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God’s Mercy Never Runs Out
cause of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.” Ephesians 2:4-5
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how great God’s mercy truly is. You have to get the right image of God! He’s not waiting in heaven with a lightning bolt ready to strike anyone who makes a wrong move. God is good and kind and shows you mercy when you mess up. He is “rich in mercy.”
Look at the story of Mary Magdalene. Jesus said, “Bring me that woman with seven demons, and I will show her mercy.” He delivered her, and she was among the first to see Him resurrected.
Psalm 86:5 tells us, “For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; And plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” He has plenty of mercy. You can bring Him your addiction, shame, sin, and pain. He will forgive and heal it all. His mercy never runs out.
God loves you like you love your children. Even though you may get frustrated with them, you can never turn your back on them. The Bible says, “His mercy endures forever.” God is like a father standing out on the porch every day looking down the dusty road, waiting for His lost child to return. God is waiting for some of you. He’s ready to accept you into His arms now. He’s not waiting for you to get your life straight. He’s not waiting for you to get out of rehab. He’s not waiting for you to quit committing the sin. He’s ready for you to give your life to Him right now.
The Overflowing Cup
flows.” Psalm 23:5
God wants to bless you above all you can ask or imagine. Have you settled for a minimum mentality? God doesn’t want to give you the bare minimum. He is a maximum God. In yesterday’s devotion, five thousand ate until they were full. There were even baskets of leftovers! They were receiving from an overflowing cup that didn’t just meet the need. It exceeded the need. God is a generous God.
You may feel like your cup has gone dry, but you are wrong. The enemy wants you to focus on what you don’t have. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve’s cups were overflowing. They took their eyes off their cups when the enemy said, “Why can’t you have fruit from that tree?” They overlooked the 99.9 percent they did have. Always remember, if you have Jesus, you have way more blessings in your life than problems.
When you decide to follow Him, blessings will not only follow you, but they will also follow your children. Your cup will overflow onto them. There’s no limit or end to God’s love. Psalm 23 concludes with a beautiful promise, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Doors Of Destiny
“They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading into the city, and this opened for them all by itself.” Acts 12:10
When Peter was in prison, he was shackled down with two chains, guarded by two guards at all times, and then there was a huge iron gate blocking his escape. When Peter was released and led out by the angel, the gate opened itself. The doors were already unlocked. Maybe today, some doors seem locked in your life. Doors that lead to God’s dreams and destiny. What if God is waiting for you to gather enough courage to take a step of faith? You don’t have to know how that door will open; you just have to move toward it.
Peter was being held back by doors that were not even locked. Some of you are in the same mindset. There will be doors that look closed, but as you walk by faith, God will make those doors open. Your job is to keep walking in the right direction. You don’t have to try to push the door open. Just keep going and do everything for the glory of God.
With just a little faith, God will open doors for you that no man can shut. If you’re supposed to be there, the doors are already unlocked. Just keep walking in faith and living according to God’s Word, and you will see Him open new doors you never dreamed possible.
Nothing Can Stop You
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
In yesterday’s story from Acts 12, Peter was not only bound by the two chains of fear and doubt in that maximum security prison, he also had two guards stationed on both sides of him. Those guards can represent discouragement and intimidation.
You will also encounter these “guards” on the journey to your dream. Discouragement will tell you that the task is too enormous and too daunting. In Joshua 13, Moses sent twelve men to scout the land of Canaan, and they returned with a discouraging report.
“We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are! The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there…next to them, we felt like grasshoppers.”
This report came from the same people who had just witnessed mighty miracles that delivered them from slavery. But one of the scouts named Caleb spoke up and said,
“Don’t be afraid of the people of that land. They are only helpless prey to us. They have no protection, but the Lord is with us!”
The people tried to stone Caleb, but the Lord intervened. Ironically, none of those people made it to the promised land except for Caleb and his friend Joshua. They refused to let discouragement or intimidation stop them from receiving what God wanted them to have. Caleb saw with eyes of faith. He trusted His God.
What “land” is God trying to bring you into? Don’t let the enemy use discouragement and intimidation to keep you from your blessing. With God on your side, nothing can stop you.
The Secret To Success
“Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this book of the law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.” Joshua 1:7-8
God told Joshua that in order to succeed, he needed to study the Word and do what it says. Success starts by making the Bible the main focus of your life. Wake up with the Word and go to bed with the Word. Meditate on it day and night. Listen to it in your car or on your phone.
So many people today are living with a “just get by” mentality. You don’t have to live like a worm undeserving of anything good. The Bible never says we are not supposed to hope and believe in anything great for our lives. God is the God of more than enough, so stop living in fear.
The decision to make God’s Word your main priority will make you strong, courageous, and successful and even impact future generations. Joshua had no idea at the time that his decision to walk according to God’s Word would leave such a lasting impact on his descendants, but it did. God will open doors for you that no man can close when His Word leads you. When you step into God’s will, you step into the supernatural, and He will start to bring success into your life in ways you could never have imagined.
The Walls Will Fall
“But the Lord told Joshua, I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its mighty warriors. Your entire army is to march around the city…Then the city walls will collapse, and the people can charge straight into the city.” Joshua 6:2-5
As you start this new year, you may encounter some walls blocking you from a life of victory. The enemy has tried to convince you that these walls will never fall. He loves to make you think your situation is hopeless and unable to change. He wants your dreams to die as you are trapped by the addictions, fears, and challenges you or your family members are facing.
But something powerful happens when you fast and pray. Walls begin to fall down. Just like the Israelites took a step of faith and acted in obedience by walking around Jericho, you can also walk around the walls of your life by praying and fasting. Fasting is a weapon. The things you are hoping for are behind those walls, and as you pray and fast, the walls will start crumbling down.
Fasting and praying is acknowledging that you need spiritual help. As you humble yourself before God, you will start to feel hope again. You will remember that He can save your loved ones. Walls of shame, regret, confusion, and depression will come falling down. Even walls of generational curses, offense, and unforgiveness can be revealed and uprooted.
Deuteronomy 20:4 says, “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight against your enemies. To give you the victory.”
God will do miraculous things this year as you seek Him with all your heart.
God And Work
“They go from strength to strength.” Ps 84:7 NIV
The phrase “discover your strengths” was made famous by researcher Marcus Buckingham in what’s referred to as the “Strengths Movement.” It calls us to stop focusing on our weaknesses and name and develop our strengths—which reflects God’s design. God didn’t say, “Moses, your craftsmanship skills are weak. Let’s have you stop leading this people for a while and try to become more like Bezalel.” (See Ex 31:1-5). The Bible speaks of going “from strength to strength.” And a strength is an activity which when you engage in it, makes you feel strong. Certain activities will thrill and challenge you; others will bore and drain you. Once you discover this, you’re not simply engaged in “career planning,” you’re acknowledging God’s handiwork and your own core strengths. It matters that you do this, because the single little patch of creation you’re responsible for stewarding is your own life. Dorothy Sayers said: “Work is not, primarily, a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do. It is, or it should be, the full expression of the worker’s faculties, the thing in which he finds spiritual, mental and bodily satisfaction, and the medium in which he offers himself to God.” What if your job doesn’t fulfill your need for purpose or utilize your God-given gifts? Sometimes necessity requires that. That’s why the Bible says, “Whatever you do, do well” (Ecc 9:10 NLT). In the meantime, pray for opportunity, prepare yourself, and volunteer in an area that utilizes your strengths. Sometimes people who don’t enjoy the work they do are miserable, and they make everybody around them miserable too. But God expects better from you!
Learning To Listen To God (4)
“It was three years before I went.” Gal 1:18 MSG
God’s direction will often be followed by a season of preparation. And the length of that season is determined by the size of your assignment. So when God speaks to you, it’s not always wise to rush out and tell people. Who wouldn’t want to talk about the amazing experience Paul had with Christ on the Damascus road? And there would be a right time for Paul to do that—but not yet. So don’t move until God gives you the green light. Why? Two reasons: (1) You need time, maturing, and equipping so that the word you have received can take root within you, grow, and be fulfilled in the way God wants. (2) Sometimes God takes time to prepare the hearts of those He is sending you to. Paul writes: “Immediately after my calling—without consulting anyone around me and without going up to Jerusalem to confer with those who were apostles long before I was—I got away to Arabia….It was three years before I went up to Jerusalem to compare stories with Peter…Then I began my ministry” (vv. 17-21 MSG). Paul knew people would find his calling unbelievable, and he had the wisdom to wait. He allowed God to go ahead of him and orchestrate the circumstances. And while he was waiting, he allowed the word he had received to grow and make changes in his life. Then, and only then, did he start doing what he was called to do. Paul didn’t try to convince anybody; he let God do that. And the end result? “Their response was to recognize and worship God because of me!” (v. 24 MSG).
Learning To Listen To God (2)
“If you willingly obey me, the best…will be yours.” Isa 1:19 CEV
People think they can’t hear from God, when in reality, there are things they already know He wants them to respond to, and so far they haven’t done it. The quicker you do whatever the Lord has already told you to do, the sooner He will reveal the next step to you. His promise is, “If you willingly obey me, the best…will be yours.” Hearing from God is something you only develop with practice—especially if you’re a talker! That’s why He says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). Our flesh is full of energy; we always want to be doing something, and it can be difficult for us to be still. Don’t just talk to God when you need something; spend time listening. He will open up many issues if you will just be still before Him. You say, “I don’t think I have ever heard God talk to me.” Maybe that’s because you haven’t learned to listen! When you ask God for something, tune your “receiver.” Even if He doesn’t respond at that very moment, rest assured He will in due time. You may be doing some ordinary task when He decides to speak to you. And if you have honored Him by learning to listen as you fellowship with Him, He will speak to you at exactly the right time. Perhaps you have spent years going your own way. If so, don’t despair; it’s not too late to change direction. If you’re willing to obey God, He will guide you on the exciting journey of learning to hear from Him every day of your life.
Don’t Give Up!
“Let’s not get tired of doing what is good.” Gal 6:9 NLT
Paul writes, “Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (v. 9 NLT). Look at Job the patriarch: attending the funerals of his ten children, losing his health and wealth in a single day, and listening to a wife with a tongue sharp enough to cut through steel. Yet he didn’t quit. Learn from him! “You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord” (Jas 5:11 NKJV). Job stayed focused on the end goal and endured the immediate circumstances. Yes, there are times when quitting looks good, defeat seems inevitable, and retreat appears to be your only option. The question is, how will you handle those times? On the threshold of the promised land, God told Joshua, “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Jos 1:9 NKJV). The Israeli statesman David Ben-Gurion observed: “Courage is a special kind of knowledge, the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought not to be feared. From this knowledge comes an inner strength that inspires us to push on in the face of great difficulty. What can seem impossible is often possible with courage.” And where does this courage come from? Knowing God is “with you wherever you go.” Why does the Bible record the failures of people like Peter and David? To let you know that when you fail—you can start again!
Four Principles For Victorious Living
“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” 1Co 16:13 NAS
Jesus said: “Count yourselves blessed every time people put you down…or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do!” (Mt 5:11-12 MSG). If you’re thin skinned, you will have a rough time in life because you will be an easy target for the devil. Paul endured desertion by his friends, ugly letters from the Corinthians, disappointment with the Galatians, mistreatment in Philippi, mocking in Athens, and finally imprisonment and beheading in Rome. The Bible gives us these four principles for victorious living: (1) Be on the alert. Why? Because you have an adversary who is out to get you (See 1Pe 5:8). What’s he after? The God-given potential he knows lies within you. You’re a seed capable of producing a harvest of blessing. (2) Stand firm in the faith. Why? Because you can’t stand on your feelings, your circumstances, or the opinions of others. Those things change constantly, so you must stand firm on the Word of God. (3) Act like men. Why? Because being childish won’t cut it when the battle is raging. It’s time to grow up; if you’re still making the same mistakes twenty-five years later, you’re not learning enough. (4) Be strong. Why? Because weakness is an invitation to the Enemy. It always precedes surrender—and quitting is not an option for you. God told His people the promised land was theirs—but they would have to fight for it. And you will too!
Turning Two Families Into One
“‘Who are these with you?’ So he said, ‘The children whom God has graciously given your servant.’” Ge 33:5 NKJV
Due to the divorce rate today, both inside the church and outside, divorced men and women fall in love again and face the challenge of blending two families into one. Here are some of those challenges: visiting rights, custodial care, court intervention, and ex-in-law involvement. Add to that a mountain of paperwork and legal specifications, and it’s like negotiating an international peace treaty. You chose to marry your new spouse, but your children didn’t get that choice. So, it’s not enough to bring them all together under the same roof and say, “Play nice.” Their world has been turned upside down, and you must allow them time to digest the situation and find their place in the new order of things. “Love will solve all our problems” is a nice sentiment, but it’s not true. You say, “But the Bible says, ‘Love never fails’” (1Co 13:8 NKJV). Yes, and it also says, “Love suffers long and is kind” (v. 4 NKJV). You’re going to need truckloads of patience and kindness to make this work. So: (1) Prepare yourself and your children for the changes that are about to take place. (2) Listen to your child’s fears without saying, “Don’t be silly, everything will be okay.” For as long as they need to talk, that’s how long you need to listen. (3) Pray, pray, pray! Ask God to give you His plan, so that this merger can be as painless and stress-free as possible. Your new mate may meet your personal needs for love and security—but remember that your children have those same needs too.
The Seven-Day Challenge
“Do everything without grumbling.” Php 2:14 NIV
Some cancers, like skin cancer, are more obvious and you can remove them. Then there is the kind that grows undetected and it destroys your body. Complaining is like that; it impacts your health and sabotages your success. Paul says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Dr. Ann Shorb writes: “If you find yourself…feeling negative and down…listen to what’s being said around you. Is there a lot of grumbling and complaining? Are the people you spend time with constantly expressing discouraging thoughts and feelings?…Maybe you are the one…griping and complaining…Many times we become our own worst enemy by developing angry or bitter attitudes…Your thoughts and attitudes are your choice. Where you put your mind is up to you!…Follow what the apostle Paul wrote about putting off the negative and putting on the positive (See Col 3:1-15 and Eph 4:20-32)…Acknowledge that there are problems…but don’t dwell on them…Do what you can to remedy the situation. Remember…you can never change another person, only yourself and your attitudes…Find the positives…Focus on these and be thankful that God promises to be with you…through the hard times…Use Bible verses and inspirational sayings to re-focus when your thinking starts to go [downhill]…By changing your thinking you change your outlook, and by changing your outlook you change your life.” To one person the world looks desolate; to another the same world looks rich and interesting. What you see depends mainly on what you look for. Make up your mind not to complain for a day. Then challenge yourself not to complain for a week. You will be amazed at how much better you feel.
Get Out Of Debt And Stay Out Of Debt!
“The borrower is slave to the lender.” Pr 22:7 NIV
It’s not by accident that these two Scriptures are back-to-back: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” (vv. 6-7 NIV). Your child’s college education, an affordable home, and a reliable car are okay to borrow money for. Otherwise, unless you can pay for something—learn to wait! Jesus said, “If any man would be my disciple, he must deny himself” (See Lk 9:23). We’re not very good at denying ourselves the things we want. But unless you want your kids to inherit your debt, end up getting into debt themselves, and passing the principle of instant gratification on to their children, break the cycle now. Get out of debt and stay out of debt! Say: “Lord, I’m through making excuses. I take responsibility for the mess I’m in. I gave in to my impulses, overspent, ignored your principles of good stewardship, and I repent. Give me the courage to face my debts and take an honest look at where I stand. Don’t let me live in denial. You warned us not to be ignorant of Satan’s tactics (See 2Co 2:11). He is attempting to keep me in financial bondage, and as a result, I am unable to respond when it’s time to sow and finance your work. Direct me to a trustworthy source that can help me develop a debt-eliminating strategy. Help me to stop making additional credit charges. Deliver me from emotional spending. Please, help me to get out of debt. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
Never Stop Learning (1)
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your…mind.” Mk 12:30 NKJV
God has created us with the capacity to keep learning until the day we die, which is something we shouldn’t take for granted. The average brain weighs approximately three pounds, yet neurologists approximate that we have the ability to learn something new every second of every minute of every hour of every day for the next three hundred million years. Awesome, right? But it’s more than that. It’s an awesome obligation. Learning isn’t an indulgence; it’s a stewardship matter. Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” It’s impossible to determine the percentage of our minds we use, but all of us have untapped potential. Your imagination is capable of considerably more than you can dream. Yet somewhere along the way, most of us stop living out of imagination and start living out of memory. We stop designing the future and start copying the past. And that is the day we cease living and begin dying. Why? Because we stop educating ourselves. Loving God with all your mind requires maximizing your mind by learning as much as possible about as much as possible. The true litmus test of spiritual maturity isn’t the quantity you know. It’s knowing the quantity you don’t know. It’s reconciling yourself with the reality that God is not an object of comprehension as much as He is a source of wonder. And that sacred sense of wonder ignites a holy curiosity to keep learning more about the Creator and His creation.
There’s Honey In The Lion
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
In the story of Samson, there is a proverb that is often overlooked. In Judges 14, Samson said, “Out of the eater will come forth meat, and out of the strong will come forth sweet.”
Samson was referring to the time he slew a lion, a great victory he could not have achieved alone. Only with God’s mighty power was he able to overcome the huge, scary obstacle. The Bible says he left the lion there, fought 1,000 Philistines, and then afterward was almost ready to die of thirst and exhaustion. Later, Samson returned to the lion, and to his surprise, honey was inside the lion’s carcass. Out of the eater, there was no nourishment. Out of the strongest attack in his life came sweetness.
God is with you in whatever you are going through. He will never leave you alone in your difficulty. You will never have to face the lion by yourself. Together, you will overcome that hardship, illness, or tragedy. And after that “lion” will come the “honey.” Romans 8:37 tells us, “In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
God can take the threat that almost destroyed you and use it for your good. You will look back and see God’s protection during that hard time. It will one day be a place of victory—a sweet memory. Never forget, after the lion comes the honey.
God Is More Than Enough
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…to Him be the glory.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Do you recall the story of the feeding of five thousand? In John chapter 6, Jesus asks Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Jesus was testing Philip. He already knew the miracle He was about to do. Philip responded to Jesus, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one of them to take a little.”
Notice Philip’s mentality. He says, “A little.” But God is not a God of “just enough.” Later, we see that Jesus multiplied the loaves and the fish and the Bible says, “And they all ate as much as they wanted.” The people didn’t just each get a nibble; they ate until they were full! Don’t put limits on an “above and beyond” God! He is more than able to do more than you could ever imagine!
Get Up!
“Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, ‘Quick get up!’ And the chains fell off his wrists.” Acts 12:7
Peter’s miraculous escape from prison still speaks to us today. He was in a hopeless situation with no way out. But then the story shifts suddenly. A bright light shined into the prison as an angel appeared and said, “Quick! Get up!” Then the chains fell off of him.
The enemy knows if he has you chained with fear and doubt and hedged in with discouragement and intimidation that you’re not going anywhere. But when the light of the gospel comes, it brings hope, faith, and victory in the dark places of your life. When you think there’s no way out, don’t just sit there. You have to stop sitting around feeling sorry for yourself. Make a decision that you’re not going to stay in your situation. You have to get up.
The angel then tells Peter to put on his shoes. Shoes are for going places. It’s time for you to move again. Put your walking shoes on and go where you have never gone before. Put on the shoes of faith so you can start walking by faith, not sight.
After Peter put on his shoes, the angel told him to put on his garment. Some of you need to put on the garment of praise. Isaiah 61:3 says, “Put on the garment of praise to replace the spirit of heaviness.” The spirit of heaviness is the spirit of oppression. It is the feeling of giving up. When you put on that garment of praise, you will begin to get your joy and peace back. The overwhelming obstacles looming over you are suddenly not as scary as you thought.
Get up, put on the shoes of faith and the garment of praise, and start marching in the direction that God is leading you.
What’s Holding You Back?
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
In Acts 12, Peter is arrested by King Herod and locked up in a prison heavily guarded with maximum security. He was bound by two chains (one on his hands and one on his feet) while being held for execution because Herod wanted his voice silenced forever.
Years later, we still have an enemy who wants to keep every believer from breaking free. Just like Peter was bound by two chains, the enemy tries to use fear and doubt to keep you restrained from the blessings God has for your life.
He will use fear to tell you that you can’t go where you are supposed to or do what you must. Fear will paralyze you and make you fixate on what others will say or think if you fail. The enemy will also use doubt to keep you from God’s best. Doubt will make you question whether you are smart or capable enough to do the task. It makes you question your talent, ability, calling, or worthiness. Doubt can even cause you to question if God is on your side.
These two chains can stop you, but God has not given you the spirit of fear or doubt! He didn’t cause you to be timid or insecure. Never forget who you are. You are a child of God! If God wants to bring an opportunity into your life, don’t you dare let the chains of fear and doubt hold you back from His very best. Shake off fear and doubt and go courageously into what God is leading you to do.
The Power Of Fasting
“So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would care for us, and He heard our prayer.” Ezra 8:23
What would happen this year if you decided to go after God like never before? One way to do this is to start the year quickly.
There are many different reasons to fast. Maybe you just got a negative test result from the doctor or are praying for safety, direction, or protection. Others fast because they are starting a new business or ministry and want God to bless them. Many people fast as an act of repentance to begin the year with a fresh start with God.
Remember these three things when you fast. First, make sure to take your eyes off the walls (your challenges and problems) and, instead, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. As you focus on God’s Word and prayer, He will begin to change your perspective.
Second, take your eyes off your past. God doesn’t want you to stay the same as you were last year. He wants you to conquer new ground this year, but you can’t bring the same old stuff with you that was weighing you down. You have to leave it all behind.
Third, be mindful of your words. Quit complaining and talking negatively about your walls. Stop speaking defeat. Proverbs 141:3 says, “Set a guard over my mouth. Keep watch over the door of my lips.”
Go after God this year like never before. He has a wonderful plan for your future. As you combine fasting with prayer, the walls hindering your breakthrough will start to fall.
How To Enrich And Strengthen Your Relationships
“But the fruit of the Spirit is…” Gal 5:22 NKJV
You can enrich and strengthen any relationship by developing and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit. The Bible speaks about being filled with the Spirit (See Eph 5:18) and walking in the Spirit (See Gal 5:16 AMPC). To be “filled” with God’s Spirit means you’re a receptacle, whereas “walking” in the Spirit means you’re a dispenser—a vessel God can fill and pour out into the lives of others. “What’s this ‘fruit’ you’re talking about?” you ask. The Bible describes it this way: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal 5:22-23 NKJV). Look carefully at these nine different character qualities. The first three—“love, joy, peace”—are atmosphere-changing fruits. As you yield to the Holy Spirit, He will throw a wet blanket on the unkind words you may want to say. He will build a fire in your heart that will bring warmth to a cold atmosphere and love to a bitter, revengeful atmosphere. The next three fruits—“longsuffering, kindness, goodness”—are attitude-changing fruits. Each of us has the potential to have a bad attitude. God sometimes lets us go through difficult situations to reveal what’s really inside us. When we see our own helplessness, weakness, and despair, it causes us to cry out, “God, I need you!” The last three fruits—“faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”—are attribute-changing fruits. Through the Holy Spirit, you have strength and ability that you can’t attribute to anyone but God. And you have peace that transcends human understanding (See Php 4:7).
Set Other Things Aside And Serve
“Jesus…laid aside His garments.” Jn 13:3-4 NKJV
When it came to serving others, Jesus went first. He “rose from supper…laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself…poured water into a basin…began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded…Peter said to Him, ‘Lord, are You washing my feet?’” (vv. 4-6 NKJV). Try to imagine God incarnate with an apron on, kneeling to wash the feet of those who were unworthy. The Bible says, “Jesus…laid aside His garments.” If you want to serve others, you must be willing to lay aside your image, your comfort, and your agenda. By laying aside His garments, Jesus demonstrated that God has no time for form or fashion. Real ministry isn’t image conscious; it’s done with complete disregard for distinction. But Peter didn’t get it! He was embarrassed to think Jesus would let Himself be seen in such a demeaning light. So, Jesus said: “You call Me Teacher and Lord…If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you…If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (vv. 13-15, 17 NKJV). There are certain things in your life that must be set aside in order to serve others and do the will of God. If you want to be blessed, don’t join those who delight in their own speeches and who trumpet their own accomplishments. Set aside everything you privately glory in and pick up the towel of servanthood. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. You go first!
Learning To Listen To God (3)
“Christ’s anointing teaches you the truth on everything you need to know about yourself and him.” 1Jn 2:27 MSG
When you pray diligently and believe you have heard from God, but then you start asking other people what they think, you’re honoring their opinions above God’s. That kind of mindset will prevent you from developing a relationship where you constantly hear from Him. You need to trust Him. If you have made bad decisions in the past, this can be difficult. But you must learn to listen to God without constantly needing reassurance from others. The Bible says: “The anointing (the sacred appointment, the unction) which you received from Him abides [permanently] in you; [so]…you have no need that anyone should instruct you…His anointing teaches you concerning everything and is true…so you must abide in (live in, never depart from) Him” (v. 27 AMPC). That doesn’t mean you don’t need teaching and instruction when it comes to understanding God’s Word; it means you have God’s Spirit living inside you and that He will guide and direct you personally. You might have to ask somebody for advice from time to time, but you needn’t constantly go to other people and ask them about decisions you’re making for your life. If you’re ever going to develop the ability to listen to God and be led by His Spirit, you must start making your own decisions—and trust the wisdom God has deposited in your heart. The devil wants you to think you’re not capable of hearing from God. Don’t believe him. The Holy Spirit who dwells inside you will give you confidence, comfort, and counsel for your life. So, learn to listen to Him.
Learning To Listen To God (1)
“The Spirit…will come and guide you into the full truth.” Jn 16:13 CEV
Jesus told His disciples, “I have much more to say to you, but right now it would be more than you could understand. The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth” (vv. 12-13 CEV). Jesus spoke these words to men He had spent the previous three years with. Now, wouldn’t you think if Jesus was with us in person, day and night for three years, we would have learned all there is to know? Not so. In fact, Jesus tells us to stay tuned, because He always has something to say to us about every new situation we face. But there are certain things He will only reveal to you when He knows you’re ready to handle them. God wants to speak to you on a one-to-one basis, to lead you step by step into the good things He has in store for you. He cares about the tiniest details of your life. So, never hesitate to take what you consider small things to Him—after all, everything is small to God! He cares about the desires of your heart. He wants to reveal truth to you that will set you free from fear and worry. His plan to share an intimate relationship with you was in place long before you were born. He “marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him” (Ac 17:26-27 NIV). Now think about it: If God planned your life in such minute detail before you were even born, isn’t it important for you to learn how to listen to Him?
Take Control Of The Small Things
“Daniel purposed in his heart.” Da 1:8 NKJV
Can you imagine being uprooted from your home and taken prisoner to a hostile country? It happened to Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar conquered his homeland and carried him off to slavery in Babylon. He lost his house, his job, his freedom, his culture, his friends, and his status as a member of Israel’s nobility. He had to learn to speak a foreign language and live in a place where he didn’t want to be. If you had been Daniel, wouldn’t you have been tempted to focus on the things you couldn’t control, like blaming exile for your unhappiness and feeling sorry for yourself? Not Daniel! He took charge of his life in little areas. The Bible says, “Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the…king’s [food]” (v. 8 NKJV). He decided to live by his convictions—even in small things. That’s important because small battles train you for big ones! If Daniel hadn’t taken control in small things, he wouldn’t have had the strength to say no to big things like worshiping idols or facing the lions’ den without fear or compromise. Maybe you can’t do anything right now about your house or your job or your relationship, but you can change your life by taking control of the little things. Perhaps, like Daniel, it will involve what you eat, what you watch on TV or the internet, what comes out of your mouth, or a refusal to let others dictate your attitude based on how they treat you. When you “purpose in your heart” to honor God in small things, He blesses you and becomes involved in your life in ways you never thought possible.
Put Your Heart Into Your Part
“Christ…makes all of its parts work perfectly.” Eph 4:16 CEV
You have probably heard that unless you’re the lead dog, the view seldom changes. The problem is, however, not everybody can be the leading man or woman. And it’s better to be a working actor than an out-of-work star; at least you get to be in the play! Besides, most great achievers, if they are honest, will tell you they couldn’t have done it alone; they needed the contributions of each member of the team. So if God has placed you in a supporting role today, accept it without complaining. Do your part to make the entire production stronger. Not only will you learn all about team spirit, and that’s important for when you do get to lead, you will also learn the Christlike virtue of humility. The Bible says you will “grow in every way and be more like Christ, the head of the body…[who] holds it together and makes all of its parts work perfectly” (vv. 15-16 CEV). So, put your heart into your part. Stop and think about how you’re living your life. Are you giving it everything you’ve got, or are you holding out, hoping somebody else will recognize your talent? It’s not about the greatness of the part you have been given, it’s about how much effort you put into doing it. If God has placed you in a supporting role rather than a starring one, it’s because He recognizes that the team needs your particular strengths and talents. Ask Him to help you accept the role He has given you—whatever it is—and learn to fulfill it with gratitude and dignity. Contribute from wherever you are today.
Parent, Keep Persevering
“What a pleasure to have children who are wise.” Pr 23:24 NLT
In Bible times a child was considered to have reached the age of maturity when he or she turned thirty. Today it’s considered to be eighteen to twenty-one years. Either way, that’s a long time to raise a human being and get them ready for independent living. Other creatures do the job much faster. Hamsters are prepared to go on their own in three weeks. Kittens need only a couple months, and lion cubs are self-reliant inside of two years. Elisabeth Elliott wrote, “There never has been a time when children could successfully be raised without sacrifice and discipline on the part of the parents.” Let’s face it—the child-rearing duty is the most prolonged responsibility we will probably face. And like any other job worth doing, the crucial thing is to persist to the finish line. Today there are voices telling parents to quit, run away, and think only of themselves. And there will be disheartening moments along the way. But the rewards are worth the sacrifice. The Bible says, “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him” (v. 24 NKJV). If you’re wise, you will recognize that there are things you can do for your children, and things that only God can do. Knowing that, you will lift them up in prayer each day. “Arise, cry out in the night…pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children” (La 2:19 NKJV). If you faithfully do your part, God will do His.
Don’t Be So Controlling!
“In honor giving preference to one another.” Ro 12:10 NKJV
Do you get upset when you cannot control others? Or moody and irritated when people don’t do what you want? Do you react when your mistakes are pointed out? Or try to force people to comply with your demands? Do you exaggerate your pain, sickness, or need in order to gain attention or sympathy? Or criticize the opinions and choices of others, and position yourself as superior? Do you become angry and abusive when someone disagrees with you or challenges your authority? Are you reluctant to compliment others, but quick to try and fix something you think is wrong in them? Do you find it hard to say, “I need you”? Do you try to drive a wedge between your loved ones and anyone else who gets close to them? Do you “give orders” to those you interact with, rather than using the simple courtesies of “please” and “thank you”? If your answer to these questions is yes, then the word for you today is—don’t be so controlling! The Bible says, “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (v. 10 NKJV). That means stopping to consider how your behavior affects other people. You say, “But I just happen to have a strong personality.” Sorry, that doesn’t let you off the hook! “A servant of the Lord must…be gentle to all” (2Ti 2:24 NKJV). So if you’re a controller, start changing your ways! And if you’re allowing yourself to be controlled because you fear anger and rejection, it’s time to draw a line in the sand. When the controller realizes you will no longer permit it, they will stop doing it.
Never Stop Learning (2)
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your…mind.” Mk 12:30 NKJV
Loving God with all your mind means managing your mind and making the most of it. It means loving God logically and creatively, intuitively, and thoughtfully. Albert Einstein, one of history’s greatest minds, said: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.” Downplaying his genius, Einstein said, “I have no special gift, I am only passionately curious.” The Bible says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” (Ps 24:1 NKJV). So, your curiosity should be boundless and without limits. The Latin word for “education” means “to draw out” rather than “to cram in.” Most academic programs focus on force-feeding knowledge rather than releasing curiosity. The result? We know some things—but we lose what’s most vital: the love of learning. In one study of a top university, the highest scoring graduates were given their same final exams one month after graduation. All of them failed. When you attempt to cram the truth into your mind, it seldom gets past the short-term memory. And it assuredly doesn’t get into the soul. Sadly, sometimes that’s what happens in church each weekend. What’s the answer? Put God’s Word into practice every chance you get.
This Year, Do First Things First
“Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.” Ps 90:12 CEV
We all get the same twenty-four hours every day. That’s 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. And we “must give an account to God” for how we use them (See Ecc 11:9 NLT). A good place to start is by asking yourself, “How would I spend the next twenty-four hours if I knew I would stand before God tomorrow?” Your answer can help you prioritize your life. Think about it: If somebody steals your car, you can get another one. If they steal your wallet, a few phone calls to the credit card company usually resolve the matter. But who can you call when you lose your time? How you spend your time is how you spend your life! Ephesians 5:16 says, “Make every minute count” (CEV), so learn to do these: (1) Stop saying yes to everybody. When your spiritual gut says no, but your people-pleasing gut says yes, go with your spiritual gut. Jesus did. It’s what enabled Him to tell His Father, “I have finished the work…You have given Me to do” (Jn 17:4 NKJV). Don’t let the good rob you of the best; back off on some activities so you can excel in others. (2) Be led by the Spirit, not the flesh. Paul says, “If you are guided by the Spirit, you won’t obey your selfish desires” (Gal 5:16 CEV). Furthermore, when you walk in the Spirit, you burn the oil, not the wick; the Holy Spirit supplies you with strength. (3) Put first things first. A mark of real maturity is doing what you don’t feel like doing when you don’t feel like doing it. So, this year, put first things first—and keep them there!