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Spirit-filled living
“When the Spirit has his way with us.”
Gal 5:17 TLB
Always remember that no matter how long you walk with God, your carnal nature never improves. It never becomes more like Jesus, even over time. That’s why we’re told to “crucify” it daily (See v. 24). Even the apostle Paul struggled with his lower nature: “We naturally love to do evil things…opposite from the things that the Holy Spirit tells us to do; and the good things we want to do when the Spirit has his way with us are just the opposite of our natural desires. These two forces within us are constantly fighting…to win control over us, and our wishes are never free from their pressures…But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (vv. 17, 22-23 TLB). You ask, “Is such a lifestyle even possible?” Yes, but you must do these four things: (1) Remember that Satan never takes a day off. You’re constantly in his crosshairs, so you must protect yourself with God’s Word and prayer.(2) Identify the sin you’re most prone to. The Bible says, “Lay aside…the sin which so easily ensnares” (Heb 12:1 NKJV). Why? Because the area of your greatest weakness is the one in which you’ll constantly be attacked. (3) Keep your spiritual tank full. “The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace” (Ro 8:6 NIV). (4) Walk in God’s strength, not your own. Does the fight ever end? No, but God’s power—plus your choice to obey and keep fighting—always leads to clear and lasting victory.
Bible study: Make it personal
“The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you.”
Mk 4:24 AMP
Martin Luther said studying the Bible was like picking apples. First you shake the trunk, then you shake the limb, then you shake the branch, then you shake the twig, then you look under every leaf. There’s no other book in the world like it. You can read the same Bible verse a dozen times and get a dozen different insights. That’s because it’s “God-breathed” (2Ti 3:16 NIV). Here’s what Jesus said about studying God’s Word: “[Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.] For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret except in order that it may be made known” (Mk 4:22 AMP). Then He adds: “Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you—and more [besides] will be given to you who hear” (v. 24). Do you want to grow spiritually? Build better relationships? Succeed in your career? Conquer anxiety and find peace? Break a bad habit? Be healed from the emotional wounds of your past? Then meditate on, ponder, think about, practice mentally, and verbalize the Word of God. Instead of living off someone else’s spiritual insight, study God’s Word for yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to bless you with life-transforming insights. Jesus said, “The Spirit takes my message and tells it to you” (Jn 16:15 CEV). And you’ll experience the truth of those words when youpersonalize the Scripture you’re reading.
Pray for self-control
“Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”
Ro 6:12 NIV
Self-control is one of the great keys to success in life. And since God’s Word has a lot to say about it, if you ask Him He will help you to cultivate it. What you struggled with when you were young will be different from the things you struggle with when you’re older, but you’ll face temptation in one form or another as long as you live. Self-control is one of the nine fruits of the Spirit listed in the Bible (See Gal 5:22-23). It calls for bringing every aspect of your life under the mastery of the Holy Spirit. It’s a lifestyle characterized by discipline, not impulse. The Greek word for “self-control” comes from a root word meaning “to grip.” It calls for getting a grip on your spending so that you don’t go into debt for things you don’t need and can’t pay for. It calls for getting a grip on your temper and not saying things you’ll later regret: “Better…a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city” (Pr 16:32 NIV). It calls for getting a grip on your desires. If Joseph had failed to say no to the repeated advances of his boss’ wife, he’d never have seen his life’s dream fulfilled and sat on the throne of Egypt. Understand this: Satan has discerned your destiny and he’s out to stop you from reaching it. So pray for self-control, and practice it on a daily basis.
When you are criticized
“He did not retaliate when he was insulted.”
1Pe 2:23 NLT
When it comes to constructive criticism, try to learn from it and grow wiser. When it comes to unjustified criticism, remind yourself that Jesus was criticized too, so you’re in good company. And when you’re tempted to give in to resentment and strike back, read these Scriptures: “If you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly” (vv. 20-23 NLT). There’s an interesting story about Abraham Lincoln. During the Civil War he signed an order transferring certain regiments, but Secretary of War Edwin Stanton refused to execute it, calling the president a fool. When Lincoln heard this, he said, “If Stanton said I’m a fool then I must be, for he’s nearly always right, and he says what he thinks. I’ll step over and see for myself.” He did, and when Stanton convinced him the order was in error, Lincoln quietly withdrew it. Part of Lincoln’s greatness lay in his ability to rise above pettiness, ego, and sensitivity to other people’s opinions. He wasn’t easily offended. He welcomed criticism, and in doing so demonstrated one of the strengths of a truly great person: humility. So, have you been criticized? Make it a time to learn, not lose.
SHALOM: Which means PEACE
Whenever I imagine the city of Jerusalem in Bible times, I picture it being like NYC - loud, chaotic, busy … even messy and violent. But this was not God's plan for a place known as His Holy City.
The word Jerusalem in Hebrew isYerushalayim which is made up of two Hebrew words; yeru which means "you will see" and shalom which means "the peace of God". So Jerusalem is supposed to be the place where you will see the peace of God.
In the Book of Revelation we read that the followers of God will live in a "new Jerusalem" in God's Kingdom - and we will see the peace of God. Jesus told his followers that "… the Kingdom of God is within you”, which means the "peace of God" is within us.
Will the the people around you see and experience the peace of God today because of you?
Reach for help
“The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”
Ex 18:18 NIV
God has placed people within your reach who are willing to help you. If you don’t accept their help, you will be frustrated and they will be unfulfilled because they’re not using their gifts. God hasn’t called you to do everything, for everybody, in every situation. You can’t be all things to all people all the time! You yourself have legitimate needs, and when they are not met you suffer and so do the people around you. There’s nothing wrong with needing help and asking for it; in fact, it’s wrong to need help and be too proud to ask. Because the children of Israel looked to Moses for everything, he tried to be “all things to all people.” And that’s when he reached a breaking point. So his father-in-law suggested he delegate some of his authority, and let others make the less important decisions while he made the more important ones. It worked! Moses did what Jethro suggested and it enabled him to succeed in his assignment. Plus, those under his leadership got to enjoy a sense of accomplishment too. It was a win-win, and the job got done right! Question: Are you complaining that people are placing too many demands on you, and you’ve too much to do? Are you reluctant to let others help because you don’t think anyone can do the job as well as you? Look out! The Scriptures caution about developing “an exaggerated opinion of your [own] importance” (Ro 12:3 AMP). Reach for help. You’ll last longer and enjoy life more if you do!
Parenting and the battle for control
“Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them.”
Eph 6:4 NLT
If your teenagers don’t like you telling them what to do, relax; they’re normal. And it’s not peculiar to teenagers; it starts much earlier. One psychologist tells about the mother of a tough little four-year-old girl who was demanding her own way. The mother said, “I’m your boss, I have the responsibility to lead you, and that’s what I intend to do!” Little Jenny thought over her mother’s words for a minute, then said, “How long does it have to be that way?” Already, at four years of age she was yearning for the day when nobody could tell her what to do. That’s a God-given instinct. One of the first things God said to Adam and Eve was, “Take control over the earth.” So the task for you as a parent is to hang on to the reins in the early days, and gradually begin to grant independence as maturity is demonstrated. This is one of the most delicate responsibilities of parenting. Power granted too early produces folly, but power granted too late brings rebellion. Knowing when to let out the rope, and by how much, requires wisdom, and God is the giver of wisdom (See Jas 1:5). If you pray, observe, and listen carefully, you’ll begin to see the critical milestones in your child’s life. Paul writes, “Do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.” And as a parent, that’s some of the best advice you’ll ever get.
Don’t give up—Go through
“Pursue…overtake…and…recover all.”
1Sa 30:8
When King David and his men returned home from battle, they discovered that the Amalekites had burned their homes to the ground and taken their families prisoner. They were devastated. They wept until they’d no tears left. Then God spoke to them and said, “Pursue…overtake…and…recover all.” And with His help they did! So no matter how bad your situation looks right now, don’t give up. Cry if you have to, then dry your tears and go out in God’s strength and take back what the Enemy has stolen from you. If necessary, take it an inch at a time, drawing on His strength and not your own. Paul writes: “Let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint” (Gal 6:9 AMP). God won’t quit on you, so don’t quit on Him! He has promised in His Word: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God” (Isa 43:2-3 NIV). Don’t give up—go through! It’s easy to quit, but it takes faith to go through. When your faith honors God, He honors your faith! And with Him on your side you’ll come out stronger than you were when you went in. So the word for you today is: “Pursue…overtake…and…recover all.”
Healthy confrontation (3)
“Lord, you have searched me and you know me…
you perceive my thoughts.”
Ps 139:1-2 NIV
Just as a body builder develops a great physique by using the correct weightlifting techniques, you must apply the right techniques to achieve the desired results in resolving your conflict. No athlete attempts to lift heavy weights or engage in intense exercise without first warming up his or her muscles. The warm-up is crucial to the workout, as it minimizes the risk of injury and increases overall muscle performance. Similarly, preparing for confrontation is almost as important as the confrontation itself. Confronting someone spontaneously or without preparation can have disastrous results. Preparation allows you to look at the situation more clearly and not in the midst of an emotional moment, and will most likely lead to a more effective encounter. This would be a good time to pray: “Lord, you have searched me and you know me…you perceive my thoughts from afar…Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely” (vv. 1-4 NIV). It’s important that you first deal with your negative emotions, such as anger or resentment. While you may deem them justifiable, if you don’t “release them” by the power of the Holy Spirit they will become a roadblock to achieving harmony. And you must also refuse to succumb to the fear of addressing the issue, lest you abandon the entire notion of initiating a confrontation. God can work on both ends of the line. While you are praying and preparing your heart, He can prepare the other person’s heart. “There is deceit in the hearts of those who plot evil, but joy for those who promote peace” (Pr 12:20 NIV).
Healthy confrontation (2)
“A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”
Ecc 3:7 NKJV
Confronting at a time when the person is most receptive takes wisdom. Wife, when your husband first comes home from work, give him space before you bombard him with the problems of the day. Husband, don’t wait until you arrive at the event to tell your wife you don’t like the outfit she’s wearing. Tell her when she can do something about it. And you should make every effort to confront a person when he or she is alone, just as Jesus commanded: “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private” (Mt 18:15 NAS). Confronting someone in the presence of others can cause them to become defensive in order to save face. Your goal is reconciliation, not embarrassment. If you have something “heavy” to tell someone, it’s not a good idea to have the confrontation at their house or yours—select a neutral location. That way it will be easier for the person being confronted to leave the scene if he or she becomes belligerent. And there’s always the possibility that this could happen. Sometimes you have to temporarily lose people, to win them later. “He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with his tongue” (Pr 28:23 NKJV). Note the word “afterward.” If you don’t get the immediate response you desire, you can still win—especially if you pray and allow the Holy Spirit to work in a person’s heart. But you must be willing to take the risk and confront the situation in order to bring about the change you desire. If you don’t, things will remain the same—or get worse.
Healthy confrontation (1)
“When Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face.”
Gal 2:11 NKJV
When Peter showed partiality to Jews over Gentiles, Paul confronted him over it! Why? To keep unity in the church. Sometimes you’ve no option but to confront someone. The question is, “How?” None of us are born with the innate ability to do this; it’s a skill only learned through practice and patience. And the reason we’re not good at it, is because we avoid it like the plague. As a result, our relationships suffer and our problems don’t get resolved. The first step in preparing for a confrontation is to establish the right purpose for putting the issue on the table. The focus should be on achieving a better relationship. This can either involve getting someone to stop doing something, or start doing something. At no time should your goal be to tell someone off, or get something off your chest, or lay a guilt trip on them. So it’s important that you first confront yourself. Be honest about why you’ve decided to confront the issue. Do you have an ulterior motive such as resentment or wounded pride, or do you want to see a genuine change in behavior? You need to ask yourself, “When this confrontation is over, what behavior do I want to see the offender change?” Remember, in effective confrontation you are looking for a desired outcome and a win-win for both sides. “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city” (Pr 18:19). If a person knows you truly care about them and are seeking to glorify God in the situation, you’re more apt to get the response you seek.
and peace
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”
Ro 15:13 NIV
Trusting God is so much simpler than not trusting Him. When you doubt God, His Word, and His promises, you’re left to your own devices and reasoning when it comes to working things out. And as a result you get stressed out. Take a moment and read the following three verses, then think carefully about what they mean: “But the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith. Now we who have believed enter that rest” (Heb 4:2-3 NIV). “He who has once entered [God’s] rest…has ceased from [the weariness and pain] of human labors” (Heb 4:10 AMP). “Come to Me, all you who labor and are…overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Mt 11:28 AMP). How are you supposed to approach God? In faith! The Bible says: “Without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that… He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out]” (Heb 11:6 AMP). That means when you come to God, you must do the believing. And when you do, you’ll receive His joy and peace. These two things are God’s will for you; they were bought and paid for at the cross. Christ’s work is already finished, and the only thing that remains to be accomplished is for you to believe. When you do that, God will respond and bless you every time!
Start looking forward
“Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Php 3:13 NLT
There are things inside you that must be dealt with before you can move ahead. Every experience you’ve had from birth until the present moment has helped shape who you are. The things that happen to you, good and bad, are instrumental in determining how you’ll act and react for the rest of your life. Paul talks about “forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” You ask, “What did Paul have to forget?” A lot! On Paul’s orders Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned to death while he looked on. Before he met Christ on the Damascus Road, Paul routinely imprisoned and put Christians to death. The fact is, if he hadn’t overcome his past he would never have written half the New Testament and helped establish a church that would last two millenniums. Was Paul perfect? Not even close! That’s why he said: “I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be…I am still not all that I should be but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us” (vv. 12-14 TLB). The only place the past can live is in your memory; and the only power it has over you is the power you give it. So the word for you today is: Start looking forward.
Has God given you a vision?
“Write the vision and make it plain…that he may run who reads it.”
Hab 2:2 NKJV
When God gives you a vision for your life, write it down, keep it before you at all times, and run with it. You say, “But I see no way for it to come to pass.” The Bible says, “The vision is yet for an appointed time…wait for it; because it will surely come” (v. 3 NKJV). You may not know how to get from where you are right now to where the vision will ultimately take you—but God does. So ask Him to reveal the next step to you. Whether you’re in prison like Joseph, in a soup kitchen in the inner city, or at home taking care of small children, God will fulfill the vision He placed in your heart. The more you seeyourself leading in the boardroom, launching your own business, serving in ministry, writing your first book, or helping others through your gifts, the sooner it will become a reality. Before a vision becomes clear, God gives us glimpses of it—like a picture developing from a soft hue into sharp resolution. So take your vision and run with it. Let it motivate you to perform to the best of your ability in your present position, while staying in communication with the One who knows and loves you best. Today pray: “Lord, I know that where I am right now, isn’t where You’re taking me. Give me glimpses of Your vision for my future, so that my understanding may grow in accordance with Your timing. Give me patience along the way, and faith to trust that You’re always working for my good. Amen.”
Always do more than what’s expected
“Live generously and graciously toward others.”
Mt 5:48 TM
Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over” (Lk 6:38). Notice, He didn’t say, “Only give to those who can give back to you.” John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, said, “You haven’t lived today successfully, unless you’ve done something for someone who can never repay you.” In the days of Jesus, a Roman soldier could legally force a Jewish civilian to carry his heavy backpack for up to a mile. That was his right, and you refused to do so at your peril. So to walk the first mile was to do only what was required. Then Jesus came along and said, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two” (Mt 5:41 NIV). Why? Because “extra-mile service” gives you an opportunity to impact the lives of others. A person with an extra-mile attitude is someone who cares more than others think is wise, risks more than others think is safe, dreams more than others think is practical, believes more than others think is possible, and gives more than others think is necessary. Here’s how Jesus bottom-lines it: “If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that. In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects…live like it. Live out your God-created identity…generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you” (vv. 46-48 TM). So always do more than is expected.
"Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves’ eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead" (Song of Solomon 4:1).
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“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
(Isaiah 60:1, NIV)
*[[Isa 63:7]] ENG-AMP* I will recount the loving-kindnesses of the Lord and the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has bestowed on us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel, which He has granted them according to His mercy and according to the multitude of His loving-kindnesses.
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“Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
-Proverbs 30:5
John 14:27New International Version (NIV)
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubledand do not be afraid.
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
-Mark 11:25
Depressed Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
spouting malicious accusations.
-Psalm 27:12
For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
-2 Corinthians 5:1
2Tim 3:16-17: "All Scripture is God-breathed {Or inspired by God} and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good action."
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Gal 2:20: "I no longer live, but the Messiah {2:20Or Christ} lives in me, and the life that I am now living in this body I live by the faithfulness of the Son of God, {Or by faith in the Son of God} who loved me and gave himself for me."
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2Chr 20:12: "Our God, you are going to punish them, aren't you? We have no strength to face this vast multitude that has come against us, nor do we know what to do, except that our eyes are on you.""
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Hab 3:19: "The Lord God is my strength he will make my feet like those of a deer, equipping me to tread on my mountain heights."
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Tremble and do not sin;
when you are on your beds,
search your hearts and be silent.
Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
and trust in the Lord.
-Psalm 4:4-5
John 13:34: "I am giving you a new commandment to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another."
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Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
-Psalm 37:7