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21 August 2023 07:01

Don’t give in to resentment; forgive them

“Resentment kills a fool.” Job 5:2 NIV
 
For reasons known only to God and Satan, Job lost his money, his children, and his health. If ever a man had cause to be resentful, it was him. But Eliphaz advised him, “Resentment kills a fool.” In other words, the only thing that can hurt you more than what has already happened is allowing resentment to rule your mind and dictate your actions. You say, “But I want justice!” How much justice? Imagine your enemy for a moment. Picture him strapped to a whipping post. The strong-armed man with a whip turns to you and asks, “How many lashes?” And you give a number. The whip cracks, the blood flows, and the punishment is inflicted. Your foe slumps to the ground, and you walk away. Are you happy now? Do you feel better? Are you at peace? For a little while, but soon another memory will surface, and another lash will be needed. When does it all stop? It stops when you take seriously the words of Jesus: “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Mt 6:14-15 NIV). When you pray, “Treat me as I treat my neighbor” (See Mt 6:12), are you aware of what you’re really saying to God? “Give me what I give them. Grant me the same peace I grant them. Let me enjoy the same tolerance I offer them.” If you want peace, make peace. If you want God’s generosity, be generous to others. If you want the assurance of God’s forgiveness, extend forgiveness to others.

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19 August 2023 08:47

Spirit-filled living

“Do not be drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph 5:18 NKJV
 
The Christian life isn’t only a changed life but an exchanged life. At the moment of conversion, we give our old life to God and He gives us a new life in its place. But He does more; He comes to live within us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul made the contrast between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit. One causes you to be out of control, while the other enables you to be in control. One is counterproductive, while the other is productive. One makes you powerless, while the other empowers you. One brings you sorrow, while the other brings you joy. This Scripture is not a promise or even an option, it’s a command: “Be filled with the Spirit.” And Paul gives us three evidences of a Spirit-filled life: (1) “Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (v. 19 NKJV). This song isn’t induced by circumstances but despite them. “At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed” (Ac 16:25-26 NKJV). Praising God can open doors and break chains. (2) “Giving thanks always for all things to God” (Eph 5:20 NKJV). Spirit-filled people have troubles like everyone else. But they don’t focus on their troubles; they count their blessings and stay positive, upbeat, and grateful. (3) “Submitting to one another in the fear of God” (v. 21 NKJV). Spirit-filled people are “others focused.” They know that what you make happen for someone else, God will make happen for you (See Eph 6:8).

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17 August 2023 07:00

“We know”
“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.” Ro 8:28 NKJV
 
This is one of the most often quoted and comforting Scriptures in the Bible: “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (v. 28 NKJV). This verse is to believers; to redeemed children of God who love the Lord and walk according to His purposes and operate according to scriptural principles. Interestingly, the Bible translates our English word “know” from a Greek word meaning we know “intuitively.” Something within us says, “I don’t understand it and can’t explain it, but I know that God is at work and something good will come out of it.” Note the words “things work together.” Would you enjoy eating baking soda? Or flour? No. But when you put them together, add some eggs and sugar, mix them up, and place them in the oven, they come out as something “good.” When the Bible says, “All things,” it includes things that are painful, unfair, and difficult. The path to the throne of Egypt led Joseph through betrayal, slander, false imprisonment, and disappointment. But looking back, he could say, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day” (Ge 50:20 NKJV). In ways you cannot see or understand right now, what you are going through is working for your good. Do you love God? Do you believe that He has a plan and purpose for your life? Are you endeavoring to please Him? Then trust Him to work “all things” out for your good.

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15 August 2023 08:50

Getting the most out of your Bible (1)

“Search for it as for hidden treasure.” Pr 2:4 NIV
 
When you think about it, studying the Bible is like prospecting for gold or silver. It involves two things: (1) You must look for it. Solomon writes, “If you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand…and find the knowledge of God” (vv. 4-5 NIV). Simply stepping into a mine and glancing around won’t cut it. If you want to get the gold or the silver, you must be searching for it. Any miner will inform you that gold doesn’t strike you—you strike gold. The purpose of this devotional isn’t to replace regular Bible reading but to whet your spiritual appetite for it. According to the Barna Research Group, only 9 percent of Christians read the Bible every day. The question is, are you one of them? (2) You must dig for it. The Spirit of God within you speaks to you as you read His Word. The story is told about a guy who loved to study the Bible. Every time he came to something he didn’t understand, his friend Charlie would pop into his mind. Charlie was a great Bible student; he just seemed to ooze with biblical wisdom. So whenever the first guy encountered a Bible question, he would go to Charlie and say, “What does this verse mean? What is God trying to say here?” One day as he was reading, the Holy Spirit spoke to him and said, “Why don’t you just ask me? I’m the one who teaches Charlie.” So, expect God to speak to you today as you read His Word, and He will.

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12 August 2023 07:01

Are you totally committed?

“He sought…God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” 2Ch 31:21 NIV
 
Change, improvement, growth, success, and victory don’t happen because they’re admirable concepts or desirable options. No, they happen because you’re totally committed and willing to pay the price. When King Hezekiah came to the throne, Israel was in bad shape. The doors of God’s house were shut, the Law of the Lord was not being observed, and the people were worshiping the same gods as the heathen nations around them. If you’re “a turnaround expert,” you would benefit from studying Hezekiah’s life and his strategy. The Bible says, “In everything that he undertook…he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly” (v. 21 NIV). The cost of commitment involves these: (1) A change in lifestyle. Hezekiah broke the family mold, refusing to live the way his father before him had lived. (2) Loneliness. Hezekiah was the first to turn to God. In order to do it, he had to stand alone. (3) Criticism. People don’t take kindly to change, and Hezekiah faced a barrage of harsh questions from the older generation. (4) Hard work and money. He was willing to give up time, energy, and money to reach his goal. (5) Daily discipline. Changing a culture and the mindsets of the people who are part of it can be difficult. Every day Hezekiah taught and instilled God’s principles into the minds of the people. (6) Constant pressure. The people who went along with the changes Hezekiah was making expected to see results, and they weren’t necessarily patient. But Hezekiah “sought his God…worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” The principles Hezekiah used will work for you too, so today begin to apply them.

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10 August 2023 11:15

Learn to disagree, agreeably

“Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Col 3:12 NLT
 
John Gray wrote the best-selling book Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. His underlying thesis is this: In order to get along with someone, you have to try and see life from their perspective. And that’s not easy. Paul writes: “Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts” (vv. 12-15 NLT). Those who need others to think and act exactly the way they do are often masking insecurities. They have a deep-seated need to have their views and actions confirmed in the behavior and thoughts of others. But that’s not how life works. Disagreements happen in any relationship where more than one person is involved. We are all unique, and we are not likely to agree on everything. But the way we approach our disagreements can determine whether our relationship makes it to the finish line. Fighting fair, opening yourself to the ideas of others and to new ways of doing things, is how you grow. And who knows, in the end you may even “agree to disagree.” The important thing is to respect the other person’s ideas and seek to create an environment where the two of you can feel free to express your feelings and be who you really are without fear of being judged.

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07 August 2023 07:01

Downscale in order to upscale

“One thing I have desired…that will I seek.” Ps 27:4 NKJV
 
You may have to downscale materially to upscale spiritually. If owning things, maintaining them, and worrying about losing them is robbing you of the things that matter most like peace, joy, and fulfillment, consider simplifying your life. Downscale on the things that don’t matter, so you can upscale on the things that do. During her successful career as an opera singer, Jenny Lind, known as the “Swedish Nightingale,” became one of the wealthiest artists of all time. Yet she gave up her career at a time when she was singing her best. And she never returned to it. People speculated about the reason and wondered how she could give up applause, fame, and money. But Jenny seemed satisfied to live in privacy in a home by the ocean. One day a friend found her sitting on the sand with her Bible on her knees, looking out at a glorious sunset. As they conversed, the friend asked, “Madame Goldschmidt [Lind’s married name], how is it that you came to abandon the stage at the height of your success?” She answered quietly, “When every day made me think less of this (laying a finger on her Bible), and nothing at all of that (pointing to the sunset), what else could I do?” King David owned all the stuff we dream about, yet he wrote: “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” (v. 4 NKJV). Now, there is a man with right priorities!

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05 August 2023 07:00

S.T.R.E.S.S. (3)

“I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jer 32:27 NKJV
 
Remember past victories. Notice how King Jehoshaphat prayed: “Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?” (2Ch 20:7 NKJV). If God has ever performed a miracle for you or for anybody else, He can do it again. So, read His Word and strengthen your faith by recalling His great deeds. E—Exalt God above the problem. “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?” (v. 6 NKJV). In his anguish, Jehoshaphat asked rhetorical questions that exposed how big his God was compared to the problem. Sometimes it’s difficult to look past the problem when the reality of it is so close. If you close one eye and put a coin over your other eye, you can blind yourself to something as big as the sun. Getting the idea? S—Solicit the prayers and support of others. “Jehoshaphat…proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah…they came to seek the Lord” (vv. 3-4 NKJV). Jehoshaphat didn’t ask the people for their opinions but for their prayers, because that’s what moves the heart of God. S—Stand on the promises of God. When you do, you can say like the psalmist, “As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands” (Ps 119:143 NLT). That’s God’s formula for stress—now use it.

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03 August 2023 07:01

S.T.R.E.S.S. (1)

“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Lk 12:25 NLT
 
King Jehoshaphat heard that he was about to be attacked by three different armies. Talk about stress! His response is the example you need to follow when life gets overwhelming. His story is told in 2 Chronicles 20. Using the word S.T.R.E.S.S., we learn the following lessons: S—Seek God’s guidance. “Jehoshaphat…set himself to seek the Lord” (v. 3). Years prior when his father, King Asa, faced a similar threat, he responded by collecting the silver and gold from the temple and his palace and using it to bribe one of the raiding kings to defect to his side. That solved the immediate problem—but not without negative consequences. Although the invasion endeavor was abandoned, God became angry at his reliance on another king to help him conquer his enemies (See 2Ch 16:1-9). So, He pronounced Asa’s punishment for the rest of his reign: “In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars” (v. 9 NKJV). He would live with the stress of constantly being at war, because he had not sought after God’s counsel first. So, Jehoshaphat, his son, decided that he wasn’t going to take that route. How about you? Do you stress out, attempting to figure out a solution instead of finding out how God wants you to deal with it? Think of the last problem you faced. Did you rely on the opinions of others or on your own ideas, or was your first idea to seek God? God promises this: “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13 NKJV). So, talk to God about it!

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01 August 2023 07:00

Overcoming your shyness

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” Pr 18:24 NKJV
 
There are no shortcuts to overcoming shyness; you’re going to have to work at becoming comfortable being with people. But you can do it. Here are some surefire strategies that will help you make friends: (1) You can’t deny the fact that you’re shy, but the more you keep talking about it, the more you reinforce its control over you. “Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction. The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences” (vv. 20-21 NLT). Why “own” something so damaging to your goals and relationships? “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2Ti 1:7 NKJV). Fear is a spirit, and you must learn to reject it! The fact that you have named yourself “shy” is no reason to shy away from chances to overcome it. Avoidance just reinforces your fear. (2) Engage in an activity you really enjoy so that you’ll have something to chat about with passion and enthusiasm. (3) Overlook your thumping heart, wobbly voice, sweat, aching stomach, or other signs of anxiety; they are not lethal. Grin. It’s contagious, and it’s vital to appearing approachable. (4) Ask people to talk about their favorite subject—themselves. Then really listen and reply to their answers instead of worrying about what you will ask next. Remember, you may be able to sway what people think about you, but you cannot control it—so stop thinking about their assessment or endorsement of you. Meditate on Philippians 4:6-9, and “the God of peace will be with you” (Php 4:9 NKJV).

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30 July 2023 07:01

You must take responsibility for your life

“We are each responsible for our own conduct.” Gal 6:5 NLT
 
Being accountable for yourself, your thoughts, and your actions is a very important part of being a contributing member in a relationship. But sometimes we take things too far by assuming an unhealthy responsibility for others, then using it as an excuse for not being accountable for ourselves and our own circumstances. For example, we blame an unplanned pregnancy for our failure to go to college. Or we blame our unhappiness on the fact that we stayed married for the sake of the children. We focus so much on other people and taking responsibility for their lives that we never take time to look for solutions to rise above our own situation. And eventually all the woe and hard times become our identity. We don’t just complain; we become chronic complainers. Let’s be honest, sometimes our tales of woe are simply excuses, made-up versions of the truth to hide the fact that we have decided to blame everyone else for our circumstances. That way we don’t have to take responsibility for our lives. The fact is, we all make choices in life; to go or stay, to confront or ignore, to complain or look for a solution. Whether it’s your spouse, your kids, or your parents, it’s never a good idea to take responsibility for others if you’re doing it to avoid deciding what you need to do for yourself. The Bible says, “Pay careful attention to your own work…then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct” (vv. 4-5 NLT).

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28 July 2023 07:00

What you don’t learn in school

“Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise.” Pr 31:28 MSG
 
Where do children learn to think highly of their mothers? Who sets the pattern for their young minds, positioning Mom as the much-loved and respected member of the family—instead of being merely considered “chief cook and bottle washer?” At school, children learn the skills necessary to succeed on the job, but at home, they learn the skills necessary for building a family. And the best public relations agent for Mom—is Dad. Father, you wield tremendous influence over what your children think of their mother and women in general. When your children grow up with warring parents, they think, “If Dad can argue with Mom, then so can I.” In short, your attitudes and actions become the attitudes and actions of your children. In a world that often discounts the contribution of women, especially homemakers, it’s up to you as a husband and father to say in a dozen different ways, “Your mother is a wonderful woman! She works hard and she deserves tremendous credit for what she gives us all. As far as I’m concerned, she is number one!” Proverbs 31 says, “Her children respect and bless her.” Who did they learn that from? Television? Their peer group? School? No, they learned it at home. Here is the bottom line: The way you treat your wife is probably the way your son will treat his wife. Your children may not follow your advice, but often they will follow your example. “Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise” (v. 31 NLT).

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26 July 2023 07:01

Thinking outside “the religious box” (2)

“I have come to call…those who know they are sinners.” Mk 2:17 NLT
 
There is a difference between loving nonbelievers and loving their ways. Paul says, “Find common ground with everyone, doing everything [you] can to save some” (1Co 9:22 NLT). So: (1) Be courteous. “The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down” (Col 4:6 MSG). (2) Be genuine. “Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it” (Ro 12:9 MSG). Because Jesus found common ground with the woman at the well, she made peace with God, then brought her friends and family to meet Jesus (See Jn 4). You have to spend time around nonbelievers to introduce them to Christ. When Levi invited Jesus and His disciples as dinner guests with tax collectors and other disreputable sinners, the Pharisees asked, “‘Why does he eat with such scum?’…Jesus…told them…‘I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners’” (Mk 2:16-17 NLT). Author Mark Roberts observes: “Table fellowship signified deep intimacy. To eat with someone was to share in their life and to allow them into yours…The Pharisees, who were committed to the highest standards of ritual purity…expected Jesus to do as they did, keeping plenty of distance between themselves and questionable types who might compromise Jesus’ holiness.” Jesus didn’t see people as “scum,” and wasn’t concerned about maintaining a religious facade. He ate with sinners because they needed His help and were open to receive it. How about you? Are you willing to get your hands dirty? Are you more concerned with what people think about you than you are about those who need Christ?

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24 July 2023 07:01

My daily faith confession (2)

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits.” Ps 68:19 NKJV
 
When you speak words of faith over your life based on the Scriptures, Jesus taught that you will “have whatever [you] say” (See Mk 11:23). David refers to God’s blessings as “benefits,” and says that God “daily loads us with benefits.” Note the word “loads.” We’re not talking here about the capacity of a teacup but a dump truck! God is waiting, willing, and wanting to do these things for you. That’s why the psalmist writes: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed…The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy…He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust…But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children” (Ps 103:2-6, 8, 10-14, 17 NKJV). Understand this: You activate the power of God’s Word when you confess it over your life.

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22 July 2023 07:00

Evangelize or fossilize (2)

“The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Ac 2:47 NKJV
 
The church has only two options: evangelize or fossilize. When we fail to share our faith with those outside the church, we either end up in a holding pattern or in death throes. The New Testament church’s growth is described in these words: “The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Not only did they influence every level of society, but their enemies said, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Ac 17:6 NKJV). Question: If your church closed its doors tomorrow, would anyone other than your congregation notice the difference? Think about those early believers. Their assignment seemed geographically impossible; most people still believed the world was flat. They had no air travel, radio, television, printing presses, internet, or any other modern means at their disposal for communicating the gospel. It seemed legally impossible; they were forbidden by the government authorities to speak in Jesus’ name. And it seemed socially impossible; after all, who would really listen to a bunch of Galileans, devoid of culture and class? Yet they were witnesses through the power of the Holy Spirit, and people did listen. They did so much with so little, and we seem to do so little with so much. It’s reckoned that if just 10 percent of the members in the average church got serious about evangelism, their church would double in one year. By the way, the word translated “witness” is the same word from which we get our English word martyr. These early believers reached the world for Christ because they were willing to lay down their lives for His cause. You must be too.

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20 August 2023 07:00

God’s plan for your money

“You will be enriched in every way.” 2Co 9:11 NLT
 
One pastor told his congregation, “The good news is, we have enough money here this morning to build a new church.” Then he added, “The bad news is, it’s still in your pockets!” Some of us grew up believing it was wrong to ask God for money because that was a sign of greed and selfishness. And it can be, but it doesn’t have to be. When you pray, “Lord, bless me financially so that I can give to your work and fulfill your plans,” you’re in proper spiritual alignment with God. In part, the explosive growth of the New Testament church was due to some Christians who were willing to sell their assets in order to finance the will of God. Barnabas was one of them: “He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles” (Ac 4:37 NLT). And Barnabas wasn’t the only one: “Those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles” (vv. 34-35 NLT). Among those who followed Christ were women married to wealthy and powerful men. As a result, Jesus needed a treasurer to take care of their funds. Scripturally speaking, here is the bottom line when it comes to money: If you honor God, He will honor you, and if you put His work first, He will bless your work. Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need…don’t worry about tomorrow” (Mt 6:33-34 NLT). Here is God’s will for you: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous” (2Co 9:11 NLT).

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18 August 2023 07:00

Dealing with death the right way

“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.” Ps 23:4 NKJV
 
Here is the truth about death: (1) It’s a sure thing. The story is told of a hypochondriac who put these words on his tombstone: “Now maybe you’ll believe I was sick.” Seriously, if you’re wise, you won’t obsess about death, but you will prepare for it. (2) It’s a sojourn. The word “walk” means each step you take brings your departure date one day closer. The word “through” tells you it’s only a temporary passage and not your final destination. The word metamorphosis pictures a humble caterpillar being transformed into a beautiful butterfly that can soar. Likewise, the Bible describes your new body in these words: (a) “Incorruptible,” meaning you will never again contend with pain or sickness (See 1Co 15:53). (b) “Immortal,” meaning you will be ageless and incapable of dying (See v. 53). (c) “Shadow.” Now, a shadow might frighten you, but it cannot harm you. Indeed, the only way to have a shadow is to have a light shining. Don’t you find it interesting that many of the people who have died and come back tell others about emerging from a tunnel into a bright, celestial light? No wonder we need “fear no evil.” Why? Because the Lord is with us, and He has conquered death, hell, and the grave. Jesus said, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Rev 1:18 NKJV). Rejoice; the key to your eternal destiny is not in your own hands or anybody else’s but in the hands of the One who loves you.

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16 August 2023 07:00

Getting the most out of your Bible (2)

“The unfolding of your words gives light.” Ps 119:130 NIV
 
President Woodrow Wilson said: “I am sorry for men who do not read the Bible every day; I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and of the pleasure. It is one of the most singular books in the world, for every time you open it, some old text that you have read a score of times suddenly beams with a new meaning. There is no other book that I know of, of which this is true; there is no other book that yields its meaning so personally, that seems to fit itself so intimately to the very spirit that is seeking its guidance.” If you want to get the most out of your Bible, ask these questions: (1) Is there a warning to heed? (2) Is there a promise to claim? (3) Is there a sin to forsake? (4) Is there a command to obey? (5) Is there a lesson to learn? (6) Is there a principle to apply? (7) Is there an example to follow? As you ask yourself these seven questions, keep a journal to write down the answers God gives you, and you will be amazed at the wisdom you glean. You will be thrilled by the success principles you learn. Your anxieties will begin to lift, your mind will clear, and you will experience peace. John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1 NIV). Notice the phrase “the Word was God.” The more you read your Bible, the more of God’s presence and power you will experience. You might even adopt the old slogan used by American Express: “Don’t leave home without it.”

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13 August 2023 07:01

Spiritual growth takes time

“If it dies, it bears much fruit.” Jn 12:24 ESV
 
God takes two days to grow a mushroom but sixty years to grow an oak tree. So, would you like to be a mushroom or an oak tree? Spiritual growth takes time. Have you been wondering, “Why is it taking me so long to improve? I am still struggling with many of my weaknesses.” Why? Because spiritual growth, like natural growth, takes some time. The best fruit ripens gradually. Jesus said, “Truly, truly…unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (v. 24 ESV). When Jesus says, “Truly, truly,” He means, “Now understand this! Listen! This is very important.” The point Jesus stresses here is that just like a grain of wheat has to die to produce fruit, so we also must die to ourselves to produce spiritual growth. And dying to our own self-absorption takes a while. Our inclination is to unearth the seed periodically to monitor its progress instead of trusting God to perform His work in our lives. Christ will produce fruit in our lives if we stay in Him. Jesus said, “Abide in me” (Jn 15:4). The word “abide” means “to live in.” Abiding in Christ means staying in contact with Him, depending on Him, living for Him, and trusting Him to finish His work in our lives in His perfect timing. Wait for God’s promised harvest, and in the meantime, delight in His presence in your life. God is happy with you at every phase of your spiritual growth. He is not waiting until you’re perfect to begin loving you. He will never love you one drop more than He already does.

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11 August 2023 07:00

God: the source of your confidence

“Those who trust in the Lord…cannot be shaken.” Ps 125:1 NIV
 
People are naturally attracted to leaders who convey poise and self-assurance; they won’t follow one who lacks self-confidence. An excellent illustration of this is an incident that took place in Russia during an attempted coup. Army tanks encircled the government building that held President Boris Yeltsin and his prodemocracy supporters. As the army moved into position, Yeltsin strode from the building, climbed up on a tank, stared the commander in the eye, and thanked him for turning to the side of democracy. Later the commander admitted that although he hadn’t intended to go over to Yeltsin’s side, the Russian leader appeared so confident, the soldiers decided to join him. Great achievers exhibit confidence regardless of circumstances. But true confidence doesn’t come from having the approval of people around you. The Bible says, “The Lord will be your confidence” (Pr 3:26 NKJV); it’s about knowing He has called you and equipped you to do the job. Paul wrote, “We feel certain before God…It is God who makes us able to do all that we do” (2Co 3:4-5 NCV). Even though others may not believe in you, knowing God believes in you enables you to believe in yourself. David wrote, “Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’ But you are a shield around me…the One who lifts my head high” (Ps 3:2-3 NIV). A confident leader can say to those who follow him or her, “I have confidence in the God who called me. I have confidence in you. I believe that together we can accomplish what God wants done.”

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08 August 2023 07:00

Putting the other guy first

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Ro 12:10 NIV
 
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.” Most people know about Isaac Newton’s famed encounter with a falling apple; how he introduced the law of universal gravitation and revolutionized astronomical studies. But few people know that had it not been for a man called Edmond Halley, the world may never have heard of Newton. Halley was the one who urged Newton to think through his original theories, corrected his mathematical mistakes, and formulated geometrical figures to support his discoveries. It was Halley who persuaded a hesitant Newton to write his great work The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. And it was Halley who edited and supervised its publication and financed its printing, even though Newton was wealthier and could better have afforded the cost. Historians have called Halley’s affiliation with Newton one of the most selfless cases in science. Newton began almost immediately to reap the rewards of prominence, but Halley received little credit. He did use the principles Newton established to forecast the orbit and return of a comet that would later bear his name. But since Halley’s Comet returns once every seventy-six years, relatively few people still hear his name. However, Halley didn’t care who got the credit as long as the cause of science was advanced. He personified what it means to live by this scriptural principle: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Anytime God gives you an opportunity to put others first and yourself second, grab it and run with it.

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06 August 2023 07:00

Always be thankful to God

“It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” Ps 92:1 NKJV
 
Journalist Fulton Oursler tells the story of an elderly nurse called Anna. Born a slave on the eastern shore of the state of Maryland, she had attended Fulton’s birth, plus that of his mother. He honors her for teaching him the best lesson he ever learned about giving thanks and finding contentment: “I remember her as she sat at the kitchen table in our house; the hard, old, brown hands folded across her starched apron, the glistening eyes, and the husky old whispering voice, saying, ‘Much obliged, Lord, for my vittles.’ I asked, ‘Anna, what’s a vittle?’ ‘It’s what I’ve got to eat and drink—that’s vittles,’ the old nurse replied. ‘But you’d get your vittles whether you thanked the Lord or not,’ I said. ‘Sure,’ said Anna, ‘but it makes everything taste better to be thankful!’” The excitement that comes from getting something new, or even something you have worked hard for, is often short lived and quickly replaced by your desire for the next thing. Solomon put it this way: “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing” (Ecc 1:8). So, what’s the solution? Having an attitude of gratitude! Stopping regularly to remember the goodness of God that makes it possible for you to enjoy every blessing you have, and remembering to say, “Thank you, Lord.” The psalmist had a heart of gratitude. He wrote, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night” (Ps 92:1-2 NKJV). So, always be thankful to God.

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04 August 2023 07:01

S.T.R.E.S.S. (2)

“Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you.” 2Ch 20:17 NKJV
 
Trust what God tells you. “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord…Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you” (v. 17 NKJV). God’s way of resolving our problems can frequently go against our logic. Maybe that is why we are hesitant to approach Him in certain matters. Why would God instruct Jehoshaphat’s army, which was clearly no match for three armies, to show up prepared for a battle they were not intended to fight? That didn’t make any sense! God will many times tell us to “position” ourselves to deal with a demanding task or problem we feel completely inadequate to tackle. Our challenge is to obey Him and position ourselves to win. How do you do that? (1) You “position” yourself when you choose to enter college, even though you may not have achieved well in high school. (2) You “position” yourself when you resign from a job at God’s urging and start a new business, even though a long list of customers or clients isn’t waiting in the wings. (3) You “position” yourself when you sit down at your computer each day to write a book you have always desired to write–without a head full of knowledge but with a heart full of faith that God will join you there with His words. God’s instruction is to position ourselves for victory. He wants us to show up, so He can show Himself strong on our behalf (See 2Ch 16:9 NKJV).

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02 August 2023 07:00

Lift up the shield of faith

“Hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” Eph 6:16 NLT
 
Pay attention to what Satan is shooting at you: “fiery arrows!” He knows that if he can light the fires of worry and anxiety within you, he can immobilize and defeat you. And notice what God has given you to protect yourself: “the shield of faith.” But you have a part to play: “Hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.” A shield won’t help a soldier while it’s on the ground, or even at his side. He must lift it up to cover himself from attack. The same goes for you. When the Devil attacks you with unpleasant circumstances and thoughts that cause you to worry and be afraid, you must immediately lift up the shield of faith. Faith in what? Yourself? No, faith in the faithfulness of God! At times your faith in God may falter, but His love and care for you will never falter. “Faithful is He Who is calling you [to Himself] and utterly trustworthy” (1Th 5:24 AMPC). How do you lift up the shield of faith? By saying, “Lord, I trust you in this situation!” Jesus talked back to Satan in the wilderness by saying, “It is written,” and you must learn to talk back to Satan too. God’s Word is a protective shield that the Devil’s arrows cannot penetrate. When you hold it up like a shield, it’s effective against anything he tries to do in your life. Satan’s fiery arrows can come from any direction, from both your friends and foes. So, you must lift up the shield of faith.

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31 July 2023 07:01

God is in control; trust Him

“My hope is in You.” Ps 39:7 NKJV
 
Life seldom works out exactly the way we hope or think it will. When Job lost everything, he said, “I don’t have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for… I am utterly helpless, without any chance of success” (Job 6:11, 13 NLT). Yet in the end, Job got back twice as much as he had lost. But the experiences and adversities he had gone through changed his attitude toward God profoundly. “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted…My ears have heard of you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:2, 5 NIV). What had Job discovered? That God is sovereign! He is not our servant, we are His servants. We must obey His Word in order to walk in His blessing—but the final outcome of all things rests in His hands and not ours. Many of us struggle with control. We want control not only over our circumstances, but our goals, plans, relationships, and all that concerns us. Such fear is often an indication of an unconscious desire to be independent of God; to be the master of our own destiny. Sometimes it’s the result of growing up in a chaotic environment and resolving never to repeat the experiences of your earlier life. Perhaps you think you’re in control of your life due to your educational, financial, or other achievements. It isn’t true. God enabled you to do everything that you have done. Paul writes, “But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me” (1Co 15:10 NLT). Today God is in control—trust Him!

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29 July 2023 07:00

Acknowledge your mistake

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper.” Pr 28:13 NIV
 
Mistakes are a part of life. Successful people acknowledge theirs, learn from them, and work to correct them. A study of 105 executives identified common characteristics shared by successful people, but one observation was particularly helpful. Successful people admit their mistakes and accept the consequences instead of blaming others. None of us enjoy reaping the consequences of our actions. When things go wrong, we have a natural tendency to look for someone to blame. It’s in our DNA. In the garden of Eden when God asked Adam what he had done, Adam blamed Eve. And when God questioned Eve, she blamed the Devil. The next time you mess up, think about who is really at fault and try to look at it objectively so you can learn from it and do better next time. Somebody said the sooner you fail, the more time you have to improve. Ask yourself, “What have I learned? How can I turn this failure into success? Where did I succeed besides fail?” People who accuse others for their failures never surmount them; they just move from problem to problem. To reach your highest potential, you must persistently improve yourself, and you can’t do that if you don’t take responsibility and learn from your errors. In life you will always have problems. The question is: Will you stay down and wallow in defeat, or get back up on your feet and make the best of things by determining to fight another day? Henry Ford said, “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” So, live by the Bible principle, “A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again” (Pr 24:16).

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27 July 2023 09:42

When it’s time for them to leave

“As an eagle stirs up its nest…so the Lord…led him.” Dt 32:11-12 NKJV
 
Eagles learn to fly by being pushed out of their nest. Left to themselves, they would never leave the comfort of home. But, neither would they discover and fulfill their unique destiny as fliers. The same principle applies to your children. It’s true that most teenagers can’t wait to get out of the house, but there are also some who need to be pushed. How can you get your grown children to move on when the time has come? Sometimes the problem is not that you as a parent withhold independence but that your children don’t want to accept it. They have no desire to grow up, and why should they? The nest is just too cozy! Food is cooked. Clothes are washed, and bills are paid. They feel no motivation to face the harsh world of reality, and they have resolved not to budge. Some even won’t get a job. It’s hard to dislodge homebound sons or daughters. They’re like furry, little puppies who lie around the back door waiting for a bowl of warm milk. But letting them stay, especially if they’re avoiding career goals, is cultivating irresponsibility and dependency. That’s not loving them, even though you may feel like it is. A time comes when you must gently but candidly hand the reins over to your children and force them to stand on their own two feet to live life on life’s terms. In some cases, you might even have to pack their bags. But if you love them and want them to fulfill their God-given destiny, you have no other choice.

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25 July 2023 07:01

Thinking outside “the religious box” (1)

“I’m after mercy, not religion…to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” Mt 9:13 MSG
 
Author Nicole Unice says the suspicions people have about Christians include, “They judge me. They are better than I am. They won’t approve of me. I won’t fit in with their religion. They are all serious and no fun. Jesus hung around enough parties for the Pharisees to accuse him of being a drunkard. He befriended forbidden women. He interacted with people so he could introduce them to his Father. He broke through stereotypes and communicated God as he is—approachable, merciful and graceful. The people who were most upset…were the ones who preferred…the rules of the religion…The concept of a free and joyful life with Jesus may seem basic for you. But is that what your neighbors think? It feels as comfortable as sweatpants to hang out with people who believe and feel as we do. Fellowship among believers is a wonderful gift. But if we are truly to follow Jesus’ example, we need to look for opportunities to engage those around us.” Jesus goes a step further: “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick?…‘I’m after mercy, not religion.’ I’m here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders.” How can you share the gospel if all your friends are Christians? Some of us have become so isolated and disconnected that we have no meaningful interaction whatsoever with nonbelievers. And the more time passes, the more insulated and comfortable we become, until eventually we lose touch with the very people Jesus came to save. Paul says, “Find common ground with [nonbelievers]…tell [them] about Christ…let Christ save [them]” (1Co 9:22 TLB). It’s called thinking outside “the religious box.”

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23 July 2023 07:01

My daily faith confession (1)

“Jesus answered…he will have whatever he says.” Mk 11:22-23 NKJV
 
Jesus taught us that when we speak His Word in faith, we will “have” whatever we say. That’s a powerful faith! When you speak God’s living Word over your situation, it’s like flipping a switch; His power is activated, and His promises start coming to pass in your life. So, begin each day by speaking the following Scriptures over your life: (1) “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps 118:24 NKJV). Confession: “Lord, thank you for the gift of this day. I will celebrate your goodness and enjoy each moment of it.” (2) “His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (La 3:22-23 NKJV). Confession: “Lord, today I will seek to honor You in all that I do. And if I fail and fall short, I will still walk in Your mercy and grace.” (3) “The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary” (Isa 50:4 NKJV). Confession: “Lord, I will know what to say because You have instructed me and given me the tongue of the learned.” (4) “This is the day in which the Lord has delivered [your enemy] into your hand. Has not the Lord gone out before you?” (Jdg 4:14 NKJV). Confession: “Lord, regardless of what comes my way today, You will defend, protect, and vindicate me. So, this day I will walk in your joy, favor, mercy, guidance, protection, and blessing.”

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21 July 2023 07:01

Evangelize or fossilize (1)

“You shall be witnesses to Me.” Ac 1:8 NKJV
 
Coach Vince Lombardi led the Green Bay Packers football team to victory after victory. But one day, they lost to a team they should have easily defeated. So, Lombardi gathered his team together. He put his hand into a bag and brought out a football. With his inimitable smile, he told them, “Gentlemen, this is a football!” In other words, it was time to get back to basics. Jesus is “the captain of [our] salvation” (Heb 2:10). And before He went back to heaven, He gave us the game plan: “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Ac 1:8 NKJV). And since a person’s last words are some of their most important ones, it leads us to ask this: Who was Jesus talking to? You! “You shall…be witnesses to Me.” There are people around today who will never go to church. Their only chance of hearing the gospel is through you; through what your lips declare and your life demonstrates. What is this “power” Jesus spoke of? The Greek word for “power” is dynamos, from which we get the word dynamite. Dynamite is an explosive force, which when properly harnessed can remove any obstacle that stands in the way of progress. You say, “I have never been to seminary, and I don’t feel qualified to share the gospel!” God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called by filling them with His Spirit and using them to reach a hurting world. Today you have been called to do that.