Nach Genre filtern
- 1415 - Learning to listen to God (3)
When you pray diligently and believe you have heard from God, but then you start asking other people whattheythink, you’re honouring their opinions above God’s. That kind of mindset will prevent you from developing a relationship where you constantly hear from Him. You need to trust Him. If you have made bad decisions in the past, this can be difficult. But you must learn to listen to God without constantly needing reassurance from others. The Bible says: ‘The anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so]…you have no need that anyone should instruct you.…His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true…so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him’ (v. 27 AMPC). That doesn’t mean you don’t need teaching and instruction when it comes to understanding God’s Word; it means you have God’s Spirit living inside you and that He will guide and direct you personally. You might have to ask somebody for advice from time to time, but you needn’t constantly go to other people and ask them about decisions you’re making for your life. If you’re ever going to develop the ability to listen to God and be led by His Spirit, you must start making your own decisions – and trust the wisdom God has deposited in your heart. The devil wants you to think you’re not capable of hearing from God. Don’t believe him. The Holy Spirit who dwells inside you will give you confidence, comfort, and counsel for your life. So, learn to listen to Him.
Mon, 18 Mar 2024 - 1414 - Learning to listen to God (2)
People think they can’t hear from God, when in reality, there are things theyalreadyknowHe wants them to respond to, and so far they haven’t done it. The quicker you do whatever the Lord has already told you to do, the sooner He will reveal the next step to you. His promise is, ‘If you willingly obey me, the best…will be yours.’ Hearing from God is something you only develop with practice – especially if you’re a talker! That’s why He says, ‘Be still, and know that IamGod’ (Psalm 46:10 KJV). Our flesh is full of energy; we always want to bedoingsomething, and it can be difficult for us to be still. Don’t just talk to God when you need something; spend time listening. He will open up many issues if you will just be still before Him. You say, ‘I don’t think I have ever heard God talk to me.’ Maybe that’s because you haven’t learned to listen! When you ask God for something, tune your ‘receiver’. Even if He doesn’t respond at that very moment, rest assured He will in due time. You may be doing some ordinary task when He decides to speak to you. And if you have honoured Him by learning to listen as you fellowship with Him, He will speak to you at exactly the right time. Perhaps you have spent years going your own way. If so, don’t despair; it’s not too late to change direction. If you’re willing to obey God, He will guide you on the exciting journey of learning to hear from Him every day of your life.
Sun, 17 Mar 2024 - 1413 - Learning to listen to God (1)
Jesus told His disciples, ‘I have much more to say to you, but right now it would be more than you could understand. The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth’ (vv. 12-13 CEV). Jesus spoke these words to men He had spent the previous three years with. Now, wouldn’t you think if Jesus was with us in person, day and night for three years, we would have learned all there is to know? Not so. In fact, Jesus tells us to stay tuned, because He always has something to say to us about every new situation we face. But there are certain things He will only reveal to you when He knows you’re ready to handle them. God wants to speak to you on a one-to-one basis, to lead you step by step into the good things He has in store for you. He cares about the tiniest details of your life. So, never hesitate to take what you consider small things to Him – after all, everything is small to God! He cares about the desires of your heart. He wants to reveal truth to you that will set you free from fear and worry. His plan to share an intimate relationship with you was in place long before you were born. He ‘marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him’ (Acts 17:26-27 NIV). Now think about it: if God planned your life in such minute detail before you were even born, isn’t it important for you to learn how to listen to Him?
Sat, 16 Mar 2024 - 1412 - Don’t give up!
Paul writes, ‘Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up’ (v. 9 NLT). Look at Job the patriarch: attending the funerals of his ten children, losing his health and wealth in a single day, and listening to a wife with a tongue sharp enough to cut through steel. Yet he didn’t give up. Learn from him! ‘You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the endintendedby the Lord’ (James 5:11 NKJV). Job stayed focused on the end goal and endured the immediate circumstances. Yes, there are times when giving up looks good, defeat seems inevitable, and retreat appears to be your only option. The question is, how will you handle those times? On the threshold of the promised land, God told Joshua, ‘Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your Godiswith you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9 NKJV). The Israeli statesman David Ben-Gurion observed: ‘Courage is a special kind of knowledge, the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be feared. From this knowledge comes an inner strength that inspires us to push on in the face of great difficulty. What can seem impossible is often possible with courage.’ And where does this courage come from? Knowing God is ‘with you wherever you go’. Why does the Bible record the failures of people like Peter and David? To let you know that when you fail – you can start again!
Fri, 15 Mar 2024 - 1411 - Take control of the small things
Can you imagine being uprooted from your home and taken prisoner to a hostile country? It happened to Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar conquered his homeland and carried him off to slavery in Babylon. He lost his house, his job, his freedom, his culture, his friends, and his status as a member of Israel’s nobility. He had to learn to speak a foreign language and live in a place where he didn’t want to be. If you had been Daniel, wouldn’t you have been tempted to focus on the things you couldn’t control, like blaming exile for your unhappiness and feeling sorry for yourself? Not Daniel! He took charge of his life in little areas. The Bible says, ‘Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the…king’s [food]’ (v. 8 NKJV). He decided to live by his convictions – even in small things. That’s important because small battles train you for big ones! If Daniel hadn’t taken control in small things, he wouldn’t have had the strength to say no to big things like worshipping idols or facing the lions’ den without fear or compromise. Maybe you can’t do anything right now about your house or your job or your relationship, but you can change your life by taking control of the little things. Perhaps, like Daniel, it will involve what you eat, what you watch on TV or the internet, what comes out of your mouth, or a refusal to let others dictate your attitude based on how they treat you. When you ‘purpose in your heart’ to honour God in small things, He blesses you and becomes involved in your life in ways you never thought possible.
Thu, 14 Mar 2024 - 1410 - Four principles for victorious living
Jesus said: ‘Count yourselves blessed every time people put you down…or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens – give a cheer, even! – for though they don’t like it,Ido!’ (Matthew 5:11-12 MSG). If you’re thin skinned, you will have a rough time in life because you will be an easy target for the devil. Paul endured desertion by his friends, ugly letters from the Corinthians, disappointment with the Galatians, mistreatment in Philippi, mocking in Athens, and finally imprisonment and beheading in Rome. The Bible gives us these four principles for victorious living: 1)Be on the alert.Why?Because you have an adversary who is out to get you (see 1 Peter 5:8). What’s he after? The God-given potential he knows lies within you. You’re a seed capable of producing a harvest of blessing. 2)Stand firm in the faith.Why? Because you can’t stand on your feelings, your circumstances, or the opinions of others. Those things change constantly, so you must stand firm on the Word of God. 3)Act like an adult.Why? Because being childish won’t cut it when the battle is raging. It’s time to grow up; if you’re still making the same mistakes twenty-five years later, you’re not learning enough. 4)Be strong.Why? Because weakness is an invitation to the Enemy. It always precedes surrender – and giving up is not an option for you. God told His people the promised land was theirs – but they would have to fight for it. And you will too!
Wed, 13 Mar 2024 - 1409 - Put your heart into your part
You have probably heard that unless you’re the lead dog, the view seldom changes. The problem is, however, not everybody can be the leading man or woman. And it’s better to be a working actor than an out-of-work star; at least you get to be in the play! Besides, most great achievers, if they are honest, will tell you they couldn’t have done it alone; they needed the contributions of each member of the team. So if God has placed you in a supporting role today, accept it without complaining. Do your part to make the entire production stronger. Not only will you learn all about team spirit, and that’s important for when you do get to lead, you will also learn the Christlike virtue ofhumility. The Bible says you will ‘grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body…[who] holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly’ (vv. 15-16 CEV). So, put your heart into your part. Stop and think about how you’re living your life. Are you giving it everything you’ve got, or are you holding out, hoping somebody else will recognise your talent? It’s not about the greatness of the part you have been given, it’s about how much effort you put into doing it. If God has placed you in a supporting role rather than a starring one, it’s because He recognises that the team needs your particular strengths and talents. Ask Him to help you accept the role He has given you – whatever it is – and learn to fulfil it with gratitude and dignity. Contribute from wherever you are today.
Tue, 12 Mar 2024 - 1408 - Take it easy, Mum
An old, tired-looking dog wandered into a woman’s garden. She could tell from looking at him that he had a good home. He followed her inside, down the hall, and promptly fell asleep. Two hours later, he went to the door and she let him out. The next day he came back, resumed his position, and napped for a couple of hours. This went on for a week. Curious, the woman pinned this note to his collar: ‘Every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.’ The next day, the dog showed up with a note that read: ‘He lives at home with ten children – apparently he needs some quiet time. Can I come with him tomorrow?’ If you’re a mother, you can probably relate! Carla Barnhill, author ofThe Myth of the Perfect Mother, writes: ‘I just can’t do it anymore. I can’t keep trying to be SuperMum. I wasn’t all that good at it to begin with. I’ve tried to be the perfect combination of devoted mum…loving wife…solid Christian…and have failed miserably…But even if I had been able to pull all of that off, I’m not convinced any of us should…we don’t have to be impressive…[or] follow some random rules about what motherhood should look like. Grace means we already matter to the One who matters most, our good, loving, and grace-filled God! So let’s drop our capes, put down our halos, retire our medals, and let ourselves be the sometimes flawed, sometimes awesome mums God made us to be.’ In other words: ‘Try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities.’
Sun, 10 Mar 2024 - 1407 - Turning two families into one
Due to the divorce rate today, both inside the church and outside, couples are falling in love and facing the challenge of blending two families into one. Here are some of those challenges: visiting rights, custodial care, court intervention, and ex-in-law involvement. Add to that a mountain of paperwork and legal specifications, and it’s like negotiating an international peace treaty.Youchose to marry your new spouse, but yourchildrendidn’t get that choice. So, it’s not enough to bring them all together under the same roof and say, ‘Play nice.’ Their world has been turned upside down, and you must allow them time to digest the situation and find their place in the new order of things. ‘Love will solve all our problems’ is a nice sentiment, but it’s not true. You say, ‘But the Bible says, “Love never fails”’ (1 Corinthians 13:8 NKJV). Yes, and it also says, ‘Love suffers long and is kind’ (v. 4 NKJV). You’re going to need truckloads of patience and kindness to make this work. So: 1) Prepare yourself and your children for the changes that are about to take place. 2) Listen to your child’s fears without saying, ‘Don’t be silly, everything will be okay.’ For as long as they need to talk, that’s how long you need to listen. 3) Pray, pray, pray! Ask God to give youHisplan, so that this merger can be as painless and stress-free as possible. Your new mate may meetyourpersonal needs for love and security – but remember that your children have those same needs too.
Mon, 11 Mar 2024 - 1406 - The seven-day challenge
Some cancers, like skin cancer, are more obvious and you can remove them. Then there is the kind that grows undetected and it destroys your body. Complaining is like that; it impacts your health and sabotages your success. Paul says, ‘Do everything without grumbling or arguing.’ Dr Ann Shorb writes: ‘If you find yourself…feeling negative and down…listen to what’s being said around you. Is there a lot of grumbling and complaining? Are the people you spend time with constantly expressing discouraging thoughts and feelings?…Maybeyouare the one…griping and complaining…Many times we become our own worst enemy by developing angry or bitter attitudes…Your thoughts and attitudes are your choice. Where you put your mind is up to you!…Follow what the apostle Paul wrote about putting off the negative and putting on the positive (see Colossians 3: 1-15 and Ephesians 4:20-32)…Acknowledge that there are problems…but don’t dwell on them…Do what you can to remedy the situation. Remember…you can never change another person, only yourself and your attitudes…Find the positives…Focus on these and be thankful that God promises to be with you…through the hard times…Use Bible verses and inspirational sayings to re-focus when your thinking starts to go [downhill]…By changing your thinking you change your outlook, and by changing your outlook you change your life.’ To one person the world looks desolate; to another the same world looks rich and interesting. What youseedepends mainly on what youlookfor. Make up your mind not to complain for a day. Then challenge yourself not to complain for a week. You will be amazed at how much better you feel.
Sat, 09 Mar 2024 - 1405 - Live the living Word
Bible expositor Eugene Peterson, author ofThe Message,says: ‘The words printed on the pages of my Bible give witness to the living and active revelation of the God of creation and salvation, the God of love who became the Word made flesh in Jesus, and I had better not forget it. If in my Bible reading I lose touch with this livingness, if I fail to listen to this living Jesus, submit to His sovereignty and respond to His love, I become arrogant in my knowing and impersonal in my behaviour. An enormous amount of damage is done in the name of Christian living by bad Bible reading.Caveat lector,“let the reader beware.”’ It’s not enough to read God’s Word daily, you must practise its principles consistently. The psalmist writes: ‘Oh, how I love Your law! Itismy meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies…I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimoniesaremy meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word. I have not departed from Your judgments, for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste,sweeterthan honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’ (Psalm 119:97-105 NKJV). The Bible becomes a living word, when you decide to live according to its principles and precepts each day.
Fri, 08 Mar 2024 - 1404 - Do the Word
A pastor writes: ‘The Latin word for “listen” is where we get our wordaudit.When you audit a class, you take in lots of information, but you don’t do anything with it. You don’t do the homework, or if you do, you don’t turn it in to get it graded. You don’t take the tests. And you don’t get any credit either. The same is true in our spiritual lives. You don’t get credit for auditing Scripture. You’ve got to put it into practice. Every word of Scripture must be translated via obedience. In the Western world, we make a distinction between knowing and doing. But there was no such distinction in ancient Jewish thought. Knowing was doing and doing was knowing. If you didn’t do it, you didn’t really know it. Knowledge isn’t enough. Truth must be translated with your life.’ James writes: ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do’ (vv. 22-25 NIV). God doesn’t bless you because of what you know but because of what you do about what you know. So each time you come across a verse that tells you to do something, put it into practice that day.
Thu, 07 Mar 2024 - 1403 - Pull down those strongholds!
When the Bible speaks of a stronghold, it’s referring to an area in your life that’s controlled by wrong thinking. And that stronghold will attract people who think the same way and feed off it. But there is good news. Not only will God reveal to you the strongholds in your life, He will show you the experiences that caused them. Some of us worry obsessively about money because we grew up in hard times. As a result, we’re inclined to depend more on ourselves than on God. When it comes to money, we hide it, hoard it, or withhold it. And because we’re afraid to sow it, we miss the very harvest that would solve our problem. ‘So, how can I deal with my stronghold?’ you ask. Attack it with the Word of God. You don’t have to accept whatever comes into your mind; you have a choice! If a thought lines up with the Word of God, accept it – if it doesn’t, reject it. When Satan comes against you, don’t just sit there and say, ‘I wish he would leave me alone. I don’t feel like fighting today.’ If you do, he will ‘devour’ you! (See 1 Peter 5:8.) Paul describes your Bible as ‘the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God’ (Ephesians 6:17 AMPC). Did you get that? The Holy Spirit within you will wield the sword of Scripture for you – provided you have doneyourjob, which is to get the Word of God inside you. Do you want to pull down the strongholds in your life? Reprogram your mind with the truths of God’s Word.
Wed, 06 Mar 2024 - 1402 - Are you tired of living in defeat?
God’s Word is like a prescription from your doctor. You don’t have to understand how the medication works – you just have to faithfully keep taking it. Something amazing happens when you feed regularly on God’s Word. Temptation begins to lose power, and overcoming strength begins to replace it. Each time a Scripture opens up and becomes real to you, your desire for God’s Word increases. But that means reading your Bible even when you don’t feel like it, or think you don’t have time to do it, or you don’t seem to be getting much out of it. The Bible says: ‘As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, so also is my Word…italwaysproduces fruit. It shall accomplish all I want it to’ (Isaiah 55:10-11 TLB). You don’t have to have certain sensations to know that God’s Word is working in you. Indeed, Bible reading will keep you from sin, and sin will keep you from Bible reading. After his affair with Bathsheba, David wrote, ‘I have thought much about your words and stored them in my heart so that they would hold me back from sin’ (Psalm 119:11 TLB). Jesus said, ‘Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.’ Are you tired of living in defeat? Then bathe your mind each day in God’s Word. Let it flow over you until every vestige of sin and carnality is washed away.
Tue, 05 Mar 2024 - 1401 - Don’t doubt your salvation
You would be surprised how many people harbour doubts about their salvation. So, let’s open God’s Word and settle the issue once and for all: ‘God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life…I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you mayknowthat you have eternal life’ (vv. 11-13 NIV). Are you trusting Christ to save you instead of depending on your own good works? Then you’re saved! Jesus said, ‘He who believes in Mehaseverlasting life’ (John 6:47 NKJV). Doubts always arise when you go by your feelings instead of your Bible. Your feelings are like the weather; they constantly change. The devil will also try to tell you salvation is fine for other people, but it won’t work for you. The Bible says Satan is ‘a liar’ (John 8:44). Paul writes, ‘I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return’ (2 Timothy 1:12 NLT). The old-timers used to testify, ‘I thank God for Hissavingandkeepingpower.’ You’re not keeping your salvation; your Saviour is keeping you! So when your faith feels shaky, stop and pray: “Lord Jesus, I have placed my trust in You. Your Word says that I can know I have eternal life. It’s not a matter of feeling good enough or worthy, but of believing that You are worthy. So, I put my trust in You, choose to believe Your Word, and reject my doubts.’
Mon, 04 Mar 2024 - 1400 - What you will do in heaven
Perhaps the reason many of us are not as excited about heaven as we should be is because of what we have been told; that we will stand around playing harps, singing songs, and worshipping God forever. Think about it. When the singing and prayers in the average Sunday-morning service last longer than fifteen minutes, many get bored. So when we hear we will be doing this non-stop, twenty-four hours a day, forever in heaven, you understand why we can’t comprehend it or celebrate it. But there is more than one way of worshipping God. Astronomers approximate the existence of hundreds of billions of galaxies, more than ten galaxies for each person alive today! So, you won’t run out of things to do in heaven, and it certainly won’t be boring. It has taken thousands of years for billions of humans to explore a single tiny planet, and we have barely scratched the surface. Exploring the marvels of the new heavens and the new earth will keep us intrigued forever. And our love for God will grow infinitely bigger as a result. So, we will never cease to worship Him. Jesus told the woman at the well that God is looking for those who ‘worship…in the Spirit and in truth’ (John 4:23 NIV). If you worship out of ignorance, worship is empty. God doesn’t just want you to worship Him; He wants you to know who you are worshipping and why you are worshipping Him. Worship is twofold: ‘in the Spirit and in truth’. So, learning the truth about God will keep you busy, excited, satisfied, and fulfilled for all eternity.
Sun, 03 Mar 2024 - 1399 - Is your business struggling?
When your business is failing, you can lose your sense of security, your peace of mind, and your ability to sleep. It even affects your family. If that’s where you are today, read these words: ‘God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.’ Clear your mind for a moment and think about this: everything you have belongs to God, including your business, right? He is the owner, and you’re the manager. So when trouble comes, you have the right (and the responsibility) to go to Him for help and expect Him to turn things around for you. When nobody else was catching fish, Jesus told the disciples where to find a boatload of them. The Bible says that there is nothing too hard for God (see Jeremiah 32:27), and that includes the problem you’re facing and the situation you are in right now. The writer of Proverbs says, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take’ (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT). And He can guide you through the advice of a friend who is succeeding where you’re failing: ‘Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success’ (Proverbs 15:22 NLT). Sometimes this calls for changing your policies, products, or personnel – and that takes courage and commitment. But if you have built your business on a foundation of integrity, fairness, quality products, and good service, you have the right to go to God in times of trouble, ask for His help, and expect to receive it.
Sat, 02 Mar 2024 - 1398 - Respond with love
Some of the negative people in your life lack intimate relationships. So, they keep others at arm’s length, rarely share their feelings, and are uncomfortable with those who do. They find it easier to condemn than to accept. Their hard-and-fast views make them inflexible. Often these people can’t handle freedom. They need rules that limit their choices, and they only feel secure within their own boundaries. Understanding that will help you deal with them the right way, which is to ‘take the high road’. Peter gives us the rules of that road. (Interestingly, this is now the older, mellower, more spiritual Peter, not the one who whipped out his sword and chopped off the ear of the high priest’s servant.) ‘Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathise with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil”’ (vv. 8-12 NLT). So, the word for today is – don’t retaliate, respond with love.
Fri, 01 Mar 2024 - 1397 - Let God remould you
What would you like to change about yourself? How would you change it? To ask it another way, what would your spouse or your best friend like you to change? Maybe that would be more enlightening. How would you end the sentence, ‘It’s just like me to…’? Always be late? Not stay on a diet? Say the wrong thing? Burst out in anger? Be sad? Jeremiah puts it this way: ‘Can a leopard take away its spots? Neither can you start doing good, for you have always done evil’ (Jeremiah 13:23 NLT). You say, ‘I guess it’s hopeless.’ No, this is where God’s life-changing power comes into operation: ‘If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come’ (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV). Once we commit our lives to Christ, we’re not the same any longer; a new life has begun. That’s why the Bible calls it being ‘born again’. We immediately have a new nature, plus the indwelling Holy Spirit. A set of ‘spiritual batteries’ is included to supply the power! That makes all the difference. Just as your first birth was the beginning of your life, so the new birth is the beginning of this new life. And it’s followed by a lifelong process depicted in Romans 12:2: ‘Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity’ (PHPS).
Thu, 29 Feb 2024 - 1396 - Changing how you pray
Bible prayers are powerful. They put things into perspective. For example, Paul prayed that God would give the Ephesians ‘the Spirit of wisdom and revelation…that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…and his incomparably great power’ (vv.17-19 NIV). With this model in mind, JoHannah Reardon writes this: 1)Make your prayers God centred.The creator of the universe has given you the privilege of bringing your requests to Him. When you tell God how great He is, you’re filled with an expectancy that something great can happen because you’re talking to the One who can do anything. 2)Make them praise filled. Paul starts by saying, ‘I have not stopped giving thanks for you.’ The key isn’t to focus on your troubles, but to thank God and praise Him because He knows what He is doing. Learn to say, ‘I don’t know why I’m having this problem, Lord, and I would love for You to change things. But if You don’t, I know You will use it for good in my life.’ 3)Make them life changing.Most of our prayers are asking God to change our circumstances. But maybe He wants to changeyou. That doesn’t mean He won’t ever intervene; He supplies needs, opens doors, and heals people in incredible ways every day. But when you spend years praying for something that never happens, it may be a clue you’re not praying the right way. Paul found joy in a prison cell, and when God opens your eyes, you will find joy inyoursituation too.
Wed, 28 Feb 2024 - 1395 - Hope for the future
Are you surrounded by people whose mission is to inject ‘a dose of reality’ into your life? They continually point out how tough the economy is, how dismal the job market is, and how the sky is falling down. Jon Walker writes: ‘I remember my high school English teacher telling me not to apply to Cornell University because they wouldn’t accept me, and if they did, I wouldn’t be able to do the work…I almost didn’t apply, but a few days later a former teacher said, “If you get in, go. You can do it.” His words made all the difference. I applied and was accepted…The world needs more optimists, encouragers, and inspirers to speak into the hearts of others and say, “I believe in you. Follow your passion and live your purpose. If you have the desire, you have the power to make it happen. Keep working hard. You’re improving and getting better. The economy is tough, but you can still grow your business. The job market isn’t great, but you’ll find the right job…Even if you fail, it will lead to something even better. You’re learning and growing.” The difference between success and failure isbelief, and often that belief is instilled in us by someone who encouraged us.’ The Bible says, ‘Where there is no vision, the people perish [lack faith and focus]’ (Proverbs 29:18 KJV). Vision is a desire to move ahead; without it, you stay stuck where you are. It doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks; God says, ‘There is…a future…for you,’ and when you look to Him, He will give you the strength to go forward.
Tue, 27 Feb 2024 - 1394 - Try to be more flexible
Flexible people are happy people. They experience a lot less stress than the rigid types who insist on things always being done a certain way. One of the reasons inflexibility is so stressful is that we have to achieve our goals through thinking human beings who often have their own ideas, ideas different from ours. If you’re not the type who is receptive to new ways of doing things because you view them as a personal rejection of your own ideas, ask Jesus the Great Physician to perform some corrective surgery on you. The Pharisees were the epitome of perfectionism and inflexibility. When they accused Jesus of not keeping the Sabbath, He said, ‘The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath’ (Mark 2:27 NLT). Question: How flexible are you? Are you so specific at home that your family stays on edge for fear of violating one of your endless preferences? Must the towels always be folded in a certain way? If plans need to be changed, does it send you into a tailspin or do you stop and consider that God may have a different plan? Don’t try to justify your behaviour by hiding under the cloak of ‘excellence’. Yes, you would like to see things done in the best manner possible; however, seek to understand when your behaviour leaves the realm of being excellent and begins to border on being an inflexible perfectionist who not only creates stress for yourself but for others as well. The word for today is – relax. Bend a little. Try going with the flow.
Mon, 26 Feb 2024 - 1393 - Armed for spiritual warfare (3)
Your spiritual armour must be put on correctly so that all the pieces fit; otherwise, you’re vulnerable to defeat at Satan’s hands. So, how do you do that? Paul tells us how: ‘Pray in the Spirit at all times.’ Your clothes closet is where you find what you need to wear in the natural realm, and your prayer closet is where you find what you need to wear in the spiritual realm. Only through prayer do you become clothed for spiritual warfare, so don’t go into battle undressed. Paul writes, ‘Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh’ (Romans 13:14 NIV). That’s one of the most effective verses in Scripture when it comes to winning over temptation. Professionals who train dogs to listen and obey their commands no matter what, start by throwing a piece of red meat in front of the dog. The untrained dog immediately goes for it, but eventually the trainer teaches the animal to give him its undivided attention regardless of what’s put in front of it. When the training process is complete, the dog will not take its eyes off its master even when temptation is right under its nose. There is an important lesson here for you. If you keep your eyes on Jesus, it won’t matter what kind of lie or temptation Satan throws your way. Every now and then you may want to ‘go for it’, but if you stay focused on Jesus and listen to His voice alone, you will be victorious in the fight.
Sun, 25 Feb 2024 - 1392 - Armed for spiritual warfare (2)
Let’s look at the next three pieces of spiritual armour God has provided for us to live victoriously: 1) ‘You will need faith as your shield’ (v. 16 TLB). For what? ‘To stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan’ (v. 16 TLB). Do you remember in the old western movies the battles between the Native Americans and the settlers? The settlers circled the wagons, and the Native Americans shot flaming arrows into them. They both understood that you can’t fight fires and fight foes at the same time; flaming arrows are a distraction. Satan uses the same tactic. But faith (focusing on God’s Word) snuffs out those flaming arrows. 2) ‘Put on salvation as your helmet’ (v. 17 NLT). This helmet protects your mind. When Satan whispers, ‘If you were really a Christian, you wouldn’t have…’, you repel his attacks by knowing your identity in Christ – a blood-bought, totally forgiven, seen-as-righteous, heaven-bound child of God. 3) ‘Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’ (v. 17 NLT). ‘The word of God’ referred to here isn’tlogos(the written word) butrhéma, which means ‘utterance’. It calls for speaking God’s Word to defeat Satan; utilising the right Scripture at the right time to deal with the problem. That’s why Satan fights you so hard over Bible reading. Three times he attacked Jesus in the wilderness, and three times Jesus answered, ‘It is written’ (Matthew 4:4-10 KJV). He demolished Satan with Scripture! The devil can out-argue you, but he has no defence against the Word of God. So, memorise the Scriptures, and use them as a weapon to defeat him.
Sat, 24 Feb 2024 - 1391 - Armed for spiritual warfare (1)
Every day you live, you will battle the world, the flesh, and the devil. In order to be armed for spiritual warfare, Paul gives us six specific pieces of spiritual armour. Here are the first three: 1) The sturdy ‘belt of truth’ (v. 14 NLT). During World War II, a plane flew many miles past its destination. Why? Because the crew, not realising there were such strong tailwinds, refused to believe the cockpit instruments. As a result, everyone on board perished. Yet when the plane was found years later, the instruments were still in perfect working order. You can depend on God’s Word to guide you right. Read it daily and believe it no matter what your mind or emotions tell you. 2) ‘The body armour of God’s righteousness’ (v. 14 NLT). Note, it is God’s righteousness, not yours. You’re not saved by trusting your own performance but by trusting Christ’s performance on the cross. When you know that, God’s righteousness becomes the breastplate that protects your heart from doubts about your salvation (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). 3) ‘For shoes, put on…peace’ (Ephesians 6:15 NLT). Shoes indicate you’re going somewhere, so don’t expect to hear from God if you’re determined to remain frozen in the same spot. When you start moving ahead, He confirms the rightness of your direction by giving you a sense of peace (see Colossians 3:15). You ‘know in your knower’ that you’re on the right track. When you don’t have peace about it, seek God for direction. This is particularly important if you’re a self-starter who loves what you do. God wants you to have an abiding sense of His peace – so, don’t go without it.
Fri, 23 Feb 2024 - 1390 - Don’t doubt God
John writes: ‘Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them…Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed’ (vv. 24-28 NLT). Jesus picked a doubter to be His disciple. And when he doubted, Jesus didn’t denounce and dismiss him. He actually put in a special appearance to resolve his doubts and build his faith. Elisabeth Elliott said, ‘True faith only goes into operation when there are no answers.’ God says, ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts’ (Isaiah 55:8 KJV). The truth is, God doesn’t think like us. He sees the big picture, and He works towards a specific end. Jesus said, ‘I have many more things to say…but they are too much for you now’ (John 16:12 NCV). So when you find yourself doubting, pray: ‘Lord, believing isn’t easy when I’m hurt and confused, and You are silent. Like Thomas, I want proof that You love me. Help me to see beyond my desire for peace and comfort, beyond my doubts and unanswered questions, and to grasp the truth of Your unfailing love and grace.’
Thu, 22 Feb 2024 - 1389 - Live with integrity at home
Make your life an open book. Establish a system of values against which all of life is judged. Walk with God; maintain your integrity at work and at home, and you will make the right choice every time. Lot failed to do this, and it cost him dearly. ‘Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law…and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!” But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking’ (v. 14 NKJV). When you lose your integrity, you lose your credibility. If you’re a parent, guard your children physically when they’re young, and emotionally as they mature. Teach them to respect others and get to know the people they’re dating. Be sure to check whattheyandyouwatch on TV and do on the internet. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be fun to be around. Show your lighter side. Don’t be so preoccupied with work or church that you’re a prude or a bore. ‘A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance’ (Proverbs 15:13 KJV). The point is, if you ‘talk the talk’, be sure you ‘walk the walk’. When Lot tried to warn his family, they ‘looked at him as though he had lost his senses’ (Genesis 19:14 TLB). Was he too busy making a living to teach them what mattered most in life? Did he say one thing and do another? We don’t know. But any way you cut it, his loss was tragic. The truth is that your integrity, or the lack of it, will have consequences not only in your own life but also in the lives of your loved ones.
Wed, 21 Feb 2024 - 1388 - What’s the ‘most important’ thing to you?
The story is told of Major Arthur Godfrey Peuchen, a wealthy Canadian man who survived theTitanic. After it struck the iceberg, he returned to his stateroom and, ignoring cash, jewellery, and other valuable possessions worth around $300,000, grabbed a favourite pearl pin and three oranges. Later, he was reported to have said, ‘The money seemed to be a mere mockery at that time.’ Circumstances transformed his values; tragedy clarified his priorities. The question is not will your calendar be full, butwhowill fill it andwhatwill it be filled with? If you’re wise, you will consult God as to your life’s priorities, then keep them before you at all times (see Proverbs 3:6). In a survey, people over ninety were asked, ‘If you had your life to live over, what would you do differently?’ Three answers constantly emerged: 1) I would spend more time with my family and friends. 2) I would try more things and take more risks. 3) I would give myself to something that would live on after I’m gone. Petty things steal too much of our time, and we finish up living by the wrong priorities. If you say yes to every request, you will never get around to doing what God has called you to do. Paul had it figured out: ‘The most important thing is that I complete my mission, the work that the Lord Jesus gave me.’ A life in which anything goes is a life in which nothing goes. Your greatest challenge isthinkinganddoingthings that ultimately matter. ‘Oh, that they were wise,thatthey understood this,thatthey would consider their latter end!’ (Deuteronomy 32:29 NKJV).
Tue, 20 Feb 2024 - 1387 - The breaking process (3)
The Bible says that Jesus ‘took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes’ (v. 19 NKJV). Notice the progression in this story: the loaves were taken, blessed, broken, then given to others. That’s how God works! In order to bless others through you, He will take you, bless you, break you, and give you to others. Paul had to be broken of pride. ‘I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh…Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me…For when I am weak, then I am strong’ (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 NLT). So, if you have a ‘thorny’ person or situation in your life, God wants you to experience His grace and power through dealing with them. Paul finally reached the place where he could thank God for his ‘thorn’. The Bible speaks about ‘the sacrifice of praise to God’ (Hebrews 13:15 KJV). When you’re willing to sacrifice in order to have something, it means you value it enough to pay the price for it. Do you want to walk in God’s power? To experience His blessing? Then thank God for your ‘thorny situation’, and embrace the breaking process through which He is taking you today.
Mon, 19 Feb 2024 - 1323 - Winning the battle over apathy
‘Stir up the gift of God which is in you.’ 2 Timothy 1:6 NKJV
Paul told Timothy, ‘Stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.’ That Scripture means, even though you’re gifted, you can become apathetic if you don’t keep doing the right things. ‘Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away’ (Hebrews 2:1 NKJV). The word ‘drift’ is not only slow and subtle, it’s deadly. Let’s look at two of the things that can rob you of your passion, enthusiasm, motivation, and focus. 1)Lack of goals.‘Without a vision the people perish’ (see Proverbs 29:18). What used to enthuse you? What destroyed your interest in it? Is it a desire you could revive? Put it down in writing. Ignore the potential cost or reasons it might not work. Just indulge your mind in the luxury of feeling optimistic and excited about something, even a small thing. 2)Wrong goals.Are you pursuing a goal you feel was imposed upon you by someone else? Or like Jonah before he was swallowed by the whale, possibly you’re rowing against the tide of God’s will for your life. Check with Him and see if this is so. Did God really lead you to pamper yourself in that extravagant item that’s now requiring you to work two jobs? Or maybe the time has come to an end for a goal that was part of God’s plan for a specific season of your life. Moving on is sometimes difficult, but oh, the joy and peace of knowing that you are in the centre of God’s perfect will!
Sun, 17 Dec 2023
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