"He . . . said to them, ’Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem . . . ’" Luke 18:31
In our natural life our ambitions change as we grow, but in the Christian life the goal is given at the very beginning, and the beginning and the end are exactly the same, namely, our Lord Himself. We start with Christ and we end with Him?". . . till we all come . . . to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ . . ." ( Ephesians 4:13 ), not simply to our own idea of what the Christian life should be. The goal of the missionary is to do God’s will, not to be useful or to win the lost. A missionary is useful and he does win the lost, but that is not his goal. His goal is to do the will of his Lord.
In our Lord’s life, Jerusalem was the place where He reached the culmination of His Father’s will upon the cross, and unless we go there with Jesus we will have no friendship or fellowship with Him. Nothing ever diverted our Lord on His way to Jerusalem. He never hurried through certain villages where He was persecuted, or lingered in others where He was blessed. Neither gratitude nor ingratitude turned our Lord even the slightest degree away from His purpose to go "up to Jerusalem."
"A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master" ( Matthew 10:24 ). In other words, the same things that happened to our Lord will happen to us on our way to our "Jerusalem." There will be works of God exhibited through us, people will get blessed, and one or two will show gratitude while the rest will show total ingratitude, but nothing must divert us from going "up to [our] Jerusalem."
". . . there they crucified Him . . ." ( Luke 23:33 ). That is what happened when our Lord reached Jerusalem, and that event is the doorway to our salvation. The saints, however, do not end in crucifixion; by the Lord’s grace they end in glory. In the meantime our watchword should be summed up by each of us saying, "I too go ’up to Jerusalem.’ "
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
He Watches Over Us
"From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth." Psalm 33:14
In the early 1960s, I read the novel 1984 by George Orwell, which made famous the phrase “Big Brother is watching you.” In this imaginary society, all aspects of life are under surveillance.
Today, there are an estimated 4.2 million closed-circuit video cameras in the UK alone! London is saturated with them. These cameras watch lobbies and sidewalks for security reasons. They even monitor traffic.
Psalm 33 tells us that God is also watching from on high (v.14). He sees not just images and activities but discerns thoughts and motives. As Creator God, when He speaks, it will be done (v.9). His eternal purposes march on unhindered (vv.10-11). Earthly obstacles are mere steppingstones to Him. Though many may depend on military strength for deliverance and safety, their hope is in vain (vv.16-17).
Yet we who fear the Lord need not flee from this awesome God. The psalmist affirms, “The eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy . . . . He is our help and our shield” (vv.18,20).
The eye of the Lord may be fearsome, but we who trust in Him rejoice. He is not an intrusive “Big Brother” but our loving heavenly Father who watches over us. — Albert Lee
The Rock of Ages stands secure,
He always will be there;
He watches over all His own
To calm their anxious care. —Keith
Keep your eyes on the Lord; He never takes His eyes off you.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
In the early 1960s, I read the novel 1984 by George Orwell, which made famous the phrase “Big Brother is watching you.” In this imaginary society, all aspects of life are under surveillance.
Today, there are an estimated 4.2 million closed-circuit video cameras in the UK alone! London is saturated with them. These cameras watch lobbies and sidewalks for security reasons. They even monitor traffic.
Psalm 33 tells us that God is also watching from on high (v.14). He sees not just images and activities but discerns thoughts and motives. As Creator God, when He speaks, it will be done (v.9). His eternal purposes march on unhindered (vv.10-11). Earthly obstacles are mere steppingstones to Him. Though many may depend on military strength for deliverance and safety, their hope is in vain (vv.16-17).
Yet we who fear the Lord need not flee from this awesome God. The psalmist affirms, “The eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy . . . . He is our help and our shield” (vv.18,20).
The eye of the Lord may be fearsome, but we who trust in Him rejoice. He is not an intrusive “Big Brother” but our loving heavenly Father who watches over us. — Albert Lee
The Rock of Ages stands secure,
He always will be there;
He watches over all His own
To calm their anxious care. —Keith
Keep your eyes on the Lord; He never takes His eyes off you.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Friday, September 26, 2008
Spiritual Growth of Children
I am becoming more amazed at the depth of parenting the older my children get and for the awesome responsibility we have towards their spiritual growth. Psalm 78:5-8 says, "For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children. That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God and not forget the works of God, but to keep His commandments. And not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart and whose spirit was not faithful to God." What a great reminder of what we as parents need to be doing. We need to be teaching our children about God and what He's done for us. To train them up to know Him so that they may one day take what they've learned and impart it upon their children.
I think it's also important to break whatever chain that has bound past generations in your family. I pray daily that my children can be freed from the chain of divorce, alcoholism, drugs and so forth that have kept past generations bound in our family. I pray that the link stops with us. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, "Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of you life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons." This means that we too need to keep our selves in good spiritual shape. To be diligent in our walk with the Lord so our children can learn by our example to walk with the same diligence not forgetting what God has done for them. By this we hope to help keep our children faithful to the Lord.
Krista Jones
2.26.08
I think it's also important to break whatever chain that has bound past generations in your family. I pray daily that my children can be freed from the chain of divorce, alcoholism, drugs and so forth that have kept past generations bound in our family. I pray that the link stops with us. Deuteronomy 4:9 says, "Only give heed to yourself and keep your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of you life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons." This means that we too need to keep our selves in good spiritual shape. To be diligent in our walk with the Lord so our children can learn by our example to walk with the same diligence not forgetting what God has done for them. By this we hope to help keep our children faithful to the Lord.
Krista Jones
2.26.08
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Best Seller or Bread of Life?
''How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!'' Psalm 119:103
Of the millions of Bibles bought during the last few years there is no certain way to discover how many are being read. But there is a pretty sure way to discover how many readers obey them. Total committal of a few hundred thousand persons to the message of the Bible anywhere in the world would work a moral revolution that would affect for good every facet of modern life. Since no such revolution has occurred we can only conclude that the Best Seller is not being read, or at least not being obeyed.
In a time of disaster such as earthquake or flood first-aid information and the instructions of the medical authorities are often matters of life or death. What would we think of a man if we found him at such a time comfortably reclined reading this material for its literary beauty? He might feel an aesthetic thrill at the terse, concise language and still die of typhoid, for his life depends not upon his admiration of the words of the official directives but upon his obedience to them.
As preposterous as such conduct would be, yet something like it is practiced constantly in a sphere where the consequences are far more weighty. Men who have but a little while to prepare themselves for the eternal world read the only book that can tell them how--not to learn how, but to enjoy the literary beauty of the book. Only the blindness of heart occasioned by sin would permit men so to do.
By A.W. Tozer, taken from "The Set of the Sail" - Chapter #45 (The Proper Use of the Bible)
Of the millions of Bibles bought during the last few years there is no certain way to discover how many are being read. But there is a pretty sure way to discover how many readers obey them. Total committal of a few hundred thousand persons to the message of the Bible anywhere in the world would work a moral revolution that would affect for good every facet of modern life. Since no such revolution has occurred we can only conclude that the Best Seller is not being read, or at least not being obeyed.
In a time of disaster such as earthquake or flood first-aid information and the instructions of the medical authorities are often matters of life or death. What would we think of a man if we found him at such a time comfortably reclined reading this material for its literary beauty? He might feel an aesthetic thrill at the terse, concise language and still die of typhoid, for his life depends not upon his admiration of the words of the official directives but upon his obedience to them.
As preposterous as such conduct would be, yet something like it is practiced constantly in a sphere where the consequences are far more weighty. Men who have but a little while to prepare themselves for the eternal world read the only book that can tell them how--not to learn how, but to enjoy the literary beauty of the book. Only the blindness of heart occasioned by sin would permit men so to do.
By A.W. Tozer, taken from "The Set of the Sail" - Chapter #45 (The Proper Use of the Bible)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Memory Verse Challenge
I'm going to throw out a challenge for you. I try to memorize a verse a month and will share those with you at the beginning of each month so you can join me if you'd like.
The key is to review review review. Don't just memorize and let it go. Keep building upon what you've already memorized by reviewing each verse everyday. It takes time but it's well worth it. Another key is to repeat the verse address before and after the verse. This month is almost over but the verse I just started working on is easy.
Proverbs 17:9
"He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends."
Proverbs 17:9 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
Next month's verse will be posted on Oct. 1st. Good luck with your memory work.
The key is to review review review. Don't just memorize and let it go. Keep building upon what you've already memorized by reviewing each verse everyday. It takes time but it's well worth it. Another key is to repeat the verse address before and after the verse. This month is almost over but the verse I just started working on is easy.
Proverbs 17:9
"He who conceals a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends."
Proverbs 17:9 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
Next month's verse will be posted on Oct. 1st. Good luck with your memory work.
Missionary Weapons (2)
"If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet." John 13:14
Ministering in Everyday Opportunities. Ministering in everyday opportunities that surround us does not mean that we select our own surroundings— it means being God’s very special choice to be available for use in any of the seemingly random surroundings which He has engineered for us. The very character we exhibit in our present surroundings is an indication of what we will be like in other surroundings.
The things Jesus did were the most menial of everyday tasks, and this is an indication that it takes all of God’s power in me to accomplish even the most common tasks in His way. Can I use a towel as He did? Towels, dishes, sandals, and all the other ordinary things in our lives reveal what we are made of more quickly than anything else. It takes God Almighty Incarnate in us to do the most menial duty as it ought to be done.
Jesus said, "I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (13:15). Notice the kind of people that God brings around you, and you will be humiliated once you realize that this is actually His way of revealing to you the kind of person you have been to Him. Now He says we should exhibit to those around us exactly what He has exhibited to us.
Do you find yourself responding by saying, "Oh, I will do all that once I’m out on the mission field"? Talking in this way is like trying to produce the weapons of war while in the trenches of the battlefield--you will be killed while trying to do it.
We have to go the "second mile" with God (see Matthew 5:41 ). Yet some of us become worn out in the first ten steps. Then we say, "Well, I’ll just wait until I get closer to the next big crisis in my life." But if we do not steadily minister in everyday opportunities, we will do nothing when the crisis comes.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
Ministering in Everyday Opportunities. Ministering in everyday opportunities that surround us does not mean that we select our own surroundings— it means being God’s very special choice to be available for use in any of the seemingly random surroundings which He has engineered for us. The very character we exhibit in our present surroundings is an indication of what we will be like in other surroundings.
The things Jesus did were the most menial of everyday tasks, and this is an indication that it takes all of God’s power in me to accomplish even the most common tasks in His way. Can I use a towel as He did? Towels, dishes, sandals, and all the other ordinary things in our lives reveal what we are made of more quickly than anything else. It takes God Almighty Incarnate in us to do the most menial duty as it ought to be done.
Jesus said, "I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you" (13:15). Notice the kind of people that God brings around you, and you will be humiliated once you realize that this is actually His way of revealing to you the kind of person you have been to Him. Now He says we should exhibit to those around us exactly what He has exhibited to us.
Do you find yourself responding by saying, "Oh, I will do all that once I’m out on the mission field"? Talking in this way is like trying to produce the weapons of war while in the trenches of the battlefield--you will be killed while trying to do it.
We have to go the "second mile" with God (see Matthew 5:41 ). Yet some of us become worn out in the first ten steps. Then we say, "Well, I’ll just wait until I get closer to the next big crisis in my life." But if we do not steadily minister in everyday opportunities, we will do nothing when the crisis comes.
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Hear Their Cry
"You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry." Exodus 22:22-23
CNN recently reported that there are approximately 40 million widows in India. Fifteen thousand of them live on the streets of the northern city of Vrindavan. Unfortunately, many of their families do not hear their cries. A 70-year-old widow says, “My son tells me: ‘You have grown old. Now who is going to feed you? Go away.’?” She cries, “What do I do? My pain has no limit.”
When God gave His people instructions in the desert, He told them they had a responsibility to care for widows and fatherless children in the land (Ex. 22:22-23). They were to leave some of the harvest in the field for them, and every third year they took up a special tithe for the needy. God expected His people to hear the cries of the powerless, defend their rights, and care for them.
The Israelites were commanded to care for others as a remembrance of their experience in Egypt. When they were in trouble and cried out to God, He heard their cries and helped them. So their memory of oppression and release was intended to mold their values, attitudes, and actions toward the powerless in the land (Deut. 24:18-22).
Let us imitate our Father by hearing the cries of the needy in our world. — Marvin Williams
To love your neighbor as yourself
Is not an easy task,
But God will show His love through you
If only you will ask. —Sper
The closer you are to God, the more you’ll have a heart for others.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
CNN recently reported that there are approximately 40 million widows in India. Fifteen thousand of them live on the streets of the northern city of Vrindavan. Unfortunately, many of their families do not hear their cries. A 70-year-old widow says, “My son tells me: ‘You have grown old. Now who is going to feed you? Go away.’?” She cries, “What do I do? My pain has no limit.”
When God gave His people instructions in the desert, He told them they had a responsibility to care for widows and fatherless children in the land (Ex. 22:22-23). They were to leave some of the harvest in the field for them, and every third year they took up a special tithe for the needy. God expected His people to hear the cries of the powerless, defend their rights, and care for them.
The Israelites were commanded to care for others as a remembrance of their experience in Egypt. When they were in trouble and cried out to God, He heard their cries and helped them. So their memory of oppression and release was intended to mold their values, attitudes, and actions toward the powerless in the land (Deut. 24:18-22).
Let us imitate our Father by hearing the cries of the needy in our world. — Marvin Williams
To love your neighbor as yourself
Is not an easy task,
But God will show His love through you
If only you will ask. —Sper
The closer you are to God, the more you’ll have a heart for others.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Monday, September 22, 2008
God Heals Our Hurts
"He had compassion on them." Matthew 14:14
The Greek word for compassion is splanchnizomai, which won't mean much to you unless you are in the health professions and studies "splanchnology" in school. If so, you remember that "splanchnology" is a study of . . . the gut.
When Matthew writes that Jesus had compassion on the people, He is not saying that Jesus felt casual pity for them. No, the term is far more graphic. Matthew is saying that Jesus felt their hurt in His gut:
He felt the limp of the crippled.
He felt the hurt of the diseased.
He felt the loneliness of the leper.
He felt the embarrassment of the sinful.
And once He felt their hurts, He couldn't help but heal their hurts. - In the Eye of the Storm
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
The Greek word for compassion is splanchnizomai, which won't mean much to you unless you are in the health professions and studies "splanchnology" in school. If so, you remember that "splanchnology" is a study of . . . the gut.
When Matthew writes that Jesus had compassion on the people, He is not saying that Jesus felt casual pity for them. No, the term is far more graphic. Matthew is saying that Jesus felt their hurt in His gut:
He felt the limp of the crippled.
He felt the hurt of the diseased.
He felt the loneliness of the leper.
He felt the embarrassment of the sinful.
And once He felt their hurts, He couldn't help but heal their hurts. - In the Eye of the Storm
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Friday, September 19, 2008
God is the Strength of Your Heart
Psalms 73:25-26 says, "Whom have I in heave but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
This Psalmist was a Levite and knew the meaning of the Lord being his portion forever. A Levite lived by the tithes of the people and didn't have a portion of the promised land. In fact, God was their portion. He is saying here that the Lord is his life forever.
In my margin next to Ps. 73:26 it says, "When we feel the stress of the storm we learn the strength of the anchor." I'm feeling like this is my motto for the year. Right now I'm feeling discouraged, tried, uncertain and not liking myself for who I am. I know I feel this way because of what I put into myself. My portion has been coming from the world and seeping into the portion I get from God. I still do my daily devotional time but it's not as effective as keeping me spiritually fit because I still eat the junk food of the world. I yearn to be like this Levite Psalmist who's life is all about literally knowing his livelihood comes from God. That nothing He desires on earth compares to God.
When you're feeling like your heart and flesh are failing you, know that God is the strength of you heart and your portion forever. But if you continue to fill yourself up with things that are not of the Lord you will continue to feel like I have been. Turn to the Lord and soak up all He has to bless you with. Open the Bible find what treasures He has left for you to find. When you do that you will find that God is your strength.
"The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exalt over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy."
Krista Jones
2.25.08
This Psalmist was a Levite and knew the meaning of the Lord being his portion forever. A Levite lived by the tithes of the people and didn't have a portion of the promised land. In fact, God was their portion. He is saying here that the Lord is his life forever.
In my margin next to Ps. 73:26 it says, "When we feel the stress of the storm we learn the strength of the anchor." I'm feeling like this is my motto for the year. Right now I'm feeling discouraged, tried, uncertain and not liking myself for who I am. I know I feel this way because of what I put into myself. My portion has been coming from the world and seeping into the portion I get from God. I still do my daily devotional time but it's not as effective as keeping me spiritually fit because I still eat the junk food of the world. I yearn to be like this Levite Psalmist who's life is all about literally knowing his livelihood comes from God. That nothing He desires on earth compares to God.
When you're feeling like your heart and flesh are failing you, know that God is the strength of you heart and your portion forever. But if you continue to fill yourself up with things that are not of the Lord you will continue to feel like I have been. Turn to the Lord and soak up all He has to bless you with. Open the Bible find what treasures He has left for you to find. When you do that you will find that God is your strength.
"The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exalt over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy."
Krista Jones
2.25.08
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Expectations Beyond Us
"But prayer" (Acts 12:5).
But prayer is the link that connects us with God. This is the bridge that spans every gulf and bears us over every abyss of danger or of need. How significant the picture of the Apostolic Church: Peter in prison, the Jews triumphant, Herod supreme, the arena of martyrdom awaiting the dawning of the morning to drink up the apostle's blood, and everything else against it. "But prayer was made unto God without ceasing." And what was the sequel? The prison open, the apostle free, the Jews baffled, the wicked king eaten of worms, a spectacle of hidden retribution, and the Word of God rolling on in greater victory.
Do we know the power of our supernatural weapon? Do we dare to use it with the authority of a faith that commands as well as asks? God baptize us with holy audacity and Divine confidence! He is not wanting great men, but He is wanting men who will dare to prove the greatness of their God. But God! But prayer! - A. B. Simpson
Beware in your prayer, above everything, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, above all that we ask or think. Each time you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, of how He delights to hear Christ, of your place in Christ; and expect great things. --Andrew Murray
Our prayers are God's opportunities.
Are you in sorrow? Prayer can make your affliction sweet and strengthening. Are you in gladness? Prayer can add to your joy a celestial perfume. Are you in extreme danger from outward or inward enemies? Prayer can set at your right hand an angel whose touch could shatter a millstone into smaller dust than the flour it grinds, and whose glance could lay an army low. What will prayer do for you? I answer: All that God can do for you. "Ask what I shall give thee." --Farrar
"Wrestling prayer can wonders do,
Bring relief in deepest straits;
Prayer can force a passage through
Iron bars and brazen gates."
By Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
But prayer is the link that connects us with God. This is the bridge that spans every gulf and bears us over every abyss of danger or of need. How significant the picture of the Apostolic Church: Peter in prison, the Jews triumphant, Herod supreme, the arena of martyrdom awaiting the dawning of the morning to drink up the apostle's blood, and everything else against it. "But prayer was made unto God without ceasing." And what was the sequel? The prison open, the apostle free, the Jews baffled, the wicked king eaten of worms, a spectacle of hidden retribution, and the Word of God rolling on in greater victory.
Do we know the power of our supernatural weapon? Do we dare to use it with the authority of a faith that commands as well as asks? God baptize us with holy audacity and Divine confidence! He is not wanting great men, but He is wanting men who will dare to prove the greatness of their God. But God! But prayer! - A. B. Simpson
Beware in your prayer, above everything, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do. Expect unexpected things, above all that we ask or think. Each time you intercede, be quiet first and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, of how He delights to hear Christ, of your place in Christ; and expect great things. --Andrew Murray
Our prayers are God's opportunities.
Are you in sorrow? Prayer can make your affliction sweet and strengthening. Are you in gladness? Prayer can add to your joy a celestial perfume. Are you in extreme danger from outward or inward enemies? Prayer can set at your right hand an angel whose touch could shatter a millstone into smaller dust than the flour it grinds, and whose glance could lay an army low. What will prayer do for you? I answer: All that God can do for you. "Ask what I shall give thee." --Farrar
"Wrestling prayer can wonders do,
Bring relief in deepest straits;
Prayer can force a passage through
Iron bars and brazen gates."
By Mrs. Charles Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
God Can Handle It
"The heavens are telling of the glory of God." Psalm 91:1
Do you ever do anything just because it makes you feel good? You don't have to do it. There's no need to do it, but you just enjoy doing it.
Well, that's how God feels about all of creation! He created the universe out of Hi own good pleasure. He didn't have to do it, because one of the attributes of our God is that He is self-sufficient. He doesn't need anything or anyone to complete Him.
Psalm 19 invites us to see, by looking at what God has created, how glorious and sufficient He is. If you really want to know how sufficient, how good, how complete something is, look at what it produces. If what it produces is glorious, then the person responsible for that production must be more glorious then the thing produced and must be sufficient to produce ti. Today's verse says we can look at nature and see God's fingerprints all over it.
That's why God does not spend time trying to prove His existence to atheists. Only a fool would reject the existence of God after looking at the creation as complex and orderly as this world. All of the things that make life what it is prove that we have an all-sufficient God and that there is none like Him.
The Bible declares that God is responsible for creation, which of necessity means that God precedes creation. The reason God precedes creation is that He 'has life within Himself" (John 5:26). God has self-generating power, His own internal battery, by which He crated everything.
And having created all things, God is more than sufficient to handle His creation. Referring to Jesus, Colossians 1:17 says that "in Him all things hold together." Jesus is the "cosmic glue" that keeps this universe from flying apart.
God's self-sufficiency is good news for us. Why? Because Ephesians 1:5-6 says that He saved us and adopted us as His children because it pleased Him to do so, not because we were worthy that's what grace is all about, and that's why we can call god our Father.
Think about it: The self-sufficient power that God exercised in creation and in our salvation is the same power by which He will keep us secure until He comes for us.
By Tony Evans, taken from "Time to Get Serious"
Do you ever do anything just because it makes you feel good? You don't have to do it. There's no need to do it, but you just enjoy doing it.
Well, that's how God feels about all of creation! He created the universe out of Hi own good pleasure. He didn't have to do it, because one of the attributes of our God is that He is self-sufficient. He doesn't need anything or anyone to complete Him.
Psalm 19 invites us to see, by looking at what God has created, how glorious and sufficient He is. If you really want to know how sufficient, how good, how complete something is, look at what it produces. If what it produces is glorious, then the person responsible for that production must be more glorious then the thing produced and must be sufficient to produce ti. Today's verse says we can look at nature and see God's fingerprints all over it.
That's why God does not spend time trying to prove His existence to atheists. Only a fool would reject the existence of God after looking at the creation as complex and orderly as this world. All of the things that make life what it is prove that we have an all-sufficient God and that there is none like Him.
The Bible declares that God is responsible for creation, which of necessity means that God precedes creation. The reason God precedes creation is that He 'has life within Himself" (John 5:26). God has self-generating power, His own internal battery, by which He crated everything.
And having created all things, God is more than sufficient to handle His creation. Referring to Jesus, Colossians 1:17 says that "in Him all things hold together." Jesus is the "cosmic glue" that keeps this universe from flying apart.
God's self-sufficiency is good news for us. Why? Because Ephesians 1:5-6 says that He saved us and adopted us as His children because it pleased Him to do so, not because we were worthy that's what grace is all about, and that's why we can call god our Father.
Think about it: The self-sufficient power that God exercised in creation and in our salvation is the same power by which He will keep us secure until He comes for us.
By Tony Evans, taken from "Time to Get Serious"
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
When God Withholds His Hand . . . .
I came across a chapter in Psalms that I held close to me shortly after I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in August 2000. My friend gave it to me because it was one that she clung to while her infant son was on life support.
Psalm 13
1How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
2How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
3Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
4And my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.
5But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
6I will sing to the LORD,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Beside this chapter I have written, "When God withholds His hand, trust His heart." (Aug. 17, 2000). I find it interesting that the notes in my study Bible says of the verse 1-2, "An anguished complaint concerning a prolonged serious illness." I didn't know that 8 years ago. I think this goes for any trial we go through. And I think it's important to remember that no matter what we go through that we can still trust in God and rejoice because "He has dealt bountifully with me."
Note: My friends son survived and is a healthy 9-year-old today.
Krista Jones
2.13.08
Psalm 13
1How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
2How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
3Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;
Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
4And my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.
5But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
6I will sing to the LORD,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Beside this chapter I have written, "When God withholds His hand, trust His heart." (Aug. 17, 2000). I find it interesting that the notes in my study Bible says of the verse 1-2, "An anguished complaint concerning a prolonged serious illness." I didn't know that 8 years ago. I think this goes for any trial we go through. And I think it's important to remember that no matter what we go through that we can still trust in God and rejoice because "He has dealt bountifully with me."
Note: My friends son survived and is a healthy 9-year-old today.
Krista Jones
2.13.08
Monday, September 15, 2008
A Heart at Peace
"The wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please." James 3:17
The heart of Jesus was pure. The Savior was adored by thousands, yet content to live a simple life. He was cared for by women (Luke 8:1-2), yet never accused of lustful thoughts; scorned by his own creation, but willing to forgive them before they even requested His mercy. Peter, who traveled with Jesus for three and a half years, described Him as a "lamb, unblemished and spotless" (I Peter 1:19).
After spending the same amount of time with Jesus, John concluded, "And in him is no sin" (I John 3:5).
Jesus' heart was peaceful. The disciples fretted over the need to feed the thousands, but not Jesus. He thanked God for the problem. The disciples shouted for fear in the storm, but not Jesus. He slept through it. Peter drew his sword to fight the soldier, but not Jesus. He lifted His hand to heal. His heart was a peace. - Just Like Jesus
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
The heart of Jesus was pure. The Savior was adored by thousands, yet content to live a simple life. He was cared for by women (Luke 8:1-2), yet never accused of lustful thoughts; scorned by his own creation, but willing to forgive them before they even requested His mercy. Peter, who traveled with Jesus for three and a half years, described Him as a "lamb, unblemished and spotless" (I Peter 1:19).
After spending the same amount of time with Jesus, John concluded, "And in him is no sin" (I John 3:5).
Jesus' heart was peaceful. The disciples fretted over the need to feed the thousands, but not Jesus. He thanked God for the problem. The disciples shouted for fear in the storm, but not Jesus. He slept through it. Peter drew his sword to fight the soldier, but not Jesus. He lifted His hand to heal. His heart was a peace. - Just Like Jesus
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment"
Friday, September 12, 2008
Our Most Frequent Weapon
Proverbs 12:18 says, "There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."
It is said that "the most frequent weapon used against the psalmist (which was in this case David) is the tongue." I agree. We can either bring love and joy into someone's life or cut them to the core by what we say.
James 3:8 says, "But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison." I pray that we will remember how deadly our words can be before we speak out in frustration and anger. To give to the Lord our power of speech so that He can use it for lifting those around us up and speaking to them of His love. To remember that, "A soothing tongue is a tree of life. But perversion in it crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
Krista Jones
2.22.08
It is said that "the most frequent weapon used against the psalmist (which was in this case David) is the tongue." I agree. We can either bring love and joy into someone's life or cut them to the core by what we say.
James 3:8 says, "But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison." I pray that we will remember how deadly our words can be before we speak out in frustration and anger. To give to the Lord our power of speech so that He can use it for lifting those around us up and speaking to them of His love. To remember that, "A soothing tongue is a tree of life. But perversion in it crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:4
Krista Jones
2.22.08
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Grow in the Gloom
"I have all, and abound" (Phil. 4:18).
In one of my garden books there is a chapter with a very interesting heading, "Flowers that Grow in the Gloom." It deals with those patches in a garden which never catch the sunlight. And my guide tells me the sort of flowers which are not afraid of these dingy corners--may rather like them and flourish in them.
And there are similar things in the world of the spirit. They come out when material circumstances become stern and severe. They grow in the gloom. How can we otherwise explain some of the experiences of the Apostle Paul?
Here he is in captivity at Rome. The supreme mission of his life appears to be broken. But it is just in this besetting dinginess that flowers begin to show their faces in bright and fascinating glory. He may have seen them before, growing in the open road, but never as they now appeared in incomparable strength and beauty. Words of promise opened out their treasures as he had never seen them before.
Among those treasures were such wonderful things as the grace of Christ, the love of Christ, the joy and peace of Christ; and it seemed as though they needed an "encircling gloom" to draw out their secret and their inner glory. At any rate the realm of gloom became the home of revelation, and Paul began to realize as never before the range and wealth of his spiritual inheritance.
Who has not known men and women who, when they arrive at seasons of gloom and solitude, put on strength and hopefulness like a robe? You may imprison such folk where you please; but you shut up their treasure with them. You cannot shut it out. You may make their material lot a desert, but "the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose."--Dr. Jowett
"Every flower, even the fairest, has its shadow beneath it as it swings in the sunlight."
Where there is much light there is much shade.
Compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
In one of my garden books there is a chapter with a very interesting heading, "Flowers that Grow in the Gloom." It deals with those patches in a garden which never catch the sunlight. And my guide tells me the sort of flowers which are not afraid of these dingy corners--may rather like them and flourish in them.
And there are similar things in the world of the spirit. They come out when material circumstances become stern and severe. They grow in the gloom. How can we otherwise explain some of the experiences of the Apostle Paul?
Here he is in captivity at Rome. The supreme mission of his life appears to be broken. But it is just in this besetting dinginess that flowers begin to show their faces in bright and fascinating glory. He may have seen them before, growing in the open road, but never as they now appeared in incomparable strength and beauty. Words of promise opened out their treasures as he had never seen them before.
Among those treasures were such wonderful things as the grace of Christ, the love of Christ, the joy and peace of Christ; and it seemed as though they needed an "encircling gloom" to draw out their secret and their inner glory. At any rate the realm of gloom became the home of revelation, and Paul began to realize as never before the range and wealth of his spiritual inheritance.
Who has not known men and women who, when they arrive at seasons of gloom and solitude, put on strength and hopefulness like a robe? You may imprison such folk where you please; but you shut up their treasure with them. You cannot shut it out. You may make their material lot a desert, but "the wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose."--Dr. Jowett
"Every flower, even the fairest, has its shadow beneath it as it swings in the sunlight."
Where there is much light there is much shade.
Compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, taken from "Streams in the Desert"
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
The Danger of Not Knowing God
We are meant to be witnesses for God--people who have seen and known Him and are willing to speak of what they see and know. Sometimes there is danger for such people--as in Russia, where it can mean forced labor, banishment, death.
In China in the early 1930s a missionary couple, John and Betty Stam, were captured by Chinese Communists and marched through the streets of the village to a chopping block where each was beheaded. If they had been willing to recant their Christian faith, their lives would have been spared. Given their commitment to Christ, such a choice was unthinkable. They placed not only their lives but the life of their baby, Helen Priscilla, in the hands of God, confident that God could protect them if He chose, and, if He chose not to, it was safer to be in those hands than anywhere else in the universe. Like thousands of Christians before them, they preferred the sword to disobedience, believing that the danger of not knowing God is infinitely greater than any other danger.
Lord, be our Sun and Shield. Shine on us, protect us as we seek to live and witness to your truth. Forgive us (especially those of us who have never faced lions, fire, or sword because of our faith) for our fears of petty loss. Remind us that it is in losing ourselves that we find You.
By Elisabeth Elliot
In China in the early 1930s a missionary couple, John and Betty Stam, were captured by Chinese Communists and marched through the streets of the village to a chopping block where each was beheaded. If they had been willing to recant their Christian faith, their lives would have been spared. Given their commitment to Christ, such a choice was unthinkable. They placed not only their lives but the life of their baby, Helen Priscilla, in the hands of God, confident that God could protect them if He chose, and, if He chose not to, it was safer to be in those hands than anywhere else in the universe. Like thousands of Christians before them, they preferred the sword to disobedience, believing that the danger of not knowing God is infinitely greater than any other danger.
Lord, be our Sun and Shield. Shine on us, protect us as we seek to live and witness to your truth. Forgive us (especially those of us who have never faced lions, fire, or sword because of our faith) for our fears of petty loss. Remind us that it is in losing ourselves that we find You.
By Elisabeth Elliot
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
A Hunch and a Hope
"Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." Mark 5:34
Maybe all you have (is) a crazy hunch and a high hope. You have nothing to give. But you are hurting. And all you have to offer Him is your hurt.
Maybe that has kept you from coming to God. Oh, you've taken a step or two in His direction. But then you saw the other people around Him. they seemed so clean, so neat, so trim and fit in their faith. And when you saw them, they blocked your view of Him. So you stepped back.
If that describes you, note carefully . . . one person (whom Christ) commended . . . for having faith. It wasn't a wealthy giver. It wasn't a loyal follower. It wasn't an acclaimed teacher. It was a shame-struck, penniless outcast - (a women who had been bleeding for twelve years) - who clutched onto her hunch that He could and her hope that He would.
Which, by the way, isn't a bad definition of faith. A conviction that He can and a hope that He will. - He Still Moves Stones
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment
Maybe all you have (is) a crazy hunch and a high hope. You have nothing to give. But you are hurting. And all you have to offer Him is your hurt.
Maybe that has kept you from coming to God. Oh, you've taken a step or two in His direction. But then you saw the other people around Him. they seemed so clean, so neat, so trim and fit in their faith. And when you saw them, they blocked your view of Him. So you stepped back.
If that describes you, note carefully . . . one person (whom Christ) commended . . . for having faith. It wasn't a wealthy giver. It wasn't a loyal follower. It wasn't an acclaimed teacher. It was a shame-struck, penniless outcast - (a women who had been bleeding for twelve years) - who clutched onto her hunch that He could and her hope that He would.
Which, by the way, isn't a bad definition of faith. A conviction that He can and a hope that He will. - He Still Moves Stones
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace for the Moment
Monday, September 08, 2008
The God Who Is Spirit
"God is spirit; and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." John 4:24
During Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan women in John 4, He made a very important statement about God's essential nature. They were talking about worship when Jesus said, "An hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers." (vs. 23)
Please notice that the phrase in John 4:24 has no article. God is not "the" Spirit; God is spirit. That is, spirit is His essence. That's who He is. This phrase is put at the front of the sentence in Greek for emphasis, so what Jesus is saying is, "I want to emphasize why you must worship God in spirit and truth."
You can't get very far in the quest to know God without talking about worshiping Him. And you can't worship God the way He wants to be worshiped until you understand that "God is spirit."
What does it mean to say something is spirit? First of all, it means that God is non material. He does not have a body. Spirits don't have bodies (Luke 24:39). You say, "But Jesus is a body."
Yes, but that's because He became man, not because that's who He is in His eternal essence. In God's essence, He is immaterial. Now the Bible knows we have trouble with that because we are material beings in a material world.
So, the Bible speaks about God in human terms: "the hand for the Lord" or "the eyes of the Lord." These human descriptions are used to help us relate to a spirit being we could not relate to otherwise.
But when it comes to worship, God says, "You must worship Me in My essence" - that is, in spirit. That's why we don't make images of God and bow down to them. He forbids it, because nothing on earth could represent our awesome God properly.
That's also why worshiping God is a matter of what you do in your inner being, your spirit. What you do in your spirit is God's first concern, because everything else will flow out of that.
Think about it: The great God is spirit is actually looking for people to worship Him in spirit and in truth! Want to join up?
By Tony Evans, taken from "Time to Get Serious"
During Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan women in John 4, He made a very important statement about God's essential nature. They were talking about worship when Jesus said, "An hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers." (vs. 23)
Please notice that the phrase in John 4:24 has no article. God is not "the" Spirit; God is spirit. That is, spirit is His essence. That's who He is. This phrase is put at the front of the sentence in Greek for emphasis, so what Jesus is saying is, "I want to emphasize why you must worship God in spirit and truth."
You can't get very far in the quest to know God without talking about worshiping Him. And you can't worship God the way He wants to be worshiped until you understand that "God is spirit."
What does it mean to say something is spirit? First of all, it means that God is non material. He does not have a body. Spirits don't have bodies (Luke 24:39). You say, "But Jesus is a body."
Yes, but that's because He became man, not because that's who He is in His eternal essence. In God's essence, He is immaterial. Now the Bible knows we have trouble with that because we are material beings in a material world.
So, the Bible speaks about God in human terms: "the hand for the Lord" or "the eyes of the Lord." These human descriptions are used to help us relate to a spirit being we could not relate to otherwise.
But when it comes to worship, God says, "You must worship Me in My essence" - that is, in spirit. That's why we don't make images of God and bow down to them. He forbids it, because nothing on earth could represent our awesome God properly.
That's also why worshiping God is a matter of what you do in your inner being, your spirit. What you do in your spirit is God's first concern, because everything else will flow out of that.
Think about it: The great God is spirit is actually looking for people to worship Him in spirit and in truth! Want to join up?
By Tony Evans, taken from "Time to Get Serious"
Friday, September 05, 2008
Hyssop
"Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7
Hyssop is a member of the mint family. The hairy stem of the much-branched plant is used as a sprinkling device because it retains water very well. In the O.T. it was used in ceremonial cleansing and purification rituals. It is thought that during the crucifixion the Hyssop was used to give Jesus the sour wine. "After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, "I am thirsty." A jar full of our wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth." John 19:28-29.
When Jesus was about to die it was like He was being cleansed with the hyssop just like the Psalmist was asking God to do for him. We who have placed our lives in Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him have have been cleansed and are whiter than snow. Jesus had to go through the dark valley of death so that we could be free from the bondage of sin and be cleansed as with hyssop.
Sometimes it's hard to go through difficult trials especially ones that can not be changed but have to be endured. I came across a devotional this morning that talked about this very thing. "My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn! I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my 'thorn'; I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross, but I have never thought of my cross as itself as present glory. Teach me the glory of my cross; teach me the value of my 'thorn.' Show me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbow." George Matheson.
Lord, may we learn from our trials, sins and the 'thorn' that is often placed in our lives. Cleanse us with hyssop that we may be clean again. Clean as the whitest snow that is pure and untouched in the bright sunshine of the morning. May we come to a point of praise for the 'thorn' that we must endure. That it may teach us to glory the cross and that through that path of pain we may see that beautiful rainbow and feel your loving arms close around us in love. - Amen
God, pity those who can not say;
"Not mine, but Thing"; who can pray
"let this cup pass," and cannot see
The purpose in Gethsemane.
- Unknown
Krista Jones
2.21.08
Hyssop is a member of the mint family. The hairy stem of the much-branched plant is used as a sprinkling device because it retains water very well. In the O.T. it was used in ceremonial cleansing and purification rituals. It is thought that during the crucifixion the Hyssop was used to give Jesus the sour wine. "After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, "I am thirsty." A jar full of our wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth." John 19:28-29.
When Jesus was about to die it was like He was being cleansed with the hyssop just like the Psalmist was asking God to do for him. We who have placed our lives in Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him have have been cleansed and are whiter than snow. Jesus had to go through the dark valley of death so that we could be free from the bondage of sin and be cleansed as with hyssop.
Sometimes it's hard to go through difficult trials especially ones that can not be changed but have to be endured. I came across a devotional this morning that talked about this very thing. "My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn! I have thanked Thee a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my 'thorn'; I have been looking forward to a world where I shall get compensation for my cross, but I have never thought of my cross as itself as present glory. Teach me the glory of my cross; teach me the value of my 'thorn.' Show me that I have climbed to Thee by the path of pain. Show me that my tears have made my rainbow." George Matheson.
Lord, may we learn from our trials, sins and the 'thorn' that is often placed in our lives. Cleanse us with hyssop that we may be clean again. Clean as the whitest snow that is pure and untouched in the bright sunshine of the morning. May we come to a point of praise for the 'thorn' that we must endure. That it may teach us to glory the cross and that through that path of pain we may see that beautiful rainbow and feel your loving arms close around us in love. - Amen
God, pity those who can not say;
"Not mine, but Thing"; who can pray
"let this cup pass," and cannot see
The purpose in Gethsemane.
- Unknown
Krista Jones
2.21.08
Thursday, September 04, 2008
The Spiritual Search
"What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?" Matthew 7:9
The illustration of prayer that our Lord used here is one of a good child who is asking for something good. We talk about prayer as if God hears us regardless of what our relationship is to Him (seeMatthew 5:45 ). Never say that it is not God’s will to give you what you ask. Don’t faint and give up, but find out the reason you have not received; increase the intensity of your search and examine the evidence. Is your relationship right with your spouse, your children, and your fellow students? Are you a "good child" in those relationships? Do you have to say to the Lord, "I have been irritable and cross, but I still want spiritual blessings"? You cannot receive and will have to do without them until you have the attitude of a "good child."
We mistake defiance for devotion, arguing with God instead of surrendering. We refuse to look at the evidence that clearly indicates where we are wrong. Have I been asking God to give me money for something I want, while refusing to pay someone what I owe him? Have I been asking God for liberty while I am withholding it from someone who belongs to me? Have I refused to forgive someone, and have I been unkind to that person? Have I been living as God’s child among my relatives and friends? (see Matthew 7:12 ).
I am a child of God only by being born again, and as His child I am good only as I "walk in the light" ( 1 John 1:7 ). For most of us, prayer simply becomes some trivial religious expression, a matter of mystical and emotional fellowship with God. We are all good at producing spiritual fog that blinds our sight. But if we will search out and examine the evidence, we will see very clearly what is wrong— a friendship, an unpaid debt, or an improper attitude. There is no use praying unless we are living as children of God. Then Jesus says, regarding His children, "Everyone who asks receives . . ." ( Matthew 7:8 ).
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
The illustration of prayer that our Lord used here is one of a good child who is asking for something good. We talk about prayer as if God hears us regardless of what our relationship is to Him (seeMatthew 5:45 ). Never say that it is not God’s will to give you what you ask. Don’t faint and give up, but find out the reason you have not received; increase the intensity of your search and examine the evidence. Is your relationship right with your spouse, your children, and your fellow students? Are you a "good child" in those relationships? Do you have to say to the Lord, "I have been irritable and cross, but I still want spiritual blessings"? You cannot receive and will have to do without them until you have the attitude of a "good child."
We mistake defiance for devotion, arguing with God instead of surrendering. We refuse to look at the evidence that clearly indicates where we are wrong. Have I been asking God to give me money for something I want, while refusing to pay someone what I owe him? Have I been asking God for liberty while I am withholding it from someone who belongs to me? Have I refused to forgive someone, and have I been unkind to that person? Have I been living as God’s child among my relatives and friends? (see Matthew 7:12 ).
I am a child of God only by being born again, and as His child I am good only as I "walk in the light" ( 1 John 1:7 ). For most of us, prayer simply becomes some trivial religious expression, a matter of mystical and emotional fellowship with God. We are all good at producing spiritual fog that blinds our sight. But if we will search out and examine the evidence, we will see very clearly what is wrong— a friendship, an unpaid debt, or an improper attitude. There is no use praying unless we are living as children of God. Then Jesus says, regarding His children, "Everyone who asks receives . . ." ( Matthew 7:8 ).
By Oswald Chambers, taken from "My Utmost For His Highest"
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
God’s Restraint
"Surely the wrath of man shall praise You; with the remainder of wrath You shall gird Yourself." Psalm 76:10
Augustine said that God “judged it better to bring good out of evil, than not to permit any evil to exist.” Thus God takes the worst evil that men and women can do to us and turns it into good. Even the wrath of ungodly men brings praise to Him (Ps. 76:10).
God has not promised that your life will be easy—indeed it may not be. But He has promised to sustain you in your struggle and uphold you with His mighty arm. If you trust Him, He will empower you to make your way bravely through extraordinary difficulty with faith, hope, and love. The trials God permits in your life will lead to His praise and glory, if only you will abide in Him.
Furthermore, there will be a restraint and a respite. The Hebrew text is somewhat obscure in Psalm 76:10. Literally it reads, “Surely the wrath of man will praise You; the remnant of wrath [God] will bind.” God will use men’s wrath to bring glory and praise to Himself, but when that purpose is fulfilled He will then restrain it.
God will not allow you to be pressed beyond endurance. That is His sure promise. When the lesson has been learned, when the revelation of God’s glory is complete and your soul has been tried and proven—then God will raise His hand and save you. He will say, “No more.” — David H. Roper
When He leads through some valley of trouble,
His omnipotent hand we trace;
For the trials and sorrows He sends us
Are part of His lessons in grace. —Anon.
In every desert of trial, God has an oasis of comfort.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Augustine said that God “judged it better to bring good out of evil, than not to permit any evil to exist.” Thus God takes the worst evil that men and women can do to us and turns it into good. Even the wrath of ungodly men brings praise to Him (Ps. 76:10).
God has not promised that your life will be easy—indeed it may not be. But He has promised to sustain you in your struggle and uphold you with His mighty arm. If you trust Him, He will empower you to make your way bravely through extraordinary difficulty with faith, hope, and love. The trials God permits in your life will lead to His praise and glory, if only you will abide in Him.
Furthermore, there will be a restraint and a respite. The Hebrew text is somewhat obscure in Psalm 76:10. Literally it reads, “Surely the wrath of man will praise You; the remnant of wrath [God] will bind.” God will use men’s wrath to bring glory and praise to Himself, but when that purpose is fulfilled He will then restrain it.
God will not allow you to be pressed beyond endurance. That is His sure promise. When the lesson has been learned, when the revelation of God’s glory is complete and your soul has been tried and proven—then God will raise His hand and save you. He will say, “No more.” — David H. Roper
When He leads through some valley of trouble,
His omnipotent hand we trace;
For the trials and sorrows He sends us
Are part of His lessons in grace. —Anon.
In every desert of trial, God has an oasis of comfort.
Taken from "Our Daily Bread"
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
God Above Human Philosophy
"For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." 1 Corinthians 1:19
This verse is a threatening so far as the worldly wise are concerned, but to the simple believer it is a promise. The professedly learned are forever trying to bring to nothing the faith of the humble believer, but they fail in their attempts. Their arguments break down, their theories fall under their own weight, their deep-laid plots discover themselves before their purpose is accomplished. The old gospel is not extinct yet, nor will it be while the LORD liveth. If it could have been exterminated, it would have perished from off the earth long ago. We cannot destroy the wisdom of the wise, nor need we attempt it, for the work is in far better hands. The LORD Himself says, "I will," and He never resolves in vain. Twice does He in this verse declare His purpose, and we may rest assured that He will not turn aside from it. What clean work the LORD makes of philosophy and "modern thought" when He puts His hand to it! He brings the fine appearance down to nothing; He utterly destroys the wood, hay, and stubble. It is written that so it shall be, and so shall it be. LORD, make short work of it. Amen, and amen.
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
This verse is a threatening so far as the worldly wise are concerned, but to the simple believer it is a promise. The professedly learned are forever trying to bring to nothing the faith of the humble believer, but they fail in their attempts. Their arguments break down, their theories fall under their own weight, their deep-laid plots discover themselves before their purpose is accomplished. The old gospel is not extinct yet, nor will it be while the LORD liveth. If it could have been exterminated, it would have perished from off the earth long ago. We cannot destroy the wisdom of the wise, nor need we attempt it, for the work is in far better hands. The LORD Himself says, "I will," and He never resolves in vain. Twice does He in this verse declare His purpose, and we may rest assured that He will not turn aside from it. What clean work the LORD makes of philosophy and "modern thought" when He puts His hand to it! He brings the fine appearance down to nothing; He utterly destroys the wood, hay, and stubble. It is written that so it shall be, and so shall it be. LORD, make short work of it. Amen, and amen.
By C.H. Spurgeon, taken from "Faith's Checkbook"
Monday, September 01, 2008
You're Something Special
"Nothing . . . in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God." Romans 8:39
We want to know how long God's love will endure . . . Not just on Easter Sunday when our shoes are shined and our hair is fixed . . . Not when I"m peppy and positive and ready to tackle world hunger. Not then. I know how He feels about me then. Even I like me then.
I want to know how He feels about me when I snap at anything that moves, when my thoughts are gutter-level, when my tongue is sharp enough to slice a rock. How does He feel about me then? . . .
Can anything separate us from the love of Christ has for us?
God answered our question before we asked it. So we'd see His answer, He lit the sky with a star. So we'd hear it, He filled the night with a choir; and so we'd believe it, He did what no man had ever dreamed. He became flesh and dwelt among us.
He placed His hand on the shoulder of humanity and said, "You're something special." - In the Grip of Grace
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace For The Moment"
We want to know how long God's love will endure . . . Not just on Easter Sunday when our shoes are shined and our hair is fixed . . . Not when I"m peppy and positive and ready to tackle world hunger. Not then. I know how He feels about me then. Even I like me then.
I want to know how He feels about me when I snap at anything that moves, when my thoughts are gutter-level, when my tongue is sharp enough to slice a rock. How does He feel about me then? . . .
Can anything separate us from the love of Christ has for us?
God answered our question before we asked it. So we'd see His answer, He lit the sky with a star. So we'd hear it, He filled the night with a choir; and so we'd believe it, He did what no man had ever dreamed. He became flesh and dwelt among us.
He placed His hand on the shoulder of humanity and said, "You're something special." - In the Grip of Grace
By Max Lucado, taken from "Grace For The Moment"
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