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“God Is” (3)
“The Lord is…the Creator of…the earth.”
Isa 40:28 NIV
Contrary to what we’ve been led to believe, science and Scripture aren’t necessarily opposed. The ranks of Bible-believing scientists have grown rapidly since the discovery of quantum physics, which demonstrates the amazing symmetry and order that make up the universe. Did you know that one of the most brilliant scientific books of our time was written by no less than sixty notable scientists, including twenty-four Nobel Prize winners? The book’s title is Cosmos, Bios, Theos, which means Universe, Life, and God. And one of the contributing authors, Yale physicist Professor Henry Margenau, concludes, “There’s only one convincing answer” for the intricate laws that exist in nature. And what does this brilliant man think it is? Evolution? Coincidence? Happenstance? No! Margenau believes that “creation is by an omnipotent omniscient God.” So to believe in God is to believe in science…and the infallible Word of God. The Bible says: “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth…He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (vv. 28-31 NIV). That means through prayer you can tap into the greatest power and most loving care in the universe. Amazing! How you face each day depends on Who you’re looking to. So look to God. Put your trust in Him. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Pr 16:3 NIV).
“God Is” (1)
“God is…a very present help in trouble.”
Ps 46:1 NKJV
The Bible says, “God is…a very present help in trouble.” But first you must believe that “God is,” otherwise the best you can hope for is good luck or human help. And how far do you think that’ll get you? When the doctor says he can’t do any more to save you or a loved one, who will you turn to? When you’ve run out of answers and need guidance, where will you go to find them? When you’re guilt-ridden and long for peace and forgiveness, who’ll provide them for you? When you do away with God you become your own god, because you recognize no greater power in the universe than yourself. You can see why the Bible says, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Ps 14:1 NKJV). How foolish to cut yourself off from the greatest source of help in all the universe! For the next few days let’s talk about why “God is,” and why you should put your trust in Him.
First, let’s look at astronomy. The Bible says: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship…night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or word…Yet their message has gone throughout the earth” (Ps 19:1-4 NLT). Did you know that 90 percent of the world’s astronomers believe in God? That’s a higher percentage than can be found among butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers! The great minds who have thoroughly examined His handiwork, believe that “God is.” How about you?
How To Improve Your Relationships
“Let us not love with words…but with actions.”
1Jn 3:18 NIV
Here are five scriptural ways to improve the quality of your relationships: (1) Always show appreciation. Who are the people that really matter in your life? Let them know you love them, and do it often. Practice the ten-to-one rule: ten compliments to every one criticism! Many of us think the best way to help people is to “straighten them out.” No, the best way to help others is to look for the best in them. Dr. John Maxwell calls this “the 101 Percent Principle.” Look for one thing you admire in somebody, then give them 100 percent encouragement for it. That’ll help you to like them, and vice versa. (2) Put others first. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men” (Eph 6:7 NIV). If you adopt that mindset in your dealings with others, you will go far in life. (3) Serve others gladly. Talking about how difficult it is to hire and train people, an airline executive said, “Service is the only thing we have to sell, but it’s the toughest thing to teach because nobody wants to be thought of as a servant.” (4) Forgive it, resolve it, and move beyond it. If someone has hurt you and you need to address it, do it immediately. Then forgive it, resolve it, and move beyond it. And if it’s not worth bringing up, forget it and move on. (5) Make time for the people who matter.Don’t give away your time on a first-come-first-served basis. Don’t devote so much energy to “the squeaky wheel” that you shortchange the people in your life who matter most.
Enjoy Each Day
“Each day is God’s gift.”
Ecc 9:9 TM
Solomon writes: “Seize life! Eat bread with gusto…Oh, yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure! Dress festively every morning. Don’t skimp on colors and scarves. Relish life with the spouse you love…every day of your precarious life. Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange for the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one! Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! This is your last and only chance…for there’s neither work to do nor thoughts to think in the company of the dead, where you’re most certainly headed” (vv. 7-10 TM). So, what are you waiting for? To graduate? To get married? To have children? To retire? Life is about the journey, not the destination! Your life is here and now, your family is here and now, your marriage is here and now, your career is here and now. The journey takes place every day, and you can find meaning when you search for a greater purpose. You can find small joys every day if you have eyes of faith. Solomon recognized that ultimately we all end up at the same destination—the grave. The only difference lies in how much we enjoy the journey. Instead of obsessing over the things you can’t control, focus on what you can control and leave the rest to God. Phil Cooke writes: “I have to believe that God’s in control, and for me to always demand answers is to assume His role. I’ve decided to sit back and let Him be God and let me be me.” That’s a philosophy you would do well to adopt!
Five All-Important Answers
“If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”
Ro 8:31 NLT
Paul asks five all-important questions: (1) “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” The assurance of God’s presence tilts the scales in your favor. So whatever you’re facing today, remind yourself, “God is for me.” (2) “Since [God] did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t [God]…give us everything else?” (v. 32 NLT). Think about it: Would God save your soul, then leave you to fend for yourself? Or address your eternal needs and not your earthly ones? No! (3) “Who dares accuse us…? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself” (v. 33 NLT). Every accusing voice, including your own, counts for nothing in the court of heaven. God’s acceptance trumps everybody else’s rejection—and He accepts you because He sees you “in Christ.” (4) “Who then will condemn us?…Christ Jesus died for us…he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us” (v. 34 NLT). When your accusers rise up and speak against you, Jesus, your defense attorney, silences them. Why? Because His blood covers you! (5) “Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?” (v. 35 NLT). Paul answers his own question: “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love…nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (vv. 38-39 NLT). Knowing these five truths will help you enjoy your day, and sleep better at night!
Staying Power (3)
“I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back.”
Jdg 11:35
Staying power overcomes family opposition. When Jephthah’s family disowned him and threw him out of the house, he built an army that delivered Israel from the hands of their enemies. As a result, he ended up becoming the nation’s youngest judge. When faced with the challenge to “fold up or hold up,” David Livingstone demonstrated staying power. His wife, Mary, gave him so much trouble, always complaining and criticizing, that she made his life’s work almost impossible. The tension between them became so great that Livingstone sent her home to England for a period of more than twelve years while he suffered, bled, and ultimately died in Africa for the cause of Christ. When Jesus went home to Nazareth to minister to the people He grew up around, some of them tried to throw Him off a cliff. And in spite of His teachings and miracles, His family thought He was mad. Did that hurt Him? Of course. But He didn’t let it stop Him. He said: “Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters—yes, more than his own life—otherwise, he cannot be my disciple. And no one can be my disciple who does not carry his own cross and follow me…don’t begin until you [first] count the cost” (Lk 14:26-28 TLB). When your family opposes you, love them and pray for them because God can change their hearts. And until He does, keep serving Him.
Staying Power (1)
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed.”
2Co 4:8 NIV
Here’s a saying that has proven to be true: “What doesn’t destroy us makes us stronger.” And here are four sayings that have proved to be false: (1) “When you become a Christian all your problems are over.” Whoever told you that didn’t get it from Scripture. Paul said, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (vv. 8-9). (2) “All the problems you’ll ever encounter are addressed in the Bible.” God tells us many things in His Word, but He still requires us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2Co 5:7). That means receiving guidance from His Word, from the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and from the counsel of godly friends. (3) “If you’re having problems you must be unspiritual.” The opposite is true. Satan’s attack is proof that you haven’t been conquered, that you represent a threat to the kingdom of darkness, and that you’re doing the will of God. And the greater the attack, the greater the level of blessing that awaits you beyond it, so keep going. (4) “Being exposed to sound Bible teaching automatically solves every problem.” It will certainly help you solve your problems, but it won’t solve them for you. You must be a “doer” of the Word and not a “hearer only” (See Jas 1:23). Paul writes, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies [and tricks] of the devil” (Eph 6:10-11 NLT). In other words, you need “staying power.”
Be Joyful!
“You shall go out with joy.”
Isa 55:12 NKJV
Every morning say, “Today, I will go out with joy.” That will set your attitude straight! Generally speaking, there are three kinds of people: (1) Those who feel bad about feeling good. They believe we’re not supposed to be happy, just “responsible.” (2) Those who rain on your parade because your joy bothers them. Often these folks have been hurt by life and anger simmers just beneath the surface. (3) Those who lift your spirit and breathe life into you. You say, “But doesn’t the Bible tell us believers are supposed to be different from nonbelievers?” Yes, but not negatively different—positively different! And unless you commit yourself to walking in the joy of the Lord, you’ll find negative ways of distinguishing yourself from nonbelievers. Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Php 4:4 NIV). If you’re thinking, “That’s easy for Paul to say; he doesn’t have my problems,” think again! When Paul wrote those words he was in prison with no chance of getting out. For him joy was a decision, not a reaction to circumstances. You ask, “How could Paul be joyful in prison?” Because he understood that true joy comes from devoting yourself to something bigger than your own interests. The Bible says, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Neh 8:10). True joy calls for three things: (a) Making a conscious choice to focus on God’s goodness every single day. (b) Reaching out to bless others every chance you get. (c) Understanding that joy produces strength, which explains why your joy is the Devil’s primary target. When you lose your joy you lose your strength, and he wins—so be joyful!
Divine Guidance (2)
“God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power
to do what pleases him.”
Php 2:13 NLT
Underline these words: “God is working in you.” He does this as you engage your mind, open your mouth, move your feet, and use your hands to do what He’s already put into your heart. The moment you say yes to His will, He gives you the ability to perform it. Notice, He doesn’t reveal His will to you, then call you. He calls you, and as you step out in faith and obey Him, He reveals His will to you step by step, empowering and equipping you as you go. If you’re thinking you’d like a little more detail before you make a commitment, take note. First: God may make you uncomfortable where you are. “Like an eagle that stirs up its nest…The Lord…led him” (Dt 32:11-12 NIV). To teach her children to fly, a mother eagle literally pushes them out of the nest. Talk about being out of your element! Can you imagine what they are thinking? “It’s my mother doing this to me.” But until a baby eagle is forced out of its comfort zone, it doesn’t realize it was born to fly, spread its wings, release its power, and take its place in the heavens. Is God stirring up your comfort zone today? Second: God’s direction is impossible to follow without His help. He plans it that way. Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5 NKJV). Third: There’s persistence in His leading. Human ideas go away, but God’s direction stays. That means time is on your side—so stay in step with God and don’t get ahead of Him.
Bound By A Commitment To Love
“Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it.”
SS 8:7 NLT
The story’s told of a wedding where the minister said to the groom, “Do you take this woman for better or for worse? For richer or for poorer? In sickness and in health?” And the groom said, “Yes, no, yes, no, no, yes.” We all want the better, richer, and healthier parts of marriage, but that’s not the way relationships work. In some modern marriage ceremonies the bride and groom pledge to stay together “as long as love shall last.” Let’s hope they both know a good divorce attorney, because they’re probably going to need one. The truth is that relationships which are based on feelings don’t last. The only real stability in marriage is produced by a firm commitment that holds two people steady when emotions are fluctuating wildly. Can you imagine a parent saying to a child, “I’ll care for you as long as I shall love you?” No, and neither does a wishy-washy expression of love hold much promise for the future of a marriage. Think about it this way: Emotion is like the caboose on a train, but commitment is the engine that pulls the relationship through all the ups and downs of everyday living. Solomon puts it this way: “Many waters cannot quench love, nor can rivers drown it. If a man tried to buy love with all his wealth, his offer would be utterly scorned.” And one more thought—the theme of the Bible is resurrection. That means even though your love may feel dead, God can cause it to live again if you’re both willing to let Him work in your heart.
Getting What You Want (3)
“You do not have because you do not ask.”
Jas 4:2 NKJV
Notice: (1) There are benefits you won’t receive unless you ask for them. Plus, “asking and receiving” works wonders for your self-esteem. Imagine the joy these five daughters felt when their petition was granted. Obviously they were emotionally secure or they wouldn’t have tried it. So as a redeemed child of God, declare, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Ro 8:31). (2) Timing is important. “A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (Pr 27:12 NLT). The daughters of Zelophehad spoke up while they were still in the wilderness; the Promised Land hadn’t yet been conquered. There’s nothing like good planning. You can’t just sit around and assume others are thinking about your welfare. For example, after the raises are announced is not the time to petition your boss for an increase. Zelophehad’s daughters made life better for every other woman in Israel. So by speaking up and confronting the situation not only will you be blessed, others will too. (3) Strive for a win-win situation. The battle was not yet over. The daughters of Zelophehad had uncles who appealed the new ruling, pointing out that if these women married men outside their tribe then their land holdings would go to other tribes. So God made another ruling; to possess land you must only marry within your own tribe (See Nu 36:5-11). And when it comes to marriage, spiritually speaking that principle still applies. “She is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord” (1Co 7:39 NKJV). The same for men.
Getting What You Want (1)
“Give us a possession among our father’s brothers.”
Nu 27:4 NKJV
The five daughters of Zelophehad are a great example of how to get what you want. The Israelites were about to possess the Promised Land. Guidelines had been established for allocating the land among the various tribes. But the law said that only males could inherit land. These five women thought this was unfair since it denied them the ability to inherit their deceased father’s property. So they challenged this law by taking their case to Moses. “Our father died in the wilderness…and he had no sons…Give us a possession among our father’s brothers” (vv. 3-4 NKJV). Now, since it was God who gave the law, only He could change it. So Moses took their case before the Lord, and here’s what He said: “The daughters of Zelophehad speak what is right…you shall…cause the inheritance…to pass to them” (v. 7 NKJV). These brave women took matters into their own hands. They had no men in their lives to speak up on their behalf—no husbands, no brothers, and no sons. Yes, they had uncles, but it was unlikely that they would support them in their request since they were asking for land that would, under the current plan, default to the uncles. Here’s what we learn from this story: (1) When something is unfair and unjust, God may be calling you to challenge and change it. (2) All things don’t come to those who wait, but to those who are willing to go and get them. (3) Man may close the door, but when you turn to God He can open it for you.
“The Fear Of The Lord”
“In the…fear of the Lord there is strong confidence.”
Pr 14:26 AMP
When you submit to God, you don’t have to be afraid of anything because He becomes your “refuge and strength” (Ps 46:1). Fearing God doesn’t mean being afraid He’s going to hurt you. He’s a good God! “The fear of the Lord” just means you follow His directions and recognize His authority in all things. You’ve probably noticed there’s not a lot of respect for authority these days; we’ve developed the kind of mentality that says, “Nobody’s going to tell me what to do!” But the Bible says, “In the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord there is strong confidence.” Why does it say that? Because a reverent and worshipful fear means being respectful and obedient. It means you’ll do what God says to do, and your confidence and trust in Him will continue to grow. And you’ll notice something else that’s important: The more reverential fear and awe you have of God, the more careful and courteous you’ll be in your dealings with others. That’s because you know you’re accountable to God for your actions, and you recognize that other people are just as valuable to Him as you are. Solomon writes, “Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments…this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc 12:13 NIV). Moses told the children of Israel, “What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God…walk in all his ways…love him…serve the Lord your God with all your heart and…soul” (Dt 10:12 NIV). It’s not complicated!
Spend More Time With Your Family
“When the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were around me.”
Job 29:5 NKJV
Here’s a true saying: “The family that prays together, stays together.” Here’s another true saying: “The family that eats together and communicates, raises well-adjusted children.” When the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center studied five hundred teenagers, here’s what they discovered: “Children whose parents ate dinner with them five times a week or more were the least likely to be on drugs, to be depressed, or to be in trouble with the law. They were also more likely to do well in school, and be surrounded by a supportive circle of friends. Even when families met together at a fast-food restaurant they got the same results. By contrast, the more poorly adjusted teens ate with their parents only three times a week or less. What do these findings mean? (1) You need to make time to be involved with your children on a daily basis, especially during the formative years. (2) When you give your children things you give them short-term pleasure and excitement, but when you give them time you give them self-worth. This may call for working fewer hours or eliminating certain activities, but it’s an investment you’ll never regret. Job was one of the wealthiest men in his generation. But after tragedy struck and all ten of his children died in a single day, he looked back and wrote, “The Almighty was yet with me, when my children were around me.” You need to ask yourself: “Am I spending enough time with my family?” If you don’t like the answer, start changing things.
When You’re Not Expecting It (1)
“Then cometh the devil.”
Lk 8:12
Anne Graham Lotz writes: “In the course of a week, the hot-water heater broke, water pipes burst…the bathroom showerhead fell off…[and] I was confronted with friction between family members and problems with my ministry staff. I was tempted to lose my temper, to worry instead of trust, and to neglect my prayer life. What looked like ordinary frustration…was something more sinister…Satan attacks our weakened defenses in the mundane areas of our lives.” The Bible says that immediately following the spiritual blessing He received at His baptism, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert “to be tempted by the devil” (See Mt 4:1-11). There are important lessons here: (1) Don’t rest in success. After the benediction comes the battle. What incredible blessing has God recently given you? Whether it involves your ministry, family, career, or your personal walk with God, watch out! Satan targets us when we’re off guard. (2) Stay in God’s will. Have you ever thought, “If it’s this hard it can’t be God’s will” and decided to quit? Just because you’re doing the right thing doesn’t mean you’re immune. Jesus was in God’s will when the Enemy attacked Him. When things look bleak, don’t “lean…on your own understanding”; that’s the time to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Pr 3:5 NKJV). (3) Know the Scripture. Every time Jesus was attacked He countered with, “It is written.” God’s Word is called “the sword of the Spirit” (Eph 6:17 NIV) because it’s our primary offensive weapon against—evil (See v. 16). Jesus used it to defeat Satan, and so must you.
“God Is” (2)
“Lift your eyes…to the heavens; Who created all these?”
Isa 40:26 NIV
Many of the world’s greatest thinkers believe that God not only exists, but that He created the universe and its inhabitants. So the next time someone tells you that only simple, uneducated people believe in God—don’t buy it. Dr. Robert Jastrow, founder and director of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies at NASA, writes in his blockbuster book, God and the Astronomers: “The astronomical evidence supports the biblical view of the origin of the world…The details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and biblical accounts of Genesis are the same…Science has proved that the universe exploded into being at a certain moment…What cause produced this effect? Who or what put the matter or energy into the universe? Science cannot answer these questions…and for the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountain of ignorance…is about to conquer the highest peak, and as he pulls himself over the final rock he’s greeted by a band of theologians who’ve been sitting there for centuries.” Pierre-Simon Laplace, another of the world’s great astronomers, said that proof in favor of an intelligent God was infinitely more probable than that a set of writing implements thrown promiscuously against parchment would produce Homer’s Iliad. The evidence for God as opposed to the evidence against Him as the creator of this universe, is infinity to one. It can’t even be measured. So rejoice: “God is.” He’s accessible and available, if you’ll just take time to pray and invite Him into your life.
Is It You?
“Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, ‘Surely not I, Rabbi?’”
Mt 26:25 NIV
In a sermon about commitment to Christ, the great preacher Charles Spurgeon said: “I’ve known some who preached the gospel with power, but lived to depart from it altogether. I’ve known others who discharged the duties of deaconship and eldership with considerable diligence, who have afterwards given way to their evil passions. I’ve thought some of them to be the holiest of men. While they’ve been praying I’ve been lifted up to the very gates of heaven; if anyone had said these would one day fall into gross sin, I wouldn’t have believed it. I’d sooner have believed it of myself. Those who seemed stronger than we have fallen, so why not we? Our Lord’s disciples who sat at the table with Him, when they were told that one of them would betray their master, each enquired: ‘Lord, is it I?’ That was a very proper question. There wasn’t one who asked, ‘Lord, is it Judas?’ Probably not one of them suspected him. And it may be that the worst hypocrite in this assembly is the one upon whom there doesn’t rest at this moment a single shade of suspicion. He has learned to play his part so well that his true character hasn’t yet been discovered.” If those words hit too close for comfort, don’t walk—run to the foot of the cross today! Run to the One who, with full knowledge of your struggles and temptations, loves you unconditionally; the One whose blood cleanses you from sin, whose grace can lift and sustain you, and whose power can help you live an overcoming life.
Prepare Yourself
“We rebuilt the wall…for the people worked with all their heart.”
Ne 4:6 NIV
To succeed, Nehemiah needed favor with his boss, the king. So he prayed that this heathen potentate would finance the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. It was a bold prayer, and it wasn’t answered overnight. But Nehemiah didn’t sit around waiting. In the meantime he put together a plan, assembled a team, and scheduled a date to begin the work. That way when the king said yes, he was ready to move. Some folks think if God’s going to do something, why should we do anything? Then there are those who think they don’t need God at all, so they try to do it on their own. But both extremes are wrong. Sometimes God has to balance what He’s doing in your life with what He’s doing in somebody else’s life, so that “all things work together for good” (Ro 8:28). In Nehemiah’s case, waiting for a letter of authorization from the king and funding for the project was like waiting for a government grant—it can take a while. But the Bible says, “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes” (Pr 21:1 NAS). Nehemiah exercised bold confidence in God’s willingness to provide. He also understood that while he was waiting, it was his responsibility to prepare and set things in place so that when God gave him the green light he was ready to move. He exercised faith—and wisdom. He knew he couldn’t do God’s part, and that God wouldn’t do his part. So the word for you today is: “Prepare yourself!”
Be An Esther
“These things happened to them as examples for us.”
1Co 10:11 NLT
It’s a mistake to think the great achievers in the Bible were somehow different from us and say, “In my situation a life like that isn’t possible.” Esther was born into slavery, and because of her beauty a pagan king made her one of his wives. Talk about feeling out of place! But no place is out of place, when you’re in the place God wants you to be! When Haman plotted to have the Jews exterminated, Esther was strategically positioned by God to save them. She discovered her life’s purpose when her uncle Mordecai told her she had “come to the kingdom for such a time as this” (Est 4:14 NKJV). And what was her response? “I will go to the king [on behalf of my people]…and if I perish, I perish!” (v. 16 NKJV). But instead of perishing, she prevailed! So what can we learn from Esther? (1) When you first start out, God won’t give you all the details.That doesn’t mean He doesn’t have a plan. It’s in seeking Him that you discover His plan and draw on His strength. (2) Knowledge is power. Whether you’re a slave or a sovereign, when you know God has called you it enables you to overcome each obstacle as it arises. (3) Knowing God’s in control gives you boldness. When Esther said, “If I perish, I perish,” she was simply putting herself into God’s hands, knowing that even death can be faced with confidence when you trust Him. Not only does God have a place for you here on earth, He has an even better one for you in heaven. And that puts you in the ultimate win-win situation.
Staying Power (4)
“Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him.”
Ge 37:5 NIV
Staying power overcomes misunderstanding and rejection.Sometimes the people you count on to support you will actually try to undercut you. When God gives you a vision too big for them to handle, they’ll say, “You’re getting too big for your boots,” and then try to cut you down to size—their size! Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, then went home and told their father he’d been killed by a wild beast. Can you imagine how Joseph felt when someone asked, “Tell me about your family”? General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “There are no victories at bargain prices.” And sadly, betrayal happens as often in church as in secular society. When Charles Spurgeon was in his early twenties, such large crowds came to his church that the building couldn’t accommodate them. So he met with thirty of his church leaders and suggested they build an auditorium that would seat 5,500 people. Allegedly, he told them that if any of them doubted the possibility of accomplishing this, they should leave. And twenty-three did! But Spurgeon held true to the vision God had given him. He had the “stickability” to see it through, and for over thirty-five years crowds packed the Metropolitan Tabernacle morning and night, making it one of the most influential churches in history. “Got any rivers you think are un-crossable? Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible; He can do just what no other can do.”
Staying Power (2)
“Here on earth you will have many trials.”
Jn 16:33 NLT
Two more reasons you need to develop staying power are: (1) It overcomes prolonged illness. When sickness saps your physical, emotional, and mental strength—that’s when you need staying power. The Bible says, “The strong spirit of a man [or woman] sustains him in bodily pain or trouble, but a weak and broken spirit who can raise up or bear?” (Pr 18:14 AMP). Charles Spurgeon was known to multitudes as “the prince of preachers.” His ministry impacted London and much of the British Isles. Yet he was so sick that he had to spend a lot of his time resting in Southern France. His wife, who became an invalid after the birth of their twin sons, transcended her physical limitations with staying power. Though paralyzed, she directed from her bed an unprecedented book distribution effort. And it’s largely because of her staying power that Spurgeon’s books are on the shelves of more people around the world than the books of most other ministers. (2) It overcomes financial limitations.George Müller, who founded homes for orphans in England, is a prime example of staying power. He saved the lives of thousands of children, and he did it by faith. Many times he didn’t have the money to buy food for their next meal, but he never complained. Instead he prayed. And in response to his faith, money poured in from all over the world, much of it from people he never knew. Müller lived by the scriptural principle: “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Ro 12:11-12 NIV).
What It Means To Really Love
Love cares more for others than for self.”
1Co 13:4 TM
Some of the greatest insights on what it means to love someone come from the pen of the apostle Paul: “No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others, isn’t always ‘me first,’ doesn’t fly off the handle, doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel, takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything, trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end. Love never dies” (vv. 3-8 TM). John had been married to Mary for fifty years. One night in bed she said, “When we were young you used to hold my hand.” A little irritated, he slowly reaches out his hand. “When we were young you used to snuggle up to me,” Mary said. Even more slowly, John’s body creaks and turns, nestling against hers. “When we were young you used to nibble on my ear,” she whispered. Abruptly he throws back the covers and jumps out of bed. Bewildered, Mary asks, “Where are you going?” “To get my teeth!” he grumbles. To nibble on an ear when you’re full of romance and bubbling hormones is one thing. To nibble on that same ear years later when it holds a hearing aid, when the scent in the air is Vicks VapoRub, and when you have to get up to get your teeth—that’s love!
Divine Guidance (3)
“We have placed our confidence in him,
and he will continue to rescue us.”
2Co 1:10 NLT
Paul writes: “We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in…Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed…we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again” (vv. 8-10 NLT). For Paul, what looked like the end of the road was just the beginning of a fresh infusion of God’s power and favor into his life. As a result he went on to say that through it all he learned not to trust in himself, but in God “who raises the dead.” It’s when your plans look dead that God’s resurrection power begins to operate in your life in greater measure. As long as you have a loving heavenly Father to call on, a word from the Lord to stand on, and faith to activate it, you have every reason to rejoice. So come on—start calling on God today! And do it in faith—not doubt. Expect Him to release His power on your behalf; then watch as He turns your situation around. Why? Because now you’re starting to trust the One who can really do something about it! Always remember that no matter how strong or successful you are, there’ll never be a time in your life when you don’t need God’s grace and guidance. And the sooner you learn that, the better off you’ll be.
Divine Guidance (1)
“He…sends them in the right direction.”
Ps 25:8 TM
Throughout Scripture God talked to ordinary people, and He’ll talk to you too! He told Abraham when to leave home (See Ge 12:1), and Jacob when to go back home (See Ge 31:3). He told Elijah where to find food in the middle of a famine (See 1Ki 17:1-5). On two different occasions He stopped Paul from walking through what appeared to be a door of opportunity because He had something better in mind for him. The Bible says: “God is fair and just; He corrects the misdirected, sends them in the right direction. He gives the rejects his hand, and leads them step-by-step. From now on every road you travel will take you to God. Follow the Covenant signs; read the charted directions” (Ps 25:8-10 TM). Nothing is more important in life than being led by God. Other people’s input should confirm and clarify what God’s already telling you. But until you’ve heard from Him, you’ll be tempted to think other people’s ideas are God’s leading—and that can hurt you. You’re unique, and God has a unique plan and purpose for you. When you’re not sure which way to go, stand on His promise: “I’ll take the hand of those who don’t know the way, who can’t see where they’re going. I’ll be a personal guide…directing them through unknown country. I’ll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don’t fall into the ditch. These are the things I’ll be doing for them—sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute” (Isa 42:16 TM). It doesn’t get any better than that!
Four Steps To Overcoming Fear
“The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.”
Ps 118:6 NIV
First, be willing to take a risk. Yes, you might be hurt or embarrassed—so what? To overcome insecurity and gain confidence you must allow yourself the freedom to take a chance. Start writing that book, take those music lessons, stand up and speak at the meeting! Feel the fear and do it anyway! “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Pr 29:25 NIV). Second, learn to laugh at yourself. Get over your obsessive need for approval and acceptance and learn to laugh at your mistakes. We’re all human; stop taking yourself so seriously! When you make a mistake, be the first to see the funny side, and you’ll find people more supportive than you think. Third, start thinking realistically. It’s time to drop the security blanket and realize it’s not all about you. You are not the center of the universe, and your little faux pas don’t mean that much in the bigger scheme of things. Besides, mistakes are often better teachers than success. Fourth, reward yourself for little victories. When you complete a project, reward yourself. When you take advice or correction without retaliating, reward yourself. Often the people we lash out at, are those trying the hardest to help us. Get used to the idea that you’re valuable, talented, and skilled, and your worth in God’s eyes is inestimable. Stop scrutinizing yourself through distorted lenses and start seeing yourself with 20/20 vision. Once you can do that, your fears will be replaced by confidence in yourself and in your future.
Getting What You Want (2)
“The daughters of Zelophehad…stood before Moses.”
Nu 27:1-2 NKJV
The daughters of Zelophehad teach us that we must: (1) Be willing to do something about it. Complaining doesn’t change anything; it just makes you more miserable. With millions of people entering the Promised Land, other women were in the same predicament. But nothing changed until these five women became proactive and refused to accept the status quo. That took courage. Going before Moses was like appealing to the Supreme Court. Solutions are found when you decide to face your problems head-on and do something about them. (2) Be clear about what you want. What do you want to happen, or stop happening? When you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there; you must have a clear goal in mind. These women believed they were entitled to the same blessing the male members of their family received, and they refused to settle for less. As a result, God gave it to them. And He will do the same for you. “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal 6:9 NKJV). (3) Refuse to be deterred by opinions, policies, and traditions. Under the law of Moses women weren’t even numbered as part of the congregation (See Nu 26). Can you imagine the shape the church would be in if we still lived by that policy today? Many times in the Scripture God altered “the norm” in response to bold faith, and changed the destiny of those individuals. And what He did for them, He will do for you.
Groaning In Prayer
“The Spirit…intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
Ro 8:26 NIV
We usually think of groaning as something negative. But groaning in prayer is one of the most positive things we can do: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (vv. 26-28 NIV). Sometimes when we’re praying about a certain need, we feel it so deeply that we can’t express ourselves in words. At that point the Holy Spirit enters the picture and identifies with us. But He does more than just feel for us, He takes our pain and deepest longings and interprets them to God. What does this tell us about prayer? That the Holy Spirit connects with your prayers when they come from your heart and not just your lips. There are times when you’re unable to articulate a single word in prayer; nevertheless you’re making an important connection. Ever reach a point where you’re so concerned about something that when you come before God, all you can do is sigh? You’re learning something important about prayer! God allows us to groan; otherwise we’d never truly pray. We’d utter words but never really pray from deep within—where “effectual fervent prayer” has to begin (Jas 5:16).
Start Giving To Others
Giving, not getting, is the way.”
Lk 6:38 TM
Generosity isn’t just about money. Lots of people say, “As soon as I get rich I’ll become more generous.” But the greatest givers often have the least money. Grandmothers on meager pensions are sending a few dollars a month to help build orphanages. People barely making it are giving to feed the hungry. Retired employees are mentoring younger workers. Single people with limited resources are spending their evenings working with the homeless or families in need. No matter where you are financially, you can begin a lifestyle of giving. If you can come up with the money for a nice car, dining out, movie tickets, dating, and other leisure activities, chances are you can find something to give if you really want to. Jesus said, “Give away your life; you’ll find life…not merely given back—[but] given back with bonus and blessing” (v. 38 TM). Want a bonus? Want a blessing? Start giving your time, treasure and talent to others. Jesus either lied or He told the truth, and you need to find out which. If you believe He told the truth you’d be foolish to withhold instead of giving. Norman Vincent Peale said: “When you become detached mentally from yourself and concentrate on helping other people with their difficulties, you’ll be able to cope with your own more effectively. Somehow the act of self-giving is a personal power-releasing factor.” Jesus said, “Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.” So start giving to others and see what happens.
When You’re Not Expecting It (2)
“We are not ignorant of [Satan’s] devices.”
2Co 2:11 NKJV
On the heels of a spiritual victory it’s tempting to let down your guard, but that’s when you’re most vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. You can’t afford to be “ignorant of [Satan’s] devices.” Even Jesus wasn’t exempt. In a display of supernatural power, He fed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. After a miracle like that most of us would have decided it was time to kick back and take it easy for a while. But instead of basking in the afterglow, Jesus “departed to the mountain to pray” (Mk 6:46 NKJV). It wasn’t apparent at the time, but He was about to face one of the fiercest storms of His ministry (See Mk 6:48). One Christian author observes: “The disciples raced headlong into the tempest unprepared, but…Jesus entered the storm prepared and met the crisis with all the power of God…Stand guard over your high points…when you experience God mightily…go immediately to a place of prayer so the Father can prepare you for what’s to come.” Times have changed but human nature hasn’t. We’re still our same old predictable selves—and Satan knows it. That’s why he stays “poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping” (1Pe 5:8 TM). To stop him from gaining an advantage: (1) “Resist [him] and he’ll flee” (Jas 4:7 NIV); (2) Surround yourself with godly companions (See Ps 1:1); (3) Stay connected to God through His Word and prayer. Vern McLellan said, “In the morning prayer opens the treasures of God’s mercies and blessings, and in the evening it shuts us up under His protection and safeguard.” That’s a fail-safe strategy you should adopt.
Ministering To Others (2)
“Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
1Th 4:18 NKJV
Professor Tony Campolo once attended the funeral of an acquaintance, and by mistake ended up at the wrong funeral parlor. The body of an elderly man was laid out, and his widow was the only mourner there. She seemed so lonely, Campolo stayed for the funeral and then accompanied her to the cemetery. After the committal service, as they were driving away Campolo confessed that he hadn’t actually known the lady’s husband. “I thought so,” she replied. “I didn’t recognize you. But it doesn’t matter. You’ll never, ever, know what this means to me.” Philip Yancey writes: “Simple availability is the most powerful force we can contribute…We rightly disparage Job’s three friends for their insensitive response to his suffering. But read the account again: ‘When they came, they sat in silence beside Job for seven days before opening their mouths’…those were the most eloquent moments they spent with him. Instinctively I shrink back from people in pain. Who knows if they want to talk about their predicament or not? Do they want to be consoled or cheered up? What good can my presence possibly do? My mind spins out these rationalizations and as a result I end up doing the worst thing possible: I stay away…No one offers the name of a philosopher when I ask, ‘Who helped you the most?’ Most often they describe a quiet, unassuming person…who was there…who listened more than they talked, who didn’t keep glancing down at a watch, who hugged and touched, and cried… someone who was available and came on the sufferer’s terms, not their own.” That’s how you minister to others.