Text
“He replied, ‘You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God” (Mark 4:11, NLT).
Insight
Jesus shares three truths: 1. Believers are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. God wants us to understand (not be confused or miss out on) the wonderful things He has freely given us (1 Corinthians 2). 2. The parable of the Farmer and the Soils is key to understanding all the parables. 3. The closer we listen and study these parables the more understanding will be given to us. Each time we carefully observe a parable, the Spirit leads us into more understanding.
Jesus tells the parable of the Farmer and the Soils to help us understand the Kingdom of God. The Farmer is anyone who shares the Truth of the Word with someone else. The seed is the Truth. And the soil is descriptive of how the Truth is received by the hearer.
In this parable four possible results (soils) are shared. The “Footpath” represents those who “hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away” (Mark 4:15). The “Rocky Soil” represents those who “receive it with joy.” However, they quickly fall away because of persecution and problems because they do not have deep roots. Next, is the “Thorny Soil.” These hear God’s Word but the Truth gets quickly “crowded out” by the worries of this world, lures of wealth and the desires for other things. Lastly, the “Good Soil” are those who both hear and accept God’s word. The Truth produces a harvest in this soil… 30 – 60 – 100 fold.
So, “pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given… and you will receive even more” (Mark 4:24, NLT).
Prayer
Father, thank You for permitting me to understand the secret of your Kingdom. Holy Spirit guide me into all truth and keep my heart open. May I be good soil for the seed of the Word. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Desire
Text
“The sinful nature wants to do what is evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us the desires that are opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intensions” (Galatians 5:17, NLT).
Insight
Two opposing forces stir desires in my life. These forces “are constantly fighting each other.” The sinful nature produces desires to do evil creating and erratic compulsions that lead me towards a trap. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit produces desires designed to lead me in love and towards freedom.
I have no control over whether or not I experience these desires. They come and go. I do, however, have a choice in how I respond to them.
Paul reveals that I have two choices when it comes to responding to the desires of the sinful nature: Gratify or Crucify. When I choose to gratify the desires of the sinful nature the results are a life that “will not inherit the Kingdom of God” (5:21). When I crucify these desires I live free to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I also have two choices when it comes to responding to the Holy Spirit: Follow or Squander. When I follow the desires of the Holy Spirit, He produces the fruit of the Spirit in my life… I serve others and love others as myself. However, when I squander the leading of the Spirit I forfeit a satisfying and fulfilling encounter with Him.
How should I respond? Nail “the passions and desires of the sinful nature to his cross” and crucify them there. Live by the Spirit and follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of your life (5:24).
Prayer
Father, I choose to crucify the desires of my sinful nature! Also, I choose to follow the desires and leading of the Spirit. Thank You for giving me the freedom in Christ to choose. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“The sinful nature wants to do what is evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us the desires that are opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intensions” (Galatians 5:17, NLT).
Insight
Two opposing forces stir desires in my life. These forces “are constantly fighting each other.” The sinful nature produces desires to do evil creating and erratic compulsions that lead me towards a trap. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit produces desires designed to lead me in love and towards freedom.
I have no control over whether or not I experience these desires. They come and go. I do, however, have a choice in how I respond to them.
Paul reveals that I have two choices when it comes to responding to the desires of the sinful nature: Gratify or Crucify. When I choose to gratify the desires of the sinful nature the results are a life that “will not inherit the Kingdom of God” (5:21). When I crucify these desires I live free to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I also have two choices when it comes to responding to the Holy Spirit: Follow or Squander. When I follow the desires of the Holy Spirit, He produces the fruit of the Spirit in my life… I serve others and love others as myself. However, when I squander the leading of the Spirit I forfeit a satisfying and fulfilling encounter with Him.
How should I respond? Nail “the passions and desires of the sinful nature to his cross” and crucify them there. Live by the Spirit and follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of your life (5:24).
Prayer
Father, I choose to crucify the desires of my sinful nature! Also, I choose to follow the desires and leading of the Spirit. Thank You for giving me the freedom in Christ to choose. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Use Your Freedom
Text
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13, NLT).
Insight
How are we to use this freedom we have in Christ? Is this freedom given to us as a license to act and behave any way we want? Is it so we can indulge our sinful nature without consequence? Is it God’s way of turning His head and saying… Oh, boys will be boys… and simply overlooking our wrongs? Absolutely not! Paul writes in Romans, “Don’t you realize that you become a slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living” (Romans 6:16, NLT).
Paul challenges us to use our freedom (not to indulge ourselves, but) to “serve one another in love.” The greatest expression of freedom in Christ is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (5:14). We are free to consider others and their needs ahead of our own. WHY… because God has considered our needs and met them in Christ. We can focus on others and be free from the fear of lack. God supplies all of our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
So, the next time the Holy Spirit puts the desire to serve someone in your heart… follow it. Refuse to debate yourself out of it asking all these “What if” questions. God’s got your back. It’s the whole reason He set you free in the first place. Who is in your life that you can serve? Whose your neighbor and are you loving them as yourself… You are free!
Prayer
Father, thank You for setting me free to love and serve others. Open my eyes to the need of those around me. Help me to walk free from the What If’s in the certainty of Your provisions. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13, NLT).
Insight
How are we to use this freedom we have in Christ? Is this freedom given to us as a license to act and behave any way we want? Is it so we can indulge our sinful nature without consequence? Is it God’s way of turning His head and saying… Oh, boys will be boys… and simply overlooking our wrongs? Absolutely not! Paul writes in Romans, “Don’t you realize that you become a slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living” (Romans 6:16, NLT).
Paul challenges us to use our freedom (not to indulge ourselves, but) to “serve one another in love.” The greatest expression of freedom in Christ is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (5:14). We are free to consider others and their needs ahead of our own. WHY… because God has considered our needs and met them in Christ. We can focus on others and be free from the fear of lack. God supplies all of our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
So, the next time the Holy Spirit puts the desire to serve someone in your heart… follow it. Refuse to debate yourself out of it asking all these “What if” questions. God’s got your back. It’s the whole reason He set you free in the first place. Who is in your life that you can serve? Whose your neighbor and are you loving them as yourself… You are free!
Prayer
Father, thank You for setting me free to love and serve others. Open my eyes to the need of those around me. Help me to walk free from the What If’s in the certainty of Your provisions. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Freedom WARNING
Text
“Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: if you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you” (Galatians 5:2, NLT).
Insight
Paul warns believers about the impact their belief system on everyday life. Why a warning… Because a person can forfeit the benefits accomplished by Christ. Believers can cut themselves off from Christ and fall away from the practical application of God’s grace in daily life.
We jeopardize our benefits in Christ and the application of God’s grace when we are behavior focused versus faith focused. The two extremes of being behavior focused are: What I do does NOT matter and What I do DOES matter. When we say what we do does NOT matter we subject ourselves to bondage. This is a misunderstanding of grace and a selfish indulgence of our sinful nature. When we say what we do DOES matter… ie can make us right with God or cause us to be rejected by God… this is self-righteousness and bondage to the law.
What is important and central is faith that expresses itself in love (5:5). Its our faith that gains us access to God’s grace and the benefits of Christ. We believe that Christ has accomplished a right standing with God and offers it to us as a free gift. To receive this blessing brings freedom. We are free from the bondages of trying to earn a righteousness from God and free to receive all the benefits we could not earn on our own.
“So, Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law” (5:1). Keep your focus on Him and all he accomplished for you.
Prayer
Father, thank You for sending Your Son. By faith I receive all that Christ has accomplished for me. Help me to stay focused on faith and not on behavior. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: if you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you” (Galatians 5:2, NLT).
Insight
Paul warns believers about the impact their belief system on everyday life. Why a warning… Because a person can forfeit the benefits accomplished by Christ. Believers can cut themselves off from Christ and fall away from the practical application of God’s grace in daily life.
We jeopardize our benefits in Christ and the application of God’s grace when we are behavior focused versus faith focused. The two extremes of being behavior focused are: What I do does NOT matter and What I do DOES matter. When we say what we do does NOT matter we subject ourselves to bondage. This is a misunderstanding of grace and a selfish indulgence of our sinful nature. When we say what we do DOES matter… ie can make us right with God or cause us to be rejected by God… this is self-righteousness and bondage to the law.
What is important and central is faith that expresses itself in love (5:5). Its our faith that gains us access to God’s grace and the benefits of Christ. We believe that Christ has accomplished a right standing with God and offers it to us as a free gift. To receive this blessing brings freedom. We are free from the bondages of trying to earn a righteousness from God and free to receive all the benefits we could not earn on our own.
“So, Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law” (5:1). Keep your focus on Him and all he accomplished for you.
Prayer
Father, thank You for sending Your Son. By faith I receive all that Christ has accomplished for me. Help me to stay focused on faith and not on behavior. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Eagerly Awaiting
Text
“But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us” (Galatians 5:5, NLT).
Insight
In Galatians, what does it mean to “live by” the Spirit? It means to trust in, rely on and count on the Holy Spirit. It is in contrast to trusting in and counting on our ourselves. Paul states it this way, “If you are counting on circumcision… If you are trying to find favor with God… If you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law” in comparison to “we who live by (count on, rely on and trust in) the Spirit.”
What are we relying on and counting on the Holy Spirit to do in our lives? We believe that He is applying the righteousness of God into our lives. Practically speaking, this means that the Spirit is applying all that Christ has accomplished and all that Christ IS into our daily life. The attitude and actions of Christ… His love, joy, patience, self-control… is being gradually poured into me. So my behavior is being molded and transformed by the Spirit… not my best intentioned self improvement projects.
Why do we have to “wait”? Now that’s a good question… On the one hand I “eagerly” desire to act like Christ. But on the other, I am bound to the gradual, lingering… waiting… as the Holy Spirit works Christ into me. Honestly, I’m not sure exactly why God decided to work it this way. Perhaps because it causes me to daily draw near to Him for all I need. So, while I wait, I daily draw near thanking Him for all He has promised. Today, I “eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness of God.” How about you?
Prayer
Father, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit. I patiently trust that the attitude and actions of Christ are being applied into my life. Holy Spirit lead me. Continue to give me the desires that produce the fruit of the Spirit. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us” (Galatians 5:5, NLT).
Insight
In Galatians, what does it mean to “live by” the Spirit? It means to trust in, rely on and count on the Holy Spirit. It is in contrast to trusting in and counting on our ourselves. Paul states it this way, “If you are counting on circumcision… If you are trying to find favor with God… If you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law” in comparison to “we who live by (count on, rely on and trust in) the Spirit.”
What are we relying on and counting on the Holy Spirit to do in our lives? We believe that He is applying the righteousness of God into our lives. Practically speaking, this means that the Spirit is applying all that Christ has accomplished and all that Christ IS into our daily life. The attitude and actions of Christ… His love, joy, patience, self-control… is being gradually poured into me. So my behavior is being molded and transformed by the Spirit… not my best intentioned self improvement projects.
Why do we have to “wait”? Now that’s a good question… On the one hand I “eagerly” desire to act like Christ. But on the other, I am bound to the gradual, lingering… waiting… as the Holy Spirit works Christ into me. Honestly, I’m not sure exactly why God decided to work it this way. Perhaps because it causes me to daily draw near to Him for all I need. So, while I wait, I daily draw near thanking Him for all He has promised. Today, I “eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness of God.” How about you?
Prayer
Father, thank You for the promise of the Holy Spirit. I patiently trust that the attitude and actions of Christ are being applied into my life. Holy Spirit lead me. Continue to give me the desires that produce the fruit of the Spirit. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Sign Posts and Guard-Rails
Text
“Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sin” (Galatians 3:19, NLT).
“Let me put it to you another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be make right with God through faith” (Galatians 3:24, NLT).
Insight
The law was not given as a way by which we could be made right with God. “If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it” (3:21). The fact is there is only one way to freedom: “By believing in Jesus Christ” (3:22).
The purpose of the law was to function like a sign post. It was designed to point people to God. So, when we look into the mirror of the law, we see how we have failed and sinned. We realize that we have not and cannot obey it. It shows us our sin and points us to God. When we look into the law we conclude we need God; His mercy and salvation.
Also, the law acts as a guard-rail. It protects us from running into the ditches of life. When we rub up against or sometimes slam up against the guard-rail, we realize we are going in the wrong direction. We need to repent… turn around… and head back onto the path of righteousness.
The law was designed to function for a limited time… “until the way of faith was revealed” (3:23). Christ came to fulfill the requirements of the law and offers His blessings and righteousness to all who believe in Him. In Him we live by the law of love that brings life and in Him we are set free from the law which brings the curse of sin and death.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the law… For I would not have known what was right and wrong except You show me. When confronted with my failure to meet the requirements of the law, help me to run to You, not from You. Protect me from the deceptive paths that will lead me into ruin. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sin” (Galatians 3:19, NLT).
“Let me put it to you another way. The law was our guardian until Christ came; it protected us until we could be make right with God through faith” (Galatians 3:24, NLT).
Insight
The law was not given as a way by which we could be made right with God. “If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it” (3:21). The fact is there is only one way to freedom: “By believing in Jesus Christ” (3:22).
The purpose of the law was to function like a sign post. It was designed to point people to God. So, when we look into the mirror of the law, we see how we have failed and sinned. We realize that we have not and cannot obey it. It shows us our sin and points us to God. When we look into the law we conclude we need God; His mercy and salvation.
Also, the law acts as a guard-rail. It protects us from running into the ditches of life. When we rub up against or sometimes slam up against the guard-rail, we realize we are going in the wrong direction. We need to repent… turn around… and head back onto the path of righteousness.
The law was designed to function for a limited time… “until the way of faith was revealed” (3:23). Christ came to fulfill the requirements of the law and offers His blessings and righteousness to all who believe in Him. In Him we live by the law of love that brings life and in Him we are set free from the law which brings the curse of sin and death.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the law… For I would not have known what was right and wrong except You show me. When confronted with my failure to meet the requirements of the law, help me to run to You, not from You. Protect me from the deceptive paths that will lead me into ruin. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Keep On Keepin' On
Text
“In the same way, ‘Abraham believed God and God counted him as righteous because of his faith’” (Galatians 3:6, NLT).
Insight
It is clear that God works in us and among us because we believe… Not because we are flawless. If God only worked miracles and accepted us when we acted flawlessly, well, he wouldn’t work at all.
Genesis 15:6 tells us that Abraham believed God and because of this active trusting in His promise… God considered Abraham as flawlessly right in His sight. Daily Abraham made a choice to trust the promise of God. I am sure some days it was easy to trust God for the promises that were to come. But, on the other hand, I’m sure some days Abraham had to determine to keep on keeping on believing. Perhaps these were the days when everything around him seemed to give him reason not to believe. It was an active daily choice to trust. And “the real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their (daily) faith in God” (Galatians 3:7, “daily” is added).
Romans chapter 4 tells us “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping.” He chose to believe God would bring to pass what He said. “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In face, his faith grew stronger… He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises” (Romans 4:20, 21). Imagine that… a faith that grows in the face of hopelessness.
You can be assured that God will also count you as righteous as you believe and trust in Him. Reaffirm your trust in Him daily especially when doubt and discouragement are trying to set in. Focus on God’s promise and allow your faith to grow strong even to the place of being fully convinced.
Prayer
Father, I trust You. Today I reaffirm that my hope is in You. Thank You for the example of Your servant Abraham and how he kept on believing, did not waver and grew strong in his faith. Strengthen my faith as I focus on You and what You are able to do. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“In the same way, ‘Abraham believed God and God counted him as righteous because of his faith’” (Galatians 3:6, NLT).
Insight
It is clear that God works in us and among us because we believe… Not because we are flawless. If God only worked miracles and accepted us when we acted flawlessly, well, he wouldn’t work at all.
Genesis 15:6 tells us that Abraham believed God and because of this active trusting in His promise… God considered Abraham as flawlessly right in His sight. Daily Abraham made a choice to trust the promise of God. I am sure some days it was easy to trust God for the promises that were to come. But, on the other hand, I’m sure some days Abraham had to determine to keep on keeping on believing. Perhaps these were the days when everything around him seemed to give him reason not to believe. It was an active daily choice to trust. And “the real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their (daily) faith in God” (Galatians 3:7, “daily” is added).
Romans chapter 4 tells us “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping.” He chose to believe God would bring to pass what He said. “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In face, his faith grew stronger… He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises” (Romans 4:20, 21). Imagine that… a faith that grows in the face of hopelessness.
You can be assured that God will also count you as righteous as you believe and trust in Him. Reaffirm your trust in Him daily especially when doubt and discouragement are trying to set in. Focus on God’s promise and allow your faith to grow strong even to the place of being fully convinced.
Prayer
Father, I trust You. Today I reaffirm that my hope is in You. Thank You for the example of Your servant Abraham and how he kept on believing, did not waver and grew strong in his faith. Strengthen my faith as I focus on You and what You are able to do. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Preserve the Truth
Text
“But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the Gospel message for you” (Galatians 2:5, NLT).
Insight
The fact is… the enemy wants to keep us enslaved to a rule-keeping, trying harder and driven to impress approach to life. He is not happy about your freedom in Christ and wants to reduce you, kidnap you and pull you back into an old and ineffective belief system. We must be like Paul: “determined to preserve the truth” (Galatians 2:5, NLT).
The enemy uses all kinds of old tactics to trick us. Things like fear about our reputation or for provision. He tries to get us hung up about our appearances and driven to impress others. He gets us focused on behavior and not our Savior. We get off track and spend life’s energy trying to be good, control our environments, to win approval and feel good about ourselves.
Peter struggled with this. At times he was driven to impress others and appear important. This was fueled by a fear of the opinions of man. Peter struggled with a desire to be approved, praised and accepted. These fears led him astray and pulled him away from following the truth and freedom. Eventually, he even mis-led others.
We need God’s strength to refuse to give into similar pressures. Let’s preserve the truth. Be determined to walk in freedom. Get rid of the need to impress and live by appearances. Live in this body by trusting in the Son of God, who loves you and gave himself for you (Galatians 2:20).
Prayer
Father, I want to preserve the Truth in my life. I want to walk in freedom. Strengthen me to walk free from the fear of man. Help me to avoid the enemy’s traps. I will refuse to give in. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the Gospel message for you” (Galatians 2:5, NLT).
Insight
The fact is… the enemy wants to keep us enslaved to a rule-keeping, trying harder and driven to impress approach to life. He is not happy about your freedom in Christ and wants to reduce you, kidnap you and pull you back into an old and ineffective belief system. We must be like Paul: “determined to preserve the truth” (Galatians 2:5, NLT).
The enemy uses all kinds of old tactics to trick us. Things like fear about our reputation or for provision. He tries to get us hung up about our appearances and driven to impress others. He gets us focused on behavior and not our Savior. We get off track and spend life’s energy trying to be good, control our environments, to win approval and feel good about ourselves.
Peter struggled with this. At times he was driven to impress others and appear important. This was fueled by a fear of the opinions of man. Peter struggled with a desire to be approved, praised and accepted. These fears led him astray and pulled him away from following the truth and freedom. Eventually, he even mis-led others.
We need God’s strength to refuse to give into similar pressures. Let’s preserve the truth. Be determined to walk in freedom. Get rid of the need to impress and live by appearances. Live in this body by trusting in the Son of God, who loves you and gave himself for you (Galatians 2:20).
Prayer
Father, I want to preserve the Truth in my life. I want to walk in freedom. Strengthen me to walk free from the fear of man. Help me to avoid the enemy’s traps. I will refuse to give in. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Reveal
Text
“But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles” (Galatians 1:15 – 16, NLT).
Insight
God wants us to know Him and experience His love, forgiveness and grace. It pleases God to reveal Himself to us. He delights in unveiling His love to us, opening His grace, exposing His mercy, laying bare His compassion and disclosing His faithfulness! He longs to be found.
When God reveals Himself to men it gives us purpose. It helps us understand that God has called us and chosen us for Himself. We are no longer seeking to define our lives by what is around us: What we have, What we do, Who we know… Rather, life is defined by Who is in us and what He’s done for us. And our daily purpose becomes partnering with Him to reveal His love through His Son to everyone.
So, if God reveals, what hides? Sin hides… It darkens our minds so we don’t comprehend His love. It blinds our ability to see His grace. It makes us deft to hear His Message of mercy and forgiveness. It hardens our harts from loving Him and others.
That said, God invites us saying, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3, NKJ). By His Spirit, God will reveals “the wonderful things He has freely given us” (1 Corinthians 2:12). He reveals Himself through His Word.
So, call out to your God. He will answer you and show you mighty things. He delights in revealing the wonderful things he has given us.
Prayer
Father, give me power and ability to understand and receive “how wide, how long, how high and how deep” (Ephesians 3:18) is Your love for me… So that, I might experience the love of Christ and be progressively made more like Him. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles” (Galatians 1:15 – 16, NLT).
Insight
God wants us to know Him and experience His love, forgiveness and grace. It pleases God to reveal Himself to us. He delights in unveiling His love to us, opening His grace, exposing His mercy, laying bare His compassion and disclosing His faithfulness! He longs to be found.
When God reveals Himself to men it gives us purpose. It helps us understand that God has called us and chosen us for Himself. We are no longer seeking to define our lives by what is around us: What we have, What we do, Who we know… Rather, life is defined by Who is in us and what He’s done for us. And our daily purpose becomes partnering with Him to reveal His love through His Son to everyone.
So, if God reveals, what hides? Sin hides… It darkens our minds so we don’t comprehend His love. It blinds our ability to see His grace. It makes us deft to hear His Message of mercy and forgiveness. It hardens our harts from loving Him and others.
That said, God invites us saying, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3, NKJ). By His Spirit, God will reveals “the wonderful things He has freely given us” (1 Corinthians 2:12). He reveals Himself through His Word.
So, call out to your God. He will answer you and show you mighty things. He delights in revealing the wonderful things he has given us.
Prayer
Father, give me power and ability to understand and receive “how wide, how long, how high and how deep” (Ephesians 3:18) is Your love for me… So that, I might experience the love of Christ and be progressively made more like Him. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
God's Plan
Text
“Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live” (Galatians 1:4, NLT).
Insight
Our loving Father implemented His plan… For He so loved us, His creation, that He could not stand for us to be apart. So, He “called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ” (1:6, NLT). His plan provided the Way.
God understood our problem. Sin separated us from God. It took advantage of us and brought spiritual death (Rom 7). Empowered by law, “sin used what was good to bring about… condemnation to death” (Romans 7:13). Paul relates the problem this way, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong, it is the sin living in me that does it” (Romans 7:15 – 17, NLT).
God’s plan rescued us from the problem of sin. The core of God’s plan was giving Jesus’ life for our sin in order to rescue us from this evil world. His life rescued us from the power of sin so that we might live for God and not just ourselves. “All glory to God forever and ever” (Galatians 1:5).
There is only one plan; therefore, guard yourself from turning away from God by following a different plan. Any other plan is only pretending to be the Good News. Don’t be fooled by anyone or any plan which twists the Truth.
Prayer
Father, thank You for rescuing me from this evil world and from sin. Thank You for giving Your life for me. Guard me from turning to any other plan than Your Good News. All glory to You, forever and ever. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“Jesus gave his life for our sins, just as God our Father planned, in order to rescue us from this evil world in which we live” (Galatians 1:4, NLT).
Insight
Our loving Father implemented His plan… For He so loved us, His creation, that He could not stand for us to be apart. So, He “called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ” (1:6, NLT). His plan provided the Way.
God understood our problem. Sin separated us from God. It took advantage of us and brought spiritual death (Rom 7). Empowered by law, “sin used what was good to bring about… condemnation to death” (Romans 7:13). Paul relates the problem this way, “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong, it is the sin living in me that does it” (Romans 7:15 – 17, NLT).
God’s plan rescued us from the problem of sin. The core of God’s plan was giving Jesus’ life for our sin in order to rescue us from this evil world. His life rescued us from the power of sin so that we might live for God and not just ourselves. “All glory to God forever and ever” (Galatians 1:5).
There is only one plan; therefore, guard yourself from turning away from God by following a different plan. Any other plan is only pretending to be the Good News. Don’t be fooled by anyone or any plan which twists the Truth.
Prayer
Father, thank You for rescuing me from this evil world and from sin. Thank You for giving Your life for me. Guard me from turning to any other plan than Your Good News. All glory to You, forever and ever. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Consequences
Text
“In this way, God punished Abimelech for the evil he had done against his father by murdering his seventy brothers. God also punished the men of Shechem for all their evil. So the curse of Jotham son of Gideon was fulfilled” (9:56 – 57, NLT).
Insight
After Gideon’s death, his son Abimelech wanted to take his father’s place. “To set his plan in motion he went to Shechem, his mother’s hometown, to drum up support. These relatives were Canaanites and would be glad to unite against Israel” (NLT Study Bible notes).
Abimelech’s selfish plan included killing 70 of his half brothers. By his ruthless acts, Abimelech did evil in the sight of God. He and the leaders of Shechem failed to acknowledge God. When Abimelech ruled, trouble and division came. Perhaps Abimelech believed his plan would prosper and endure and that there would be no consequences for his sin…
However, “you cannot mock the justice of God” (Galatians 6:7, NLT). Evil men and generations who fail to acknowledge Him remain subject to His justice. The facts are: “You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit” (Galatians 6:7 – 8). A lifestyle that acknowledges God and remembers what He has done will find strength to do what is good. Consequently, they “will reap a harvest of blessing if” they “don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).
“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
Prayer
Father, I will not mock You or Your justice. I understand that there are consequences for sin. I acknowledge You and Your will in my life. Thank You for leading me in paths of righteousness. I will do good to everyone. Help me not to grow weary. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“In this way, God punished Abimelech for the evil he had done against his father by murdering his seventy brothers. God also punished the men of Shechem for all their evil. So the curse of Jotham son of Gideon was fulfilled” (9:56 – 57, NLT).
Insight
After Gideon’s death, his son Abimelech wanted to take his father’s place. “To set his plan in motion he went to Shechem, his mother’s hometown, to drum up support. These relatives were Canaanites and would be glad to unite against Israel” (NLT Study Bible notes).
Abimelech’s selfish plan included killing 70 of his half brothers. By his ruthless acts, Abimelech did evil in the sight of God. He and the leaders of Shechem failed to acknowledge God. When Abimelech ruled, trouble and division came. Perhaps Abimelech believed his plan would prosper and endure and that there would be no consequences for his sin…
However, “you cannot mock the justice of God” (Galatians 6:7, NLT). Evil men and generations who fail to acknowledge Him remain subject to His justice. The facts are: “You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit” (Galatians 6:7 – 8). A lifestyle that acknowledges God and remembers what He has done will find strength to do what is good. Consequently, they “will reap a harvest of blessing if” they “don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).
“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
Prayer
Father, I will not mock You or Your justice. I understand that there are consequences for sin. I acknowledge You and Your will in my life. Thank You for leading me in paths of righteousness. I will do good to everyone. Help me not to grow weary. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Why Is All This Happening To Us?
Text
“Sir, Gideon replied, ‘if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites” (6:13, NLT).
Insight
You can tell a lot about how a person thinks by listening to the questions they ask. Gideon’s thinking and perspective was a byproduct of having grown up knowing neither God nor the great things God had done for Israel (2:10). His understanding of God was influenced more by the world around him than out of a personal knowledge and experience with Him.
“If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” This is a great question and one many ask today. However, it is predicated on a non-Biblical worldview. It assumes this: If the Lord is with us… bad things won’t happen to us. The truth is: God is with us and desires to bless us. However, He has given us the ability to choose and free will to walk out our decisions. God had not left Gideon and his generation; rather, Gideon and his generation had left God (6:1). What was happening to them was the due consequence of their evil choices.
“And where are all the miracles our ancestors talked about?” Gideon seemed to believe that if God was with them, He would miraculously fix their problem. So, if the problem wasn’t miraculously fixed… Either the ancestor’s story is false, God doesn’t do that anymore or God is absent and we are on our own… none of which are Biblical conclusions. The angel of the Lord clarified the issue putting the responsibility right back on Gideon saying, “Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel” (6:14). The problem was not that God didn’t have the power; rather, Gideon didn’t see the potential he had in God to go and rescue… do something about himself.
May we develop a Biblical worldview through knowing and acknowledging God and experiencing His greatness in our lives.
Prayer
Father, open my eyes to how the world around me has influenced my thinking. Guard me from non-Biblical thinking. Help me to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“Sir, Gideon replied, ‘if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about? Didn’t they say, ‘The Lord brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites” (6:13, NLT).
Insight
You can tell a lot about how a person thinks by listening to the questions they ask. Gideon’s thinking and perspective was a byproduct of having grown up knowing neither God nor the great things God had done for Israel (2:10). His understanding of God was influenced more by the world around him than out of a personal knowledge and experience with Him.
“If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” This is a great question and one many ask today. However, it is predicated on a non-Biblical worldview. It assumes this: If the Lord is with us… bad things won’t happen to us. The truth is: God is with us and desires to bless us. However, He has given us the ability to choose and free will to walk out our decisions. God had not left Gideon and his generation; rather, Gideon and his generation had left God (6:1). What was happening to them was the due consequence of their evil choices.
“And where are all the miracles our ancestors talked about?” Gideon seemed to believe that if God was with them, He would miraculously fix their problem. So, if the problem wasn’t miraculously fixed… Either the ancestor’s story is false, God doesn’t do that anymore or God is absent and we are on our own… none of which are Biblical conclusions. The angel of the Lord clarified the issue putting the responsibility right back on Gideon saying, “Go with the strength you have and rescue Israel” (6:14). The problem was not that God didn’t have the power; rather, Gideon didn’t see the potential he had in God to go and rescue… do something about himself.
May we develop a Biblical worldview through knowing and acknowledging God and experiencing His greatness in our lives.
Prayer
Father, open my eyes to how the world around me has influenced my thinking. Guard me from non-Biblical thinking. Help me to be transformed by the renewing of my mind. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Take Captive Your Captives
Text
“Wake up, wake up, Deborah! Wake up, wake up, break out in song! Arise, O Barak! Take captive your captives, O son o f Abinoam” (Judges 5:12, NIV).
Insight
Do you need to wake up and take hold of what has a hold on you? Do you need to reverse the situation and break out from that which is holding you back? It is time to “Take captive your captives” (5:12).
That’s exactly the message God gave Deborah to give to Barak. “She sent for Barak … and said to him, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go… and lead the way’ (4:6). “I will lure Sisera… and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands’” (5:7).
The Israelites had been oppressed for twenty years by Jabin, a king of Canaan, and Sisera, his army commander. They were captives because they had once again done evil in the eyes of the Lord. So, they cried out for help against this king and his 900 iron chariots.
Under Barak’s leadership, “The people of the Lord marched down against mighty warriors” (5:13, NLT). Ephraim, Benjamin and Makir marched down. Zebulun came “rushing into the valley” to fight for freedom (5:15). They came to fight, break out and take captive their captives. They “risked their very lives” (5:18, NIV).
However, others refused to fight. They lingered and stayed in the coves. Dan stayed at home and sat unmoved at the seashore. Many suffered from “great indecision” (5:16, NLT) and were cursed “because they did not come to help the Lord, to help the Lord against the mighty warriors” (5:23).
Wake up! Break out from indecision and the desire to sit unmoved. Linger no longer. It’s time to rush to the valley. Take captive your captives.
Prayer
Father, set me free from indecision. Wake me up to the enemies who hold me captive. Stir me with the desire to rush into the valley and to march out against my enemies. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“Wake up, wake up, Deborah! Wake up, wake up, break out in song! Arise, O Barak! Take captive your captives, O son o f Abinoam” (Judges 5:12, NIV).
Insight
Do you need to wake up and take hold of what has a hold on you? Do you need to reverse the situation and break out from that which is holding you back? It is time to “Take captive your captives” (5:12).
That’s exactly the message God gave Deborah to give to Barak. “She sent for Barak … and said to him, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, commands you: ‘Go… and lead the way’ (4:6). “I will lure Sisera… and his troops to the Kishon River and give him into your hands’” (5:7).
The Israelites had been oppressed for twenty years by Jabin, a king of Canaan, and Sisera, his army commander. They were captives because they had once again done evil in the eyes of the Lord. So, they cried out for help against this king and his 900 iron chariots.
Under Barak’s leadership, “The people of the Lord marched down against mighty warriors” (5:13, NLT). Ephraim, Benjamin and Makir marched down. Zebulun came “rushing into the valley” to fight for freedom (5:15). They came to fight, break out and take captive their captives. They “risked their very lives” (5:18, NIV).
However, others refused to fight. They lingered and stayed in the coves. Dan stayed at home and sat unmoved at the seashore. Many suffered from “great indecision” (5:16, NLT) and were cursed “because they did not come to help the Lord, to help the Lord against the mighty warriors” (5:23).
Wake up! Break out from indecision and the desire to sit unmoved. Linger no longer. It’s time to rush to the valley. Take captive your captives.
Prayer
Father, set me free from indecision. Wake me up to the enemies who hold me captive. Stir me with the desire to rush into the valley and to march out against my enemies. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Generation That Didn't Know God
Text “After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10, NLT).
Insight “The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal. They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord. They abandoned the Lord to serve Baal and the images of Ashtoreth. This made the Lord burn with anger against Israel, so he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them. Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress” (2:11-15).
The Lord left these nations in the land to test the Israelites to “see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given” (3:4). He left these nations to “teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle” (3:2). These nations were thorns in the Israelite’s sides and their gods were “a constant temptation” to them (2:3).
The Israelites were stolen from, defeated, unable to resist their enemies and in great distress. They were “burdened by oppression and suffering” (2:18). But the Lord took pity on his people and He would “raise up a judge over Israel” and rescue “the people from their enemies” (2:18). Praise God for His mercy and grace!!!
Prayer Father, rescue me from my enemies. When I am burdened, oppressed or suffering, take pity on me. Rescue me! In Jesus name, AMEN.
Insight “The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal. They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord. They abandoned the Lord to serve Baal and the images of Ashtoreth. This made the Lord burn with anger against Israel, so he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them. Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress” (2:11-15).
The Lord left these nations in the land to test the Israelites to “see whether they would obey the commands the Lord had given” (3:4). He left these nations to “teach warfare to generations of Israelites who had no experience in battle” (3:2). These nations were thorns in the Israelite’s sides and their gods were “a constant temptation” to them (2:3).
The Israelites were stolen from, defeated, unable to resist their enemies and in great distress. They were “burdened by oppression and suffering” (2:18). But the Lord took pity on his people and He would “raise up a judge over Israel” and rescue “the people from their enemies” (2:18). Praise God for His mercy and grace!!!
Prayer Father, rescue me from my enemies. When I am burdened, oppressed or suffering, take pity on me. Rescue me! In Jesus name, AMEN.
A Thorn In Your Side
Text “So now I declare that I will no longer drive out the people living in your land. They will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a constant temptation to you” (Judges 2:3, NLT).
Insight That was not the plan… The plan was that God was giving the land to the tribes of Israel, but they were to drive out the people living there. They were to destroy their alters and not to make any covenants with them.
However, Judah “failed to drive out the people living in the plains” (1:19). Benjamin “failed to drive out the Jebusites” (1:21). Manasseh “failed to drive out the people living in Beth-shan” (1:27) because the people in that region “were determined to stay.” Ephriam “failed to drive out the Canaanites” (1:29) while Zebulun “failed to drive out the residents of Kitron” (1:30). Asher and Nephtalli failed too. Dan was actually forced backwards by the Amorites who “would not let them come down into the plains” (1:34). Then the angel of the Lord declared “I will no longer drive out the people living in your land” (2:3). And the people wept loudly
As I read this story, I have to personally reflect into my own life asking, “Are there any alters in my life I have failed to destroy?” I ask myself if I need to drive out Offense, Anger or Bitterness in my life. Is selfishness determined to stay? Is there a part of my old man that I need to drive out of my life? Are there any bad habits that are limiting me or forcing me backwards? I want to take advantage of the Gospel Truth, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13) and that includes driving out every limiting habit, attitude, action or inhabitant in Jesus Name.
Prayer Father, thank You for Your great and precious promises. Thank You for new life in Christ. Help me to continue to drive out the enemy. Help me to walk free from that which wants to limit me. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Insight That was not the plan… The plan was that God was giving the land to the tribes of Israel, but they were to drive out the people living there. They were to destroy their alters and not to make any covenants with them.
However, Judah “failed to drive out the people living in the plains” (1:19). Benjamin “failed to drive out the Jebusites” (1:21). Manasseh “failed to drive out the people living in Beth-shan” (1:27) because the people in that region “were determined to stay.” Ephriam “failed to drive out the Canaanites” (1:29) while Zebulun “failed to drive out the residents of Kitron” (1:30). Asher and Nephtalli failed too. Dan was actually forced backwards by the Amorites who “would not let them come down into the plains” (1:34). Then the angel of the Lord declared “I will no longer drive out the people living in your land” (2:3). And the people wept loudly
As I read this story, I have to personally reflect into my own life asking, “Are there any alters in my life I have failed to destroy?” I ask myself if I need to drive out Offense, Anger or Bitterness in my life. Is selfishness determined to stay? Is there a part of my old man that I need to drive out of my life? Are there any bad habits that are limiting me or forcing me backwards? I want to take advantage of the Gospel Truth, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:13) and that includes driving out every limiting habit, attitude, action or inhabitant in Jesus Name.
Prayer Father, thank You for Your great and precious promises. Thank You for new life in Christ. Help me to continue to drive out the enemy. Help me to walk free from that which wants to limit me. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Scapegoat or Solution
Text
“David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk about stoning him. David found strength in the Lord God” (1 Samuel 30:6, NLT).
Insight
David and his men were arriving home after their three day journey back from the battle field. They found their homes raided, burned to the ground and their wives and children carried off. The men wept, were very bitter and “began to talk about stoning” David. In their pain, they looked for someone to blame.
David, also suffering great loss, “found strength in God” (30:6). Instead of looking for a scapegoat, he sought a solution. David looked outside his situation to God saying, “Bring me the ephod” (30:7)! He “asked the Lord, ‘Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?’ And the Lord told him, ‘Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you’” (30:8).
So David and his men set out to recover what was lost. David led them and they found the Amalekites. The men rushed in and got back everything that was taken. “Nothing was missing: small or great, son or daughter, nor nothing else that had been taken” (30:19).
As a Kingdom-minded believer, look to God. Blaming others and finding a scapegoat never restores. It may feel good to your flesh but your family will remain divided. Take hold of the privilege of calling out to God. Find strength in Him. He restores. He redeems. He ransoms. Hallelujah!
Prayer
Father, guard me from blaming others in the midst of my pain. Help me find strength in You. I trust that You will restore what the enemy has stolen. Remind me to look to You for solutions not to others for scapegoats. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk about stoning him. David found strength in the Lord God” (1 Samuel 30:6, NLT).
Insight
David and his men were arriving home after their three day journey back from the battle field. They found their homes raided, burned to the ground and their wives and children carried off. The men wept, were very bitter and “began to talk about stoning” David. In their pain, they looked for someone to blame.
David, also suffering great loss, “found strength in God” (30:6). Instead of looking for a scapegoat, he sought a solution. David looked outside his situation to God saying, “Bring me the ephod” (30:7)! He “asked the Lord, ‘Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?’ And the Lord told him, ‘Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you’” (30:8).
So David and his men set out to recover what was lost. David led them and they found the Amalekites. The men rushed in and got back everything that was taken. “Nothing was missing: small or great, son or daughter, nor nothing else that had been taken” (30:19).
As a Kingdom-minded believer, look to God. Blaming others and finding a scapegoat never restores. It may feel good to your flesh but your family will remain divided. Take hold of the privilege of calling out to God. Find strength in Him. He restores. He redeems. He ransoms. Hallelujah!
Prayer
Father, guard me from blaming others in the midst of my pain. Help me find strength in You. I trust that You will restore what the enemy has stolen. Remind me to look to You for solutions not to others for scapegoats. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
In My Power
Text
“The Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal, and I refused to kill you even when the Lord placed you in my power, for you are the Lord’s anointed one” (1 Samuel 26:23, NLT).
Insight
How do you handle the power the Lord has given to you? How do you handle the authority, the finances, the freedom and the responsibilities God has placed in your life?
Just because you can… doesn’t always mean you should! Doing what is right and just in the Lord’s sight is vital. So being able to do something doesn’t automatically make it right or good.
David learned this lesson with Abigail. In his anger he committed to kill Nabal. Yet, even though he and his 400 men were powerful enough to destroy every male among them, it didn’t make it right. Abigail consulted David against the needless bloodshed, the staggering burden and the mis-handling of his power.
Shortly thereafter, God tests David again to reveal if David had learned how to rightly handle power. “The Lord placed you in my power” (26:23), David said. And David passed the test by sparing Saul’s life.
David sought “first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33, NIV) believing that “all these things will be given… as well.” He rightly and justly handled his power knowing that “the Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal” (26:23).
What is the right and just expression of power in your life today? Are you ready to pass the power test? Do good! Be loyal and trust God to reward you! “And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you” (Matt 6:4).
Prayer
Father, help me to be good and loyal in the use of power. Give me discernment. Guard me from the misuse of power. I trust you to reward me as I choose what is right and good. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“The Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal, and I refused to kill you even when the Lord placed you in my power, for you are the Lord’s anointed one” (1 Samuel 26:23, NLT).
Insight
How do you handle the power the Lord has given to you? How do you handle the authority, the finances, the freedom and the responsibilities God has placed in your life?
Just because you can… doesn’t always mean you should! Doing what is right and just in the Lord’s sight is vital. So being able to do something doesn’t automatically make it right or good.
David learned this lesson with Abigail. In his anger he committed to kill Nabal. Yet, even though he and his 400 men were powerful enough to destroy every male among them, it didn’t make it right. Abigail consulted David against the needless bloodshed, the staggering burden and the mis-handling of his power.
Shortly thereafter, God tests David again to reveal if David had learned how to rightly handle power. “The Lord placed you in my power” (26:23), David said. And David passed the test by sparing Saul’s life.
David sought “first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33, NIV) believing that “all these things will be given… as well.” He rightly and justly handled his power knowing that “the Lord gives his own reward for doing good and for being loyal” (26:23).
What is the right and just expression of power in your life today? Are you ready to pass the power test? Do good! Be loyal and trust God to reward you! “And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you” (Matt 6:4).
Prayer
Father, help me to be good and loyal in the use of power. Give me discernment. Guard me from the misuse of power. I trust you to reward me as I choose what is right and good. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Find Strength In God
Text
“And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16, NLT)!
Insight
Perhaps there is not a more basic example of how to minister to someone than this: “Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (23:16).
So often, ministry begins when one person GOES TO another person in their time of need. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for David to be on the run from this mad king: Hiding in caves, strongholds and in the forests day after day. And David learns “that Saul had come out to take his life” (23:15). But Jonathan “went to David.” Jonathan didn’t wait for David to come to him, nor did he avoid the awkward situation (Jonathan’s father was the mad king) and he didn’t put it off until tomorrow. Who is in your life that you need to “go to?” Is there someone in need around you?
Jonathan “helped him.” So often, believers feel like they have to solve everyone’s problems for them. Or they have to explain WHY they are in this situation. On the other hand, Jonathan simply helps David. One of the greatest ways to minister is to help others help themselves. It is to come along-side someone to encourage and build up… not take over.
And Jonathan helped David “find strength in God.” God is our ultimate Source. The Messiah complex suggests that you have to “save” this person from their troubles… That is not so! Our role is to help them find strength in God. Pointing people to Him, revealing to them His love and provision and directing them to what He has already done… that’s our job.
Who is the David in your life? Is there a friend who needs you to come to them in their wilderness, help them and point them to the Father?
Prayer
Father, help me to implement this simple strategy of ministry. Open my eyes to those in need around me. Keep me from getting caught up in the “red-tape” of ministry and to keep it simple. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (1 Samuel 23:16, NLT)!
Insight
Perhaps there is not a more basic example of how to minister to someone than this: “Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God” (23:16).
So often, ministry begins when one person GOES TO another person in their time of need. I can’t imagine what it must have been like for David to be on the run from this mad king: Hiding in caves, strongholds and in the forests day after day. And David learns “that Saul had come out to take his life” (23:15). But Jonathan “went to David.” Jonathan didn’t wait for David to come to him, nor did he avoid the awkward situation (Jonathan’s father was the mad king) and he didn’t put it off until tomorrow. Who is in your life that you need to “go to?” Is there someone in need around you?
Jonathan “helped him.” So often, believers feel like they have to solve everyone’s problems for them. Or they have to explain WHY they are in this situation. On the other hand, Jonathan simply helps David. One of the greatest ways to minister is to help others help themselves. It is to come along-side someone to encourage and build up… not take over.
And Jonathan helped David “find strength in God.” God is our ultimate Source. The Messiah complex suggests that you have to “save” this person from their troubles… That is not so! Our role is to help them find strength in God. Pointing people to Him, revealing to them His love and provision and directing them to what He has already done… that’s our job.
Who is the David in your life? Is there a friend who needs you to come to them in their wilderness, help them and point them to the Father?
Prayer
Father, help me to implement this simple strategy of ministry. Open my eyes to those in need around me. Keep me from getting caught up in the “red-tape” of ministry and to keep it simple. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Staying Focused
Text
“Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling” (1 Samuel 25:29, NLT)!
Insight
Have you ever been repaid “evil for good” (25:21)? How do you respond when someone offends, disrespects or dishonors you? What do you do when someone insults you?
David’s response to Nabal was, “Get your swords” (25:13)! He said, “A lot of good it did to help this fellow. We protected his flocks… But he has repaid me evil for good. May God strike me and kill me if even one man of his household is still alive tomorrow morning” (25:21-22)! David’s plan was murderous. He planned to carry out vengeance.
But God sent Abigail, a woman with “good sense” (25:33) to stop David from “needless bloodshed and vengeance” (25:31). She understood that David’s rage and revengeful acts would be a blemish on his record and a staggering burden to his conscience.
Abigail encouraged David to forgive and stay focused on “fighting the Lord’s battles” (25:28) and not his own. Her counsel included: Don’t take matters into your own hands; don’t pay attention to Nabal’s foolishness and allow room for the Lord to handle your enemies.
Remember, “even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, you life is safe in the care of the Lord your God” (25:29). Accept God’s command to forgive as you have been forgiven and “return home in peace” (25:35).
Prayer
Father, thank You for sending those with godly counsel and good sense. Guard me from returning evil for evil or insult with insult. Thank You that my life is in Your care. Keep me focused on fighting Your battles and not my own. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling” (1 Samuel 25:29, NLT)!
Insight
Have you ever been repaid “evil for good” (25:21)? How do you respond when someone offends, disrespects or dishonors you? What do you do when someone insults you?
David’s response to Nabal was, “Get your swords” (25:13)! He said, “A lot of good it did to help this fellow. We protected his flocks… But he has repaid me evil for good. May God strike me and kill me if even one man of his household is still alive tomorrow morning” (25:21-22)! David’s plan was murderous. He planned to carry out vengeance.
But God sent Abigail, a woman with “good sense” (25:33) to stop David from “needless bloodshed and vengeance” (25:31). She understood that David’s rage and revengeful acts would be a blemish on his record and a staggering burden to his conscience.
Abigail encouraged David to forgive and stay focused on “fighting the Lord’s battles” (25:28) and not his own. Her counsel included: Don’t take matters into your own hands; don’t pay attention to Nabal’s foolishness and allow room for the Lord to handle your enemies.
Remember, “even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, you life is safe in the care of the Lord your God” (25:29). Accept God’s command to forgive as you have been forgiven and “return home in peace” (25:35).
Prayer
Father, thank You for sending those with godly counsel and good sense. Guard me from returning evil for evil or insult with insult. Thank You that my life is in Your care. Keep me focused on fighting Your battles and not my own. In Jesus name, AMEN.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
God Provides
Text
“David now stayed in the strongholds of the wilderness and in the hill country of Ziph. Saul hunted him day after day, but God didn’t let Saul find him” (1 Samuel 23:14, NLT)!
Insight
David flees the mad king! He’s on the run… leaving home, friends and all his possessions. Yet in the midst of this season where his enemy was in hot pursuit, God provided. And Paul writes, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, NIV).
God provided a friend in Jonathan: A confidant who defended him, warned him, spoke well of him and listened to him. God provided a wife who helped him in his time of crisis (19:11 – 17). He provided food at Nob and a sword to defend himself (21:1 – 9). God provided refuge for David’s family through the king of Moab (22:3). The Father provided an army of men and “he became their leader… about 400 men were with him” (22:2).
David was provided shelter in the strongholds, forests and caves. No, these places might not have included all the comforts of home but David was learning “to be content whatever the circumstances” (Phil 4:11). David, like Paul, discovered what it was to be in need and to have plenty. He “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil 4:11 – 13). Yes, David discovered he could “do everything through him” (Phil 4:13).
Jehovah Jireh, the Lord David’s provider, provided and “did not let Saul find him” (23:14).
Prayer
Father, You are my Provider. I trust You to care for me. Thank You for caring for all my needs from friendships to a mate… from food to a shelter. I choose to be content in whatever circumstance. In Jesus name, AMEN.
“David now stayed in the strongholds of the wilderness and in the hill country of Ziph. Saul hunted him day after day, but God didn’t let Saul find him” (1 Samuel 23:14, NLT)!
Insight
David flees the mad king! He’s on the run… leaving home, friends and all his possessions. Yet in the midst of this season where his enemy was in hot pursuit, God provided. And Paul writes, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, NIV).
God provided a friend in Jonathan: A confidant who defended him, warned him, spoke well of him and listened to him. God provided a wife who helped him in his time of crisis (19:11 – 17). He provided food at Nob and a sword to defend himself (21:1 – 9). God provided refuge for David’s family through the king of Moab (22:3). The Father provided an army of men and “he became their leader… about 400 men were with him” (22:2).
David was provided shelter in the strongholds, forests and caves. No, these places might not have included all the comforts of home but David was learning “to be content whatever the circumstances” (Phil 4:11). David, like Paul, discovered what it was to be in need and to have plenty. He “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil 4:11 – 13). Yes, David discovered he could “do everything through him” (Phil 4:13).
Jehovah Jireh, the Lord David’s provider, provided and “did not let Saul find him” (23:14).
Prayer
Father, You are my Provider. I trust You to care for me. Thank You for caring for all my needs from friendships to a mate… from food to a shelter. I choose to be content in whatever circumstance. In Jesus name, AMEN.
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