Archive - January 2008
January 28, 2008
Daniel 11:32&33
...but the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God]. And they who are wise and understanding among the people shall instruct many and make them understand...
In Isaiah 9:24 God says, "let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD..." The pinnacle of success in life is to intimately know God; riches and power, dreams and visions, accomplishments and accolades cannot compare to the privilege of knowing Him. To know God is to live. To know God is far beyond mere head knowledge; it is to be completely, utterly transformed from the inside out.
As wonderful as this companionship with God is, we are not called to an isolated relationship, we are called to multiplication. The knowledge of God prepares us for our call to preach the Word. Our passionate pursuit of God always changes us into influential instruments of peace; it produces a radiance that could never be hidden. Through it we are transformed into an overflowing, transparent vessel proclaiming the power of God. We become messengers because we are unable to stay silent.
As you go about your day remember those around you who don't know God. Live your life in such a way that everyone can clearly see you know Him. Anyone who wants to know the secret to life will find you to be a source - a living book about God. Lives will be changed forever through the simplicity of our passionate, intimate knowledge of God.
January 21, 2008
Ecclesiastes 2:26
For to the person who pleases Him God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy...
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?
Have you every thought "What does God really want from me, anyway?" There are a variety of answers. He wants relationship, worship and obedience of course. On a very practical level, however, God desires us to have a good attitude. He wants us to look at life with faithfilled eyes. We have every reason to be full of faith; we are created in Christ to have and enjoy life. Our lives are re-wired with joy, kindness, mercy and humility - all of which are attitudes that create godly behavior. We have to let go of old mind sets and embrace the fresh new perspective that we have in Him.
God once taught me that my attitude is the vehicle I select to travel through life. I can cruise around in style and comfort or I can putt around in a broken down piece of junk, wondering if I'll arrive where I'm hoping to go. My attitude will determine whether I reach my destination or break down on the road side of life. It's not given to me by anyone else - my attitude is my choice. After many years of living with a bad attitude I was thrilled to learn that I don't have to stick with the old clunker I once drove; God is always open to upgrades.
Is your mind full of hope and confidence in the goodness of God; does your attitude reflect the certainty of His faithfulness to you? Determine in your heart today that your mind will be set on those things that inspire a good attitude: God's greatness, His mercy, His power, and His faithfulness to lead you in triumph. With that fresh attitude you are cruising - God can steer you where He needs you to be and use you as an Ambassador of Christ.
January 14, 2008
Galatians 6:9
And 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.
As I write this today I think of recent letters we have received conveying trouble and hardship being faced by many of our readers. As you read this and consider those who are suffering, whether around the corner or across the world, I challenge you - do not be a spectator but rather a spokesperson of courage and faith. Be active and involved in your home, church and community - encouraging the hearts of those around you. Allow the mercy of God to compel you into action. Encourage others with kindness and the Truth that is so desperately needed.
And for your own life, I encourage you; don't get tired of choosing right and living right. You may witness or experience injustice or prejudice and you will be tempted to respond to it. Will you? You may work with earnest endeavor to build the Kingdom and see less than perfect results. Will you be moved by circumstances? You must stand courageously and keep on keeping on.
How do we weather these challenges? How do we stand courageously? Focus. Though you minister to many around you, you must have your focus set on God alone. Make up your mind that you will not be moved, distracted or discouraged. The key to courage is focus. Keep your heart set on God and live for His glory. This will keep you in times of trouble. He will encourage your heart and bring you through to the day of harvest. You will reap; by guarding your courage.
January 11, 2008
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, and to love kindness and mercy, and to humble yourself and walk humbly with your God?
Lately I have been captivated by the mercy of God. Think about it; we deserved condemnation but He gave mercy. I don't know that we'll ever fully grasp the significance and magnitude of what He has done for us, but I hope the rest of my life, and yours, is marked by moments of revelation where we are amazed by His mercy.
I think one of the most God-like traits I have witnessed in fellow believers is that of mercy. True mercy is so rare and precious; it doesn't find and focus on faults - it covers them. Mercy is that attitude that allows people to overcome their past and grow into their future. Mercy takes all sin to the cross and says "done". No wonder God tells us to love kindness and mercy; it's the welcome mat of salvation, drawing people closer to godliness.
Take a moment right now and be filled with mercy, receiving it for your own life and also preparing a storehouse for others. When your life has been filled with God's mercy it's much easier to pour it out on people around you. You may find, like me, the need to be re-filled daily; apparently, we leak.
January 7, 2008
Matthew 2:12a
And receiving an answer to their asking, they were divinely instructed...
All throughout the Bible we read testimony to the fact that God answers prayer. Yet when it comes right down to it many Christians live with a sense of uncertainty of the future. I have found myself in moments of temptation where I feel frozen in the present, unsure of the future. Have you? Yet the truth is we have nothing to fear; God is for us. We don't know the future, but we know the One who controls all things. He holds the future in His hands and believers in His heart. With this certainty I encourage you to openly confess your fears to God and surrender to His promise which constantly preserves your life. God will show Himself strong to you. Psalm 91:16 tells us that God will show us His salvation.
Ask Him for wisdom and guidance and expect an answer. He is faithful!
January 2, 2008
Romans 8:1
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live and walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit.
Shame is a terrible thing. It's a tool of the enemy to hold back believers from reaching their full potential. You and I were set free from sin and shame - set free to live for Christ and to be ambassadors of His freedom. How do we live in a state of freedom day after day? By following the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us in Romans that living in freedom requires us to follow the dictates of the Spirit. Dictate is defined as the authoritative direction, rule or command of a dictator.
There's an old song that says "You're gonna serve somebody" and Paul tells us that our two choices are either the flesh or the Spirit. They are both commanding our attention and obedience. Our choice will determine our state of freedom. The choice is clear - choose Christ, choose freedom.
Prayer: Today I commit my day to fresh to You, Lord and I will listen to and follow the authoritative direction You give. Your Word tells me the result will be a life of liberty - free from sin and the pain it causes. Thank you for freedom. Empower me to live as an authentic representative of grace. In Jesus Name - Amen.
