to quit. That afternoon I fell on my knees before God and choked out the words, "I can't do this."

And in that place of surrender, His peace came over me. His gentleness calmed my nerves. I felt like God bent down before me and spoke to my heart: You are right, Renee. In your strength and through your perspective, you can't do this. But with My promises, My presence and My power — all things are possible. I will help you become a great mom.

Looking back on that day, I'm reminded of our key verse in Psalm 19:35, "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."

When we acknowledge that on our own we are a mess, God rushes to our side to help us. He bends down to show us that with His grace, wisdom and guidance, we can become the mom He is calling us to be, the mom our kids need us to be, and the mom we want to be!

Dear Lord, I need Your shield of victory to protect me from discouragement. I pray that You would extend Your right hand to sustain me; Your grace to strengthen me; and Your wisdom to lead me. Thank You for Jesus, who stooped down to make me great because of Your great love for me. Today, I want to find a new starting place with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Write a letter, telling God how you feel. Be honest and open. Sharing your heart and thoughts with Him is the first step toward freedom and hope.

Ask Jesus for His perspective of you as a child of God, so that you can start becoming a Godly mom. We've got to receive His love before we can give it.

Visit Renee's blog to find out how she did these things, and for a list of practical ways to shape your children's hearts, not just their habits.

Reflections:
As I read today's devotion, what struggles are similar to mine?

Have I ever wanted to quit? What got me to that hard place and what do I need to do to rely on God's perspective instead of my own?

Power Verses:
Matthew 19:26, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" (NIV, 1984)

Psalm 113:5-7, "Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap." (NIV, 1984)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

your heavenly position in Christ

2012-01-18T04:06:00.001-08:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"He raised Him from the dead
and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
far above all principality and power."
EPHESIANS 1:20,21

You will find that the whole strategy of the adversary is to bring you down from your heavenly position in Christ and engage you on a fleshly, carnal, earthly level. To overcome, you need only maintain the ascended position with Christ. We are not trying to get the victory. Instead, we have been made one with Victory. If I enter into a room and sit down in a chair I do not have to wonder how I will enter the room. God has already seated us together with Christ; therefore, we do not have to try to enter in, rise up, or "get" the victory. Having already obtained this triumph through the Cross, we no longer have to attain it in our own strength. The Cross of Christ! What a marvelous provision it is!

Do You Need a Restored Soul?

2012-01-14T07:08:00.004-08:00

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 19-20; Luke 23:1-25

Today's Thoughts: Do You Need a Restored Soul?

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psalm 23:3

Many of us have read Psalm 23 so often that we can recite the verses, but the blessing comes in really meditating over them. If we are not careful as Christians, we will read such verses and miss what the Spirit is saying to us. Today, verse three jumps out the most to me. "He restores my soul" is the key phrase upon which I am meditating. What does "He restores my soul" really mean to me today?

Only the Lord can truly restore our soul. Our soul is that part of us that houses our emotions, our will, and the internal makeup of who we are. Our soul tends to wander off down selfish paths seeking to fulfill self-driven desires. We all struggle with this. The farther we wander, the more distant we get from God. Much of our wandering is subtle and hidden, even from our own senses; and this fact makes these wanderings often the most dangerous to us. But God knows all about us and He always wants us back. He knows that by restoring us back to Him we will be willing to be led down His path of righteousness. His paths of righteousness, not our own paths, bring us peace.

Ask the Lord today to reveal any areas of your heart that need restoration. Do you feel dull or numb in certain areas of your life? Tell the Lord about those places in your heart where you sense a lifelessness and ask Him to restore them back to Him. Restoration is not always just about life's obvious issues; it can be very much about life's less recognized ones. Take your time to really read Psalm 23 and listen to the Lord's impressions on your heart. The Word of God is the most powerful Word you will read or hear today.

: Comfort in Spiritual Sight

2012-01-14T07:08:00.003-08:00

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 7-9; John 1:1-28

Today's Thoughts: Comfort in Spiritual Sight

So he answered, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." And Elisha prayed, and said, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:16-17

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you felt outnumbered? At times, many of us feel overwhelmed, either by people or by circumstances. Elisha and his servant found themselves outnumbered as the Syrian army encircled their city. When Elisha's servant saw the number of horses and chariots ready for battle, he became immediately afraid. But Elisha saw their situation through spiritual eyes, not physical ones. Elisha saw God's army and what an army it was! The keys to this story, however, lie in how Elisha prayed and how God answered. Elisha asked the Lord to open the eyes of his servant so that he could see into the spiritual realm. God then opened his eyes. How relieved that young man must have been!

Paul says in Ephesians 6:12 that "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." These spiritual forces are at work continually, even though we cannot physically see them. However, there is also a spiritual army fighting against them, God's army. In those times when we feel outnumbered and overwhelmed, we are to take comfort in knowing that our Lord and Savior is always protecting us.

How are you feeling today? As Christians, we will fight in battles, some harder than others, but battles and warfare are part of this life. The issue for us is how to handle them. Do we succumb to fear and paranoia? Or do we ask the Lord to open our eyes so that we may see? I think we should opt for the second choice. Our first line of defense should include prayer. Tell the Lord your fears and feelings, and ask Him to show you His plan for your protection. Sometimes the reason we go through battles is for our spiritual growth. It is through having our eyes opened that we truly begin to see the Lord working. Start asking Him today- you might surprised at all He shows you.

evelation in the knowledge of Him.

2012-01-14T07:08:00.002-08:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"May [God] give to you the spirit of wisdom

and revelation in the knowledge of Him."
EPHESIANS 1:17

The Lord reveals Himself to us in a variety of ways, and every testimony is different. Peter received the revelation of Christ while fishing. But Thomas received the revelation of Christ only after the Lord appeared to Him and showed him His wounds. Paul received the revelation of Christ on the road to Damascus, as he was on his way to kill Christians. One man says Christ was revealed to him as he stood watching a tree in the dead of winter. Christ was revealed to me as I sat in my backyard, arguing with the Lord over the Bible.

What do these experiences have in common? They are spontaneous unveilings of Jesus Christ. Without warning the Lord simply reveals Himself, and whereas we were blind before, today we see. It is like walking out of one room and into another room, closing the door behind us.

Rich Fulfillment

2012-01-14T07:08:00.001-08:00

Today's Reading: 2 Kings 15-16; John 3:1-18

Today's Thoughts: Rich Fulfillment

Oh, bless our God, you peoples! And make the voice of His praise to be heard, Who keeps our soul among the living, And does not allow our feet to be moved. For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. Psalm 66:8-12

Sometimes we have the misconception that being a Christian should be all about riches, fulfillment and abundance. As Christians, we know the Lord personally and have been given everything we need for life and godliness. We are the children of the King. What else could we possibly need that He has not already given to us? But why do we face such hard trials in life?

The Psalmist explains the real life version of receiving fulfillment. "For You, O God, have tested us," God tests the hearts and intents of His people. He allows trying circumstances to squeeze us: As if we are "in a net"; we carry affliction "on our backs", often while submitting to others whose motives and intentions are wrong. God brings us through terribly trying situations to test and grow our faith in Him.

These trials are confusing and difficult. But we can we see God's love and care through them because when we have come through the fires of this life, and walked through the tests and trials, the crown of eternal life awaits us. Fulfillment and abundance have to do with the victory in overcoming the most terrible trials. That satisfaction comes when we know that we are still with the Lord regardless of the circumstances. There is a place of rich fulfillment and abundance on the other side of the tests. All the riches of the world cannot be compared with the love, joy and peace we get from God. Read through Psalm 66 and really praise the Lord for the trials of life. Praise and worship brings the greatest fulfillment and abundance of them all.

Looking Deeper

2011-12-24T07:50:00.006-08:00

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 12-13; Luke 22:1-30

Today's Thoughts: Looking Deeper

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

We attended the Awards night that was held at the school my kids attend. This is a ceremony to reward the students who have had an outstanding effort or have been most improved in performance throughout the year. Awards are given in all the subjects. The ceremony ends with character awards like the Nehemiah Award for the student leaders.

To our surprise, one of the students who my family prays for on a regular basis to become a Christian received the "most Christ-like" award. I couldn't figure out how that happened. We know that this student struggles with any belief in Jesus Christ and yet, this student was awarded the most Christ-like award. It was a reminder to me that there is a clear difference between personality traits and Holy Spirit fruits. Somehow, as believers, we become confused with the definitions. We judge by outward appearance and personality. When leaving the ceremony, I wondered if Jesus would have been voted to receive His own award.

All I know is that I want to receive Jesus' reward in heaven. I want to hear Him say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant." I pray that I bring Him glory and represent Him. I know that I might not receive any awards for it here on earth. But I want to be Christ-like on earth because the Holy Spirit has empowered me to live in a manner that pleases Him alone. I want to be God's girl...His teacher's pet...Jesus' dearly beloved. God promises to reward those who diligently seek Him. I can do that. And you can too. Ask the Lord with me to pray to be His best and to be willing to be Christ-like because you want to be like Christ. He doesn't look at outward appearances; we can't fool Him, He judges the heart.

How Do We Bear Spiritual Fruit?

2011-12-24T07:50:00.005-08:00

How Do We Bear Spiritual Fruit?

Greg Laurie

"But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty." (Matthew 13:23)

The concept of bearing fruit is used often in Scripture. In the Gospels, Jesus told the story of a sower who went out to sow seed. The seed fell on various types of ground. Some of the ground was rocky and hard. Other ground was receptive, but weeds choked out the seed. But there was a portion of ground that was not rocky or weedy, and the seed took root. Jesus said that this was a picture of the different people who hear the gospel. Those who are true believers are those who bring forth fruit (see Luke 8:4-15).

What is bearing fruit? Essentially, it is becoming like Jesus. Spiritual fruit will show itself in our lives as a change in our character and outlook. As we spend time with Jesus and get to know Him better, His thoughts will become our thoughts. His purpose will become our purpose. We will become like Jesus.

The Bible gives an excellent description a life characterized by the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."

Is that what others see in your life? If not, then either you don't know God or you are living outside of fellowship with Him. If that is the case, then a commitment or a recommitment to Him would be in order. God is not asking for a perfect life. But He is asking that these fruits be primary characteristics of a life that is lived for Him.

Originally published as "What Spiritual Fruit Looks Like" (used by permission).

The Gospel: A Daily Need?

2011-12-24T07:50:00.004-08:00

The Gospel: A Daily Need?

Tullian Tchividjian

The gospel isn't simply a set of truths that non-Christians must believe in order to become saved. It's a reality that Christians must daily embrace in order to experience being saved. The gospel not only saves us from the penalty of sin (justification), but it also saves us from the power of sin (sanctification) day after day. Or, as John Piper has said, "The cross is not only a past place of objective substitution; it is a present place of subjective execution." Our daily sin requires God's daily grace—the grace that comes to us through the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Churches, for example, have for years debated whether their worship services ought to be geared toward Christians (to encourage and strengthen them) or non-Christians (to appeal to and win them). But this debate and the struggle over it are misguided. We're asking the wrong questions and making the wrong assumptions. The truth is that our worship services should be geared to sinners in need of God's rescue—and that includes both Christians and non-Christians. Since both groups need his deliverance, both need his gospel.

Christians need the gospel because our hearts are always prone to wander; we're always tempted to run from God. It takes the power of the gospel to direct us back to our first love. Consciously going to the gospel ought to be a daily reality and experience for us all. It means, as Jerry Bridges reminds us, "preaching the gospel to yourself every day." We have to allow God to remind us every day through his Word of Christ's finished work on behalf of sinners in order to stay convinced that the gospel is relevant.

Taken from "A Continuing Requirement" by Tullian Tchividjian (used by permission).

Why Should Christians Live on Mission?

2011-12-24T07:50:00.003-08:00

Why Should Christians Live on Mission?

Charles Stanley

Paul and Barnabas set the standard for the church's mission work when they obeyed God's call to go forth. The local body of believers—those left behind to share Christ with neighbors and friends—equipped the men for their journey. They did so for the same reasons that apply today:

1. The spiritual condition of mankind. Romans 1:21–32 describes this sinful world. Unchecked sin leads people down a slippery slope toward a depraved conscience and, ultimately, a darkened mind that cannot perceive what is right. Every unbelieving person is sliding on that treacherous path.

2. God's spiritual provision. The Father responded to mankind's plight with grace: He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to save the world. On the cross, Christ bore the sin of every person—living, no longer alive, and yet to be born. The offer of salvation is for all; God's grace is blind to race, creed, and color (Romans 10:12). Those who believe in Jesus are forgiven their sin, and they will spend eternity with the Lord.

3. The commission from Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8 says we receive the Holy Spirit so we may bear effective witness to those who need salvation. Notice that we don't simply begin at home and work steadily outward. People everywhere are waiting for the Good News. The word is to be carried far and fast.

The purpose of the church is to worship and witness. Some will go and some will send, but all are called to the work of spreading the gospel. This is not a suggestion; it is a command (Matthew 28:19). Believers living in God's will are all to be involved in missionary work.

Taken from "Our Missionary Mission" by In Touch Ministries (used by permission).

The Hitchhiker

2011-12-24T07:50:00.002-08:00

The Hitchhiker

Alan Muehlenweg

Last night, I picked up a hitchhiker along the highway. I'm ashamed to admit it's the first time I've ever done that. Sure, I've handed out a bottle of water or treated a homeless person to lunch. But I've never picked up a hitchhiker.

As I pulled over, a lot of thoughts went through my mind. First, my wife is going to kill me for doing this! I'll be late, and she will be worried about me picking up some stranger on the side of the highway. Second, what if my wife's fears are founded and this guy tries to mug me or worse? Third, how does this even work? What do I say? "Hi, I'm Alan, I'll be your driver for the next 30 miles."

But I knew when I saw him, that I had to pick him up. It didn't hit me at first. I actually drove past him. Then I got off the interstate, went two miles back around, and then picked him up. But God was telling me the whole time that I had to pick this man up and give him a ride. So I did.

As he got in the church van I was driving, he put his bag in the back and climbed in the cab. I introduced myself, "Hi! I'm Alan. You hungry?"

"Yeah. I'm Tim. Thanks for stopping. I'm starved. I had a granola bar this morning at about 6:30, but nothing since."

I took him to Arby's and we both got a combo meal and sat down. People took notice of Tim's long, scraggly, oily hair and his dirty clothes, but no one was really rude or said anything. Tim told me about his life, about how he was born in Ohio, his dad died when he was 12, of how he moved to Tennessee, was discharged from the military for a seizure he had in basic, and that he had been hitchhiking since then. That was in 1972. He has been homeless, hitchhiking and living from Tennessee to California for 37 years.

I realized that much of Tim's situation was self-induced. He had attempted to go to a career tech school in California, and that it was even going to be all paid for, but there was too much paperwork and he didn't want to take the time to fill it out. When he was discharged from the military, he could have gone to college in Tennessee for free with his GI benefits, but didn't enroll in time to take advantage of it. He had three years to do so.

After we ate, I took him to the motel next door and put him up for the night. And I drove home.

As I was driving the last hour to my house, I could not get Tim out of my mind. All the details about him were vividly impressed upon me. His silver hair that was longer than my wife's, his hands that were cleaner than I expected but still quite dirty, the fact that he didn't smell as bad as I thought a person hitchhiking from California would, his shoes that he had gotten recently that already had holes in them. But the one thing that stood out more than anything else was his eyes. He had the clearest blue eyes I have ever seen. They were the color of light blue ice, like glaciers.

Hear my heart when I say this: He was beautiful. It broke my heart that he was in such a situation and I kept telling myself, "Alan, he made these choices, these decisions that have brought him here. Yeah, life threw him some hard knocks, but he didn't do himself any favors."

And that's when I had the following thought. I wrote all the above, not for you to say, "What a great guy Alan is!" but to hear what God led me through last night in my hour towards home:

God looked at humanity, after the fall. He saw our dirty clothes, our unkempt hair, our dirty hands, our shoes with holes in them. All of that. And He said, "They are beautiful."

And even while Satan whispered, "God, they did this to themselves. They made these decisions. Remember? You told them not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge. Don't feel too bad for them," God sent His Son in the form of a man to pay the penalty for our sins.

And even while some well-intentioned angel said, "God, don't give them grace; they will just spend it on cheap liberty," God released grace through the cross.

Both statements are true:

1. We did do this to ourselves.
2. We do spend grace on cheap liberty.

But God loved us through those facts and gave us the greatest gift of all in Jesus Christ.

So the next time you see a homeless person and think, "I shouldn't give them cash, they will just spend it on alcohol," or, "They probably just did this to themselves," remember: the same is true about us. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. And whatsoever we do unto the least of these, we do to Him.

Alan Muehlenweg is the student pastor at First Baptist Church in Wagoner, OK. He also works in the field of ministry marketing and working with non-profit organizations to help them better communicate how they are changing the world. Alan is an avid Star Wars fan, and has successfully passed that love on to his wife and son (who named the family dog Padme Amidala). Used by permission of the author.

The Power of Fasting?

2011-12-24T07:50:00.001-08:00

The Power of Fasting?

Charles Stanley

There is a lot of misunderstanding today about fasting. Some people think it is related to dieting and the body. Others think its purpose is to impress God with the intensity of their desire. Others hope their self-denial will speed up the Lord's answer. None of these are true.

Fasting is a spiritual work in which we temporarily eliminate distractions so that we can give our undivided attention to our heavenly Father. It is a time of spiritual preparation through exclusion of earthly interruptions. As we abstain, other things begin to lose their sense of importance; in their place is a heightened awareness of God's presence and His priorities for our lives. Our agenda is replaced by His as we connect with Him in deeper intimacy and receive all that He has to tell us. It can be one of the most powerful experiences of the Christian life.

Fasting can be carried out in several ways: going without food, eliminating activities, or forgoing sleep in order to seek Him. You can also set aside the intimate sexual relationship between husband and wife for a period of time. The intent is always to be in the Lord's presence without disturbances so that His voice can be heard.

Have you avoided fasting because it appears too hard or too confusing? Think instead of the joy you will experience from a deeper communion with your loving God, and step out in faith. Giving your unhampered attention to the Lord for a period of time is one of the wisest things you can do.

Taken from "The Powerful Practice of Fasting" by In Touch Ministries (used by permission).

"Thanks be to God, who gives

2011-10-25T03:37:00.005-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"Thanks be to God, who gives
us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 CORINTHIANS 15:57

When God is pleased to reveal His Son to us, we will learn that Victory is not a thing, but a Person; that Victory is not an experience, but a Man; that God does not give me a thing called victory, but has given me His Son in the place of victory in order to be my Victory. Then Victory will never be future-tense and far-away, but Ever Present and Now. For Victory is Christ. And Victory lives within you.

Thus, Victory has nothing to do with the devil, and everything to do with Christ. Since most Christians have more faith, assurance and reverence for the devil than they do for the Lord Jesus, it is easy to see why so many are defeated.

"I have come that they may have life,

2011-10-25T03:37:00.003-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"I have come that they may have life,
and that they may have it more abundantly."
JOHN 10:10

Ask the Lord to open your eyes and show you the Life which is yours. Go to Him and say, "I have heard about this Life, but I don't know how it works or what to do with it. Please show me, please teach me, please reveal this Life to me." And He will do it.

If ever you see this, just once, you will discover the secret to the Christian life. You will shake your head and say, "All these years I thought I was really living the Christian life, and all I have been doing is playing tiddlywinks. This Life I have been given is greater, bigger, and more wonderful than I ever dreamed!"

And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

2011-10-25T03:37:00.001-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"Elisha prayed, and said, 'Lord, I pray,
open his eyes that he may see.' Then the LORD opened
the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold,
the mountain was full of horses and chariots of
fire all around Elisha."
2 KINGS 6:17

Denying the existence of the adversary will not make him disappear. We acknowledge and admit that there is a real enemy, a real spirit of Antichrist, that is out to destroy the Remnant and hinder the Testimony of Jesus. We also acknowledge and admit that more often than not, this spirit of Antichrist seems to get the advantage over us.

Even so, the issue is not the enemy. We may look at the enemy, study him, and build an entire movement around different ways to fight him. We can write books and hold seminars on "spiritual warfare." But when we look out from the mountain, what do we really see? Here is the difference between those who overcome and those who are defeated: it is not in their ability to fight, but in their ability to SEE, and this seeing is not of themselves, but is of God.

I am the bread of life.

2011-10-22T10:38:00.003-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me
shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
JOHN 6:35

The Law of Life says that the presence of Christ within the believer results in spiritual satisfaction. If we have Him then we will never hunger or thirst again, because He is Infinite Supply.

Anything less than spiritual satisfaction indicates that there is a problem. I am not saying that one should be content with their progress and present knowledge of Christ so that they stop growing; but I am saying that no matter what stage of progress you may be at presently, Christ should be your satisfaction.

God Never Forgets You

2011-10-22T10:38:00.001-07:00

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 1-3; John 5:25-47

Today's Thoughts: God Never Forgets You

"Remember these things, O Jacob, for you are my servant, O Israel. I have made you, you are my servant; O Israel, I will not forget you. I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you." Isaiah 44:21-22

Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel) was chosen by God, but not because he was sinless or above reproach from man's perspective. His descendants were just like us- real people with real problems making real mistakes. But God used this group of people to bring Jesus into the world and to give us a relationship back to God. Even though we have been dealing with the same sin issues since creation, God does not separate Himself from us because of our sin. Jesus made a way for us to be united with God forever. We do not have the ability to become perfect while on earth but we can be perfected (or conformed) into God's image because of Christ.

It is because of the cross that all things are made new. We need to cling to the cross because it is there that we have been set free. We are forgiven, reconciled back to God and called out to be used of Him. I need to do nothing else but to accept that my sins have been cleansed and be willing to accept how the debt has been paid. It is of the Lord that we have been called. We are His witnesses established for His glory and sanctified for His purposes.

Nothing we do can separate us from Him but the same is not true of us. We tend to hang on to our sins, which lead us away from the Lord. Jesus has cleansed us from all sin-past, present and future. Our thoughts should not be on our sins as much as on our Savior. We need to be thanking Him for how good God is that He made a way for us to be with Him forever.

Relax.

Take in a deep breath.

Think about how much grace has abounded to you.

Talk to the Lord about the sin issues in your life that keep pulling you away from Him.

Thank Him for never pulling away from you.

To Live Is... Greg Laurie A New Beginning

2011-10-22T10:37:00.002-07:00

A while ago, a question in a magazine advertisement caught my attention: "Is it an alarm or a calling that gets you out of bed in the morning?"

I like that question. I think it's something we need to ask ourselves.

What gets your blood pumping? What makes you tick? All of us have someone or something we live for, some passion or ideal that drives us on and gives our life a sense of purpose and meaning.

What is your master passion? If you had to sum up in one phrase what you actually live for, what would you say?

In Philippians 1, Paul stated what he was passionate about and what he lived for. And indeed, it is what all believers should be living for as well.

Paul said, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21 nkjv). When we hear someone make a statement like that, we might feel as though there is a bit of naiveté on his or her part. We might think, "That is a nice sentiment, but I don't know how practical it is."

We have heard the criticism of those who are perceived as overly spiritual: "They are so heavenly minded, they are no earthly good." But I think we will discover that those who have been the most heavenly minded have been the most earthly good.

In fact, if we look at history, we will find that those who have done the most for this world have been the ones who have thought more of the next one.

Christians have founded hospitals and universities. Christians have opened shelters. Christians are reaching out to the downtrodden and the hurting in our world today with the gospel of Christ, not only preaching to them, but clothing and feeding them as well. When a crisis develops somewhere in the world, such as famine or a natural disaster, it is often the Christians who lead the way in responding with help.

The truth is, if you are truly heavenly minded, then you will be of the greatest earthly good.

When Paul said, "To live is Christ," he was speaking of the fact that he had an interest in the things of this life as well. A few verses later, he said, "For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you" (verses 23-24 nkjv). In other words, "I want to be with the Lord, but I have a job to do."

What I appreciate about Paul was his practical spirituality. Paul loved Jesus and wanted to live for Him. Without question, he had a holy passion for the things of God. But it is also true that Paul was utterly human. He did not walk around with a little pedestal that he would climb up on when he wanted to say something. He was someone just like you and me.

We know from the Book of Acts and other passages that Paul had his conflicts. Paul would get upset at times. But he didn't have a death wish.

On one occasion when his life was threatened, his friends lowered him in a basket over the city wall at night so that he could escape. Paul wanted to live, but he had his priorities in order. His was a balanced spirituality.

The godliest people I know are real people. They love God. Their priorities are in order. Yet there is balance to their lives. Theirs is a practical faith, not a spacey, wild-eyed, one-taco-short-of-a-combination-plate kind of spirituality. It is this real faith that the Bible proclaims.

I think many, if not most, first-century Christians shared Paul's mott "To live is Christ." There were no social advantages to being a Christian. In fact, it could mean losing your life.

Yet the way these Christians impacted their culture is nothing short of breathtaking. They did not out-argue the pagans. They outlived them, outprayed them, and outpreached them. They proclaimed the message of Christ. And to a large degree, they won over a good portion of their culture. Like Paul, they could say, "To live is Christ."

We could effectively impact our culture, if we would say the same thing. To live is Christ.

"All we like sheep have gone astray;

2011-10-22T10:37:00.001-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned every one, to his own way."
ISAIAH 53:6

Sheep are notorious for going their own independent way and ignoring the Shepherd. The Shepherd is well able to protect His Sheep; the Shepherd's challenge is to get the Sheep to stay close to Him at all times. To accomplish this He has to discipline us severely and teach us not to wander off. This is where the work of the Cross comes in.

But what a great day for both the Shepherd and the stubborn little sheep when it no longer goes its own way, but follows the Shepherd and obeys His voice! Were it not for Him the lambs would be destroyed in a moment.

Doing the Works of God

2011-10-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 7-9; John 6:22-44

Today's Thoughts: Doing the Works of God

Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." John 6:28-29

The other day I had the pleasure of speaking with a new Christian. It was a pleasure because of her enthusiasm and zeal for the Lord. Her eyes were bright and her smile was wide as she talked about Jesus. I found myself smiling back at her as she began sharing her testimony. She is reading, studying and working hard at knowing the Lord more deeply. Why? Because she loves Him and wants to serve Him with her life. But as she sincerely poured out her heart, I realized how hard she was working at trying to do all the right things. I thought about how easy it is for us to get focused on the work: trying to please God, trying to do deeds for Him and trying to know Him more.

I love what Jesus says in that the work of God is that we believe in Him. Doing God's work boils down to believing in His Son. It is not about our efforts or good deeds. We do not impress God with our works. God wants our hearts set on Jesus. He wants our lives surrendered to His will. He tells us to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) and that without faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). But faith means that we give up control, we let go and we allow His Holy Spirit to lead us. Everything from that point on becomes about our belief in Him, not about our works for Him.

I often tell people, new Christians and older ones, to just relax. When I sense that their walk with the Lord is becoming one of frustration and confusion, I encourage them to stop working so hard at it. We need to learn how to let God be God. We need to put the responsibility of our lives back on Him. We are trained by the world to think and act for ourselves, but the Lord says to cast our cares upon Him. What is the key for us today? We must believe in Jesus. We must believe so confidently in His Word that we make no decisions without it. Ask yourself: Am I trying to work the works of God? If you are frustrated or disillusioned, you might be trying too hard instead of resting in Jesus. Ask the Lord to help you let go and to help you believe in faith that Jesus will do all He wants to do in your life. Let Him "work the works of God" in your life today as you believe in Him.

What's the Secret to a Great Prayer Life?

2011-10-06T18:12:00.003-07:00

What's the Secret to a Great Prayer Life?

Hank Hanegraaff

Quite simply, and without meaning to be glib, the secret to prayer is secret prayer!

The goal of prayer should never be the roaring approval of the crowds, but rather the approval of our Father who is in heaven. As Jesus so eloquently put it, "When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, Who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." The secret to prayer is secret prayer.

Jesus provided the ultimate example. As Dr. Luke puts it, He "often withdrew to lonely places and prayed" (Luke 5:16). Unlike the religious leaders of His day, He did not pray to be seen by men. He prayed because He treasured fellowship with His Father. Hypocrites gain their reward through public prayer. They may be perceived as spiritual giants, but by the time they are finished, they have received everything they will ever get - their prayer's worth and nothing more.

Steeped in religious practices, these hypocrites tithed, fasted, and traveled "over land and sea" to win converts. They even prayed. And how! They prayed publicly in synagogues, and they prayed publicly on street corners. They even wore boxes on their foreheads containing pet prayers. Yet their motivation was not intimacy with God, but to be seen by men. Thus, said Jesus, "they have received their reward in full."

Originally published as "Having a Great Prayer Life" (used by permission).

"He who has the Son has life;

2011-10-06T18:12:00.002-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"He who has the Son has life;
he who does not have the Son of God does not have life."
1 JOHN 5:12

Would it shock you to learn that God has not given us a thing called eternal life? The Apostle John made this quite clear in his inspired writings, saying first of all, in the oft-quoted John 3:16, that the Son is that which was given, and eternal life is simply the reward for those who receive the Son.

It becomes even more apparent in 1 John 5:12. Yes we are given Eternal Life, true, but the Life is not floating out in space somewhere waiting to fall on those who ask. Eternal Life has nothing to do with everlasting existence. Eternal Life is a Person; the Life is the Son; hence, we need only ask if we have received Jesus and we shall know whether we have Eternal Life. The Life is bound up in the Son, as is every one of God's precious gifts. Having the Son, we therefore have all the Son has. Eternal Life is simply an alias for Christ.

He Wears Your Picture Badge

2011-10-06T18:12:00.001-07:00

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 10-12; John 6:45-71

Today's Thoughts: He Wears Your Picture Badge

So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually. Exodus 28:29

Have you ever watched the news broadcast of a missing person? As I saw a report on a missing teenager, the family being interviewed all wore picture badges displaying the person's face. They not only wanted this face in public view for possible recognition but also they wanted this reminder close to their own hearts. Just having this type of memorial helped this grieving family pursue their hopes of finding their child.

As discussed in Exodus Chapter 28, Aaron wears a garment that has the names of each of the twelve tribes of Israel etched in precious stones and placed over his heart. This robe is worn by Aaron as he enters the most holy place in the presence of the Lord. Aaron represents the people to the Lord and is a continual reminder of who they are to the Lord. Today, we have Jesus Christ who is our High Priest and who bears our names before the Lord. We, too, are considered as precious stones before the Lord as our names are placed over the heart of our Savior Jesus.

How many of us truly realize how precious we are to the Lord? When life's ups and downs seem to dominate our time and thoughts, we may not realize that we have a High Priest who is continually presenting us and our needs to our heavenly Father. Sometimes, we, as believers, stray from our Father's presence, maybe fall out of fellowship or a regular time of prayer and Bible reading. During those times, I can picture Jesus going before the Father with a picture badge over His heart reminding the Lord of His child who has gone astray. More than anything else, the Lord desires a personal relationship with us and never wants us to be lost or to be away from Him.

Where are you today? Are you in close fellowship with Jesus? Regardless of where you are, know that if you are a child of God, born again in Jesus Christ, then your High Priest is continually presenting you to the Father. You can have the hope and peace today that Jesus is carrying your picture over His heart as a constant memorial. But, even more than that, He is living in your heart and wants to be with you always. Can you say the same? Are you carrying His picture in spirit and truth over your heart today? Are you spending time in worship and fellowship with Him? None are missing in the Lord today...for "I once was lost but now I am found, was blind but now I see" (Amazing Grace).

Too Hard for the Lord?

2011-09-28T07:49:00.005-07:00

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 16-18; John 7:28-53

Today's Thoughts: Too Hard for the Lord?

And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?' Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." Genesis 18:13-14

Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years old when Isaac was born. Both Abraham and Sarah were well past child bearing age. Most likely, they could not imagine having a baby at such an old age, but God had a different plan. The Lord knew the exact time in which Sarah would have Isaac and it would clearly be a miraculous blessing to her life. Throughout the years, as the Lord kept telling Abraham of this promise, Abraham kept believing and waiting on the promise to be fulfilled. Twenty-four years after God first promised an heir to Abraham, three men showed up at Abraham's door. The Lord was one of the three and He again restated His promise that they will bring forth a son, a baby boy. Sarah reacted by laughing. The Lord responded with a question: "Is anything too hard for the Lord?"

Abraham was a man of faith. God said it and Abraham believed what God said. Simple, pure, powerful faith. Sarah believed Abraham and trusted his words but when the Lord showed up, she lacked in her faith to believe. She even laughed at what God said. For us, sometimes it is easier for us to believe a person or to believe in a person than to trust in God. If God gives us a promise we can have a hard time trying to work it out ourselves. The hardest part is waiting on the Lord to fulfill it. We wait, we wonder and sometimes we worry but God is always faithful to keep His promises. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Nothing. If He says it, then He will do it.

: Lift Up Your Eyes

2011-09-28T07:49:00.004-07:00

Today's Reading: 1 Chronicles 19-21; John 8:1-27

Today's Thoughts: Lift Up Your Eyes

Song of Ascents. I will lift up my eyes to the hills-- From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore. Psalm 121:1-8

Today's psalm is one of my favorites. I read it and meditate on the words when I need encouragement from the Lord. Are you in need of encouragement today? Do you feel as if trouble surrounds you? Maybe you feel as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Let's be encouraged together as we look at what these verses are saying. First of all, we need to look up and "lift up" our eyes to the hills. We need to look up at the Lord and believe that He is coming to help us. Acknowledge that our Lord is the One who made heaven and earth with amazing power and majesty. He is strong enough to help us. I love the verse that says He "shall neither slumber nor sleep." Our Lord is watching over us constantly. He is our keeper.

This message is not just for today but also for eternity. He preserves our soul and protects us from all evil. He preserves our every move and keeps watch over us everywhere that we go. Because of His Son, Jesus Christ, all who believe in Him are preserved for eternity in heaven. Some days seem longer than others here on earth, but be encouraged and know that the Lord of heaven and earth has His eyes upon you every moment of every day. Take comfort in the words of this psalm and meditate on it throughout times of trouble. Consider these precious words as promises from God, and trust that He always keeps His promises.

Establishing Family Rules

2011-09-28T07:49:00.003-07:00

Establishing Family Rules

Mark Gregston

When I was growing up there was one major rule—don't make mom or dad mad. If we broke that rule, we got whacked when Dad got home. It was a "My way, and there is no highway" kind of arrangement.

That kind of militaristic approach just doesn't work today. We live in a more relational culture. Most parents today have better relationships with their children than parents did when I was growing up…but while that's largely a good thing, there is a downside as well. If our teens don't "buy in" to the rules, the relational approach makes enforcing those rules more difficult.

So, let me share some ideas for successfully creating rules for your household. The earlier you start this process the better. If there's still time for you to do this while your children are still tweens, it will be easier than if you wait until they're old enough to drive. If yours is already in the teens, start today. Preferably before the sun goes down.

Have your teenager help you establish the rules and consequences.

If you establish the rules unilaterally, especially if your home has been relationally focused, you'll probably face significant push back from your teen. They aren't going to understand why they have no say in the process and they'll be less likely to follow the rules as a result.

Sit down together and discuss what you think behavior in your home should look like. This is a time to turn off the cell phones, the television and the laptop and focus on what you're doing. Talk about how your family expects to deal with issues like dating, driving, cell phones, church, school work, friends, media . . . the list can go on and on, but be sure to major on the majors. Discuss (don't dictate) what kinds of behavior fits with your family's values and which don't, and include some rules for the adults in the family as well, so the kids don't think this process is just targeting them. Talk through the reasons behind the rules that you are establishing and get everyone's opinion about what consequences should be applied for breaking the rules. You'll be surprised how tough your kids will be on themselves when consequences are being discussed, so you might have to lessen them to be realistic.

In working with thousands of teens over the years, there are some warning signs that point to great trouble ahead. Disrespect and dishonesty are two of those for which violations should have clear and steep consequences, so that your teens know what to expect if they cross one of those lines. So, tackle those first. Never bend on character or moral issues, but allow some slack in other areas so your teen feels there is some give and take.

The point is this, by getting their input in drawing up this document, you are giving them a sense of ownership of the rules and foreknowledge of what consequences to expect. It allows them to weigh the consequences against breaking the rules. So, as you work through this process over several weeks, have the final document typed and printed out so that it is clear for everyone to see.

Allow the consequences to play out.

Once you have laid down the rules and the consequences with your children, don't back down when it comes to enforcing them. Teens are masterful at trying to get exceptions made "just this once." Parents are often afraid that if they enforce the consequences that have been set they will damage their relationship with their child. The truth is just the opposite. Kids actually want their parents to be consistent, and they can live with the consequences, so let them be involved in setting those consequences. I'm not a big fan of, "I told you so," but it's appropriate to remind them when they step over the line that they chose the consequences and will now have to live with them.

Proverbs 19:19 says, "If you rescue [an angry child] once, you will have to do it again." It's far better for the consequences to teach them; you don't want all the teaching of teenagers to come from you. Don't give in, but don't give up either. Your child will push against every rule you have and even violate each one at one point or another. So keep at it. Keep letting the consequences work in your favor. And keep giving them unrelenting love as you go through that process with them.

Beliefs and values never change; rules do.

Don't think of your rules as written in stone. That's one of the nice things about having them on your computer; they can be easily adjusted over time. So check your rules every six months to make sure they still apply to the maturity of your child.

Sometimes parents don't adjust the rules and they make the mistake of holding a sixteen year old to the same exact rules they had for him as a twelve year old. This can be exasperating for an older teen. I'm not suggesting you let him do things that are wrong. But some things that are procedural can be relaxed as they mature. For instance, bedtime and curfew can be moved to a later hour, more independence and decision making can be transferred, and more responsibility can be added.

There are obviously limits, however. One of the things that I believe pretty strongly is the old saying that nothing good ever happens after midnight. So when our kids got older, we moved their curfew, but we never moved it past midnight. It's a very positive thing when you show some flexibility. The problem some parents have is that they aren't willing to change on anything. The world has changed, and we want to be sure we're only holding on to the things that are worth holding—and not holding on to things just because "that's the way it was when I was growing up."

Above all else, I encourage you to work diligently to keep your relationship strong. As you can probably tell, I think rules are really important, but the relationship you have with your child is even more important. Take the time to involve them and help them take ownership of the rules. I think you'll find the fights decreasing and the relationships and harmony in your home increasing. It's worth the effort!

Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder and director of Heartlight, a therapeutic boarding school located in East Texas. Call 903-668-2173. Visit http://www.heartlightministries.org, or to read other articles by Mark, visit http://www.markgregston.com.

Christ lives in me.

2011-09-28T07:49:00.001-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

â€oeI have been crucified with Christ;
it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.â€
GALATIANS 2:20

This is the beginning point of our identification: crucifixion with Christ. Here Paul tells us the secret of what it means to be a disciple. A Christian is not someone who believes certain things about Jesus and tries to live a good life. A Christian is someone who is crucified with Christ and has no life of his own.

â€oeNot I, but Christâ€ is not just the secret of living the Christian life, it is the goal and the end result of all Godâ€^(TM)s dealings with us along the lines of discipleship. He must increase. I must decrease. Follow this process out to its inevitable, irresistible conclusion and you see that eventually there is none of me; it is all of Him in me.

"God also bearing witness both with signs

2011-09-26T03:53:00.003-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"God also bearing witness both with signs
and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the
Holy Spirit, according to His own will."
HEBREWS 2:4

When people are healed and delivered it gives us a taste of what conditions are like when Christ has preeminence over all things. Miracles give us a glimpse of a future time when He will make all things new and there will be "no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). What we consider miraculous in this Age will be commonplace in the Age to come.

"God, who is rich in mercy

2011-09-26T03:53:00.002-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"God, who is rich in mercy, because of
His great love with which He loved us... raised us up together,
and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
EPHESIANS 2:4,6

The difference between those who overcome and those who do not overcome is a difference in their own PERCEIVED position. We all ought to perceive that in Christ we are seated in the heavenly places. We cannot overcome without this perception, this seeing, this revelation. If our perception is earthly, we will remain earthly. If our perception is heavenly, we will overcome.

Permanent Ink

2011-09-26T03:53:00.001-07:00

Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 15-16; John 12:27-50

Today's Thoughts: Permanent Ink

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Revelation 3:5

When my son was in the first grade, he came home from school very concerned. He said to me, "Mom, I got in trouble at the lunch tables today. My teacher wrote my name down and put it in her desk." Sensing his anxiety, I told him not to worry. I knew that the teacher would call me if she had any real concerns. He then said, "But mom, you don't understand, she wrote my name in permanent ink."

So often in life, having our name written in ink signifies a remembrance of something we have done wrong, ranging from teachers' notes to public court records. But there is one place that we all should desire to have our names written in permanent ink. That place is called the Book of Life and the ink is nothing less than the blood of Jesus. Our names are not written down to remind Him of our sins or wrongdoings but to secure our place in His heavenly home for eternity. The only way to gain entry into this Book is by accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and by believing that without His redeeming blood, our sins require a penalty of death. It is the blood of Jesus that keeps our names in His Book of Life permanently. He promises that, by His blood, He will never leave us nor forsake us, and He is permanently with us.

Are you assured today that your name is written in the Book of Life? The only way in is to accept Jesus as your Savior and to mean it with all your heart. Confess your sins and ask Jesus to forgive you. Thank Him for the work on the cross and know in your heart that without His redeeming blood, all are lost. This is one Book that you want to be sure your name is written in permanence.

The Beatitude Bombshell? Greg Laurie

2011-09-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

The biblical definition of happiness, or blessedness, is different than our culture's definition. If we were to rewrite the Beatitudes for the 21st century, they would be vastly different than what we find in Matthew 5. Modern beatitudes would sound something like this:

Blessed are the beautiful, for they shall be admired.
Blessed are the wealthy, for they have it all.
Blessed are the popular, for they shall be loved.
Blessed are the famous, for they shall be followed.

But Jesus started the Beatitudes with a bombshell: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). Some have falsely interpreted this verse to say, "Blessed are the poor," but that is not what Jesus said. In fact, the Bible does not commend poverty. Nor does it condemn wealth. It has nothing to do with your bank account. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit. . . ." In the original language, the word "poor" is from a verb that means "to shrink, cower, or cringe," as beggars often did in that day. This is speaking of a person who is destitute and completely dependent on others for help. So Jesus was speaking of those who esteem themselves as they really are before God: lost, hopeless, and helpless.

Apart from Jesus Christ, everyone is spiritually destitute—or poor in spirit—regardless of their education, wealth, accomplishments, or even religious knowledge. To be poor in spirit means to acknowledge your spiritual bankruptcy, to acknowledge that you are in need of God.

C. H. Spurgeon said, "The way to rise into God is to sink in your own self." If you want to be a happy person, a blessed person, then you have to see yourself for what you are: a sinner in need of a Savior.

Taken from "Poor in Spirit" by Harvest Ministries (used by permission).

Be at rest once more,

2011-09-24T18:36:00.001-07:00

"Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." Psalm 116:7 (NIV)

We all have those times in life where we wish the voice of God would audibly speak so loudly there's no way we could miss it, "THIS IS THE DIRECTION I WANT YOU TO GO." Then we'd know whether to stay the course or quit and head off in a new direction.

Have you ever wished for this kind of certainty?

I have.

We want to know what to do.

Sometimes we stay in a place too long. But I think the greater loss happens in those times we quit too soon. And we live with this nagging sense of "what if?" What if I'd persevered one more year, one more month, one more day?

What if David had been so put off by his dad's brush off, he refused to come in from the field and see Samuel? (1 Samuel 16)

What if David had assessed whether or not to face Goliath based on the shadow of his opponent rather than the shadow of the Almighty? (1 Samuel 17)

What if Abigail's pride or fear had stopped her a few steps shy of bowing low before David? (1 Samuel 25)

Knowing when to stop and when to keep on keeping on is a crucial life lesson. One I want to learn well.

In Matthew 11:28 Jesus encourages us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

I used to get so frustrated when I heard this verse because I thought, I don't want rest. I want reassurance! I'm burdened by this decision I have to make. I don't want to mess up my life by missing a cue from You, God.

But the gift of the rest Jesus is offering here is not a spiritual Ambien. The Greek word for this kind of rest is anapauo which has as one of its definitions, "of calm and patient expectation."

In other words, Jesus is saying if you come to Me, I will take your exhaustion and uncertainty and turn it into a calm expectation.

But how?

My friend Jennifer Rothschild does this enlightening exercise at some of her conferences. She tells the audience to imagine her writing two different words on a large chalkboard. She then speaks the letters as she draws the first word into the air... R-E-S-T. She does the same for the second word...R-E-S-I-S-T. Then she asks what's the difference?

The difference is, of course, "I."

I don't know what to do. I can't figure this out. I'm worn out. I've tried everything I know to do. I've given all I have to give.

I'm familiar with these "I" statements because I've said them myself.

We can only find anapauo rest — fresh hope — as we stop running ragged and simply take on the next assignment Jesus gives.

In verse 29 of Matthew 11 Jesus gives us the assignment to take on His yoke and learn from Him. Ask Jesus to show you just the next step. Not ten steps. Not the whole path. Not the Google map with the highlighted route. Just the next step.

Complete that step with excellence and an open, humble heart. Listen and look for all Jesus wants to teach you in this next step.

This is your part of the equation.

But after the assignment, comes the reassurance in verse 30, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." We don't have to have all the answers. We just have to stay connected to the One who does. Where our strength ends is the exact point where His will begin.

This is God's part of the equation.

I must do all I can do. Then trust God will do what only He can do.

Should I stay? Should I go? Maybe the better question is, "God, what is the next step I'm to take today? I'm going to do my part. And trust the rest with You."

Dear Lord, I am tired and I can't seem to figure some things out today. Please help me to see Your part in this equation. Where my strength ends is where Yours will begin. Help me, Lord, to look to You for my very next step. I will wait in calm expectation. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Listen and look for all Jesus wants to teach you in the very next step you will take. Determine what your part is and then look to God for His. Trust His faithfulness today.

Reflections:
Jesus says to me, 'I will take your exhaustion and uncertainty and turn it into a calm expectation'. What does this look like to me?

Power Verses:
Psalm 16:9, "Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure." (NIV)

Psalm 51:12, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Taking up Our Cross?

2011-09-24T18:35:00.002-07:00

Taking up Our Cross?

Randy Alcorn

Jesus said that if we are to truly be His disciples we are to "take up our cross daily and follow Him" (Luke 9:23). But what does that mean?

To understand that, we need to understand the meaning of the cross in that time and culture.

The cross has lost most of its original meaning today. It is shrouded in religiousness and mystery. It has become many things, from a religious icon to a fashion element.

When we see the cross today, it is a symbol of faith, particularly the Christian faith.

But in the time when Jesus made that statement, He had not yet died on the cross. So, in its original context, the cross was a symbol of death.

In fact, it was the symbol of a very cruel death. The Romans reserved it for the worst criminals. It was a form of torture and humiliation, ultimately leading to a long and painful death.

Why would He use the cross to illustrate what it meant to follow Him?

Jesus intentionally used a gruesome symbol to get the people's attention. He did this to say that following Him was not "child's play." It is not a game and it is not easy. In fact, it will cost you to follow Him as a disciple.

Taken from "The Paradox of the Cross" by Randy Alcorn, Eternal Perspective Ministries, 39085 Pioneer Blvd., Suite 206, Sandy, OR 97055, 503-668-5200, www.epm.org

Endurance to the End

2011-09-24T18:35:00.001-07:00

Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 17-18; John 13:1-20

Today's Thoughts: Endurance to the End

"For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:" Hebrews 10:36

I turned off my computer and saw a couple of fingerprint marks right in the middle of my screen. I pulled my shirt sleeve over my hand and began to rub the screen. The marks were still there so I used a paper towel and the marks were still there. I grabbed a dish towel and rubbed some more. They were still there but were beginning to fade. I hate to admit it but my wrist began to tire and I had to stop for a moment. I worked diligently for several more minutes to get the fingerprints off my screen. Normally I would not associate this type of task with the word "endurance" but in this case, it took a while to clean my screen. It seems like such a small thing in the big picture. But, in the midst of these kinds of tasks, I sometimes hear the Lord quietly say to me, "Be faithful in (and keep working on) the little things."

We grow in our walk with the Lord by persevering in the day-to-day tasks that require our patience and endurance. The hardest tests of endurance are often disguised as the monotonous tasks in life. I must admit that I seriously considered just how badly I wanted my computer screen clean. Would I settle for just enough to get by, or would I keep going until the spots were gone completely? Sometimes I think that we are faced with the same question when God begins working on our "spots". Will we persevere with Him? Do we have the endurance to keep going through the hard times?

The writer of Hebrews mentions more than once our need for endurance. We "have need of endurance" to ultimately receive the promises of God. I wonder how often we get to the edge of the promise land and stop walking. There was a reason the Lord kept telling Joshua to go in and take the land that had been given to them. It took endurance and perseverance to keep walking, to keep taking one day at a time, and to stay focused on the goal. From fingerprint smudges to promise lands, the test for each one of us is whether or not we will keep working until the task is finished. The Lord is so good to give us the goal, and He will lead us every step of the way. However, we must be willing to not only step out but also to keep on stepping forward.

Has the Lord given you a glimpse of the promise land He has for you? Do not stop moving towards it. Pray for endurance and perseverance. The training often comes in the little tasks of the day. Take every opportunity to see a job through to its completion and learn how to lean on the Lord for support and guidance. You never know when the day will come that you take that first step into your land of promise.

"You have come to

2011-09-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"You have come to Mount Zion and to
the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem."
HEBREWS 12:22

All the prophets pointed to Jerusalem as the place where the Messiah would rule and reign. On the surface this seems self-evident. The trouble with this is that the nature of the Kingdom is spiritual, and so the location of the Kingdom is likewise spiritual. A spiritual kingdom is not going to have an earthly capital. Neither will it have an earthly temple, an earthly priesthood, or an earthly King. It will be in the earth, but it will not rise up from the earth.

Earthly problems cannot be solved with earthly solutions. Earthly problems require Heavenly solutions. The fact that John saw the New Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven and settling upon the earth shows that this is something established by God Himself, quite beyond the command and control of man.

Top Ten Reasons Why God Is the Greatest Walking Partner of All Time!

2011-09-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Reasons Why God Is the Greatest Walking Partner of All Time!

1. He's never late (He created time)
2. He won't slow you down (He's faster than light)
3. He doesn't let the weather affect Him (He makes it)
4. He hears all your problems (and keeps them a secret)
5. He encourages you to keep going (He doesn't get tired)
6. He loves all music (He orchestrated sound)
7. He thinks you're the best (you are His design)
8. He's not competitive (He knows who would win)
9. He'll help you to not become lost (He is a GPS)
10. He'll whisper, "You're my favorite" (you know He never lies)

The Secret of Contentment Micca Monda Campbell

2011-09-15T12:28:00.003-07:00

"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11b (NIV)

Have you ever noticed how over-extending yourself tends to bring unwanted pressure into your life?

Sometimes I think we busy ourselves in order to gain more, find acceptance among peers, land a better position, and gain riches of all kinds. Perhaps we live under the illusion that having such riches is what makes a person complete, content, and deliriously happy. Yet, when we discover that's not the case, we're left feeling empty and discontent.

Contentment and security are not found in career titles or in the kind of car we own. The logo on our car only tells others what kind of car we drive — not who we are. True satisfaction, in its purest form, is found in the wealth of who God is and the riches He graciously lavishes upon us.

Recently God's been showing me that when I constantly want more than He has given me, it reflects a heart that is discontent. It's like I'm telling God, "I'm not satisfied with what You have provided for me. I want more."

In wanting more, I place undo pressure on myself in an attempt to get what God hasn't provided. Naturally, anxiety is the result when I focus on things other than God and His will for my life.

The pressure to have more and do more can lead us down paths we never intended. In our attempt to fill the vacuum of our empty souls, we discover that external luxury is only a cheap substitution for spiritual wholeness. As our key verse points out, Paul knew the secret of finding contentment. "...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."

Take note that Paul wrote these words in a high stress situation as he sat in jail awaiting a verdict for a crime he didn't commit. I don't know if I could find contentment if I were in his sandals. I would probably strum my wooden cage with a rock singing pitifully, "Nobody knows the trouble I've seen. Nobody knows my sorrow." Finding contentment doesn't mean we have to like our current situation, but it may require an appreciation for it. Let me explain.

Paul learned that the fruit of contentment is developed when we are thankful for what God has provided whether we like it or not. That's because peace isn't the absence of pressure. It's the presence of God and our attitude toward His provision in the midst of our stress. By expressing gratitude, Paul experienced richness of being, not having.

You may be in a hard place right now and you're longing for freedom. Maybe you're in a job that feels like a dead end; perhaps you have two of them! It may be that you live in a space too small for your family and you hate it. You're not where you planned or hoped to be and you certainly don't like it.

The truth is, we don't have to like where we are or what we have, but if we will choose to thank God for His provisions regardless of our feelings toward them, we'll experience the same contentment Paul encountered.

Being thankful doesn't mean that God will eventually remove us from our situation. He may; He may not. Rather, being appreciative sets us free from the desire to have and lets us rest in the riches of contentment. And when we reach a place of contentment, we don't need earthly riches galore.

God becomes our greatest treasure. In Him, we have everything we need.

Dear Lord, I'm grateful for what You've provided for me. Fill me with Your peace so that I may be truly content in Your blessings. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Instead of focusing on what God has not provided, make a list of what He has. Then, thank God for His provision.

Reflections:
Does my heart always long for more than what God has provided?

If so, why and what do I need to do to find contentment?

Power Verses:
Psalm 103:1-5, "Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Jesus Believed He Was the Only Means of Salvation?

2011-09-15T12:28:00.001-07:00

Jesus Believed He Was the Only Means of Salvation?

John Barnett

In John 3 today we are looking at just one of these incredible presentations of the greatest message of all, the plan of salvation. As we look at this event note carefully that Jesus believed that He was the only means of salvation.

Christ's presentation of salvation is clearly captured in John 3; and it is a very simple summary of salvation that contained three truths:

"you" (salvation is a personal and individual transaction)
"must be" (salvation is a very exclusive, narrow, and quite directive command from Jesus to lost sinners who need to be saved)
"born again" (salvation is an obedient, personal confession that your first birth into what ever family, religion, heritage, ethnic group, and so on is insufficient to get you to Heaven, and unless a supernatural, conscious miracle called conversion takes place, only Hell lies ahead).

What is most compelling about this time that Jesus shares the plan of salvation is that it was said to someone who was most clearly:

A person who was deeply religious and God fearing;
A person who was under the Jewish covenant,
A person who was circumcised in the exact and proper method prescribed by the Old Testament Mosaic law, and
A person who was carefully keeping all the commands of God's Word in every way he knew how.

However, though Nicodemus was God trusting, and Bible obeying, Jesus explains that because he was never personally born again, supernaturally converted or saved from his sin, Nicodemus was going to be banished from the banquet called Heaven, and cast into the place of everlasting doom called Hell.

Taken from "Christ and Salvation" by Discover the Book Ministries (used by permission).

More Than Imaginable

2011-09-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

Today's Reading: Ezra 6-8; John 21

Today's Thoughts: More Than Imaginable

And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25

Verse 25 is the last verse in the Gospel of John, and what a great way to end this wonderful book. John is basically saying that it would be impossible to record every single one of the "things" that Jesus did while here on earth. John only knew Jesus for three years! My mind struggles to comprehend such amazing works but my heart rejoices in knowing that Jesus is that awesome. Jesus spent three years in full-time ministry, and from studying the Gospels, it is clear that He was all about His Father's business. Jesus spent His time doing the things He was sent to do. Jesus is our only true example of living a life sold out to God. Everything He did had one main purpose: to glorify His Father. One cannot glorify God and live a selfish life at the same time.

Often people will ask us questions that involve God's will for their lives; they want to know how to be used by God, they want to make sure that they are doing His will and pleasing Him. How can they be sure they are doing all God wants? We hear these questions and concerns frequently from people who truly desire to fulfill the calling God has on their lives. Many times, however, people are looking for a more awe-inspiring, spiritual answer than we can give. The answers are all in the Bible. God's Word is our living handbook for how to please God and live for Him. Once we learn of His ways, then we begin to learn how to apply His ways to our lives. Just studying the Gospel of John gives us more revelations of who Jesus is and what He did than we can even fully grasp. The world could not contain the books it would take to write everything down. Think about the magnitude of that statement.

For us today, there are a couple of things we need to take from this verse. First and foremost, we must know that Jesus was and is God. He was not just a good man who had a powerful ministry. No man could do what He did. Only God could do miracles beyond what the world could even record. Secondly, for us to do the things God has called us to while here on earth, we must learn from our Teacher. Jesus demonstrated for us how to live a life completely sold out to God. And He has given us His Holy Spirit to teach, lead and guide us today to live a life pleasing to God and in the center of His will. Start reading the Gospel of John today and commit to reading it from beginning to end. You will begin to get a greater understanding of what verse 25 is really saying. Pray that you fall in love with the Lord Jesus and that you glorify His name with your life.

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

2011-09-14T10:02:00.003-07:00

Who Is the Holy Spirit?

Greg Laurie

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me." (John 16:7-8)

It is sometimes hard for us to grasp the fact that the Holy Spirit is a Him, not an it. After all, the Bible describes the Holy Spirit as a mighty rushing wind. We read of His coming upon the disciples in a divided flame of fire. We also read about His descending as a dove.

But let's remember that Jesus is called the Bread of Life, and the Father is described as a refuge, hiding us under the shadow of His wings. Does that mean that Jesus is a loaf of bread—or that the Father is a giant bird in heaven? Of course not. These are simply metaphors to help us understand God.

The Holy Spirit is a Him, and He has specific work that He wants to do. This includes convicting us of our sin—not necessarily sin in general, but to show us that we are sinners. The Holy Spirit takes the message of the death and resurrection of Jesus, shows us it is true, and shows us that we need to turn to God. Without the convicting power of the Spirit, you would never have come to Jesus. That is why, when I am praying for an unbeliever, I pray that God would convict him or her by His Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit doesn't convict us of our sin to drive us to despair, but to send us into the open arms of Jesus. When Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, Acts 2:37 says that the people "were cut to the heart" (Acts 2:37). This phrase means "pierced in the heart" and describes something that is sudden and unexpected. The Holy Spirit will stab you, in effect, but it is not to destroy you. It is to show you your need for Jesus.

Taken from "The Holy Spirit's Work" by Harvest Ministries (used by permission).

"Peter said to Jesus

2011-09-14T10:02:00.001-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"Peter said to Jesus, 'Master, it is
good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles.'"
LUKE 9:33

Christians seek many spiritual things: anointing, power, gifts, blessing, fruit, wisdom, prosperity. I pray the Lord will make us thoroughly and completely dissatisfied with THINGS, even the things He gives us, and make us hungry and thirsty for Himself.

May we judge things not by whether they are "good for us," but whether they are good for the Lord, whether His Will is done in them, whether His Need is met by them, whether His Purpose is fulfilled in them, whether His Son is seen through them. He is the Only One, the Beloved Son of God. May the Lord be transfigured before us!

Don’t Make Jesus More of a Mediator Than He Is John Piper Desiring God

2011-09-14T10:01:00.001-07:00

One of the last sweet gifts from our Father while we were on leave was his reminder not to make his Son more of a Mediator than he is. Jesus said:

In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you. (John 16:26-27)

"I do not say that I will ask the Father on your behalf." In other words, I'm not going to insert myself between you and the Father, as though you can't go to him directly. Why? "Because the Father himself loves you."

This is astonishing. Jesus is warning us not to think of God Almighty as unwilling to receive us directly into his presence. By "directly" I mean what Jesus meant when he said, "I am not going to take your requests to God for you. You may take them directly. He loves you. He wants you to come. He is not angry at you."

It is absolutely true that no sinful human being has any access to the Father except through Jesus' blood (Hebrews 10:19-20). He intercedes for us now (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). He is our advocate with the Father now (1 John 2:1). He is our High Priest before the throne of God now (Hebrews 4:15-16). He said, "No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).

Yes. But Jesus is protecting us from taking his intercession too far. "I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you." He is there. He is providing an ever-present, ever-living witness to the removal of the Father's wrath from us.

But he is not there to talk for us, or to keep us at a distance from the Father, or to suggest that the Father's heart is guarded toward us or disinclined to us—hence the words, "Because the Father himself loves you."

So, come. Come boldly (Hebrews 4:16). Come expectantly. Come expecting a smile. Come trembling with joy, not dread.

Jesus is saying, "I have made a way to God. Now I am not going to get in the way." Come.

What is a Christian?

2011-09-14T10:01:00.000-07:00

What is a Christian?

Jack Graham

Several years ago, some West Point cadets were sitting in their dorm room discussing all kinds of issues. It was one of those late night sessions where they were talking about anything and everything.

So the subject of Christianity came up and they asked the question, "What is a Christian?" And as they began to bat around the idea a bit, one after another gave his opinion on what a Christian is.

After a few hours of not really getting anywhere, one young cadet stopped the conversation dead when he said, "A Christian is Charles Jones." Now, Charles Jones was a fellow cadet who was known for his kindness and willingness to go the extra mile for others because of his faith in Christ.

I wonder how that conversation would go if your friends were having a discussion over coffee and asked, "What is a Christian?" Would anybody mention your name? Are you so identified with Jesus Christ that people know who you are and what you believe?

Being a Christian is more than just lip service. It's living your life in such a way that others see a difference in you. So as you go throughout your life, let others see God's grace and love in you!

Taken from "Letting God's Light Shine Through You" by Power Point Ministries (used by permission).

Called to Be Right Where You Are?

2011-09-07T13:04:00.000-07:00

Called to Be Right Where You Are?
Tullian Tchividjian
In becoming a Christian, we don't need to retreat from the vocational calling we already have—nor do we need to justify that calling, whatever it is, in terms of its "spiritual" value or evangelistic usefulness. We simply exercise whatever our calling is with new God-glorifying motives, goals, and standards—and with a renewed commitment to performing our calling with greater excellence and higher objectives.
One way we reflect our Creator is by being creative right where we are with the talents and gifts he has given us. As Paul says, "Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God" (1 Corinthians 7:20,24). As we do this, we fulfill our God-given mandate to reform, to beautify, our various "stations" for God's glory–giving this world an imperfect preview of the beautification that will be a perfect, universal actuality when Jesus returns to finish what he started.
For church leaders, this means that we make a huge mistake when we define a person's "call" in terms of participation inside the church—nursery work, Sunday school teacher, youth worker, music leader, and so on. We need to help our people see that their calling is much bigger than how much time they put into church matters. By reducing the notion of calling to the exercise of spiritual gifts inside the church, we fail to help our people see that calling involves everything we are and everything we do—both inside and, more importantly, outside the church.
I once heard Os Guinness address a question about why the church in the late 20th century was not having a larger impact in our world when there were more people going to church than ever before. He said the main reason was not that Christians weren't where they should be. There are plenty of artists, lawyers, doctors, and business owners that are Christians. Rather, the main reason is that Christians aren't who they should be right where they are.
Taken from "You're Free To Stay Put" (used by permission

Loving Your Man as God Loves You

2011-09-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

Loving Your Man as God Loves You
Cindi McMenamin
Note: This is the second article in a two-part series on transforming your marriage. Part I: What Speaks Love to Your Husband?
I was once a wife who was quick to point out my husband's faults. Quick to let him know when he was falling short of my expectations. Quick to let him know when he wasn't loving me as God does.
You can't really blame me, can you? There isn't a wife on earth who doesn't want her husband to lover her unconditionally – as God does. But when I turned it around and started trying to love my husband as God loves me, that's when things began to change in our marriage. I began focusing less on his faults and more on my own… and my own need for God's grace in my life.
My husband and I were talking the other day about how there would be far less marriages struggling today if just one partner in every marriage practiced the Bible's definition of love. Now, can you imagine what marriages would look like if both partners practiced unconditional, sacrificial and persevering love? There would be no strife, no stress, no bitterness, no built-up baggage. There would be no devastation or divorce. There would be two people, giving up their rights to themselves so they can serve one another. There would be a perfect picture in our love toward each other of God's love toward us.
Maybe your husband doesn't seem like the man he once was. Yet you are still with him. That is persevering love. That is love that says "I made a promise… now I'm keeping it." God did the same with you and me. Take a look at His never failing, unending, persevering love for you and see if you can't try modeling this to your husband:
1. He has promised He will never leave you. Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
Can you say this to your husband, and truly mean it as God means it toward you?
2. He is always thinking only the best about you. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. (Psalm 139:17-18)
Can you say that your mind is always filled with only good thoughts about your husband?
3. He is gentle toward you when you're broken. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3)
Are you gentle toward your husband even when he is angry or unlovable – which is how he often responds when he's hurt?
4. He promises nothing will ever come between the two of you. (Nothing) will be able to separate us from the love of God... (Romans 8:39)
Are there any conditions or exceptions in your mind when it comes to loving your husband? Is there something in the back of your mind that he could do that would end it for the two of you? God holds none of those reservations about you. He has promised nothing – that includes nothing you can do – will ever come between you and God. Can you say the same to your husband?
5. He delights in you, quiets you with His love, and sings over you. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Can you delight in your husband and rejoice over him, simply because of who he is – one who is loved by his heavenly father and by you? Think about the joy and comfort you have, knowing God feels that way about you. Now what would it add to your husband's life if he knew you truly delighted in him?
6. He loved you so much He was willing to die so He wouldn't have to live without you. For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
I once heard it said: don't marry someone you believe you can live with. Marry someone you know you can't live without. Have you cemented your love for your husband so deeply that you are convinced you would not want to live without him? In many ways, that's how God felt toward you. He found a way so that the two of you would never have to be separated.
7. He loved you in spite of yourself and still does. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Would you show sacrificial love to your husband even if he didn't deserve it? Even if he had turned his back on you?
Scripture tells us: "This is the kind of love we are talking about – not that we once upon a time loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to clear away our sins and the damage they've done to our relationship with God. My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other." (First John 4:10-11, The Message).
Now, from what you've seen about God's persevering love for you, can you love your husband:
Even when he's annoying you?
Even when he's inconsiderate?
Even when he's clearly 'unlovable'?
Even when he's clearly wrong and unrepentant?
Because we are not like God who never grows weary, we must know how to renew love for our husbands. We simply can't wait for the feelings to be there. I'm so glad God doesn't depend on His feelings for us. He has determined to love us, regardless. We must love our husbands that way, too. Because the world will take it out of us. Pain will take it out of us. The everyday stuff of life will take it out of us. But thanks be to God that He can replenish it in us.
In Isaiah 40:28-31, you have encouragement about this God who can fill you up with love for your husband:
Do you not now? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
How do you renew that love you once had for your husband? How do you get back that delight in him when he – or something in this life – has taken it out of you? By waiting on the Lord for His strength to love your husband through you and by going back to what first drew the two of you together.
Sometimes the easiest way to fall back in love with your man is to remember what first drew you to him. Next time you're tempted to start listing what your husband is doing wrong, I encourage you to start listing what you love about him. It's what God would do, if He were in your shoes. By remembering what your husband does right, it will not only turn your heart back toward him, but it will be an outward sign to others that you love your man as God has loved you.
Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker and the author of several books including When Women Walk Alone, Women on the Edge, and When A Woman Inspires Her Husband (from which this article is an excerpt). She and her husband, Hugh, have also co-authored the book When Couples Walk Together. For resources and free articles of encouragement to strengthen your soul or your marriage, see her website: www.StrengthForTheSoul.com.

Dirty Kisses

2011-09-02T01:45:00.003-07:00

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? (Romans 6:1-2)

A pastor wrote a rather interesting article in a minister's journal; it dealt with a problem in the bathroom of a middle school in Oregon. Girls were setting the precedent of pressing their lips to the mirrors after applying lipstick, leaving dozens of messy lip prints all over the glass.

When the principal declared that something must be done, she devised a rather ingenious plan and told the custodian exactly what to do. After summoning the girls and the custodian to the bathroom, the principal explained that the lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian, and instructed that the girls stop the nasty practice that wasted his valuable time.

Of course, the girls were oblivious to this request and were irritated at having to meet with the principal—they didn't even try to hide it. Not being deterred, the principal continued with her scheme, and asked the custodian to show them how he had been cleaning the mirrors each day after school.

He promptly took out his long-handled brush, dipped it into one of the nearby toilets, and scrubbed the mirrors with the brush. The girls' mouths dropped open in shock. Not surprisingly, since that demonstration, the lip prints have never reappeared!

There is a valuable lesson to be learned from this story. Although sin may seem as innocent and harmless as kissing a mirror, we are often unaware of the vile and evil things lurking on the periphery—waiting to wreak havoc in our lives.

Have you ever said this to your kids: "Don't let that dog lick you on your face—you have no idea where she's been!" I try to warn them, but they never seem to connect the dots. In my case, I know whereof I speak—or should I say warn. We have a dog who loves nasty, yucky stuff! Whenever she gets loose in the horse pasture beyond our backyard fence, she rolls around in the grass—filth and all—just for fun. I watch her in utter disgust, but she pays no attention to my opinion of her personal hygiene.

You see, my dog has a serious problem with the way she thinks! Maybe that's okay for her ... she's a dog ... but for Christians to roll around in the filth of sin and thoroughly enjoy it is a completely different matter. There is something dreadfully wrong with the heart of a Christian who enjoys kissing dirty mirrors.

Paul warns the believer in this text "Don't call yourself a Christian if you are going to continue in a lifestyle of sin! Have you forgotten who you are? You are a child of the King—start acting like it!"

Paul is not saying that we will never sin, or that we will never fall at times, because we will. He is referring to people who love sin more than God. These are so-called Christians who overlook the passages in the Bible about refraining from deceit, pride, sexual immorality, slander, bitterness, and more, while holding on to their sin, rather than upholding God's standard.

Paul's point is simple: Christians have been saved from sin; they should refrain from "kissing" the world ... including mirrors and dogs!

Faith that Moves God's Heart

2011-09-02T01:45:00.002-07:00

Faith that Moves God's Heart
Glynnis Whitwer

"To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless..." 2 Samuel 22:26 (NIV 2011)

"Are you scared?" my daughter asked. Nibbling on fingernails, she glanced at the harnesses hung on pegs, then to the mountain and finally to my face to assess my take on the situation.

Shading my eyes, I looked up the same mountain to the highest landing, barely visible between branches. Within a few minutes we'd be there, strapped into harnesses and hooked onto a thin wire. Her apprehension was clear.

"No, I'm not scared," I answered honestly. I trusted the harness and wires to keep me safe. I trusted the staff who'd done this with thousands of other people. Beyond explanation, I (the person who avoids wasting any adrenalin) had faith I'd be safe zipping through the canopy.

As I waited my turn to get trussed up, God whispered in my heart, "That's the kind of faith I'd like you to have all the time — only in Me."

That thought settled in my heart and begged me to explore it. My initial response was a tad bit defensive. Sometimes my faith is strong. Haven't I leapt into situations trusting You to make a way, I asked God. Before I could start reminding Him of specific instances, the Holy Spirit nudged me to go deeper. So I did.

In the most honest places in my heart, I had to admit that often — even those areas I almost bragged about — my trust was in God and my exit strategy.

I trusted God, but I also trusted the strength of my arm or my ability to negotiate a positive outcome. It was like I said, "I trust You but just let me get this harness strapped on and hooked to the wire."

I knew God was speaking about faith with no backup plan. Faith that really gets His attention — where there's no harness or wire. No experienced staff. No net. There's just God. I've tasted that faith, but not often enough.

God is calling me to a higher place of faith. It's a place where I believe God can and will provide for me. And therein lies the hard place. I've anchored my life in the belief that God can do anything, but somehow feel presumptuous believing He will for me.

That's doubt masquerading as false humility. And that, my friends, saddens God and limits His work in my life.

Scripture shows us God is moved by followers with faith. There's not enough space in this devotion to list the miracles God performed when people had faith. Nor is there space to list those times when doubt made a difference.

God's whisper challenged me to submit my unbelief to Him once again in my pursuit to become a woman of faith. My heart longs to be completely sold-out for Jesus, following Him without doubt. I want the same faith in God I had when I jumped off a platform 100 feet above the jungle floor and laughed with the sheer joy of soaring. Yes, that's the type of faith I want in God. All the time.

Dear Lord, I declare today that You are faithful and worthy of all my faith. You never lie, will never leave and never break Your promises. Help me to be a woman who follows You with complete trust. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Application Steps:
Using a concordance, or www.Biblegateway.com, do a search in the New Testament for the word "faith." Make a list of what happened when people had faith.

Reflections:
Why is it easy to trust God in some areas of my life, but not others?

What areas do I wish my faith was stronger? What is the common denominator in those areas?

Power Verses:
Matthew 14:31, "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'" (NIV 2011)

James 1:5-7, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord." (NIV 2011)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Did Jesus Say He Existed from Eternity?

2011-09-02T01:45:00.001-07:00

Did Jesus Say He Existed from Eternity?

G. Campbell Morgan

Certain things Christ said of Himself, either in formal declaration, or incidentally, reveal His self-existence, as apart from His relationship, either to God or to man. In certain passages He spoke out of an eternal consciousness. Almost all the great declarations of Christ revealing His eternal consciousness, and concerning His relationship to God, are found in the Gospel according to John. Bishop Westcott said of this Gospel, "The Gospel of St. John from first to last is a record of the conflict between men's thoughts of Christ, and Christ's revelation of Himself."

The first of these statements, "I came forth, and am come from God," is a most remarkable word, not describing a fellowship of nearness with God, but one which is essential. The real suggestion of the declaration, "I came forth from God," is not that He came from the side of God, from companionship with God, as an angel might; but that He came out of the essential mystery of the Being of God.

The declaration, "Before Abraham was, I am," was introduced by that formula of which He occasionally made use when desiring to fasten attention upon a subject: "Verily, verily." This moreover was a direct and intended contrast on His part between the temporal and the eternal. "Abraham was"; that is a term of the temporal; but before that, "I am," which in that contrast becomes distinctly a term of the eternal.

n the last of these three passages we have a perfect summary of the whole mission of Christ as recorded in the Gospels, "I came out from the Father, and am come into the world; again, I leave the world, and go unto the Father."

It is impossible, and unnecessary, for us to consider fully the value of these words separately. The fact to be observed is that our Lord referred to Himself in such a way that the implication of His references is that of an eternal existence. It is important that we notice the persistence of the Person, of the "I," through these passages: "I came forth, and am come from God" ; "Before Abraham was, I am" ; "I came out ... am come into . . . I leave . . . and go unto."

Adapted from The Teaching of Christ, Himself, by G. Campbell Morgan.

"He who overcomes

2011-09-01T13:49:00.002-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar
in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more."
REVELATION 3:12

Overcomers are pillars in the temple of God. It is not a question of how many times can we "attend" something, but whether or not we are abiding at all times. Pillars are an integral part of the structure; if they were to suddenly "go out," the building would collapse.

What are we saying? That God's highest is not for us to come in and to go out, but to be a pillar. Overcomers are pillars in the temple of God, and that is a heavenly matter. However you wish to interpret this, one thing is clear: they have learned how to minister to the Lord continually, regardless of time or place. It is Spirit and Truth worship the Father seeks, and they give Him what He is looking for. There is no holy day or sacred hour or special devotion. They do not have to "come into" the presence of the Lord because they LIVE IN the presence of the Lord continually. And so they overcome the earthly by abiding in the heavenly.

How to Discover The Secret of Contentment

2011-09-01T13:49:00.001-07:00

How to Discover The Secret of Contentment

Whitney Hopler

Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of William B. Barcley's recent book, The Secret of Contentment, (P & R Publishing, 2010).

Does your house seem too small, or your car too old? Has your job become boring, or your spouse grown unattractive? If so, the problem may be with your soul instead of your circumstances.

When you're not content with your life, your relationship with God will be affected because you're not trusting Him to provide what's best for you. Chasing after more of what the world offers may satisfy you temporarily, but ultimately you'll be fulfilled only by pursuing the contentment that God wants for you.

Here's how you can discover the secret of contentment:

Rest assured that contentment is attainable. If you trust God to help you develop contentment in your life, His peace will overcome the restlessness you constantly feel right now to acquire and achieve more. You don't have to be running on a treadmill toward fulfillment yet never reaching it, because God has promised to give you the strength you need to learn how to be content.

Understand why contentment is necessary for holiness. As a Christian, you should pursue contentment because: God has commanded it, contentment is a priceless spiritual treasure, a discontented spirit lies at the root of much sin, contentment shows your humble submission to God's will and allows you to experience God's peace, and a contented spirit helps you worship God.

Beware of the dangers of a discontented spirit. Discontentment is spiritually dangerous because: it reveals the corruption of sin and rebellion in your soul, it undermines your dignity as a child of God, and it interferes with your Christian witness to seekers.

Seek contentment all the time, not just sometimes. God wants you to be content when your life is going well, keeping your focus on Him rather than getting spiritually complacent and easily distracted by worldly pursuits. And God also wants you to be content when you're struggling with challenges, trusting that God will use bad circumstances to accomplish good purposes in your life. Remember that contentment comes not by finding circumstances that you like, but by responding faithfully to whatever circumstances you encounter.

Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind. Pray for the power you need to think correctly about your circumstances. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you develop the right attitudes that support contentment: calm trust in God's control and wisdom, joy in the good God brings into your life, submission to the bad that God allows you to suffer, and a commitment to respond gracefully to every situation you encounter.

Long for God above all else. Since a relationship with God is the only thing that has the power to truly satisfy your deepest desires, make it your top priority to pursue a closer relationship with God every day. Devote the best of your time, energy, and other resources to drawing closer to God rather than to lesser pursuits. Be single-minded in your goal to know God more deeply and become the person He wants you to become, making whatever sacrifices you need to make to do so.

Find contentment in the midst of affliction. Accept the fact that suffering is inevitable in our fallen world. When suffering hits your life, ask God to help you recognize how He is mercifully using that suffering to bring about spiritual good in your life. Rather than trying to escape from your suffering, pray for the ability to perform the duties you have in the midst of it. Give your will and desires over to God and ask Him to replace them in your mind with His will and desires for you. Instead of being preoccupied with your own concerns while you're suffering, help others in need to take your focus off yourself and find encouragement when you see the positive difference you're able to make in other people's lives. Pray for the grace to be content in knowing that God is at work in your life, even when you're suffering.

Use God's math to find contentment. From God's perspective, you can find contentment by adding and subtracting. When you add the burden of an awareness of your sin to the other burdens that are making you feel discontented, you'll see that your sin is the greatest problem. Confess and repent of whatever sins God brings to your mind. When you subtract desires that don't please God by purging them from your life, you open your soul to receive the contentment God wants to give you, so you'll be at peace with the right desires at the right times.

Long for heaven. Recognize that you're ultimately a citizen of heaven rather than this fallen world, so you can be content that you can do God-given work while you're here and then move on to be in heaven – where you'll enjoy being in Jesus' presence, with nothing to separate you anymore. Whenever you must endure suffering on earth, remind yourself of the wonderful times that await you in heaven, where you will have your deepest desires fulfilled.

Find contentment by enjoying God and His promises. You can be content when you realize that God will give you what you need the most, since He loves you completely and unconditionally. Remind yourself of God's many promises to you in the Bible, from salvation through Jesus to working everything that you experience together to accomplish good purposes in your life. Thank God regularly for the many gifts He has given you.

Keep dying to yourself and living for God and others. You can keep growing more content when you choose each day to die to selfish desires and pursuits and instead live in ways that please God and show His love to other people. As you decide to choose faithfulness over selfishness, you'll gain freedom over sin that causes restless discontent and be able to enjoy calm contentment in any situation. You'll discover that your greatest joy comes from God Himself, who is with you no matter what circumstances you go through.

Before We Respond

2011-09-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

Before We Respond
Lysa TerKeurst

"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." 1 Peter 2:15 (NIV)

Sweet friend, let's chat. About "those" emails. "Those" comments. "Those" words from another that make our heart beat, our throat tighten, and our smile fall.

Yes, "those."

Harsh comments seem so unnecessary to me. I honestly can't find any sort of justification in Scripture to hurl insults and ugliness at another person. But, these are a reality in my world. A small reality, thank heavens, but a reality none the less. Sadly, I bet you can relate.

And I'll be honest; I'm just as prone as the next person to feel like putting an ugly worded person in their place. Hurt when I've been hurt. Invent a slap button for my computer. Not so nice, huh?

That's why I don't react out of my feelings. This will only cause the conflict to escalate rather than dissipate.

I wait to respond until the hurt can be processed with more than my feelings. For me, hurtful things are first processed through the emotional part of my brain before the logical part of my brain. Honestly, I need both emotion and logic to be involved in my response, so I wait. And I need some Scripture to get involved before responding.

In 1 Peter chapter 2 we find a treasure trove of verses that relate to this issue.

So, here are three things I keep in mind before I reply:

Is a reply even necessary?
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." (1 Peter 2:15)

Sometimes the delete button is a lovely feature. Not every email needs a reply. Not every critic should be given an answer. Especially if someone's comments are sent to us anonymously. Don't let their comments derail you. Instead let it be a reminder of how more effectively your time could be spent doing something good. Invest in that good and let your actions reveal your heart.

A reaction and a reply are vastly different.
"When they hurled their insults at him (Jesus), he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly." (1 Peter 2:23)

It's hard to resist retaliation. It can feel quite justifiable to hurt the one who hurt us. But just because it feels right doesn't mean it is right.

We can turn our initial harsh reaction into a gentle response by pausing. Take some time to let our emotions cool off. Seek to see things from the other person's perspective. Realize there is probably a lot more hurt going on in their heart than what we'll ever know — and chances are it has very little to do with us. Wrap our response in kindness and truth. Leave the judging up to God. God knows. God sees. God honors those who honor Him.

Humility is a beautiful diffuser.
"For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls" (1 Peter 2:25).

Sometimes a harsh comment from another is a reason to step back and honestly assess if some of what's being criticized is our fault. Ask for forgiveness. Seek to bring truth to light in a gentle and loving way. And offer grace. Giving grace doesn't make them right. It simply and humbly acknowledges we both need it, so I chose to freely give it.

Oh sweet friend...I hope you don't need this advice today. But, if and when you do, I pray it helps.

Dear Lord, show me how to seek You like never before. Please help me to see this hurt as an opportunity today. And opportunity to seek grace, model love, and expand past my initial flesh reactions. I want to make right choices that honor You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

We need both emotion and logic to be involved in our responses. And we also need Scripture to refer to ponder, and pray through. Write a verse from this devotion that most resonated with your heart and post it next to your computer.

Reflections:
Giving grace doesn't make the other person right. It simply and humbly acknowledges we both need it, so I chose to freely give it. How will this thought help my with my responses going forward? Remember, God knows, God sees, God honors those who honor Him.

Power Verses:
1 Peter 2:22, "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." (NIV)

Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" (NIV)

Proverbs 31 Ministries

Should Christians Isolate Themselves from the World?

2011-08-30T10:01:00.005-07:00

Should Christians Isolate Themselves from the World?

Greg Laurie

When I was in elementary school, we had a little game that we would play in which we would touch someone and say, "You have cooties." Of course, we had to have a way to defend ourselves, so when someone would touch us and claim they just gave us cooties, we would say, "Not me, I don't have cooties." Then we would hold out our hands, revealing the handwritten initials, C.P., which stood for "cootie protection."

I think Christians are sometimes that way around unbelievers. They appear as though they are avoiding all contact with them. I can understand not wanting to be influenced in a bad way. But how about influencing others in a good way?

Jesus said that as Christians, we are to be salt and light. In Jesus' day, salt was used as a preservative. It was rubbed into meat to stop the rotting process. So, as salt in a culture, Christians are to stop the spread of corruption. But another thing salt does is stimulate thirst. So we are to stop the spread of corruption and stimulate a thirst for God in others.

In addition to being salt, Christians are to be light, which means that we are to proclaim the gospel and do good works. Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

We are called to be salt and light—to live a godly life. It is God's job to identify the fake Christians, to determine the true from the false.

God has planted us as believers in this world. He has put His people in the culture to influence it, to make a difference. God is not calling us as believers to isolate, but to infiltrate.

Taken from "A Positive Influence" by Harvest Ministries (used by permission).

Plan a Getaway with God

2011-08-30T10:01:00.004-07:00

Plan a Getaway with God

Jeanne Doyon

"Come away to a quiet place…" Mark 6:33

About twelve years ago I went to my first writer's workshop. Because of the distance, I arrived the night before at a nearby convent where rooms were reserved. Arriving early, I found myself alone in a stark, shadowy dormitory formerly used to house novices. As my squeaking footsteps echoed through the empty halls I found myself getting anxious. I was nervous enough about following God's call to use my writing, and I was trembling inside because of the strange stillness around me.

I remember thinking, "What is wrong with me? Why am I so uncomfortable being alone?"

With a busy home, husband, and homeschooling my three children, I was never alone and, rarely experienced silence. Who really does? We live and breathe in a noisy world; traffic, music, phones, jobs—there is always some kind of commotion around us.

Other than the technology, this is exactly what was going on in Jesus' world. He and the disciples hardly rested because of the crowds that came to Him. He healed, fed, forgave, comforted, preached, raised, delivered, and fed some more…is it any wonder that Jesus told the disciples to come away to a quiet place? He, Himself valued and needed time in His Father's presence in order to accomplish what He was sent to do and He was modeling this for the disciples—for they would need His power too.

God desires the same thing of us, to get alone with Him; He has things for us to do and we can't do them in our own strength; we need His power. We need His direction. All would easily be missed in the everyday din and throng we live in. His "voice" comes in the slightest whisper; it falls like the dew that settles in the quiet of the morning on a quieted, seeking heart.

I have taken time to get away from my normal routine and each time it has reaped huge benefits. I have come back refreshed and able to focus on what God wanted to say through His Word and I have been revived in His presence. I tell myself I have to do this once a year at least, though I admit it has been awhile since the last time.

Well, I am preparing a getaway time with Him soon. As I write this, I am anticipating my time away with the Lord this weekend. My mind is already going there which is a dangerous thing because I need to "be" at work this week. There are so many things on my heart. I have a huge writing project I am working on. I have a decision to make about a ministry step—is it His time yet? I have "packed" so many things in my heart to take along.

Preparing Your Getaway

Are considering your own getaway? It doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some thoughts as you plan:

Choosing a place

Take into consideration your budget when you choose a location; not too far, but just far enough away. Some options include a day trip to a park, waterfront, or other quiet place nearby; a hotel, B&B or other overnight destination; a retreat or conference center which may offer inexpensive accommodation especially during an ongoing event.

Things to contemplate

Is there a prayer item that you have been struggling with?

Are you led to a Scripture and want to meditate on its application in your life?

Are you faced with a decision or need direction?

Is there an area where you need to let go?

Are you getting a glimpse into a ministry you need to pray through?

Are you facing concerns and you need His peace?

Are you restless, sensing a need for change?

Things to bring

A Bible, journal, pen, a teachable and expectant heart (camera or sketch pad optional)

Things to avoid

Cell phones, internet access, email, or any other distractions

As you plan a time alone with Him, I pray you will feel the stir in your heart with the knowledge that He is wooing you there. He has something to whisper in the depth of your soul and is preparing your heart to receive it.

I can hardly wait.

Jeanne Doyon is a writer, speaker, and Bible teacher,

Spiritual Fruit: A Labor of Love?

2011-08-30T10:01:00.003-07:00

Spiritual Fruit: A Labor of Love?

Charles Stanley

Faith and works go hand in hand. A Christian is one whom Christ uses to carry out His work on earth. Therefore, serving God is more than just something we do; working for the Lord also defines who we are.

After joining God's family, believers are recognizable by their fruit, which includes the services they perform for Him and for others. In fact, the Lord rescues people from sin so that they can do the work He has planned (Ephesians 2:10). It has often been said that we are God's hands and feet in this world.

The same Father who calls us to work in His name also provides the necessary resources. As Paul said, the Lord makes grace abound to His children so that they have an abundance for every good deed (2 Corinthians 9:8). Moreover, we are equipped by His Word and strengthened and guided by His Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16–17). From these sources, Christians learn lessons about relating to others so they can help, encourage, and give to them.

Let's be clear that works have nothing to do with salvation. We are saved by grace alone through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Period. After that happens, a believer is motivated to do good in the Lord's name in order to please Him.

We are called to act out our faith every day. God works through us to reach those who may never otherwise open the Bible or enter a church. What's more, He borrows our voice to tell His story and uses our life to demonstrate His grace and glory. Good deeds are a believer's labor of love.

Taken from "Our Labor of Love" by In Touch Ministries (used by permission).

pluck my dead flower heads

2011-08-30T10:01:00.001-07:00

"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." James 1:21 (NIV)

Ever have a reoccurring bad attitude drain the life right out of you? It can cause your spirits to wither and your joy to die, leaving you limp and lifeless like a water-deprived plant.

I was feeling that way recently when I remembered something my husband's mom had taught me. She is famous for growing wonderful herbs and colorful perennials. In fact, her garden boasts an array of color from the first hint of spring until late fall.

One day I asked her to share her green-thumb secret. She explained that the secret to helping plants thrive is called "dead-heading." Here is how it is done: As soon as any beautiful blooms begin to whither, fade, or turn brown, they must be removed.

I've discovered it is a tedious, never-ending task. Just when I think I have removed every dried up blossom, the next day a dozen more appear. But if I want my flowers to keep blossoming, I have to dead-head daily because the deceased blooms sap nutrition and strength from the core of the plant. They rob the flowers of energy that could be used for new growth.

However, if the dead and debilitating weight is properly plucked, the stems will give gorgeous petals throughout the entire life of the plant.

As I pluck my dead flower heads, I am reminded of my life with Christ. There are places in my heart, thoughts in my mind, and actions in my will that stem from bad attitudes. And they are nothing but dead weight to my spiritual life.

Often these deep-rooted thought patterns and their companions — doubt, fear, wrong choices, old habits, nursed grudges, or current conflicts — threaten to choke our growth and prevent us from displaying the splendor God intends for us to show.

We start our day hopeful yet give in to the hurtful. Our self-doubts or judgments of others often take root in negative thoughts and counterproductive actions that not only have the potential to ruin our day, but also affect those around us. However, if we are intentional in nipping these at their first appearance, we will be more likely to experience new growth in our walk with Christ and health in our relationships.

Today's verse from James tells us to get rid of such issues and instead to humbly plant God's word deep in our hearts. So, instead of dwelling on a temptation in our thoughts and allowing it to morph into sin, we quietly focus our hearts on a truth from scripture such as "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin." (Hebrews 5:14)

Dwelling on scripture empowers, rather than drains us. It is spiritual dead-heading at its finest. This switch in our thought pattern can save us from wrong choices, unhealthy relationships and self-inflicted heartbreak.

Could your heart use a dead-heading session? Are there faded blooms you have been carrying around that are sapping your spiritual energy and strength, causing heartache and tears? Get rid of the bad. Plant God's good Word in that spot instead. Then stand back — patiently now — and watch beautiful blooms begin to appear.

Dear Lord, I admit to You the faded flowers of my heart that I have been carrying around for much too long. Grant me courage to pluck them for good. Replace them with Your word planted seriously in my soul in an intentional manner. Let me drink deep of your bottomless nourishment so that the blooms You choose to grow and display in my life might point others to the Savior. In Jesus' Name, Amen

We're All Preachers?

2011-08-28T14:49:00.004-07:00

We're All Preachers?

Dr. J. Vernon McGee

There is a tremendous influence exerted by the life of one individual. And the influence is more potent when it is in the wrong direction. History bears this out. Adam sinned and his sin has affected the entire race of mankind. Achan sinned, and because of him an entire nation went down in defeat. Rehoboam's sin split the kingdom of Israel. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira brought the first defect into the early church, and from that day on the church has not been as potent as it was in the beginning.

You and I have an influence, either for good or for bad. No matter who you are, you occupy a place of influence. "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself" (Romans 14:7). My friend, all of us are preachers. You are preaching to those around you by the life that you live....

You may be influencing a wide circle of human society. You may have influence in your neighborhood and in your community. You have influence in your Sunday school. Somebody is looking at you and watching to see whether or not you mean business with God. Does your going to church mean anything more to you than going to a drive-in to pick up a hamburger? Does your life suggest that there is a heaven to gain and a hell to shun? You have influence.

You remember that Peter preached a mighty sermon on the Day of Pentecost. Andrew just sat on the sidelines and could say, "That is my brother. I brought him to Christ." That was Andrew's influence. You, today, are pointing men to heaven or to hell. Now, if you want to go to hell, that's your business, but you have no right to lead a little boy there. You have no right to lead your family and those who surround you there. Even if you want to go, it's awful to lead others. Influence - "One sinner destroyeth much good." Think about it.

Taken from "Who's Following in Your Footsteps?" (used by permission).

How to Separate God from Religion

2011-08-28T14:49:00.003-07:00

How to Separate God from Religion

Whitney Hopler

Editor's Note: This article summarizes the practical applications of Andrew Farley's recent book, God Without Religion: Can It Really Be This Simple? (Baker Books, 2011).

If you're a Christian, you aren't meant to be pursuing religion. You already have the most valuable gift possible: a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. But even in church, it's easy to get pulled into religious pressure to perform and somehow try to earn what you already have.

The only way you can be free to enjoy the kind of relationship God wants you to have with him is to separate that relationship from religious demands. Here's how:

Stop trying to mix the old with the new. The old covenant that God made with human beings called them to do their best to live up to His perfect law and notice how impossible it was do so, which made them aware of the reality of their sin and their need for a savior. Now that God has sent that savior – Jesus – those who are connected to God through Jesus are free to relate to God under the new covenant, which focuses on Jesus' perfect sacrifice that connects sinful people with a righteous God, rather than on people's futile attempts to earn a relationship with God through their own efforts. So if you're still trying to earn your salvation through good behavior or worrying about losing your salvation through bad behavior, stop doing so and accept the fact that you already have an unbreakable connection to God through your relationship with Jesus.

Check your motivation. Why are you motivated to do what God wants you to do? If it's because you're afraid of God punishing you if you don't, your motivation is wrong. Since God has already punished Jesus on the cross for every sin that every person in all of history has or will commit, He has completed his punishment for sin perfectly. God doesn't want you to worry about punishment; instead, He wants you to choose to do what's right as a way of expressing your love for Him. After all, God's own motivation for guiding you to what's right isn't to kill your happiness, but to help you experience what's healthy and beneficial for you.

Realize where you are in relation to God. You don't have to work hard to follow religious rules to get close or stay close to God. When you began a relationship with Jesus, God fused His Holy Spirit into your human spirit, so you're already as close to God as you possibly can be – and you'll remain close to God for eternity, thanks to Jesus' perfect sacrifice for your sins. You're not a sinner in the hands of angry God; you're a saint in the arms of a loving God. While you still struggle with sin while you're learning how to think, communicate, and act in ways that reflect your holiness in Christ, nothing can change the fact that Jesus has already made you close to God in your spiritual nature.

Take a fresh look at temptation. Stop identifying yourself as a sinner who lacks the power to resist the temptation to sin. Instead, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit living within your soul to help you overcome temptation in any situation. View yourself from God's perspective: as a saint who can always choose to do what's right after asking the Holy Spirit to help you do so.

Don't waste time and energy on self-improvement projects. You don't have to try to perfect yourself through your own religious effort. Instead, God is calling you to live a life that reflects the way He has already perfected you spiritually. So ask God to empower you change your life to reflect the holiness that He has made a part of your nature by crediting Jesus' righteousness to you. Keep in mind that you're God's workmanship, and you can't improve upon a masterpiece.

Take a fresh look at tithing. Rather than giving a 10 percent tithe to your church out of religious compulsion because the Old Testament sets that amount as a standard, give the amount that truly expresses your love for God and helps you grow to become the generous person He wants you to become.

Take a fresh look at predestination. Don't get caught up in religious snobbery about which people may or may not be part of the "elect" whom God has chosen to be saved. God can see into the future and already knows every single human being who will freely choose salvation, as well as every person who will tragically reject His offer. Simply celebrate that it's possible for anyone to be saved through a relationship with Jesus.

Take a fresh look at Baptism. It isn't the external act of getting baptized in water that saves you; it's the internal work of the Holy Spirit in your soul. So while Baptism is a great way to celebrate your salvation, you don't need to worry that you won't make it into heaven if you haven't been baptized in a religious ceremony.

Take a fresh look at Communion. While confessing your sins to God and other people is a healthy habit, you don't need to qualify to take Communion by confessing your sins, because you're already qualified thanks to Jesus' one-time atoning sacrifice for your sins. Celebrate God's gift of forgiveness when you take Communion rather than hesitating to take Communion because you feel unworthy. Consider the context of Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians about not taking Communion in an unworthy manner to realize that he was referring to believers who were indulging in the sins of gluttony and drunkenness when taking Communion in the early church. Let your gratitude for God's gift to you motivate you to regularly confess and repent of sin so you can keep growing into the person He wants you to become. But don't worry that you have to be qualified for Communion in any way other than simply having a relationship with Jesus.

Take a fresh look at eternal life. Your salvation isn't just a ticket to heaven; it's also the freedom to live fully right now, empowered by the Holy Spirit living within your soul. You can be absolutely certain that you have eternal life if you're in a saving relationship with Jesus, and you don't have to worry about losing that eternal life (even when religion tries to tell you that you can). When you sin after salvation, you'll experience the natural negative consequences of your wrong behavior, but Jesus won't leave you. Even when you are faithless, God remains faithful.

Friends' Advice

2011-08-28T14:49:00.001-07:00

Today's Reading: Job 1-2; Acts 7:22-43

Today's Thoughts: Friends' Advice

Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place-Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him.And when they raised their eyes from afar, and did not recognize him, they lifted their voices and wept; and each one tore his robe and sprinkled dust on his head toward heaven. So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great. Job 2:11-13

Job's friends had obviously been getting reports as to what was happening to him, and at some point decided to come and see for themselves what was going on. He was so severely disfigured that his three friends did not recognize him. These friends came with the purpose to "mourn with him, and to comfort him." But if you continue reading the rest of the book of Job, you will see more criticism than compassion is given by these friends. They each used their own wisdom in giving Job advice and counsel; but their counsel is not of the Lord, it is of themselves. They do not know or understand God's ways. They ended up being anything but comforting to Job, as Job had to defend his own actions and beliefs to them. In the end, God restored Job double what he originally had, and Job was granted an amazing insight into just how glorious and holy God is. As for these three friends, it was Job himself who prayed on their behalf so that God would pardon their sins against him. They may have thought they were helping Job, but in reality they were sinning against him, and God was watching.

God is always watching us too. Sometimes God sets up circumstances just to see how we will respond. Will we turn from the Lord or will we worship Him? People around us will always have an opinion. Some of these people will be true friends who try to help. God is watching them as well. As Christians, we will find ourselves at times on both sides. When life's trials and afflictions hit us, we may feel like Job, and all we can really do is to continue to trust the Lord, to cry out to Him and to worship Him through it all. If we are watching a friend go through a difficult trial, then we must pray for the wisdom on how to help them. It is not our place to give them our personal counsel or guidance. Our role as their friend is to intercede in prayer for them and to help them in the ways that God leads us. We need to provide compassion and love, just as Jesus does to us. We need to remember that God is watching how we will respond in both situations. We must trust the Lord, seek His counsel, and wait upon Him. For in the end, God is the only One who can truly restore us.

Make the Invisible Kingdom Visible

2011-08-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

Make the Invisible Kingdom Visible

Chuck Colson

Today on my Two-Minute Warning, which I urge you to go to ColsonCenter.org to watch, I talk about just how critical it is in these confusing times that we strive to make the invisible Kingdom visible; that we present to a weary world a positive vision for human flourishing.

And there's a great example I want to share with you today.

Two summers ago, I was invited to RidgePoint church in Holland, Michigan, to attend a regular weekly luncheon church members have with ex-offenders. I was startled to see about 100 ex-prisoners, volunteers, and mentors — many of whom were trained by Prison Fellowship.

And as well, I was overwhelmed by the warmth of the RidgePoint folk and by the enthusiasm of the ex-prisoners. Many, including the man who introduced me, told me how much Angel Tree had affected them and their families — that's Prison Fellowship's wonderful outreach to the children of prisoners.

As I was speaking, looking out over the sea of faces of people who had been bruised and beaten up in life, mixing in with volunteers filled with the Spirit, I got just a touch emotional. My voice began to crack.

Because I was thinking back 37 years when I left prison, the only thing I wanted to do was to help prisoners. But I never thought about building an organization; I thought in terms of starting a movement to disciple inmates, who would then go back into the prisons and disciple others.

And then I dreamed of energizing the church of Jesus Christ to come in and reach out to these hurting and suffering in our prisons.

And now, right there in Holland, Michigan, I realized that my vision was being played out before my eyes in the most beautiful way.

The young pastor and I had a good talk after the luncheon. He explained that the Holy Spirit moved him to reach out to prisoners and ex-prisoners, but they couldn't have done it without all the Prison Fellowship-trained volunteers and mentors in the area.

He had plans to start a Christian ministry wing in a prison, and RidgePoint had already established an aftercare program in an old building the church had bought in the heart of Holland's Hispanic and African American community. On a very modest budget, the program employed ex-prisoners to build and refurbish houses, just as Habitat for Humanity does. Amazing — and a beautiful example of my vision coming true.

I realized that day that God was rising up a movement of people who care deeply for the men and women left in prison. This is how you and I make the invisible Kingdom visible.

Oh, and by the way, that movement is not dependent on one man or on one organization. It is fueled by the Holy Spirit, and it is growing, and I'm confident that it's going to succeed.

That vibrant, passionate young pastor who was making my vision come true in Holland goes by the name of Jim Liske. He is now the CEO of Prison Fellowship.

So, there are two things I'd like you to do today. First, go to ColsonCenter.org and watch today's Two-Minute Warning. Second, go to PrisonFellowship.org and learn more about how you can join in this kingdom-building movement of love and service to the least of these among us.

Chuck Colson's daily BreakPoint commentary airs each weekday on more than one thousand outlets with an estimated listening audience of one million people. BreakPoint provides a Christian perspective on today's news and trends via radio, interactive media, and print.

Publication date: August 17, 2011.

A Dozen Ways to Live Deeply in a Surface Society

2011-08-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

A Dozen Ways to Live Deeply in a Surface Society

Whitney Hopler

Editor's Note: This article summarizes the practical applications of Timothy D. Willard & R. Jason Locy's recent book, Veneer: Living Deeply in a Surface Society, (Zondervan, 2011).

Our culture relentlessly pressures you to cover up your imperfections with the veneer of an image that shows worldly success. But no matter how hard you may work to seem successful, you can still feel like a failure inside, because even if you do achieve what our culture views as the "perfect" lifestyle, something will still be missing.

What is that missing ingredient? The most important one of all: a close relationship with God. Without that, you'll be broken deep within, despite the veneer on the surface of your life.

Here's how you can go deeper than the surface lifestyle our culture promotes, so you can discover God's perfect love and find real fulfillment:

Don't try to live like a celebrity. Ironically, the more you shine a spotlight on yourself while you're seeking approval from others, the less satisfied you'll feel. In God's eyes, you're valuable even when you're not visible. Fame and fortune may bring you temporary happiness, but they can never bring you lasting joy. If you allow yourself to decrease and invite God to increase in your life, you can discover the extraordinary life God has planned for you.

Don't search for meaning through consumption. Every purchase you choose to make naturally reflects your personality and values. But if you think that you must buy certain products or brands in order to find personal meaning (such as buying a certain shirt because it makes you feel cool rather than simply because it's functional), you're giving products too much power over you. Never define yourself by your consumer choices, because that's settling for far less than your true identity as God's beloved child, made in His image.Only your relationship with God can really define who you are as a person.

Don't use the virtual world of technology to escape the real world. Hiding out in an online fantasy won't bring you real satisfaction. God has wired you for real relationships, nurtured through face-to-face contact. Even the greatest online experiences can't match the beauty, complexity, and depth of the real-world relationships God intends for you to pursue with Him and other people.

Shift your focus from success to faithfulness. Base your decisions on how you can best be faithful to God rather than how you can be successful according to cultural values. As long as your motivation is to express your love for God by doing your best to obey Him, you'll be a true success no matter what results you get from your efforts – and God will give you the grace to recover from mistakes and keep moving forward toward a good future.

Shift your focus from impressing others to being honest with them. Stop trying to impress other people by projecting a certain kind of image. Instead, ask God to help you clean the veneer off your life and honestly show the people close to you the kind of person you really are – brokenness and all – trusting that God will work powerfully in your relationships when you do so.

Encounter God in a transcendent way. Stop trying to shrink God down to a size in which you feel comfortable with Him. Instead, make peace with the fact that God is much bigger than what you can fully understand, and embrace His mystery and awesome power. Spend time in prayer approaching God in a way that helps you discover the wonder of who He is, rather than simply accumulating knowledge about Him or approaching Him only as a religious act. Pour out your deepest thoughts and feelings to God in prayer, and invite Him to change you as you spend time with Him. Listen carefully to what God has to say to you in prayer. Be willing to make sacrifices and take risks as God leads you. Trust God with every part of your life, holding nothing back from Him.

Relate to your fellow Christians as brothers and sisters. Realize that fellow believers are in the same spiritual family as you, and you'll be together for eternity. So build close relationships with others at your church and care for each other as siblings would.

Make habits of confession, repentance, and forgiveness. Regularly confess your sins to God and repent of them, ask the people you've hurt to forgive you, and forgive the people who have hurt you. Incorporating these practices into your life consistently will help prevent damage to your relationships with God and others.

Serve other people to serve God. Overcome our culture's selfish "What have you done for me lately?" attitude by serving others wholeheartedly whenever God calls you to do so. When you do, God's power will flow through you and He'll use you to help make the world a better place and draw people into relationships with Him.

Remember that the things of this world are like vapor that will someday vanish. Your house, your car, your clothes, your electronics equipment, and every other material thing in this world will be gone when you die, since you can't take them with you into the afterlife. Then, all that will matter is what has eternal value: your relationship with God. So invest your time and energy into that, making God your top priority and loosening your hold on material things.

Abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ means staying connected to Him. Every day, spend time with Him in prayer and through other spiritual disciplines (like solitude, silence, and Bible reading) to maintain a close bond with Him. Obey His commands, even when doing so is difficult.Pursue His kingdom first, and He'll give you everything else you need. Ask Christ to align your passions with His so you can learn to value what He values. Every day, try to fulfill more of His purposes for your life.

Help others discover Christ's love through you. As you relate to people in your daily life, trade dissatisfaction for gratitude, getting for giving, hype for reality, transactional relationships for grace-filled ones, and what's common for what's extraordinary. Then you'll help change our veneer-covered culture by leading the people within it to seek Christ.

Timothy Willard has written for publications and organizations such as Catalyst, WinShape Foundation, The Prison Entrepreneurship Program, and Invisible Ink. He is also pursuing an MA in Christian Thought at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He lives with his wife and their daughter, Lyric.

R. Jason Locy is the Creative Director of FiveStone, a multi-disciplinary design studio whose client list includes MTV, Chick-fil-A, Q, and Catalyst, and has won multiple awards for his work. He has also written articles for Catalyst and the Q blog. He lives with his wife and three children.

Whitney Hopler is a freelance writer and editor who serves as both a Crosswalk.com contributing writer and the editor of About.com's site on angels and miracles (http://angels.about.com/). Contact Whitney at: angels.guide@about.comto send in a true story of an angelic encounter or a miraculous experience.

Publication date: August 18, 2011

Does Prayer Make a Difference?

2011-08-25T09:04:00.000-07:00

Does Prayer Make a Difference?

Charles Stanley

Prayer is the lifeblood of an intimate relationship with the Father. But believers often have questions about its power and effectiveness. Don't hesitate to take your queries to the Lord, dig into Scripture for answers, and seek the counsel of a trusted spiritual mentor. Prayer is too important to neglect.

Will God's plans fail if I don't pray? God is not subservient to believers or dependent upon their prayers. The time we invest in speaking with Him involves us in the work that He is doing in our lives and in the world, but He will carry on without us.Laboring alongside the Lord is our privilege.

Does my prayer (or lack thereof) impact God's work? I believe that Scripture indicates the answer to this question is both yes and no, depending upon the situation. There are times when God's purpose is set. He is in control and has determined the best course. In the Old Testament, the Lord often prophesied what He would do and then brought those events to pass.

In other cases, "you do not have because you do not ask" (James 4:2). There are some good things that He holds back until we put out prayerful hands to receive them. But because God is a loving Father, He also pours our blessings that we wouldn't even think to request.

Believer's prayers have tremendous impact, particularly on their own faith and life. Do you understand what an awesome privilege it is to kneel before the all-powerful Father and know that He listens and will respond? God loves to be good to His children and answer their prayers.

Taken from "The Impact of Prayer" by In Touch Ministries (used by permission).

10 Ways to Tell You're Slipping

2011-08-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

10 Ways to Tell You're Slipping

Joe McKeever

It's surprising how God's people awaken one day and suddenly realize they have fallen away from the closeness they used to enjoy with the Lord. The signs have been there all along, but they were not paying attention.

Here are some tests I have discovered for spotting signs of slippage in my own walk with the Lord, evidence that I'm losing the intimacy with Him that always meant so much in my personal life.

10. You know you're slipping when the big thing you look forward to on a Sunday is a football game.

9. You know you're slipping when reading the Bible no longer excites you, angers you, or challenges you.

8. You know you're slipping when you finally get up off the couch and get involved in some ministry the Lord has been laying on your heart and the first thing you do is start criticizing all the other couch potatoes who are only doing the same thing you have been doing all this time.

7. You know you're slipping when, after slacking off in your tithing over the past year, instead of feeling guilty, you find yourself criticizing the regular tithers for their self-righteous and legalistic attitudes.

6. You know you're slipping when you can read the Ten Commandments and give yourself a passing grade on all of them.

5. You know you're slipping when you can go a whole day without praying and it not bother you one bit.

4. You know you're slipping when you can have a dirty thought and justify it as "what normal humans do."

3. You know you're slipping when you feel a nudging from the Holy Spirit to speak to that person or give to this one or make a phone call to another and you squelch it.

2. You know you're slipping when you decide to reward yourself for doing well by skipping your Bible reading and prayer for that day.

1. You know you're really, really slipping when the problem of slipping doesn't cause you great concern.

(Feel free to take a moment to respond below and share ways you've noticed when you are slipping from your faithfulness).

Dr. Joe McKeever is a Preacher, Cartoonist, and the Director of Missions for the Baptist Association of Greater New Orleans. Visit him at joemckeever.com/mt. Used with permission.

"He must increase, but I must decrease."

2011-08-18T18:52:00.001-07:00

"He must increase, but I must decrease."
JOHN 3:30

A disciple of the Lord Jesus is someone who enters the narrow gate and walks the narrow path until they come to the end of the narrow path and are left with nothing but Christ. As you can see, this is a very, very narrow way, which is why few find it, and fewer still remain on it once they find it. Nothing of self can be retained. All of self must be lost in order to gain Christ.

As we walk the narrow way we are being changed from glory to glory. Today we should reflect a little more of the glory of God than yesterday; tomorrow we will reflect yet more than we did today. This is growth. Growth is not more knowledge or increase of years: it is simply more of Him and less of me. He increases as I decrease. This is what it means to be a disciple.

What Makes for an "Authentic" Christian?

2011-08-18T18:39:00.000-07:00

What Makes for an "Authentic" Christian?

Greg Laurie

Let's take a look at five earmarks of authentic Christianity, taken from 1 John.

First, an authentic Christian confesses Jesus Christ as Lord (1 John 4:15). Christianity must begin with a verbal acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life. The Bible says that even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19). True Christians should be able to say that Jesus Christ is their Lord.

Second, if you are a true Christian, you will be unhappy or miserable when you're sinning (1 John 3:9). This doesn't mean you will never sin if you are a Christian (1 John 1:8). But there is a difference between recognizing that we will fail in some way, shape, or form in the future and going on a willful, continual track of sin. If you really are a child of God, you will have a sense of discomfort when you sin, because you know in your heart of hearts that what you are doing is wrong.

Third, an authentic Christian enjoys fellowship with other believers (1 John 5:1). A true Christian will want to be around other Christians. Those who isolate themselves from other believers do so at their own peril, because the Bible tells us that it is important to get together, encourage one another, and correct one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). After all, why should God go to your house if you won't go to His? A lot of us want all of the fringe benefits of Christianity without applying ourselves.

Fourth, an authentic Christian obeys the commands of Jesus Christ. If you are a true believer, then you will obey the commands of Jesus Christ (1 John 5:3). I will not deny that the Bible is filled with so-called rules, but their purpose is not to make our lives miserable. Rather, they protect us from potential harm. The person who blatantly and continually breaks the commandments of God simply does not know Him.

Finally, an authentic Christian loves and obeys the Word of God (1 John 2:5). You cannot effectively live the Christian life without a love for, and obedience to, God's Word. All true disciples of Jesus Christ will be students of Scripture and will walk according to its teaching. This is vital to authentic Christian living, because the Bible is indeed the very textbook of life (2 Timothy 3:16). Yet so many believers will not read the Bible. They don't realize that success or failure in the Christian life depends on how much of the Bible they get into their hearts and minds on a regular basis. We have to do it.

Taken from "Authentic Christianity" (used by permission).

A Man who Found his Home

2011-08-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today's Reading: Psalm 94-96; Romans 15:14-33

Today's Thoughts: A Man who Found his Home

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Mark 8:36

Several years ago, I had asked my neighbor if she knew of someone who did handyman work. She immediately replied, "Use Larry. He isa Christian and homeless. He only has a car and a beeper." I had seen this man frequently in the neighborhood. He was very clean-cut and polite. While speaking to him, I knew that the Lord wanted me to ask him about his home life. I said to the Lord (in my mind), "But Lord he doesn't have a home." I heard again, "His home in Heaven." So, I asked Larry about his home life and that sparked a long response as to what happened to him. Larry told me that he used to be a multimillionaire who lived in a 32-room mansion. At first, I was not sure if I believed him, but my neighbor confirmed that his story was true. She knew Larry during those days. Through a variety of circumstances, he became homeless. Now he lives in his car, doing handiwork jobs for a living and ministering to the homeless. He said to me, "I have lived in the best addresses in Rancho Santa Fe but I'm no longer concerned about those addresses. I constantly keep my mind focused on my next Home address." He said that many people are living in homes but they are truly homeless because they are empty inside. They have no peace. He quoted me his favorite verses that he claimed on a daily basis:

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances may be. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any, and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:11-12 paraphrased).

After we finished talking with each other, I started meditating on those verses. I noticed that "I have learned" is mentioned twice. Learning to be content is a choice. Larry was not immune to fear, loneliness, worry or doubts. Larry had troubles but he trusted in Jesus' words. We are only passing through earth in these temporary tents to get to our eternal home in heaven. The world's promises do not bring peace, but Jesus brings peace. Remembering that we have a reservation in heaven keeps us focused on what matters most.

The fruit of Larry's homeless life has led many homeless and hopeless people to Christ. Larry learned to live for what matters most. Larry is now at his new permanent address as he went home to be with the Lord in his early 60s. Larry lived the second half of his life with nothing but a car and beeper; however, Larry gained everything because he lived his life here for his eternal home.

How to Find Hope in Any Situation

2011-08-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

How to Find Hope in Any Situation

Whitney Hopler

Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Dr. Kenneth Hutcherson's new book, Hope is Contagious: Trusting God in the Face of Any Obstacle, (Zondervan, 2010).

When life is going well for you, it's easy to feel hopeful. But when this fallen world brings trouble into your life, feelings of hopelessness can come in, too. Thankfully, the hope that God offers is much more than a feeling: It's the reality of His presence with you. You can experience that hope in any situation - even if your health fails, you lose your job, your spouse leaves, or some other tragedy hits you. Here's how to find hope in any situation:

Stop simply surviving and start thriving. Don't let difficult circumstances stop you from making the most of each day you're alive. Realize that even when times are tough, you can do much more than just endure your current situation. You can actually enjoy life to the fullest - even in the middle of the worst circumstances - when you remember that life if a gift from God and decide to embrace it. Ask God to help you notice His presence with you in every situation, and rejoice when you sense Him nearby. Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind each day so you can have the positive attitudes you need to thrive no matter what is going on in your life.

Choose to trust. When something bad happens in your life, don't respond by arguing with God or rebelling against Him. Instead, trust God to keep His promise to use all circumstances - including the bad ones - to accomplish good purposes in your life. Remember that God is perfect, so He can't make any mistakes, and whatever He chooses to do is for a good purpose. If He has allowed something difficult to happen to you, there's a reason.

Learn and grow from your struggles. God allows you to experience challenging circumstances so you can learn to love and trust Him in deeper ways, and so you can grow more mature, developing a strong character to become more like Jesus. Keep in mind that God is more interested in your lasting holiness than your temporary happiness, because holiness will help you learn to choose what's best for you. Ask God to help you see your struggles from His perspective. Let your struggles teach you whatever God wants you to learn from them. As you deal with the difficulties in your life, stay focused on what matters most - eternal values - so you can grow into a stronger person in the process.

Resist temptations to sin. Don't turn to sinful behaviors to try to escape the pain of the tough circumstances you experience; doing so will only make your pain worse. Instead, pray for the strength you need to resist temptation, and pour out your feelings to God. God will respond by giving you comfort that you can't find from any other source.

Attract others to faith as they watch you. Other people are watching you as you deal with difficult situations. If you respond by being faithful to Jesus, they'll be drawn to Him themselves because you'll show them what real faith in action looks like, and that's attractive. So rather than complaining about your struggles or compromising your values as you try to deal with them, invite Jesus to shine His light through your life, and reflect His character qualities so other people can see how a relationship with Him can help them when they face their own struggles.

Want what God wants for you. Don't make the mistake of thinking that God doesn't care about you if He doesn't give you whatever you ask Him for. Realize that God loves you so much that He gives you what you need, even when it's not what you want. Keep in mind that, because of your limited perspective on life compared to God's unlimited perspective, sometimes you ask God for something that seems good but can actually harm you. Trust in the fact that God knows what you need to have the life that brings you the greatest good. Ask God to bring your desires in line with His will for you.

Overcome fear. No matter what kind of situation you may find yourself facing, don't be afraid, because God will always be with you and have your best interests in mind since He loves you. Whenever feelings of fear creep into your life, turn to God for the help you need to overcome them and successfully navigate your circumstances. Whenever you sense God calling you to do something that requires taking a risk, move forward without fear because God will empower you to do whatever He calls you to do.

Keep heaven in mind. Remember all that awaits you in heaven at the end of your life here on Earth. Let the anticipation of the wonderful experiences you'll have in heaven motivate you to meet your current challenges with the hope, which will lead to the strength you'll need to get through any situation. As you think about heaven, focus your mind on what truly matters and let distractions go so you can live life to the fullest right now.

Don't give up. Whenever your sense of hope starts running out, ask God to renew you with a fresh dose of hope so you can continue to faithfully deal with the difficult situations that come your way. Be confident that at the right time, God will reward you for your faithfulness if you don't give up your faith in the middle of challenging circumstances. Count on God to give you more hope whenever you ask Him for it.

Adapted from Hope is Contagious: Trusting God in the Face of Any Obstacle, copyright 2010 by Dr. Kenneth Hutcherson. Published by Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Mich., www.zondervan.com.
Dr. Ken Hutcherson is the senior pastor of Antioch Bible Church, a multicultural community of faith in the greater Seattle area. A former professional football player, he played for the Seattle Seahawks, San Diego Chargers, and Dallas Cowboys. He lives with his family in Redmond, Washington.

31 Days to a More Powerful You

2011-08-14T16:25:00.001-07:00

31 Days to a More Powerful You

David Jeremiah

A number of years ago, I attended a men's retreat at which the speaker challenged us to begin a practice he said would change our lives dramatically. I was ready to write down a complex spiritual formula, and I have to admit I was initially a little disappointed at what I heard: "There are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs. I challenge you to read a chapter a day each month for the next year. If you do that faithfully for a year, you will have read the book of Proverbs 12 times and your life will never be the same."

I decided to accept his challenge. I was amazed at how many times I found myself in a situation during the day for which I had insight (or direction or a warning) taken directly from that day's reading in Proverbs. I came to the conclusion during that period of my spiritual life — a conviction I continue to hold today — that Proverbs offers the simplest, yet most profound, daily spiritual "pick-me-ups" to be found in all the Bible.

Why is Proverbs so powerful — such an effective stimulant for spiritual living? Because each proverb provides the one thing we all need in large daily doses: wisdom. But lest you think wisdom is something possessed only by philosophers, professors, and political sages, let's look at what the word really means. There is no more practical, hands-on word in the Bible than wisdom.

Wisdom's roots run deep into Old Testament soil.

Interestingly, the word did not at first signify "wisdom," but rather "skill." We tend to equate "wisdom" with "intelligence." But one can have great intelligence without great wisdom, and vice versa. If the root idea of wisdom is skill, then we can say that Proverbs will teach us the skill of living. Just as there is skill in sewing, designing, speaking, navigating, and carving, so there is skill needed for living life effectively and successfully. And that is the kind of wisdom the book of Proverbs offers its readers.

Think of all the encounters you have in a week, and how many of them require skillful navigation. Not a day goes by in which we don't feel hesitant, even confused, about how to act. Pure and simple, we need wisdom — the skill of living life. And there are numerous verses in Proverbs which address every category of crisis we will ever face.

Fortunately, wisdom from God is just a prayer away. The book in the New Testament most like Proverbs is James. The hands-on nature of James mirrors its Old Testament cousin. And James is the one who tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

The author of Proverbs, King Solomon, gained the wisdom to write more than 3,000 proverbs the same way James advises us to get it: by asking God (I Kings 4:32). When Solomon succeeded his father David as king over Israel, God presented Solomon with a blank check: "Ask! What shall I give you?" (I Kings 3). Understandably, twenty year-old Solomon's knees were knocking at the prospect of being king. So instead of asking for riches and long life, he asked God for wisdom, and God was true to His word: "I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you" (verse 13).

For specific wisdom in unique situations, we may not have because we have not asked (James 4:2). But in many more of life's situations, we may lack wisdom because we haven't poured over the proverbs of Solomon. I invite you to take up the challenge I accepted — a challenge which changed my life. Check today's date, read the corresponding chapter of Proverbs, and keep it up for a year. I believe you'll be amazed how something so simple can energize your spiritual life — and give you needed skill for living. Get ready for 31 days to a more powerful you!

This article was excerpted from Turning Points, Dr. David Jeremiah's Devotional Magazine. Call Turning Point at 1-800-947-1993 for your complimentary copy of Turning Points. Used with permission.

When Satan Comes Knocking

2011-08-06T16:44:00.001-07:00

When Satan Comes Knocking

Dr. Robert Jeffress

When Satan comes against your mind with wrong thoughts, you don't have to concede defeat. Use these practical actions to confront loose thoughts by securing them with the belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14).

Action 1: Refuse to feel guilty for wrong thoughts

Imagine you are awakened at 3 a.m. by someone pounding on your front door. More than likely, before you open the door, you'll look through the peephole to see who is causing the commotion. If it were a neighbor, a friend, or a family member, you would probably open the door and invite him in. However, if it were a stranger wearing a ski mask and carrying a pistol, you would hopefully refuse them entry.

If you were certain the person seeking entry into your home intended to harm you, would you feel guilty over his wanting to assault you? Would you lament to yourself, What is wrong with me that would cause this person to want to hurt me? No, you would call the police immediately to apprehend the would-be assailant.

We are not always responsible for the harmful thoughts that come knocking on the doors of our minds. Although allowing outside stimuli such as certain TV programs, reading material, or internet sites to fill our minds can incite thoughts of immorality or greed, we are not always to blame for the first assault of these ideas. If you were stranded on a deserted island, you would still battle against wrong thoughts.

How do I know that? Consider Jesus' experience in the wilderness immediately following His baptism. For 40 days Christ was completely isolated. No other people, no newspapers, no e-mail. Yet during those 40 days, Jesus was tempted with thoughts of discontent, greed, and pride.

"Since God hasn't provided you with what you need to survive, turn these stones into bread."

"You don't need to wait to reign over the kingdoms of the world; they can be yours now if you are willing to worship me."

"You don't need to follow God's timetable. Demonstrate you are the Messiah now! Put on a spiritual circus to demonstrate you are the Son of God."

Where did these thoughts originate? "The devil said to Him" (Luke 4:3) — nowhere in the biblical account of Jesus' temptation does Luke record that the devil appeared to Jesus. Possibly, Satan spoke to the Lord the same way he often communicates with us: through the mind.

Yet did these ungodly thoughts make Jesus a sinner? Of course not! He remained the perfect Lamb of God whose blamelessness qualified Him to be our Savior. If you and I are going to win the mind games, we need to first stop feeling guilty when evil thoughts invade our lives and, instead, learn how to deal with those unwelcome intrusions.

Action 2: Refuse to allow wrong thoughts to linger

If we entertain and embellish wrong thoughts for any period of time, those ideas have a way of transforming into obsessions. These, in turn, result in overt actions or attitudes of disobedience. Pastor and author Charles Stanley vividly demonstrates:

"The initial thoughts the devil sends to us may be just a toehold the first time we entertain those thoughts and dwell on them or fantasize about them. The longer we entertain the thoughts, however, the more likely we are to start making mental plans about how we might act on them.

"It is then the toehold of an idea becomes a foothold. The more we develop plans for acting on a sinful idea or temptation, the more we find that the foothold has become a stronghold. We come to the place where we feel compelled to try out the idea in our behavior. We come to the place where we want to act on that idea more than we want to banish the idea."

When we reach that point, we are in trouble. How can we prevent our thoughts from turning into strongholds for the devil?

Action 3: Recognize and replace wrong thoughts with God's thoughts

My analogy concerning a burglar attempting entry into your home is flawed in one respect. While we may be successful in preventing an intruder from coming into our home, we cannot keep unwanted thoughts out of our minds. The fact that we are thinking about something means that the alien idea has already gained entry.

Nevertheless, we do not need to allow the intruder to sit down in our favorite chair, engage us in an extended conversation, and announce that since he has been so welcomed, he is taking up residence in our spare bedroom! Instead, we need to follow the Apostle Paul's advice for dealing with an undesirable guest:

"We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Remembering the words recognize and replace will help you seize control over wrong thoughts. Use the questions we discussed previously to help recognize whether or not a thought could have satanic origin.

Is this thought true? Does this thought motivate me to fear more or to trust God more? Does this thought contradict God's Word?

But know that simply labeling a thought as harmful and attempting to dismiss it from your mind is not enough. In fact, the more you try to reject an unwanted thought, the more you will find yourself obsessing over it.

To dismiss Satan's thoughts we must replace them with God's thoughts, just as Jesus did.

When Satan attempted to plant seeds of discontent, Jesus responded by quoting a verse from the Old Testament. "Man shall not live on bread alone" (Luke 4:4).

When Satan enticed the Lord with thoughts of power and riches, Jesus recited God's greatest commandment: "You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only" (Luke 4:8).

When Satan tempted Jesus to act independently from God, the Lord quoted: "You shall not put the lord your God to the test" (Luke 4:12).

Jesus understood that the best way to dismiss an unwelcome thought is to replace it with another, more-powerful thought. The best way to dispel darkness is to confront it with light!

When fearful thoughts try to seize control of your life, you can replace those thoughts with, "God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7, KJV).

When you are tempted with thoughts of discontent, you can replace those thoughts with, "We have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content" (1 Timothy 6:7-8).

When you are tempted by fantasies of sex with someone other than your mate, you can replace those thoughts with, "The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; he who would destroy himself does it" (Proverbs 6:32).

I believe it is this process Paul has in mind when he encourages us to gird our loins with truth (Ephesians 6:14). Our success in spiritual battle depends on confronting any loose thoughts with the truth of God's Word.

Adapted from The Divine Defense by Robert Jeffress, Waterbrook Press, 2006). Used with permission.

"Pilate said to Him, 'What is truth?'"

2011-08-01T13:35:00.001-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"Pilate said to Him, 'What is truth?'"

JOHN 18:38
We are often unprepared for Truth, which is why Truth is revealed to us progressively. We must "grow up into Him" - we could not handle it otherwise. Even the little bit of Truth which is revealed to us often upsets us at our deepest foundations. We must be willing to live with the uncertainty and pain which Truth brings. But if we accept the Truth, and totally give ourselves to it, it will begin to change us. We will begin to be conformed to it, and it will become less painful.
I am convinced that if we refuse to accept the Truth we have been given then we will eventually lose it. This is why some grow spiritually and some do not. Even though they may acknowledge the same Truth, they may not be willing to accept the consequences of being transformed by that Truth, thus what little they have soon becomes dead manna.

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"Put on the new man which was created

2011-08-01T13:32:00.001-07:00

Message from Chip Brogden

"Put on the new man which was created
according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."
EPHESIANS 4:24
The old man (self) is put off, and the New Man (Christ) is put on - this is Christianity. Christ then becomes my Righteousness and my Holiness. But too many of us take a natural, intellectual approach to Christianity. We think if only we can instruct people concerning the tenets of our faith, or persuade them with a logical argument, or woo them with some emotional plea, then we will have disciples. This is a falsehood. That is not Spirit and Life.
Christianity is not memorizing certain doctrines or disseminating a systematic theology or having people repeat a so-called "Sinner's Prayer." Christianity is becoming one with a God-Man! You can have all the other in its proper place, but for too long that "other" has been offered as Christianity. And so people touch our beliefs, our doctrines, our religion, our theology, our zeal, but they do not touch a Living Christ.

Was Jesus Sent to Judge the World?

2011-08-01T13:13:00.001-07:00

Was Jesus Sent to Judge the World?
Stephen Davey
For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. [John 3:17]
Now, people say, "See, it says right here that Jesus didn't come into the world to judge the world."
The word send, is the Greek word apostello, which is the word from which we get our word apostle. It simply refers to sending someone forth as a messenger on a mission. His message was not a message of judgment. Why?
Look on to the first part of verse 18.
He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already ...
Jesus did not bring a message of judgment, because the world was already under judgment. In other words, why condemn an already condemned world?!
No! When Jesus came to planet earth, His purpose for coming was clearly spelled out by the angels. They said to the shepherds, as recorded in Luke, chapter 2, verse 11a,
Not a judge, not a teacher, not a healer, not a philosopher . . . a SAVIOR!
Taken from "Reborn - The Decision (John 3:16-19)" by Wisdom for the Heart Ministries (used by permission).

The Godless Proverbs 31 Woman

2011-08-01T13:12:00.001-07:00

The Godless Proverbs 31 Woman
Diane Montgomery
Superwoman complex: A woman's desire to be excellent at all her roles (leader, professional, mother, wife, etc.), that often leads to psychological stress or an expectation of being a Superwoman that can and should do everything.
If you look this term up in the dictionary, you'll find my picture next to it. I didn't realize I fit into this category until a few months ago. I was new to marriage, taking summer school, cooking dinner 3-4 times a week, working out every day, involved in church ministry, working 40 hours a week, reading 200 pages a day for class, trying to be a friend, daughter, and the perfect wife. I was exhausted and didn't even have kids yet! But after working 10 hours one Saturday afternoon, I finally broke down.
Why was I so upset, so exhausted? My husband was well fed, the house was clean, I was making good grades, and church ministry was going well. It seemed like I was doing what the Proverbs 31 woman is supposed to do, so why was I breaking down? What's wrong with being Superwoman?
1. Superwoman is Too Busy for God.
At the end of every day being "Superwoman," I was exhausted and needed a good night's sleep to be able to save the day again. I told God, "I'm too busy for you. I have to do everything tomorrow and need my sleep so I can't read your Word." The way God was going to speak to me and bring me peace, contentment, and joy was what I was rejecting. Scripture breathes life into our souls and I was becoming spiritually and physically exhausted without it.
The Proverbs 31 woman is refreshed daily, speaks with wisdom, and is exemplary because she seeks the source of all wisdom and faithful instruction….God. (Prov. 31:24). I was doomed for failure as Superwoman because I didn't have the one thing that would revive my soul everyday (Ps. 19:7). Rather than trying to be Superwoman, I needed to be more like the Proverbs 31 woman, seeking the Lord and His Word, which brings light to the eyes and joy to the heart (Ps.19:8).
2. Superwoman Thinks She Can Save the Day.
When you try to be a superhero, there's no room for God to save the day. I thought I could do it all on my own and, foolishly, I thought I didn't need God's help. I was the controller of my life, not God. When He is not your center, when He is not in control, your life will not be peaceful or successful (Prov. 3:5-6).
If you're trying to be Superwoman, you will eventually fail and break down (Prov. 14:12), but when God is in control, there is peace and rest. I was putting my trust in myself which seems pretty stupid when I think about it, because I'm a sinful, simpleton of a woman. Why was I trusting in that kind of person when I have a Savior who is perfect (Ps. 18:30), loving, strong, in control of the entire world and wants to do good for me (Deut. 30:16, Ps. 37:4-5)? That's who I want to save the day!
3. Superwoman Tries to Be Perfect.
A lot of Christian women think of the Proverbs 31 woman as a type of Superwoman. She's Susie-homemaker, smart, good with money, can sew, and her husband and children think she's the best. She's perfect!
God requires His daughters to be like that, right? Aren't all those things in Scripture? They are and God does want them from us but there's a big difference between Superwoman and the Proverbs 31 woman. The difference is: God.
You can do all the actions of the Proverbs 31 woman but if your heart isn't God-centered then you're just a Superwoman destined to fail. God knows that only He and His Son, Jesus Christ are perfect, so why are we trying to be perfect in every area? Is it so you'll appear to be the most talented girl in the dorm, the best wife in your small group, or the most desirable single woman? Unfortunately, I've been guilty of all these "Me"-driven motives. The Superwoman complex is centered on: Self.
God does not value outward perfection, awards, or praises from man like we do. The only thing God requires is that we seek Him and fear Him, like the Proverbs 31 woman (Prov. 31:30). God doesn't call us to be Superwomen; he calls us to be godly women.
When you put your long to-do lists and full schedules on His shoulders the burden is much lighter because He's carrying it for you (Matt. 11:28). He knows you can't handle the weight of being Superwoman. You'll collapse under it, like I did.
If you have been like the Proverbs 31 woman, putting everything in God's hands, thank you! You've been an example to your sisters and we need more women like you. I pray I become more like you and less like Superwoman.
So let's all take off the cape and let God save the day!
© Diane Montgomery

Diane is a contributing writer at the Unlocking Femininity online magazine and has a passion for making theology practical for the everyday woman

How to Follow Wherever Jesus Leads You

2011-07-27T14:16:00.000-07:00

How to Follow Wherever Jesus Leads You

Whitney Hopler

Editor's Note: This article summarizes the practical applications of Greg Sidders' recent book, The Invitation: The Not-So-Simple Truth About Following Jesus, (Revell Books, 2011).

Jesus invites you to follow Him, and that can seem simple at first. But once the initial excitement of beginning a relationship with Jesus wears off, you're confronted with actually changing your life to follow Him.

Those changes may be so radical that you can become overwhelmed and decide to go your own way instead of following where Jesus wants to lead you. But if you decide that you want what Jesus offers more than what you must leave behind to get it, you'll be able to follow Him to the best life you can live.

Here's how you can follow Jesus wherever He leads you:

Keep leaping. You can build up more trust in Jesus' ability to lead you by taking leaps of faith whenever He calls you to and seeing how He changes your life for the better along the way. Choosing to obey Jesus when doing so is hard can turn your bondage to sin into freedom and your doubt into certainty. When you choose to live within the confines of Jesus' commands, you can enjoy life as God designed it to be lived.

Don't stop at faith alone. While it's faith in Jesus that saves you, Jesus wants you to have more than just faith. He intends for you to grow beyond simply believing in Him to putting your beliefs into practice by obeying Him. Obedience to Jesus shows that you really do have faith in Jesus. While you can't be perfect, you should try to obey Jesus whenever you can.

Devote yourself to Jesus before all others. Jesus must be your first love and your top priority in life for you to become the person God wants you to become. Whenever the people you love – like your family and friends – object to something that Jesus is calling you to do, you need to follow Jesus anyway. Do you love Jesus enough to choose to follow Him even when someone you love doesn't support you? Does your love for Jesus surpass your love for everyone else? If not, reform your daily habits so that you're truly making Jesus your top priority and fueling your love for Him each day, such as by spending lots of time with Him in prayer.

Carry a cross while you walk with Jesus. Just as Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice by dying on the cross to save you, following Him sometimes requires you to follow His example of making sacrifices. You need to carry your own cross by denying yourself comfort and even safety when necessary to follow where Jesus leads. Staying loyal to Jesus may cost your reputation, a relationship with someone you love, your job, or even your life – but no matter what the cost, it's worth it, because Jesus paid it all to make eternal life possible for you.

Realize that playing it safe is actually dangerous. Ask God to help you overcome the temptation to play it safe when the cost of your allegiance to Jesus is high by retreating from Him, because the cost of abandoning Jesus is much higher. If you walk away from Jesus when you encounter opposition to your faith, you can't become the person you were created to become.

Serve Jesus well by faithfully using the money that He has entrusted to you. Use your financial resources to support Jesus' messengers (such as missionaries), help meet poor people's needs, and create spiritual receptivity by generously caring for non-Christians in crisis and letting them experience Jesus' love flowing through you into their lives.

Build credibility with non-Christians by loving your fellow Christians. The best way to reach outsiders is to love insiders, since people who don't yet have relationships with Jesus will be drawn to Him when they see His love in action between you and other Christians who represent Him. So ask God to empower you to resolve conflicts with your fellow believers in peaceful, loving ways so the non-Christians who are watching you will see the unity that Jesus wants His followers to show the world.

Serve people with hands-on love. Following Jesus means being willing to serve in whatever ways God leads you to serve. Make sure that you're not just talking about loving people; aim to actually help meet the needs you encounter among people whenever you sense Jesus calling you to take action.

Help populate heaven. An important part of following Jesus is obeying His command to point other people toward Him. You don't need to be an extrovert or have a special gift for evangelism to answer that call. All you have to do is stay connected to Jesus every day and ask Him to guide you as you share your faith with others through relationships. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom to know how best to share your faith with each person in each situation, so you'll be presenting the Gospel message in ways that come naturally to you and relate well to each person you're trying to reach.

Stay plugged into the power source. Have confidence that Jesus will help you do whatever He calls you to do as you follow where He leads. Rely on Jesus to empower in every situation you encounter in life. Plug into Jesus through stubborn endurance (refusing to quit during disillusionment or despair), utter dependence (constantly relying on Jesus' power to flow through you to help you grow spiritually and lead other people to Him), and simple obedience (doing what Jesus calls you to do, even when it's difficult).

Remember the power of one. Even though you're just one person, you can truly change the world for the better when you follow Jesus. Your efforts doing what Jesus calls you to do will multiply, because when you reach one person, that person can then reach others, who then can reach others until huge numbers of people's lives are transformed by God's love at work – and all of that will matter for eternity.

Adapted from The Invitation: The Not-So-Simple Truth About Following Jesus, copyright 2011 by Greg Sidders. Published by Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, Mich., www.revellbooks.com.
Greg Sidders, a former journalist, is the senior pastor of White Pine Community Church in Maine. He and his wife, Robin, have three sons. This is his first book. You can visit his website at: http://www.gregsidders.com/.

Whitney Hopler is a freelance writer and editor who serves as both a Crosswalk.com contributing writer and

That Inconsolable Longing: Where to Go When Nothing Satisfies

2011-07-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

That Inconsolable Longing: Where to Go When Nothing Satisfies

Cindi McMenamin

With tears in her eyes, Janie recounted the last thing her husband told her before she left the house for the weekend. "He said 'When you figure out how I can meet all your emotional needs, let me know.'"

His comment cut deep into her heart. And it still hurt. I could tell.

I've been where Janie is. And in many ways, I still live there.

Janie didn't have an insensitive husband. Janie was just, like many of us, expecting him to be her all in all. And he, like any man, isn't God. And therefore he wasn't up to the task.

As I reflected on Janie's comment, my mind raced over my relationships…my husband of 23 years, my dating years in college, my loneliness as a teenager. And I was brought back to the Only One who has been faithful throughout the years of my life and throughout generations.

As long as I am hoping for lasting fulfillment through the intimacy I can reach with a person on this earth, I will be disappointed. All are merely human. All are mortal. All have sinned. And all will let me down at one time or another. Whether it's a parent, a husband, a man you are dating, a friend – all will let you down, too. I am realizing, more and more as I get older and wiser, that my prayer must be like the Psalmist's: "Whom have I in Heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."

I first copied that verse from Psalm 73:25 onto a note card and put it on my refrigerator more than 10 years ago. I was comforted by the truth that I have an Advocate in Heaven. And He is mine.

Who do I have but You, God? It is more than a question or even a statement. It is a motto. And I have reminded myself to live by that motto ever since.

As I have counseled women through the years, I have encouraged them to look to God as the Only One who can meet all of their needs. It is not only practical, it is essential for our survival, as we often let emotion dictate our moods, attitudes. and our perceived well being.

Only You, Lord, are perfect. Only You are incapable of disappointing me. Only You can satisfy. And only You can know me intimately

In his book The Journey of Desire, Author John Eldredge says "There is an aloneness, an incompleteness that we experience every day of our lives. How often do you feel deeply and truly known? Is there another soul to whom a simple glance is all that is necessary to communicate depth of understanding? Do you have someone with whom you can commune in love? This is our inconsolable longing – to know and to be known."

Yet the longing is consolable – in Christ alone.

When I focus on my inconsolable longing it can tear me up at times. I will never be completely known and understood by my husband, my child, my closest friend. But I am known to God. My inconsolable longing on this earth increases my yearning for Heaven. For true oneness and intimacy. For my "happily ever after" with my One True Love.

To whom do you go when nothing else and no one else will satisfy? Where do you take those longings that remain unmet? There is One in Heaven waiting to fill the inconsolable longing in your heart as well. And as you pursue a path to knowing Him more deeply and communing with Him more intimately, you will see that He does, indeed, fill that inconsolable longing in your heart.

How can you pursue a more intimate relationship with God? By following the basics:Tell Him First – Whatever is on your heart and mind, go to God first about it. Sure, He already knows about it, but when you tell God first you are reaffirming to Him and to yourself that He is the most important one in your life.

Take Him Seriously – Get into God's Word and get to know what He loves (look up every verse on "love" in your Bible) and cling to it and know what He hates (Proverbs 6:16-19 is pretty clear about it) and avoid it at all costs. Every relationship takes two. God has clearly extended toward us in His Word. We can extend back by knowing all there is to know about Him, through His Word, and taking Him seriously when He says things like "If you love Me you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15) and "There are six things the Lord hates…" (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Trust Him Fully – There are things that will happen in life that you will not understand. But to love God perfectly is to trust Him completely and to know that no matter what happens, He is still God and He is still good. First John 4:18 tells us "There is no fear in love. But perfect love (for God) drives out fear (of our circumstances)…." Every relationship is about trust. How much do you really trust Him?

As you begin to tell God first, take Him seriously, and trust Him fully, may you, too, be able to say as the Psalmist did: "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you."

Cindi McMenamin is a national speaker and the author of several books including When Women Walk Alone

The Pit or the Rock

2011-07-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Today's Readings: Psalm 40-42; Acts 27:1-26

Today's Thoughts: The Pit or the Rock

I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. Psalm 40:1-2

The house in which I grew up was built in the late 1800's and still had some of the relics from that period, such as an old cistern located in the backyard. I think at one time it had been a source of water. Since it was no longer used or needed, the opening was loosely capped with a rusty round lid. As a kid, I remember being in fear of accidentally falling into it. My imagination conjured up this image of a deep dark pit with a sinking bottom in which I would be forever trapped. I look back and think that maybe my fears were a little silly, but then I realize that sometimes as an adult I feel as if I wake up in that pit, dark and damp with no way out. Maybe a lot of us feel this way at times.

Reading the words of King David in this Psalm should give us all hope and encouragement. If David had such moments of despair, then we must know that our feelings of being trapped in a pit of miry clay are not unknown to our Lord. Jesus knew how David felt and He knows how we feel. The Lord hears our cries, the Lord inclines His ear to listen to us, and He will not only lift us up, but will lead us out. The key is to trust Him to do so. We must believe that the Lord is going to rescue us because we cannot do it in our own strength. Trying to climb our way out of the darkness is exhausting and depressing. And sometimes it is in that darkest moment, when we sense a hand reaching down, picking us up and setting our feet back on the rock. We did not need to try; we just needed to surrender our fears to the Lord.

Where are you today? Are you in the "horrible pit" or "upon a rock"? Regardless of the place you find yourself, just know that the Lord is right there with you. He is the only way out of the pit and He is the only one Who can establish our steps in the right direction. Pray today that you can trust Jesus for all your needs and that in trusting Him, you can wait patiently for His perfect timing.