In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley

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Monday August 18
God Uses Our Suffering
Hebrews 12:10-11

Last week we looked at the life of Joseph and the suffering that he endured. The young man was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, unjustly imprisoned, and forgotten. But when God's plan was revealed, Joseph declared that it was good (Gen. 45:7-8).

Scripture tells us that the Lord has many purposes for the pain we experience. One is to develop personal righteousness in us. Desiring that we walk in holiness before Him, God utilizes discipline to direct us away from ungodliness and to increase our fruitfulness. He will use difficult people and circumstances to prune away any "deadwood"--attitudes, behaviors, and relationships that do not fit a child of God (Eph. 4:25, 29, 31). While such "pruning" is not a pleasant experience, it can effectively train us to lead godly lives.

God also uses suffering to manifest the life of Christ in us. For that to happen, we must learn to depend on Him for both our work and our words. If circumstances did not press in upon us, we would probably go our own way. But we are to be like Jesus, who relied on His Father no matter how easy or hard life became. As Christ's ambassadors, we are to be living examples of His character. This may mean forgiving our enemies, bearing our burdens with patience, or finding joy in the midst of sorrow, just as He did. Our witness will not be a perfect one, but we should display a growing "family resemblance."

Life is full of trouble. But in the hands of a loving God, our suffering is being used for His eternal purposes.

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Tuesday August 19
Hope in the Midst of Suffering
2 Corinthians 12:7-10

We all go through distressing times in life. These seasons of suffering may be brought about by relational difficulties, financial hardships, or other trials. But as God's children, we can take heart in knowing that our pain is not wasted.

Sometimes our pain is for the eternal benefit of others--the Lord uses it to reveal the genuineness of our faith so that others might see it and be drawn to His Son (1 Peter 1:7). By the way we respond to adversity, our belief in Jesus becomes visible to those around us. Believers will be encouraged, and seekers will ask us questions about our faith.

At other times, God uses trials to teach us to obey--Hebrews 5:8 tells us that even our Savior learned obedience from the things He suffered. Another purpose of hardship is to broaden our ministry. The apostle Paul's imprisonment let him minister among the guards, resulting in the salvation of many.

Difficulties can also be the Lord's tool in preventing a problem from happening--an unidentified ailment kept Paul from becoming prideful. When disobedience threatens our walk with God, He will take whatever steps are needed to draw us back to Him. He may allow a need to remain unmet or something cherished to be removed. His purpose is that we confess our sin and return to Him.

We may not know the reasons for our heartaches, but the wisest choice is to trust God. After all, He who saved us through the sacrifice of His Son has promised to use our suffering to bring about eternal good (Rom. 8:28).

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August 20, 2008
Was Jesus Christ Really God?
John 1:1-18

The divinity of Jesus Christ is one of the most controversial issues facing every human being. It is also the most critical. Our faith hangs in the balance on this question.

There are many who say they believe in Jesus and in God, but do not think that Jesus is God. They believe many good things about Him, however. They accept Him as a teacher. They marvel at Him as a healer. They revere Him as a philosopher, revolutionary, and social reformer. And yet, they cannot--or rather will not--accept Him as Lord.

I want to be crystal clear on this matter. You can believe all of these wonderful things about Jesus. You can go so far as to laud Him as a prophet sent by almighty God. But if you do not accept that He is one with God--the Savior who died for your sins--then you do not know Him at all.

Now, you may have heard people argue that Jesus Himself never actually claimed to be God. This is simply not true. Time and again in the Gospels, Jesus places Himself on equal footing with the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 10:30; 14:6-14). The truth is, if Jesus was not truly God's Son, then as C. S. Lewis observed, He was either a lunatic or the world's most detestable liar.

If you are the least bit uncertain about this eternal question, don't let another minute pass before taking steps to figure out the answer. Examine the Gospels. Talk to your pastor or believing friends. Settle for yourself the life-changing question, "Was Jesus Christ really God?"

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C. S. Lewis On the Deity of Christ

"What are we to make of Christ?" There is no question of what we can make of Him, it is entirely a question of what He intends to make of us. You must accept or reject the story.

The things He says are very different from what any other teacher has said. Others say, "This is the truth about the Universe. This is the way you ought to go," but He says, "I am the Truth, and the Way, and the Life." He says, "No man can reach absolute reality, except through Me. Try to retain your own life and you will be inevitably ruined. Give yourself away and you will be saved." He says, "If you are ashamed of Me, if, when you hear this call, you turn the other way, I also will look the other way when I come again as God without disguise. If anything whatever is keeping you from God and from Me, whatever it is, throw it away. If it is your eye, pull it out. If it is your hand, cut it off. If you put yourself first you will be last. Come to Me everyone who is carrying a heavy load, I will set that right. Your sins, all of them, are wiped out, I can do that. I am Re-birth, I am Life. Eat Me, drink Me, I am your Food. And finally, do not be afraid, I have overcome the whole Universe." That is the issue.

God in the Dock, "What Are We to Make of Christ?" 1950, p. 160.

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Friday August 22
Following God's Schedule
Psalm 25:1-5

Waiting on God so we can discover His will is an essential discipline of the Christian life. Once we learn His plan, we must be careful to implement it in His time frame.

Following the Lord's schedule is always to our benefit because of His...

All-encompassing knowledge. Unlike us, the Father has complete awareness about our world and the details of every individual life--past, present, and future. (Acts 17:26).
Complete wisdom. The Lord understands man's every motive (1 Chron. 28:9) and acts accordingly. Our decision making is flawed since we cannot clearly discern people's intentions. We make choices based on partial information, but God has the wisdom to properly interpret the facts and then take action based on truth (Rom. 11:33). He never makes a mistake.
Unending love. Through His Son, the Father offers us unconditional love. By sending Jesus to die in our place, God proved the depth of His everlasting love (1 John 4:10). He always has our best interest at heart.
Perfect sufficiency. The Lord offers us all the resources we need to carry out His plan--wisdom, strength, and skill (2 Peter 1:3).
Adhering to God's timetable requires both faith and courage. We must believe that He knows how we should live, trust that His plan is right, and have the determination to wait until He gives a signal to proceed. Those who follow the Lord's schedule will experience the blessing of watching Him work things together for their gain and His glory.

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Weekend August 23-24, 2008
Waiting on God
Psalm 33:20-22

Because our God is an all-knowing, wise, and loving heavenly Father, we'll always benefit when we follow His schedule. However, waiting on Him can feel difficult.

Throughout the Bible, we read of people who experienced delays before God acted on what He had promised. In the following examples, notice how patience and obedience led to blessing:

Noah was told to build an ark because a flood was coming. When the rain did not arrive, his neighbors must have thought him a fool. Yet Noah trusted God and continued to work (Gen. 6:12-22).
After reluctantly agreeing to approach Pharaoh about releasing the Jewish slaves, Moses learned it would take a number of warnings before God's plan would be fulfilled (Ex. 7:1-7).
Jesus' disciples were told to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4).
When I was a young boy, I learned the importance of patience. After having me plant some seeds in her garden, my mother explained what would happen. First, green sprouts would appear, and then the plants would develop. I kept a close watch on that area, but nothing seemed to be happening. One day I decided to dig up those seeds to see if there was any progress. I found no plants at all. My impatience did not produce any fruit.

The Lord has a plan for each of us, and the timing of every detail is always right. Are you living according to His schedule?

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August 25, 2008
Accepting Criticism
Proverbs 10:17-18


Nobody likes criticism. It's rarely fun and it's often unsolicited. Many times, we reject our critic's words because of the harsh spirit in which they were spoken.

Yet God can take even a wrong attitude, bad timing, or poor tone of voice and still tell us something we need to hear. That's why we are wise to pay attention when people critique us. Criticism--invited or not--forces us to examine ourselves and take notice of weak areas. This helps us discover who we really are and avoid unnecessary mistakes. If we fail to listen, our potential for mental, emotional, and spiritual growth is limited.

However, that is not to say all opinions are valid. It is important to respond well and evaluate criticism correctly. First, do not immediately reject the comment, blame the person, or defend yourself. Instead, consider what was said, and ask God if He's trying to tell you something. Then, thank the person for his interest in you, and explain that you'll reflect on his observation. If he was sincere, he'll be appreciative, but if his intentions were negative, this will disarm him. Next, evaluate the criticism and determine what exactly is under scrutiny--your beliefs, your character, God? Finally, view this as an opportunity for growth, and--if necessary--apologize.

Jesus died on the cross for our sake, so we as believers are certain of His approval. When we remember this, the disapproval of others will take on less significance and cause less hurt. Then, as we learn to respond correctly, we'll be blessed to find ourselves growing.

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August 26, 2008
Handling Praise
Proverbs 27:2

We've all experienced how encouraging a word of praise can be. Most of us can remember a time when a parent, teacher, or employer voiced approval that motivated us to even greater heights.

Yet for many people, praise is nearly as difficult to handle as criticism. Because the Word of God instructs us to be humble (Matt. 18:4; Phil. 2:3), we may sometimes feel confused about the right way to give or receive compliments.

How, then, should we accept recognition?

Acknowledge the comment by simply thanking the person. Don't belittle the words in any way or explain reasons why you do not deserve them.
Identify and acknowledge the character quality that led the other person to offer his praise. For example, does he have a discerning spirit, deep compassion, or strong love for others?
Share what the encouragement means to you. If someone tells you how he enjoyed your teaching, you might say, "That really motivates me to study harder; I want to be what God desires of me."
When appropriate, deflect the praise to others. For instance, a pastor might redirect kind words about an effective worship service by acknowledging the wonderful staff that works with him. When you rightly praise others, it builds their self-esteem while protecting you from pride.
Both criticism and pride can develop us or be dangerous to us. Our response is the determining factor.

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August 27, 2008
The Obstacle of Discouragement
Psalm 42:3-4

We all have expectations. And whether they are reasonable or illogical, when our hopes fail us, we feel disappointed.

There's nothing wrong with this response, in and of itself--in life, some disappointment is inevitable. Discouragement, however, is a choice, and a dangerous one at that. In this state of mind, we allow our circumstances to consume us. Then we stop striving for the goal and miss achieving our potential.

Another consequence is a divided mind. As we're distracted from tasks at hand, we easily make poor decisions and then feel tempted to blame others for our predicament. Anger can lead to retaliation and depression. All the while, we are drifting spiritually. Obviously, it's important to resolve disappointment quickly.

Consider what the Lord experienced in the garden of Gethsemane. He not only faced a gruesome death the following day; He also knew He would be separated from His Father for the first time in all eternity. His words in Matthew 26:38 reveal profound pain: "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death." Needing encouragement and support, He asked the disciples to pray and stay awake with Him. And yet, they fell asleep. Jesus must have felt let down and alone, but He didn't allow hopelessness to distract Him from His purpose of procuring our salvation.

When life deals you a painful blow, remember Jesus' response and realize you, too, can choose to cling to the Father for hope. Have you allowed disappointment to rob you of focus and joy? Pray for God to keep you from discouragement.

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August 28, 2008
The Answer for Discouragement
Psalm 42:5-8

Disappointments and even some discouragement are bound to affect everybody at some point. Yet believers need not remain disheartened by frustrations and setbacks. It is possible to experience joy and peace, even when our expectations aren't met.

When you feel let down, take these steps:

1. Look inward. What is causing your hopeless feelings? Ask God to reveal anything within you that may be part of the problem (for example, an unforgiving spirit).

2. Admit you are discouraged. Confess that you are allowing the emotion to grip you.

3. Look upward. To stop wallowing in the pain, you must take the focus off yourself and place it on the Father.

4. Recognize that this is a spiritual issue. Your present situation can help you learn how to deal with trials when emotions are low.

5. Get into God's Word. Notice how the men and women of the Bible handled disappointments. For example, through his many years of undeserved difficulties, Joseph clung to his faith that God was still in control.

6. Humble yourself and cry out to the Lord. Remembering His past faithfulness can build your confidence that He will continue to provide.

You may hurt for a season, but you don't have to be overwhelmed to the point of giving up. As a Christian, you can take refuge in your all-powerful, all-wise, loving Father. Recall how He has worked in previous times of letdown. Then be assured that this situation will be another faithfulness story to add to your collection.

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August 29, 2008
The Trials of Life
1 Peter 1:6-7

Most likely, you have heard the age-old question, "If God is good, how can He let bad things happen?" Since the fall of man, life has always included hardship. Though trials are painful, understanding the Lord's purpose can bring joy and hope.

The Word of God is clear that suffering is purposeful. Primarily, the Lord is conforming His children to be like Him (Rom. 8:29). When a person is newly saved, he or she still has many "rough edges." The journey ahead, called sanctification, involves the process of becoming holy--and few things build character like sorrow. Unfortunately, people rarely mature during pleasant times. Instead, pain brings impurities to the surface and forces people to see the reality of their lives.

Another reason the Father allows trials is to test the faith of His children. Of course, He doesn't need this for His own information--it is the believers who benefit. Tested faith is stronger and more reliable than untried faith.

Furthermore, God allows hardship in order to reveal His character, love, and power. During life's storms, people who cling to their heavenly Father will find Him trustworthy and real. When the next difficulty arises, they'll remember His faithfulness during the previous trial and will rest confidently in Him.

While no one wants to suffer, experience and sorrow will mature the believer. We can learn certain things from books and other people's stories, but most growth occurs during trials. So, when problems occur and sorrow seems piercing, thank God for His purpose in your suffering.

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August 30-31, 2008
Responding to Difficulty
2 Corinthians 4:8

Adversity is never enjoyable, but thankfully, believers are assured that God has a reason for allowing difficulty. And your response to the trial will determine whether it leaves you broken or strengthened.

Romans 5:3-5 states, "We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint . . . " In order to respond correctly and benefit the way this verse describes, let's consider how the Lord works in suffering.

First, He controls the burdens so they aren't too heavy to bear. He limits them because His goal is not to destroy you but to build your character. Second, He designs the difficulty according to your personality, character, and areas that need growth. Therefore, trials are tailor-made in order to grow you to be more like Christ. Third, difficulties are progressive. As God matures you, the intensity may seem to increase. This is similar to weight training: at the beginning, an athlete trains with light barbells, but as his muscles become stronger, he chooses heavier weights. Similarly, as your walk with Christ progresses, obstacles that once seemed overbearing will impede you less. This is a sign of growth. In fact, a prayer journal is a great way to watch God's progress in your life.

In the midst of your pain, see your trial as a privilege--God is revealing His ways and refining you. Thank Him for trusting you with this situation. Then, ask how to respond, and walk obediently before Him.

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I did not get this in my e-mail today. I will post again as soon as i do. Thankyou.

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September 2, 2008
Choosing an Obedient Lifestyle
Romans 6:16-18

Though God is sovereign and omnipotent, many believers don't trust Him to guide them. Instead they think about obedience on a case-by-case basis, evaluating how the consequences of various choices might affect their life. But the Lord desires followers whose lifestyle is submissive--in other words, people who've made a deliberate decision to surrender to His will in every circumstance.

When confronted with the idea of absolute submission, many of us are assaulted by anxious thoughts: What if the Lord wants me to do something I can't? Or, What if I don't want to do what He asks? We fear we wouldn't have the strength, wisdom, or faith to carry out commands He might give. And we'd be right--if we relied upon our own resources. But if we commit to obedience, God equips us at the right moment to follow where He leads.

One obedient act prepares us for the next. Each step of faith shows us that God not only supplies the tools and preparation for doing His will; He also handles the consequences.

In spite of the God's faithfulness, however, we will take a misstep every now and then. We're not alone. As Scripture shows, even saints' lives include occasional rebellious acts, because obedience is a learning process. Jesus rebuked Peter several times (Matt. 16:21-23; John 18:10-11; Mark 14:72). Yet He continued to train the disciple in righteousness.

Believers learn from both successes and failures how to live a lifestyle of commitment. But we must first make a decision to follow God regardless of the outcome. His sovereignty demands our obedience.

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September 3, 2008
The Heart of Our Faith
Galatians 2:15-16

Paul believed that nothing merited his boasting more than the cross (Gal. 6:14). He had good reason to think s God's entire plan of salvation hangs upon two beams of rough-hewn wood. Our relationship with the Father is made right through Jesus' sacrificial death. By His blood, we are justified--freed from the guilt and penalty of sin.

Galatians 2:16 says, "By observing the law no one will be justified" (niv)--that is, clean living can't earn God's acceptance. Even so, some unbelievers who reject the message of the cross put confidence in a cosmic "scale": They trust that the Lord will weigh their good deeds against the bad and be satisfied.

Yet if this scale philosophy were true, Jesus' death would be senseless. A Father who accepted multiple paths to salvation but still sacrificed His Son couldn't be called good or loving. People overlook this obvious reasoning and cling to their vision of a God who ignores personal sin.

The problem is pride. Since it is natural to desire acceptance, people want to believe something within them is worth loving. But the cross requires us to kneel before God empty-handed. When we humbly admit we're powerless to settle our own sin-debt, we must accept the payment Jesus made on our behalf.

We have nothing to offer God, but the fact is, He expects nothing. Instead, the Father created a salvation plan that cleansed the stain of our sin and reconciled us to Him. The cross is a symbol of His love--a love that deserves our boasting.

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September 4, 2008
The Heart of Our Testimony
1 Corinthians 1:22-24

Testimonies that fail to mention the cross lack power. In our attempt to be "seeker-friendly," we sometimes try to make the gospel more inviting by softening it. Yet the hard truth is, Jesus Christ died for our sins.

To witness effectively, we must confront unbelievers with their sin-debt and explain that Jesus gave His life to pay it in full. But presenting platitudes is easier than creating a well-planned gospel presentation. For example, the following statement is truthful and pleasing to the ear: "You are saved when you receive Jesus as Savior." The problem is, it falls short of making known the actual path to salvation. An instructive testimony should contain three follow-up points: a description of who Jesus is, an explanation of God's only plan of salvation, and what a person must believe and do in order to receive Christ.

Certainly, one can be saved without fully grasping the role of the cross. However, the new believer begins his spiritual journey much wiser if he knows the source of his salvation. Ironically, we're truly seeker-friendly when we offer a full picture of Christianity rather than a few expressions that are truthful but trite.

Think about the words you use to spread the gospel. Our society is increasingly illiterate, in terms of the Bible. That means the people with whom you have opportunity to share may know little about Jesus--you might be the only person they know with real scriptural knowledge. Pray and then take some time to prepare a message that is instructive and focused on the cross. Then go out and make disciples for Christ!

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September 5, 2008
Confronting Closed Doors
Acts 16:5-12

We cannot help feeling disappointed when a door of opportunity closes. But God will often prevent us from going forward so He can redirect our steps toward another, wiser pathway. What determines whether we partake of His greater blessing is our reaction--will we beat against the barred door or look for a new opening?

Paul's second missionary journey included a series of divine "no admittance signs." He set out to visit the churches he started across Asia, but the Holy Spirit led him away from city after city. How frustrating it must have been to be prevented from carrying out the gospel commission (Matt. 28:19)!

Paul kept traveling in search of fertile ground where he could plant a new church; at last the Lord revealed an open door to Macedonia. The new route took him into some of the key cities of that day. Philippi, Corinth, and Ephesus were major commerce centers teeming with dignitaries and foreign traders who could carry the gospel westward farther and faster than Paul.

The apostle set out with a wise and rational plan, but human reasoning isn't always reliable. The Bible tells us to trust in the Lord instead of relying on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5). If we are to follow God's will for our life, we must live by the Spirit's prompting--consider that the God of the universe is taking a moment to nudge you in the right direction so that you will be fruitful and blessed. Follow Him and He will direct your steps down the right paths and the through the best doorways.

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September 6-7, 2008
Responding to Closed Doors
Genesis 16

God answers prayer in one of three ways: "yes," "no," or "yes, but not yet." This last reply seems to be the most dreaded sometimes even more than an outright "no." However, patience is an important biblical principle, which Scripture stresses repeatedly in stories, Psalms, and epistles.

Waiting on the Lord to unlock a door is always wiser than attempting to pry it open ourselves, even when the delay has been long. After God promised him a son (Gen. 12:2), Abraham lived for 25 years with an answer of "not yet." After that quarter-century, the answer finally became "yes." But meanwhile, Abraham and Sarah hatched their own plan to get an heir--Sarah's servant Hagar bore Ishmael. The couple may have convinced themselves they were "helping" God live up to His prophecy, but really they were disobeying. The consequences were disastrous. Bitterness and blame affected every member of the family (Gen. 16:4-6; 21:9-10). In addition, Ishmael's people lived in enmity with their neighbors, and that hostility persists in the Middle East today (Gen. 16:11-12; 25:18).

Our patience gives God time to prepare the opportunity on the other side of a closed door. Even if we can force our way by manipulating circumstances, we will not be happy with what we find there. No one in Abraham's camp was satisfied with the situation they created! We have contentment and joy only when we access God's will at the very moment He ordained. The blessings we find on the other side of an open door are well worth the wait.

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September 8, 2008
The Foundation of Our Security
1 Peter 1:1-5

Do you sometimes feel a bit lost in the world--as if you're all alone, facing tremendous obstacles? Most people feel this way from time to time. However, if you've placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you have a solid foundation that cannot be shaken, regardless of what life throws at you.

In today's passage, Peter wants to encourage believers who are heading into persecution, so he opens his letter of hope and assurance with a strong statement of faith. Though our circumstances may be different, we, too, should hear the Word's promise of security.

Peter first reminds us that we are "chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father" (vv. 1-2). The message is clear: You are not in this situation by accident. Your faith, successes, and failures are no surprise to God. He knew you fully from the beginning of time and chose you to be with Him forever.

Second, the apostle shows that we are subject to the ongoing sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. In other words, we do not have to find the way by ourselves. The Spirit of God is with us step by step, leading and guiding us into maturity in Christ.

Finally, Peter assures us that we are cleansed by Jesus' blood. Our mistakes, misgivings, and missteps have been forgiven, permanently washed away at the cross. As new creations, we're free to walk eternally with a perfect God.

The timeless message of the Bible is that we are not alone. We can face any trial in the power of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. With the Triune God behind us, we can boldly claim victory over any obstacle.

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September 10, 2008
The Path of Brokenness
John 12:24

Today's verse gives a beautiful illustration of brokenness: "Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." That is, only by falling and breaking can a single grain produce a rich crop. If it remains isolated and protected, it will never produce anything.

That's how the Lord works to mature His children. He breaks us in order to bring spiritual growth and supernatural ministry into our lives. And the process is always the same:

1.He targets the areas in which we are not submissive to Him.

2.He arranges the circumstances and selects the tools with which to break self-sufficiency.

3.He controls the pressure and timing of those circumstances to bring us back into His will.

If we refuse to be re-formed through this brokenness and instead cling to whatever God wants us to release, then He will put us on the shelf. Just like the single, unbroken grain of wheat, we will become fruitless and alone. Yet we resist brokenness at every turn. We want to hang on to the things we think bring joy. We want to persist in relationships that are stunting our spiritual growth. We want to take the path of least resistance and hope that God will bless our laziness. My friend, this is not the road to maturity that our Father has prepared for us.

Brokenness hurts. The Word, however, proclaims that it hurts far more not to be broken. Don't be distracted by short-term happiness. Look where your Father is leading you and let Him do whatever it takes to get you there.

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September 11, 2008
The Lesson of Brokenness
2 Corinthians 4:7-10

No one enjoys the feeling of brokenness, but we cannot ignore its wonderful benefits to our spiritual growth. Being broken gives us an entirely new perspective on the Lord's plan for our lives. You see, enjoying a steady, uninterrupted stream of blessings has an interesting effect on most people: it distorts our view of the Father, often leaving us to assume He exists for us.

We ask God for healing, for success, for financial security. We ask Him to bless our family and our relationships. We ask and ask and ask. And the truth is, much of the time we aren't really talking to the Lord at all. Instead, we've replaced Him with some sort of cosmic errand boy--we tell Him what we want and then send Him off to get it for us.

In all of this, who is actually at the center of our prayers? It certainly isn't almighty God, our eternal Savior and Creator of the universe. No, instead we find ourselves at the center of these prayers. Therefore, the end result is the subtle belief that God exists for our benefit. This distortion breaks God's heart and leads us far away from truly knowing Him for who He really is.

The antidote for this self-centered idolatry is brokenness. When God says "No," when He takes away instead of adding more, when He divinely manages what we have, how much we have, and how long we have it, He is helping us keep our eyes on Him. Do not despise these moments. Instead, recognize them as the voice of your Father calling you back into His loving arms.

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September 12, 2008
The Landmine of Unforgiveness
Ephesians 4:26-32

What is your first response when someone hurts you? Maybe you want to retaliate. Or perhaps your outward attitude doesn't change, but inside you are quietly nursing a dark bitterness and resentment. These reactions strike us as understandable and perfectly natural, don't they?

In reality, however, unforgiveness is one of the most destructive behaviors possible. Impacting every prayer, every relationship, and practically every thought you have, it is a land mine with the potential to completely destroy your life.

Scripture is clear that we are to openly and willingly forgive anyone who causes us harm. Why? The reason is that we ourselves have been forgiven. The grace that God pours out on each of us should be our motivation and example. If we have received God's loving pardon, then we simply must do the same for others, even when it seems difficult or unfair.

What is forgiveness? Simply put, it is the act of giving up resentment toward someone, along with the desire to retaliate. In other words, we must surrender three things: the general feeling of resentment, the specific feelings toward a particular individual, and all claims to retribution.

Forgiveness is far more than a simple "I forgive you" statement. It involves a total change of action and an attitude that declares, "Though you wronged me, I love and forgive you. I wish you the best and will help you however I can." Can you make this statement after being hurt? Pray for those who wrong you, and release your resentment.

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Weekend: September 13-14, 2008
Defining Unforgiveness
Matthew 5:23-24

Now that we've looked at forgiveness, let's think about unforgiveness--the deliberate decision to cling to 1) resentment you feel toward someone else and 2) your right to get even any way you can. It's a mindset that says, "You hurt me. You must pay."

What an ungodly, unscriptural attitude! And yet it is painfully evident in the hearts of far too many Christians. Therefore, we need to uncover the dark truth behind this destructive landmine. Unforgiveness . . .

• Demonstrates unwillingness to extend to others what the Lord has extended to you (Eph. 4:32). It simply means saying with your attitude that you refuse to show the grace and forgiveness of Christ to anyone else.

• Plants a root of bitterness in your heart. It may start with some simple resentment because of the way someone else acted. Then, that little seed of animosity begins to grow. Before long, a whole crop of anger, malice, and bitterness completely dominates you. If it is not dealt with early, these bitter fruits will spoil every part of your life.

• Prevents your becoming the person God wants you to be. An unforgiving spirit makes it impossible to accomplish what the heavenly Father has in mind for you. How can you expect to grow in Christ while willfully allowing bitterness to erode your heart?

The results of withholding forgiveness are obvious, and yet many believers stumble into this very trap. Don't fall for it. Ask God to help you release any unforgiveness you have, and be reconciled to your brothers and sisters without delay.

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September 15, 2008
The Greatest Burden
Hebrews 9:24-28

At different points in life, everyone carries a burden of one kind or another. Some suffer after the death of a loved one; others face rejection or loneliness. But the burden that impacts an individual more profoundly than any life circumstance is the emotional and spiritual weight that comes from sin.

Biblically, "sin" means an action or thought that deviates from the Lord's standard of righteousness. Since no one is perfect, sinfulness affects us all; allowed to linger, it will fester and destroy lives.

Iniquity results in separation from the heavenly Father (Ps. 66:18). God is perfect and holy; just as light and darkness are incompatible, His perfection cannot function with our imperfection. This is why He does not answer the prayer of a person living in sin. What's more, sinners are under God's wrath (John 3:36) and ultimately sentenced to eternal death, or unending separation from Him. This righteous judgment would leave all humanity hopeless. But the Father, because of His great love, provided a way to Himself.

He sent His Son Jesus as a sacrificial lamb: His blood paid the penalty for every wrong committed throughout history. Christ is the substitute for everyone who trusts Him as Savior. In other words, Jesus is the bridge to God. In John 14:6, He says, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

God graciously saves those who receive Jesus. Though believers still sin, they are forgiven. Have you allowed the Lord to free you from the weight of iniquity?

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Extra column: On the Burden of Sin

"In weighing our sins let us not use a deceitful balance, weighing at our own discretion what we will, and how we will, calling this heavy and that light: but let us use the divine balance of the holy Scriptures, as taken from the treasury of the Lord, and by it weigh every offence, nay, not weigh, but rather recognize what has been already weighed by the Lord." --Augustine of Hippo

"Sin is not weakness, it is a disease; it is red-handed rebellion against God and the magnitude of that rebellion is expressed by Calvary's cross." --Oswald Chambers

"We have a strange illusion that mere time cancels sin . . . But mere time does nothing either to the fact or to the guilt of sin. The guilt is washed out not by time but by repentance and the blood of Christ." --C. S. Lewis

"Looking at the wound of sin will never save anyone. What you must do is look at the remedy." --D. L. Moody

"By nature I was too blind to know Him, too proud to trust Him, too obstinate to serve Him, too base-minded to love Him." --John Newton

"Any time we attempt to meet our own needs or accomplish anything without God, we sin and set ourselves up for failure." --Charles F. Stanley

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September 16, 2008
Freedom in Jesus
Psalm 51

According to the Bible, sin is a universal problem (Rom. 3:23). Consider David, someone God calls "a man after My own heart" (1 Sam. 13:14). We'd expect that a person with this qualification would surely "walk the straight and narrow." But even this righteous king fell short. Not only did he commit adultery with Bathsheba; to cover up his sin, he also sent her husband to the front lines so he'd die in battle (2 Sam. 11:15).

Doesn't it seem amazing that the Lord would refer to him as a man "who kept My commandments and who followed Me with all his heart, to do only that which was right in My sight" (1 Kings 14:8)? Yet because David repented (Ps. 51), God forgave him and regarded him as pure.

Scripture assures us that we are forgiven when we confess sin (1 John 1:9). Jesus bought our pardon with His death, and once we accept His free gift, God sees us as righteous. Of course, we'll continue to wrestle with sin throughout life. Even the apostle Paul documented his struggle against doing wrong: "For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want" (Rom. 7:19).

As Christians, we're free from the wrath of God and eternal death, but the battle against sin will continue until we reach heaven. Therefore, we must continually admit and repent of wrongs so that they don't become a stronghold. We should also ask the Lord to reveal unknown areas of iniquity so that we can faithfully confess anything in our life that is not holy.

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17, 2008
A Loving God and Eternity
Matthew 25:31-46

The Scriptures clearly speak of existence after death--people will spend eternity in either heaven or hell. Yet many individuals consider this truth inconsistent with other facts about the Lord. While their objections are understandable, the Bible provides the answers to their questions:

How can the Lord be good if He lets some people spend their afterlife in hell? God is love (1 John 4:8) and doesn't want anyone to live without Him (1 Tim. 2:4). Everyone can turn from sin and receive the Savior, thereby avoiding eternal separation from Him. But some reject Christ and live apart from Him all their days. They will continue to exist apart from His presence throughout eternity.

Why would the Lord create certain individuals, knowing they would never turn to Him? To some, this seems unloving. Yet the alternative would be worse. He created us with free will--we can choose to obey and follow Him. If our Father gave us no choice, we'd be mere robots, unable to truly respond, love, and worship.

An endless penalty seems unfair, particularly if non-Christians never heard a clear presentation of the gospel. As long as unbelievers are alive, the heavenly Father does everything He can to keep them from eternal punishment--except to violate their free will. He gives enough time and evidence so that nobody has a valid excuse for rejecting the one path to salvation (Rom. 1:20; John 14:6).

Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior? He wants you to spend eternity with Him.

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September 18, 2008
Eternal Life With Jesus
Luke 23:42-43

Some people question whether hell actually exists. They wonder, How could someone in heaven have no sadness while realizing loved ones are suffering eternal punishment?

Humanly speaking, it's hard to understand. We know that in the afterlife, those who have rejected Jesus will mourn (Matt. 13:42). But Scripture makes it clear that eternity in Christ's presence will be pure joy. We are reassured that "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death, . . . mourning, or crying, or pain" (Rev. 21:4).

But notice the beginning of verse 4. Before entering heaven, believers will probably shed some tears as well. Even Christians will undergo judgment, but not to determine where they will spend eternity. Rather, God will bring to light His children's pure and impure actions, thoughts, and motives (1 Cor. 4:5). We'll no doubt be grieved to see what opportunities were missed and where we did not act in a godly fashion. Yet the Lord will dry our eyes and bring us into His glory, where we won't experience any pain or sadness.

Once we enter eternity with Him, we will not long for anything--even if we do have an awareness that a loved one is absent from heaven, there will be no discontent. At that point, our desires will perfectly align with His, and He will fulfill each one--anything we lack will no longer be something we want.

Eternity is a long time, and heaven will be indescribably wonderful. Trusting Christ as Savior is the only way to guarantee it will be your destination beyond this life.

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September 19, 2008
God's Patience
1 Timothy 1:12-16

If God were impatient, we would all experience immediate wrath for sin. Imagine living in constant fear of doing something wrong! Fortunately for mankind, His patience is great.

One reason that the Lord shows mercy is because He knows we have a fallen nature. Just as a toddler has to learn obedience, God's children also must learn to walk in His ways. He takes pleasure in watching us do what is right; therefore, He allows us time and room for mistakes.

Paul appreciated God's patience. His life demonstrated that because the Father is slow to anger, unbelievers have a much greater opportunity for salvation (1 Tim. 1:16).

In Romans 2:4, the apostle affirms that our heavenly Father's kindness and mercy lead to repentance. But in the following verse, he warns those with stubborn hearts that they will experience judgment and consequence. In other words, the warning is that God's patience will at some point run out if someone continuously sins against Him.

In the Old Testament, the nation of Israel repeatedly experienced this painful truth. The people turned away from the Lord and did evil in His sight by worshiping idols. God patiently tolerated their waywardness so that they would return to Him, but eventually, He withdrew His protection until they'd cry out and return to Him.

Is there sin in your life that you haven't confessed? Be thankful that God has been slow to anger. And be wise: do not test the limits of His patience.

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September 20-21, 2008
Is Our Country On Thin Ice?
Romans 2:1-8

Our country was founded on the premise that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are "unalienable rights," endowed by the Creator. In the mid-1900s, the Pledge of Allegiance was amended to convey a similar idea--that we are "one nation under God."

Soon, however, morality in our land took a downward turn, and over the past 50 years, the Founders' vision has become clouded. One indicator is the media--if a citizen in 1950 could have seen some of our current TV programs, he no doubt would have been shocked by the language, dress, and content.

Can the attempt to remove Jesus from the public square have anything to do with our crumbling values? Perhaps. A country that takes prayer out of schools and government meetings can easily drift from godly ways. We have even debated removing "In God We Trust" from our currency and "one nation under God" from the Pledge. What's more, our nation is sometimes so accepting of "all religions" that Christians are persecuted for believing Jesus is the only way (John 14:6).

God is holy, so surely He doesn't approve of all the actions sanctioned by our laws. Yet He has been patient--and we've been blessed beyond measure. But the Father's patience won't last forever (Neh. 9:30). America must repent of its choice to disregard His precepts.

Have you sat back and allowed ungodly values to infiltrate this land? As citizens, Christians have a responsibility to influence government decisions in the direction of righteousness. Ask for God's guidance as you determine how to stand up for Him.

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September 22, 2008
The Source of Guilt
2 Corinthians 7:9-10

I once read a survey that asked 500 people what emotions they felt when experiencing guilt. The answers were heartbreaking. People reported feeling punished, depressed, worthless, rejected, and isolated. A general sense of low self-esteem overwhelmed the respondents. There was no joy, no hope, and no vitality. In a sense, it is as though the feelings of guilt had completely blotted out everything else in their lives.

This seems like such a sad way to exist, and yet it's safe to assume that all of us--even those of us who are believers--have gone through these exact same emotions. In fact, you may be dealing with intense guilt right now. If so, let's consider one simple question: Where does your guilt come from?

In 2 Corinthians 7:10, we see two forms of guilt. One is a sorrow that comes from God. This call to repentance is a tool the Lord
uses to draw unbelievers to Himself through salvation in Christ. It also motivates believers to confess any wrongs causing "interference" in their fellowship with Him.

A second form of guilt is the dark emotion that plagues people with remorse and the reactions mentioned on the survey. Such sorrow isn't from God at all, but from the world.

If you've received Jesus' free gift of salvation but still struggle under the assault of guilt, let Scripture assure you: these feelings didn't come from God. He is not attacking you. Rather, He holds the keys to your freedom. Don't fall victim to the Enemy's lies. In Christ, you are forgiven and free. Lay down your chains today.

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September 23
What Is Guilt?
Romans 5:6-11

Guilt is something with which we're all familiar. Oftentimes, Christians wear the feelings of guilt like a badge of honor, in some misguided effort to demonstrate humility. But this is a tragic misunderstanding that poisons the church and steals the joy of Christ from believers. We need to stop and ask the question, "What is guilt?"

The word itself rarely appears in English translations of the Bible. When the term does occur, however, it is often misapplied. In the context of the world, "guilt" means to experience feelings of remorse, depression, or rejection for something that occurred in the past. Scripturally speaking, however, "guilt" is used only to denote responsibility. The word is never associated with feelings of shame or rejection; instead, it is more of a legal term, as when a court finds an offender "guilty."

What does this mean for the believer? Well, we should already know that we've been found guilty--we all have an enormous sin-debt that we could not pay. However, Jesus Christ took that guilt upon Himself at the cross, and He paid our debt in full. And if Christ has already paid our debt and released us from liability, we are no longer guilty. We have been tried and found forgiven.

Scripture never tells us to hide the joy of our salvation beneath a smothering blanket of guilt. Rather, we are called to rejoice in the glorious redemption in that Christ's sacrifice made possible. For this reason, we can proudly proclaim, "So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed" (John 8:36). Go, and be free today.

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September 24
Equipped to Fulfill God's Calling
Exodus 3:1-14

Our heavenly Father is looking for men and women who will dedicate themselves to His kingdom work. He seeks people willing to accept responsibility and carry out His "assignments" to completion.

The Lord commended Moses because he persevered in faith to fulfill the divine calling on his life. Chosen to lead the Hebrew slaves out of Egyptian bondage, Moses initially reacted by questioning, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh?" (Ex. 3:11). But God assured him, "Certainly I will be with you" (v. 12). His presence was a key part of Moses' equipping as a leader. And the Lord's response to us is the same. We can confidently accept the responsibility God gives us--whether it's for leadership or some other role--because He has promised to be with us always (Matt. 28:20).

However, Moses wondered whether the Hebrew people would listen to him. He had been away from Egypt for a long time, and his last interaction with the Israelites had been a negative one (Ex. 2:11-14). What kind of influence could he have? God revealed that the only credential Moses needed to give them was that he was sent by God--the I AM (Ex. 3:14). When the Lord gives us a task, He will bestow the spiritual authority we need to carry it out. In addition, God gave Moses a helper--his brother Aaron. Our heavenly Father will also provide us with the people necessary to fulfill His plan.

God has promised to equip us for His work. What is your response when asked to serve?

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Thursday, September 25
Being a Responsible Christian
Hebrews 11:23-29

The Lord called Moses to a specific task, gave him the authority to carry it out, and promised His unwavering presence. The Israelite leader proved responsible, carrying out the plan in dependence upon God.

Moses had strong faith. He doubted his own abilities but trusted in the Lord. We also need faith that's confident, courageous, and committed. Our confidence is to come from the knowledge that God is true to His character and promises. Our courage is drawn from the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us. And our commitment grows as we focus on Jesus, who faced great adversity in order to save us.

God prepared Moses for the work through many life experiences. First, he was born to Hebrew parents who were slaves in Egypt--as a result, he identified closely with those God wanted him to lead. Next, he was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, so he knew Egyptian customs and language. He also understood how to conduct himself in the palace; therefore, when God commanded him to approach Pharaoh, he was returning to a familiar place. Finally, from his upbringing in the king's court, Moses knew prosperity, but he also experienced seasons of want as a shepherd in a foreign land. In this way, he was could relate to both Pharaoh and the slaves he was sent to free. All of these aspects of his life helped ready him for becoming God's servant-leader.

The Lord will utilize the events of our lives and grow our faith to equip us for serving Him. Ask God to reveal ways that your background can help you to further His kingdom.

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Friday September 26
Protecting Our Future
Genesis 25:19-34

We live in a pleasure-oriented culture that focuses on the present. God does not want us to sacrifice future blessings for short-term enjoyments. Let's look at Esau's mistakes and learn from him.

Blind to what was valuable in life, Esau casually sold his birthright to get what he wanted. As the eldest son of Isaac, he faced a secure future as upcoming head of the family and also its spiritual leader. He did not value his person rights as firstborn, nor did he care about the impact on future generations, so he sold it all for a bowl of stew. Some of us are similarly shortsighted. We spend long hours working or engaging in pleasurable activities of our own choosing. However, God wants our priorities to reflect His--namely, to love Him with all our heart and to love others through a life of service and sacrifice (Matt. 22:37-40).

Esau was ruled by his appetite and emotions. When he returned from hunting, his thoughts centered on his hunger and the quickest way to satisfy an empty stomach. He agreed to Jacob's offer without weighing the cost. Giving in to our feelings can be the first step toward trouble and regret. Emotions that prompt us to act quickly or put ourselves first can lead us astray. In addition, overindulgence can bring poor health, financial pressures, and even addiction.

We can protect our future by yielding to the Spirit's control and living out what Scripture considers most valuable: knowing God and obediently serving Him. Make sure that you put Him in charge of your mind, will, emotions, and appetite.

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Weekend, September 27-28, 2008
Failing to Protect Our Future
2 Samuel 11:1-17



Yesterday we learned that Esau sold his future for a bowl of stew. His blindness to what was truly valuable caused him to lose his inheritance. There are other people who can teach us additional lessons about protecting our future.

David was chosen by God to lead the nation, and for many years, he pursued the Lord's plan. However, his desire for Bathsheba led him to commit adultery and arrange for her husband to die. Because he chose to gratify his own wishes instead of following God's ways, he fell into sin. When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David sincerely repented (2 Sam. 12:7, 13), but he and his family were deeply affected by his mistake.

Samson was another one who knew what the Lord required but disobeyed--like David, he gave up blessings for temporal pleasure. Losing sight of God's purpose for him, Samson chose instead to please his untrustworthy companion, Delilah (Judg. 16:15-17). As a result, he spend his last years in disgrace.

A final example is Judas Iscariot, who wanted Jesus to establish the kingdom of God immediately. Because he valued earthly matters above spiritual ones, he rejected Jesus' teachings and tried to manipulate events to his own liking. He was convinced he knew what was right.

To avoid the kind of mistakes these men made, we need to be committed to setting aside our own desires in favor of God's will. In other words, we must value the eternal over the temporal and be satisfied with what the Lord has planned.

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Monday September 29, 2008
God Meets Our Needs
Philippians 4:19

Our heavenly Father has promised to give us good gifts that will provide what we need. Let's look at what is ours in Christ.

One universal human need is for love. Through faith in Jesus, we've been adopted as the heavenly Father's beloved children. But before this could take place, God's justice had to be satisfied. You see, we were all born with a sin nature--one bent away from the Lord. Because of the Father's great love, He sent Jesus to take our place and experience judgment for our sin. Out of deep compassion for us, Jesus willingly suffered and died so we might become part of God's family and experience His rich affection for us (John 3:16). Through our relationship with Him, this need for love is fully met.

In fact, by means of salvation, our Father also provided for two other basic needs--companionship and security. When we accept God's offer of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us, fulfilling Jesus' promise never to leave us (Heb. 13:5). This new relationship is also permanent. What Jesus accomplished on the cross was fully accepted by God as payment for our sin-debt. Furthermore, Christ Himself promised that no one can ever snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28). Therefore, we can rest in the knowledge that we are God's children forever. That is true security.

Our need for love, security, and companionship is satisfied in an intimate relationship with the Lord. Have you trusted Christ so you could be permanently adopted into God's family?

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Tuesday September 30, 2008
Using a Wrong Approach
Genesis 3:1-8

God has promised to supply our needs, but that means in His way and time frame. There might be temptations to take a wrong approach in fulfilling those needs, so we must be careful not to push ahead of God or follow a route that leads away from Him.

Some people think their security rests in a bank account, prestige, or possessions. That mindset can lead to becoming a workaholic who sacrifices relationships for financial gain. Or it could tempt certain individuals to engage in illegal or unethical activities. In contrast, by basing our life on the security we have in Christ, we will have peace of mind and heart.

Another unhealthy way to meet our needs involves looking for companionship outside of God's established boundaries. We may find a momentary thrill in connecting intimately with someone new, but in the end, that road brings pain and disappointment.

The Enemy wants us to provide for ourselves in a way that is independent of God and out of line with His will. Satan deceived Adam and Eve by implying that the Lord was keeping some important information from them; he suggested that his course of action, not the Creator's, would make them wise. The first man and woman exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and it cost them dearly. When we apply wrong thinking to our situations, we get ourselves into a lot of trouble too.

It's important to understand what we have received through our relationship with Jesus. Learning to depend on Him will help us avoid wrong approaches to getting what we need.

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October 1, 2008
Investing in Eternity
Matthew 28:18-20

The Christian life is an active life--one dedicated to working, serving, sharing, and helping. Too often, we think that being a Christian simply means showing up for church each Sunday morning and dropping something into the offering plate. That's a good habit, but if this is the sum total of your Christian life, you've missed the mark.

There is a call that Jesus Christ put on all those who would follow Him. That is, He has called us go into the world and make disciples through baptism and teaching. You may say, "Well, that applies just to ministers and missionaries, right?" No. It's is the responsibility of everyone who claims the name of Jesus.

Just look at first word of Matthew 28:19. What does Jesus say? He says, "Go!" In today's terms, He's saying, "Get off the couch! Turn off the TV! Close the computer! Get up, look at the world around you, and tell someone about Me!"

This is not a suggestion. Nor is it a word to only a handful of believers. If you have been saved by the blood of Christ, then Jesus is talking to you!

Making disciples doesn't mean you have to quit your job and become a full-time missionary to a remote part of the globe. But you could walk outside, knock on a neighbor's door, and demonstrate Christ to him. You don't need a show-stopping sermon to minister to others; you need simply a willing and open heart.

What can you do right now to "go . . . and make disciples"? Think about things you can do today to respond to God's call on your life.

FEATURED RESOURCE




The Life Principles Bible

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October 2, 2008
Witnesses for Christ
Acts 1:4-8

Standing up and speaking out for Christ can be a scary thing for many believers. Even if we want to obey the Lord's call to "Go . . . and make disciples" (Matt. 28:19), we may wonder, What would I do? or What would I say? It can be a bit overwhelming and intimidating if we think we have to do it all on our own. Fortunately, we are not alone.

Look once again at yesterday's key verses, Matthew 28:18-20. Knowing He was issuing a potentially uncomfortable command, the Lord was intentional in the way He framed it. Notice that this passage has essentially three components:

1.Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth.

2.We are to go and make disciples.

3.Jesus will be with us every step of the way.

This wording, combined with the promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1:8, reveals that the responsibility of making disciples was never intended to be a solo act. Jesus is not only present with us, but He is pouring His power into us so that we may more effectively be His witnesses--His ambassadors--in the world. The work is His and the power is His; we're just the instruments He's chosen to use in carrying out His work.

God wants to use us, but He hasn't left us to tackle the job on our own. The One who holds all the power and authority in the universe is with us step by step, and He has put that power within us through His Holy Spirit. Everything we need is at our fingertips. All that's left is for us to follow the command to "Go!" Where will that command lead you today?

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October 3, 2008
Jesus Christ, the Seeking Savior
John 3:16-17

In this busy and impersonal high-tech world, it seems easier than ever to ignore Jesus Christ. We are led to believe that every need can be met with a few clicks on the computer. After all, if we want to keep our eyes on the future, why seek a Savior from 2,000 years in the past?

As we grow more and more accustomed to looking to ourselves for answers, we can easily fall into a dangerous trap--the idea that just because we don't care about Him, He doesn't care about us. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

All through the Bible, God takes the initiative in the salvation of man. None of us who are saved have sought Him out; we've just responded to His initiative. He made the first move; He chose to save us and then we chose to respond.

What does Scripture say? In John 3:16, we see that the Father actively gave His Son so that we might be saved. In verse 17, the Word clarifies that the Son was sent not to condemn but to save the world.

And think about Jesus' parting instructions to His disciples in Mark 16:15. Did He say to sit idly by and simply mention His name to anybody who walked past? No! He told them to go out into the world and tell everyone the good news! He wants the gospel to go forth, because He is still seeking the lost today.

Have you been sitting around, waiting for Jesus to show up? Stand up, my friend. Jesus is here, and He's been looking for you all along.

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Weekend: October 4-5, 2008
God's Saving Pursuit
Revelation 3:20

Revelation 3:20 is a fantastic key passage that truly sets the Christian faith apart from the other religions of the world. Here, we have a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind, patiently knocking on the door of our hearts. What a fabulous illustration of God's saving pursuit.

You see, in most other religions, the scene would be reversed. The picture would be of you or me knocking on the door of heaven, trying to get in. But here, we understand that Jesus is the one who pursues. When you look at the passage in its original Greek language, you notice that the Lord doesn't just walk up and knock once or twice. The verb form denotes continual action. He stands there knocking, and He just keeps on standing there and knocking.

We see this active pursuit all through the Scriptures. In the Garden of Eden, after Adam and Eve sinned, did they sorrowfully seek out the Lord and ask forgiveness? No, it was the Lord God who called out to them, actively seeking the first couple and giving them a chance to confess their sin (Gen. 3:8-9).

And think about the apostle Paul. Did he come to know the Savior by searching for Christ? No! Instead, Jesus sought out the then-persecutor of the church, meeting up with him on the Damascus Road and calling him into repentance (Acts 9:1-6).

The Savior has allowed us the honor of participating in His pursuit of man. Are you living out that calling? Jesus is at work all around you; join Him today in spreading the Good News everyone needs to hear.

[thereishope]

October 6, 2008
When the Odds Are Against You
Judges 7:1-7

Have you ever felt backed up against a wall, with the odds stacked against you? In situations like that, Christians too often refuse to acknowledge an important truth. That is, they fail to recognize that God may actually be the one who is orchestrating their challenging circumstances.

You may think, No way. God protects me from such things. The world and Satan are doing this to me. Perhaps. Yet maybe, just maybe, God is trying to tell you something--and He first needs to get your attention.

Time and again in Scripture, we see that the Lord uses difficulties to build faith. It's easy to trust in Him when things are going our way. However, God often removes comforts and false securities from our lives to remind us that He is the true source of our strength.

Consider today's passage, in which Gideon was ready to lead a powerful militia of 32,000 men into battle against the enemy. However, the Lord stepped in three separate times, whittling the Israelite army down to less than one percent of its original size. We may have replied, "What? It's impossible to defeat enemy forces with just 300 men!" That's probably true; 300 men alone couldn't do it. But the Lord can--which is the lesson of Gideon.

When the odds are not in your favor, don't think that God has abandoned you. Your friends, money, and success may disappear, but those won't win the battle anyway. Stand your ground and keep your eye on the Lord. With everything else stripped away, you'll be amazed at what your heavenly Father will achieve.

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October 7, 2008
God's Encouragement in Tough Times
Judges 7:8-26

Yesterday, we read about how God shrunk Gideon's army down from 32,000 men to just 300, immediately before an important battle. Today, let's see what happened next.

Gideon was undoubtedly feeling anxious. He was about to attack an enemy camp of more than 130,000 trained soldiers, and he was going to do it with just a handful of men. In this terrifying moment, God gave Gideon what he needed most: encouragement.

God woke Gideon at night and strategically positioned him to overhear an enemy soldier recounting a frightful dream--a vision of Israelite victory! This unlikely circumstance assured Gideon that the Lord was at work in his daunting situation. God graciously used that incident to demonstrate His sensitivity to one man's faintheartedness. And He still does so today.

Consider the power of a friend's encouraging words. Think about how meaningful it is when an unexpected blessing seems to fall from heaven right at your darkest moment. These are not "happy accidents"; rather, they are precious confidence builders from God.

Our challenge is simply to remember times in the past when our loving heavenly Father has encouraged us. Standing on the evidence of His faithfulness, we can boldly face the future, knowing that we're not alone.

As inhabitants of a fallen world, we will at times face heartache, intimidation, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. But as children of God, saved and secure in Christ Jesus, we are never beyond reach of the Lord's encouragement.

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October 8, 2008
Brokenness: The Principle
John 12:24-25

Brokenness hurts, and most of us would rather live without any seasons of pain. Yet during such times, the Lord often does His greatest work in our lives, reshaping and realigning us for His divine purposes.

Jesus beautifully explains the principle of brokenness in John 12:24-25, where He compares our life to a single grain of wheat. If we hold a kernel in our hands, nothing will happen. If we carefully place it in a jar or on a shelf for safekeeping, it will just sit there indefinitely. In its safety, the grain will essentially be useless.

However, if that kernel is placed in the soil where its protective layer is stripped away, something amazing happens. Before long, a little sprout will emerge from the earth and start to grow into something different, useful, and beautiful. Moreover, that new stalk will produce more grains that can be planted, and the stalks they produce will do the same. It's an amazing cycle of life, wherein a single kernel can lead to countless stalks of wheat. But it has to start with the brokenness of one grain.

Jesus did not just speak this example; He lived it. By sacrificing Himself, He was broken and placed in the ground. From that brokenness came new life for us all. From that one "grain," countless new believers, each with a new life, have sprung forth.

Are you feeling broken today? If so, remember the principle of the broken grain. God has certainly not abandoned you; instead, He may be leading you into a season of radical new growth.

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October 9, 2008
A Life of Becoming
2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Probably the greatest obstacle to understanding God's purpose for brokenness is this: Most believers think of Christianity as something we do. We pray. We read the Bible. We go to church. We sing hymns. We give money. We do and do--and assume that's the Christian life. It's not.

Authentic Christianity is about becoming rather than doing. The life of faith that God designed involves receiving Jesus into our hearts and allowing Him to change our habits, mindset, beliefs, interests, and concerns so we become more and more like Him.

Realizing this will change our perspective on the heartache we must endure. You see, when we recognize that the Christian life is about Jesus' persistent work of "re-creation" in our lives, then the role of brokenness makes more sense. It's the process God uses to strip us of things that have become, or may one day become, an obstacle to our growth. The Lord also uses this tool to address issues we may have declared "off limits" to Him, such as unhealthy behaviors or relationships that we rationalize.

God doesn't want to be Lord of most of your life; He wants to be Lord of all of your life! So He zeroes in on areas of self-will and self-sufficiency to remove everything within us that relies on "self." He uses brokenness to remove those inclinations so that we can live moment by moment, day by day, in full dependence on Him.

Open your heart, and ask God to reveal any selfish strongholds. Let Him break unhealthy behavior patterns.

[thereishope]

will post as soon as i get it

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Weekend: October 11-12, 2008
Who Is This Christ?
Colossians 1:15-20

People often find it hard to understand who Jesus is and why He came. Scripture provides the explanation, which really isn't that difficult to grasp.

Jesus did something that had never been done before: He enabled man to see God in a new way. Colossians 1:15 says that Jesus is the "image of the invisible God." No one has ever looked upon the face of the Almighty. While some people were confronted with God, they were never able to look fully upon His glory.

For example, even Moses, who is described as God's friend (Ex. 33:11), could not look directly at the Lord. At best, Moses had the opportunity to look upon "God's back" as He passed by, but never His face. (Ex. 33:18-23).

In Colossians, however, we learn that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God" (1:15). He came to bridge the gap between the Father's pure, holy glory and mankind's sinful nature. The key here is the word "image"--the Greek "eikon" gives us the familiar term "icon." Just as an icon on your computer screen directs you to the main program, so Jesus points believers to the fullness of God's glory.

As the "icon," Jesus is the exact reflection of God. Therefore, the Lord could say, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." And He could further proclaim, "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:6, 9).

Jesus enables us to look upon the very face of God in all of His glory. What an amazing honor! Praise God today for His Son, who has brought us into the presence of the Holy One.

[thereishope]

October 13, 2008
Dressed for Battle
Ephesians 6:10-18

When you wake up in the morning and get dressed for the day, you're probably not thinking about stepping onto a battlefield. But the enemy is all around us, constantly assaulting our hearts and minds with temptations, adversities, emotional attacks, and more. And some days, it feels as though we are standing on the front lines of combat with no protection whatsoever.

Therein lies our misunderstanding. You see, we do have protection. The Lord made a provision for our nakedness in battle. He hasn't sent us to war unprotected; instead, He's given us a suit of armor that the enemy can't penetrate--the armor of God.

In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul tells us step by step how to prepare for our daily warfare, and yet most Christians don't pay much attention to the instruction. We may say, "Well, that's a nice metaphor, but we shouldn't take it literally. After all, the armor isn't real." Yes, it is. It is as real as the clothes on our backs.

Do you want to see a dramatic change in your life? Do you want to stand strong in the face of adversity? Do you want to overcome temptation? Then you need to dress for battle.

I challenge you to intentionally put on your spiritual armor every day for the next seven days. Put it on one piece at a time--the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the sandals of peace, the shield of faith, and the sword of God. Just try it as you meditate daily on Ephesians 6:10-18, and watch what God will do.

[thereishope]

will post as soon as i get it

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Wednesday October 15
Becoming Like Jesus
2 Peter 3:18

God has a plan for every life, and salvation is just the first step. He wants His adopted children to develop a close "family resemblance." The Holy Spirit is in charge of transforming us into the likeness of Jesus.

The moment that we trust Christ as our personal Savior, we are, in a spiritual sense, newborn babies: we need to be fed continuously for growth in godliness. Our primary source of food is God's Word. As we take it in, our old way of thinking--which aims to gratify self above all else--will be replaced by a God-centered mindset. The Spirit uses scriptural truth to replace self-absorbed thoughts and actions with an appreciation for who we are in Christ and a desire to glorify God through obedience.

Meditating on the Word is essential for spiritual growth. We must also be willing to assume responsibility for our mistakes and bring them before the Lord. First John 1:9 teaches us that if we confess our sins, He will forgive us and help us resume right living. He will also show us which of our habits and practices are displeasing to Him. His desire is that we turn away from all such behavior and grow into mature Christians. Our Father expects us to make the necessary changes in attitude, behavior, and lifestyle to conform to Christ's image.

Renewing our minds, admitting mistakes, and making changes are requirements for spiritual growth. Are you being nourished by God's Word every day? What changes have you made this year to be more like Jesus?

[thereishope]

Thursday October 16, 2008
Transformed Into Jesus' Image
1 Cor 15:45-49

Making the changes God requires can be difficult (Eph. 4:31-32). But through the sacrifice of His Son, our Father set free us from slavery to sin. Pondering all that Jesus underwent to secure our salvation (Phil. 2:6-8) will motivate us to adopt His ways.

Our mind is where transformation begins (Rom. 12:2), because the way we reason affects how we act. As the Holy Spirit helps us identify wrong attitudes and replace them with godly ones, we'll see our behavior start to change. Instead of being quick to anger, we will forgive others' mistakes because we remember how much we ourselves have been forgiven. We'll speak encouraging words in place of critical ones and will hold our tongue rather than share gossip. Our priority will be to follow the Savior's example.

Our heavenly Father has provided the Scriptures and the Spirit's presence to guide us. He's also given us brothers and sisters in Christ who are able to encourage and direct us. Mature believers can detect obstacles hindering our growth and point out adjustments we need to make. They can also identify spiritual gifts and areas of service we might have overlooked. I was greatly impacted by the biographies of godly men like Oswald Chambers, Charles Spurgeon, and Dwight L. Moody. As I read, I would see qualities in their lives that I wanted in my own. These traits formed the basis for many of my prayers.

Being transformed into Jesus' image is a lifelong process. Ask God to help you cooperate with Him in strengthening the family likeness.

[thereishope]

Friday October 17, 2008
The Supreme Worth of God's Word
2 Timothy 3:16-17

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is filled with God's words. The Holy Spirit oversaw the writing of His message to be sure it was relevant, reliable, and without error.

The Scriptures contain the Lord's complete revelation about His character, kingdom, and plan of salvation. Consider the variety and importance of the topics covered in this timeless book: the creation of our world; the fall of man; the presence and power of sin; the penalty owed for transgression; future judgment; Satan's program; our need for a Savior; His offer of forgiveness; the redemption of mankind; the history of faith; and wisdom for living. Questions about life's meaning, man's purpose, the source of evil, and life after death are also answered.

All sections of the Word are valuable and interconnected. For example, the gospels tell about redemption, while the Old Testament contains prophecies about the Messiah who would come to save us. John 1:29 proclaimed that Jesus was the Lamb of God, who would take away our sins; Leviticus and Numbers help us understand this concept through descriptions of the sacrificial system. The first book of the Bible teaches us that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness (Gen. 15:6). And in the New Testament, we learn that everyone's salvation is by faith alone, and not through works (Eph. 2:8-9).

God gave us the Bible so we might know Him personally, be adopted into His family, and bring glory to His name. Make it your goal to become more familiar with the most important book ever written.

[thereishope]

Weekend October 18-19, 2008
Understanding the Word of God
1 Peter 1:10-12

Prophecies about Jesus Christ abound in the Old Testament. However, the men who wrote down God's message didn't always understand its full meaning. Events needed to unfold and further knowledge had to be provided before more complete significance could be grasped. In fact, Jesus Himself said that there was more to be known but the disciples were not ready for it (John 16:12).

Let's look at some Old Testament truths about the Messiah that were understood more clearly later on--namely, that He was . . .

• Preexistent. Micah 5:2 prophesied that One coming from Bethlehem would have origins in eternity past. John 7:42 says that Jesus came "from Bethlehem . . . where David was," while Colossians 1:16 names Him as Creator.

• Divine. When speaking to Moses, God identified Himself as "I am" (Ex. 3:14). Jesus declared that He Himself was the one spoken of as "I am" (John 8:58).

• Our Suffering Servant. Hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah described the Messiah's agony and death (53:3-8). But the nation of Israel wasn't anticipating the Anointed One to be a substitute who would pay their sin-debt. They were looking instead for the promised king of Isaiah 9:6. The purpose of Jesus' first coming wasn't to lead the government, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28).
He suffered and died to do just that.

The Holy Spirit illuminates divine truth for believers who rely on His help as they study the Word. Ask for His insights whenever you read the Bible.

[thereishope]

Monday October 20, 2008
Life-Changing Prayer
Colossians 1:9-10

Philippians 4:6 says that it's good to bring requests to the Lord, and we often ask Him for certain blessings, desired outcomes, and healing for loved ones. But there are times when, in God's omniscience, He sees that a "no" would ultimately result in greater good.

So, what supplications can you be sure are in accordance with His will? The apostle Paul recorded specific petitions he made on behalf of the Colossians, and you can offer these life-changing prayers for the people in your life.

First, request that they "be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Col. 1:9). In this way, you are asking God to give them direction and the ability to see life from His viewpoint.

Second, ask that they "will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord" (v. 10). The only way to succeed in this is through the control of the Holy Spirit--He fills hearts with a longing for God and creates the desire to please Him through obedience.

Third, pray that their lives would count (v. 10). There is a difference between being busy and being fruitful. Many Christians assume that to have an impact for God, they must volunteer in numerous ministries at church or become a missionary or pastor. But the truth is, effectiveness in God's work depends on what He calls each person to do.

Too often, Christians pray for others only during hardships. But Paul continuously lifted up the Colossians to our Father (Col. 1:9). As you mention others by name to the Lord, consider the areas that the apostle addressed.

[thereishope]

will post as soon as i get it

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Thursday October 23, 2008
The Problem of Laziness
Proverbs 6:9-11

The book of Proverbs has much to say about people who are lazy. They are regarded as sluggards who do not think beyond today (20:4), who wrongly consider themselves wise (26:16), and who are on a path leading to future poverty.

When people develop a habit of laziness, they tend to offer excuses--such as "I was too tired" or "I ran out of time." They will avoid doing something they don't like, even if it is their responsibility, and instead do only what pleases them. Sadly, individuals who act this way have trouble seeing clearly what they are doing wrong, and they find criticism unreasonable (Prov. 26:16). Though such men and women might think that their self-centeredness slips by unnoticed, it is usually evident to others.

People may fool themselves, but God, who sees poor attitudes and careless ways, is not pleased by shoddy efforts. He has prepared work for us to do and expects it to be handled conscientiously. The Lord knows that the consequences of laziness are serious: at work, there is the possibility of frequent criticism, probation, or even termination; at home, harsh words can add tension to the atmosphere as frustration builds; and in a "trickle-down effect," children may copy their parents' undesirable work habits.

If you are already a disciplined worker but must interact with people who are not, continue to please the Lord with your productiveness. In addition, pray for patience (Gal. 5:22), and be an example of Christ to those around you.

[thereishope]

October 28
Godly Choices
Hebrews 12:15-17

Any ungodly act--whether it involves substance abuse, sexual immorality, or "stepping on" coworkers to get ahead--endangers one's future for the sake of present gratification. Even the unremarkable choices facing us can impact the rest of our lives. So we should guard against the following attitudes, which can lead to sacrificing what is worthwhile for something with no lasting value.

Allowing appetites to rule us--Everyone has inborn needs, such as the desire for food, sleep, and pleasure. While these are natural and God-given, they can become the driving force in our life if we are not careful. Believers should have the spiritual fruit of self-control, which governs these yearnings (Gal. 5:22).

Being blind to what's truly valuable--The Lord's priorities are contrary to what the world considers important. Unless we guard our heart (Prov. 4:23), we can easily be lured by pursuits with no lasting worth.

Failing to Consider Consequences--Eve didn't contemplate what might ultimately happen if she ate the forbidden fruit; she focused solely on the immediate benefit (Gen 3:1-19). Nor did Samson think about repercussions from interactions with Delilah, and he paid dearly (Judg. 16:16-23). How easy it is to make a rash decision because the immediate benefits seem good. The Lord wants us instead to pause, pray, and evaluate the possible outcomes of our actions.

What decisions are you facing? Prayerfully consider what is driving you, and before making choices, think about potential effects of your actions.

[thereishope]

October 29, 2008
God's Blessing of Brokenness
Exodus 2:11-15

The Lord had a great calling in mind for Moses--to free more than 2,000,000 Hebrew slaves from Egyptian bondage. And the future liberator appeared more qualified for the task than anyone else. As Pharaoh's adopted grandson, he had all the benefits of royal privilege, power, and education.

But God knew this wasn't enough. Moses still had a strong spirit of independence that would get in the way of carrying out the assignment through divine power. The Lord had to break this tendency before He could work through His chosen servant.

The opportunity arose when Moses killed an Egyptian for beating a slave (Ex. 2:11-12). Realizing the crime had been witnessed, he fled to the desert to escape Pharaoh's wrath. It was there that he came to the end of himself.

Like Moses, we're all born with a tendency toward selfishness and stubbornness and want things done our way. Therefore, God must bring every area of our lives into submission.

Few will be given a task on the scale of Moses', but the Father has a calling for each believer. Whether His plan is that we raise a godly family, reach out to a neighbor, or run a business with integrity and consideration, He wants us to do so in His power. To prepare us for this work, He sometimes uses brokenness. This wouldn't be our chosen method, but God knows that hardship is sometimes necessary to strip us of our selfish ways.

Do you want to achieve what the Lord has planned for you to do? In humility, ask Him to break any aspect of your life that would prevent it from happening.

[thereishope]

October 30
Spiritual Maturity
Isaiah 48:10

The world's way is to choose the strongest, most talented individuals to accomplish tasks. In contrast, the Lord often selects the weakest, who have nothing to offer except total reliance upon Him. And this dependency is what characterizes the mature in faith.

Such maturity isn't automatic. Our Father patiently meets people where they are, but lovingly refuses to let His children stagnate. Instead, He helps us to grow more and more like His Son (2 Cor. 3:18). As followers of Christ, we must let go of old ways, ideas, and motivations. The Holy Spirit illuminates our understanding and lets us see from God's perspective. Then, the Lord can build in us a dependence on Himself and a submission to His Spirit. Transformation is often gradual, but God sometimes will allow difficulty and pain to develop our reliance upon Him.

Consider biblical models of faith. Sarah and Abraham dealt with infertility for many years prior to receiving the promised child (Gen. 21:1-2). Joseph was sold into slavery and wrongly imprisoned before he spared his nation from the effects of famine (Gen. 45:5). In her new role as Jesus' mother, Mary--who had been falsely regarded as an adulteress--followed God's inconvenient command to flee areas of danger (Matt. 2:13, 22). These people all faced hardship and brokenness, which allowed them to recognize both their own inability and God's ability.

What's standing in your way of full submission to the Lord? His desire is to grow you into maturity so that in your weakness, He will be strong.

[thereishope]

October 31
Understood by Jesus
Hebrews 4:14-15

People often try to comfort others who find themselves in a difficult season of life. But sometimes expressions of consolation create even more pain. For example, the well-intentioned words "I understand" feel empty if the speaker has never actually experienced the situation.

Yet we all long to feel understood. And it helps to know individuals who have endured circumstances similar to ours. Today's passage reassures us that Jesus truly understands because He experienced struggles like ours.

The writer of Hebrews refers to Jesus as our High Priest. Each year the man serving in this capacity would enter the Holy of Holies, and there, in God's presence, offer a sacrifice for sin. The priest was the Jewish people's bridge to God. Christ not only took on this role, but He Himself also became the sacrifice when He died on the cross. Now He sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven and intercedes on our behalf.

That is tremendously encouraging, but even more than that, we know that Jesus truly understands our pain and our weakness. He faced the very temptations, needs, and hurts we experience. For example, a single parent who has suffered much pain can be assured that Christ also knew betrayal (when Judas turned against Him), isolation (when Peter denied knowing Him), and depression (when facing separation from His heavenly Father).

If you feel alone in the hardships you're facing, recall Jesus' trials, hurts, and temptations. You'll find comfort in His understanding.

[thereishope]

November 1-2, 2008
When In Need
Hebrews 4:16

We all have needs, which range from physical and emotional to spiritual. When you require some essential--whether food, water, acceptance, or understanding--where do you turn?

When something basic is missing in your life, it's very easy to feel alone. But remember, God knows what you need even before you tell Him. Hebrews 4:13 states, "There is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him..."

Some people might find this intimidating, as if a "big brother" is watching. But the Lord is a compassionate and loving heavenly Father who cares for His children. He is our shepherd, guiding us gently through life and redirecting us when we stray (Ps. 23). Furthermore, He desires to meet our needs and always does what is best for us (Rom. 8:28).

Our Father is ready and able to work in our lives. And He tells us to come confidently to His throne, bringing our requests to Him. In other words, because we, as Christians, have access to Him through Jesus, we are able to present our desires and struggles freely and without fear. And we can expect an answer. We might receive exactly what we ask, or perhaps God will tell us to wait. Sometimes the answer will be no. But we can be sure that even then, He is acting in our best interest--in His omniscience, He will withhold what He knows would ultimately harm or hinder His children.

The Lord knows where you are and what you need. Share your hurts and desires honestly with Him.

[thereishope]

November 4, 2008
God's Three Answers to Prayer
Matthew 7:7-11

Too often, believers view almighty God as a great cosmic Santa Claus in the sky: we think of our prayers not as petitions, but as demands. Then, if God does not grant our request, we're thrown into a faith crisis, believing He no longer answers us. The real problem, however, is that we misunderstand the Lord's three answers to prayer:

Yes. We love this response! There's nothing more exhilarating or faith-inspiring than watching the Lord move mountains in order to provide what we once saw as impossible.

No. Here is where the problems begin for us. But we must accept the fact that God says "no" to some of our requests. This is certainly not because He's greedy or uncaring--on the contrary, He is generous, loving, and concerned about His children.

Matthew 7:11 does not say God will give "everything to those who ask Him," does it? No, it says that the heavenly Father will give what is good to those who ask. Quite often, giving "what is good" means that He doesn't agree to things He knows are wrong for us.

Wait. This answer can be even harder than a flat-out "no." Yet some things that are good and right and godly may still be wrong for us today. Remember, God is eternal; He sees all time at the same time. If He regards tomorrow's blessing as a curse today, He'll withhold it for a season until we're ready to receive it.

Friend, do not be misled if God's response is not what you expected--or wanted--to hear. Instead, praise the Lord for answering our requests the way He knows they should be answered!

[thereishope]

November 5, 2008
The Landmine of Compromise
Psalm 119:1-8

Compromise injures a believer's spiritual life as surely as landmines wreak havoc upon the body. Our testimony is damaged or destroyed when we bend God's principles.

For example, suppose a young Christian woman meets an attractive man who doesn't share her beliefs. For years, she has known Paul's caution, "Do not be bound together with unbelievers" and recognizes the apostle's intention to protect Christians from worldly influences (2 Cor. 6:14). But she rationalizes that one date won't hurt her. Actually, she is probably right. However, a first date leads to a second and third and then to a relationship. He offers marriage, she accepts, and the bent principle becomes a broken rule.

To navigate a spiritual minefield, we must look a few steps ahead for possible danger. Even choices that seem trivial may have far-reaching consequences. But the Lord equips us with a "divine GPS" (God's Positioning System): the Holy Spirit sounds an alarm in our spirit if we veer into dangerous territory.

For us to hear these warnings, our heart must be tuned to the Holy Spirit's wavelength through Scripture study. Relying on our own understanding can lead to trouble. But those who trust the Lord and apply His principles will find straight paths through potentially explosive situations (Prov. 3:5-6).

The young woman in the above example knew Scripture and felt the Spirit's cautionary nudge, but she ignored it. For safe travel through this dangerous world, decide to obey His initial warning so you can steer clear of compromise.

[thereishope]

November 6, 2008
The High Cost of Compromise
1 Kings 11:1-11

We all occasionally succumb to a case of the "I'd never-s": I'd never cheat on my spouse, I'd never steal from an employer,
I'd never betray a friend, etc. While uttering the words, we are confident of living up to them. What believers often don't realize is that the journey from I'd never to I did is made up of small steps, each one a compromise.

A young, spiritually fervent Solomon certainly would have said, "I'd never be a lust-driven slave to false gods." Yet he ended his life with a multitude of wives and lovers who demanded his allegiance to their deities. Neglecting the laws and principles of the true God cost him dearly.

Solomon knew all the warnings against marrying foreigners: "They will turn your sons away from following [God] to serve other gods; then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you" (Deut. 7:4). But the political advantages of an alliance with Egypt convinced him to compromise those high standards (1 Kings 3:1). The fact that God didn't instantly react to his rebellion must have made rationalizing the next marriage even easier--after all, a nation was more secure if its king's harem included daughters of potential enemies. But just as God foretold, Solomon's thousand-strong harem lured his heart away. He broke a divine covenant and forfeited his family's claim to Israel's throne.

God's commands are meant to protect us from sin and heartache. Compromise can look tempting and even advantageous, but taking one step off the high road makes the next step even easier.

[thereishope]

November 7, 2008
Brokenness: The Process
Romans 8:29-31

How tempting it is to think we need very little improvement. Ask around, and you'll hear many people concede they could probably use a bit of "maintenance" on one or two problem areas (preferably without being caused any discomfort). Yet most will add, "But I'm a good person." Don't be fooled--the Father refuses to settle for humanity's meager vision of "good enough."

God sees each believer as the person he or she will be when fully yielded to Jesus Christ. He then sets about achieving that complete renovation by transforming the individual's present self into the image of His Son. We could say that God is our "interior designer."

An essential step in remodeling involves removing whatever is unnecessary, damaged, or outmoded. In our case, what must go are the areas of self-will. I can tell you from experience that being a man under construction is uncomfortable! God targets habits, attitudes, and even relationships wherein we act independently of His purposes. Then He applies pressure to direct our attention there as well. The Lord takes hold of interests that are dear to our hearts in order to coax from us the rather humbling question, "What more would You have me submit to You?"

Conforming our will to God's changes who we are. In the midst of our transformation, pain from His tools may temporarily obscure the beauty of His design. But nothing is more splendid to God than a committed, obey-at-all-costs follower. Submit to Him so that He might remake you into the servant He desires.

[thereishope]

November 8-9, 2008
The Breaking of Peter
Luke 22:54-62

Peter's pride in his own cleverness and strength got in the way of God's purposes. Christ sought a servant-leader to guide believers after He returned to heaven. The former fisherman was an impulsive know-it-all, but the Lord saw through Peter's arrogance to his potential. And so the master Craftsman used a sharp tool--humiliation--to break him.

When Jesus' words conflicted with Peter's opinions, the disciple boldly rebuked the Teacher (Matt. 16:21-22; John 13:5-8). Christ responded with a pointed reprimand meant both to silence and to teach (Matt. 16:23). In fact, the Lord had to correct the disciple in front of his peers on several occasions.

Ultimately, Peter failed in an area where he'd once felt great confidence--his commitment to die for the Lord. Instead, he denied Christ three times before the rooster crowed. This final humiliation, witnessed by a group of strangers, shattered his self-assurance.

Jesus chipped away at Peter's pride for three years before the disciple gave up his notion that Christ was Israel's grand deliverer from Roman oppression. Achieving glory ceased to matter when he chose to focus on the Lord's plan for lasting personal salvation. And thanks to Peter's newfound humility, God had a servant-leader (1 Peter 5:5-6).

How are you hindering God's work in your life? Be aware that He is determined to break you for your good and His glory. The Lord restored Peter as a more humble yet much greater man than before. He does the same for every believer who yields to His will.

[thereishope]

November 10, 2008
When Anxiety Strikes
Philippians 4:6-7

If you needed a consultant, would you hire just anyone? Of course not. You'd want to be sure your advisor had experience to back up his suggestions. The apostle Paul was certainly qualified to teach on the value of contentment--he wrote from a prison cell.

In today's passage, Paul says that prayer safeguards the believer's heart from anxiety. Praying appropriately will result in the most effective protection, so we are wise to follow the pattern Jesus gave us. The Lord's Prayer underscores adoration of the Father and de-emphasizes self-talk (Matt. 6:9-13). God does desire to hear our concerns (Phil. 4:6).But if problems are all that keep us on our knees, then we have missed the main point of our relationship with Him.

Why does the Lord expect us to honor Him when what we want is immediate help for our problems? Because where the mind dwells, the heart follows. Focusing on His greatness puts our needs in perspective and encourages us to rest easy. He is in charge and at work (Matt. 6:30; Rom. 8:28). Consider Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane. (Matt. 26:36-46) Even as the Lord was crying out for relief, He nevertheless submitted to the Father's greater will (v. 39) As a result, a supernatural peace fortified Christ and enabled Him to face His executioners.

Paul offered a radical peace plan: Praise the Lord while suffering persecution; thank Him when facing trial; and pray about everything. Each prayer braces your heart against anxiety. That's solid advice from a man who practiced what he preached.

[thereishope]

November 11, 2008
Unraveling Worry From Our Life
Philippians 4:8-9

People fret over all kinds of issues, from safety and job security to election results. For many folks--and maybe you are one--anxiety is woven so tightly into the fabric of their day that they've learned to live with it.

We treat worry like a benign emotion when in fact it can actually be harmful. Anxiety clouds our thinking, divides our focus, and robs us of concentration. To complicate matters, the body can react to prolonged pressure on the psyche. Stress can manifest physically through tension headaches, elevated blood pressure, and even heart attacks.

Drifting through a mentally and physically exhausting life is not the Lord's plan for us. Our challenge is to take captive anxious thoughts (2 Cor. 10:5) and replace them with God-pleasing ones--dwelling on that which is pure, good, and right.

The best way to remove stray threads of worry is to crowd them out with something positive: weave Scripture into your mental grid instead. God has something to say about everything that concerns us. Feeling weak or under-qualified? "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). Afraid your paycheck won't cover this month's rent, clothes, and food? "Do not worry . . . for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things" (Matt. 6:31-32).

Jesus said worry adds nothing to our life (Matt. 6:27). In fact, we waste time and energy dwelling on concerns instead of affirming our trust in the Lord. We must choose to set our minds upon Him before anxiety leaves us feeling frayed.

EXTRA COLUMN:

On Praying With Authority

"Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him . . . he will call upon Me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him" (Ps. 91:14-15).

"The Lord is far from the wicked,?but He hears the prayer of the righteous" (Prov. 15:29).

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" (Matt. 7:7-11).

"If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (John 15:7).

"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him" (1 John 5:14-15).

"Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Heb. 4:16).

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Thursday November 13
The Power of Prayer
2 Chronicles 20:1-15

In Scripture, we find examples of people who prayed with spiritual authority. Elijah boldly challenged the prophets of the false god Baal because he knew the Lord would hear and answer. King Jehoshaphat heard that a great army was coming against Israel, so he sought God for direction and strength--and called upon the nation to do the same.

These examples can teach us important lessons about praying powerfully:

Dependence on God. The petitions of both men showed their deep reliance upon the Lord. Knowing that victory over Israel's enemies was beyond their own abilities, they asked the Lord to intervene.

A Focus on His plan. The prophet did things God's way against tremendous odds and at great personal risk (1 Kings 19:1-2). The king called for the nation to fast as he sought to discover the Lord's strategy.

Purity of motive. Both leaders had God-centered intentions with a goal of furthering His purposes. They were not trying to gain anything for themselves.

Confidence in the Lord's faithfulness. Neither man hesitated to ask publicly for divine help. Elijah told the plan to the 450 enemy prophets, and Jehoshaphat called upon all of Israel to join him in prayer.

If your prayers seem to be having little impact, ask yourself, Have I been relying upon my own strength to resolve matters? Is there a selfish basis for my request? Am I lacking confidence in God (James 1:5-7)? If so, turn to God, confess, and seek to follow the example of the prophet and the king.

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Friday November 14
The Believer's Conduct
1 Peter 1:1-9

In his first letter, the apostle Peter sought to build up his readers--including us--in their Christian walk. Let's take a look at some of the key points in this passage.

Our life is to be based on the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who died to redeem us from bondage to sin. His precious blood paid in full the cost of all our transgressions--past, present, and future (Eph. 1:7). Upon acceptance of the Lord's sacrificial death on our behalf, we experience a second birth and become spiritually alive (John 3:3). At that moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. His presence is the evidence of our new position in Christ as well as a guarantee
of our future inheritance and our place in heaven. As God's children, we're commanded to live in holiness. This type of life is marked by a deep reverence for the Lord.

Our desire for holy living comes from knowing our Father's character, understanding what it cost for us to be saved, and recognizing we will face a future judgment. One day we'll stand before our Lord so He can assess our work and determine our heavenly rewards (1 Cor. 3:11-15). He will examine our inner feelings as well as our outward behavior. Acts of obedience will be rewarded; times of rebellion will not. In other words, our attitudes and choices really do matter, both in this life and in the future.

Take time regularly to ponder these truths. Use them to increase your desire to follow God, to make changes in your conduct, and to be His faithful, obedient servant.

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Weekend November 15-16
Being Ready for Rough Times
1 Peter 1:13-14

The apostle Peter knew that hard days lay ahead for his fellow believers. So he reminded them about their security as children of God: they were chosen by Him, born into a living hope, given spiritual protection during this life, and guaranteed eternity in heaven with their Father. Peter then gave them specific ways to prepare for the coming trials. His words, divinely inspired by the Lord, can guide us as well.

His first instruction relates to our minds: What we believe has a direct impact on our response to life's problems. If we trust that God is looking out for us, then we will feel less threatened by hard circumstances. But if we decide we must rely on ourselves, then we are more likely to react poorly to situations beyond our control. A negative attitude--whether from anger, fear, worry, or jealousy--can make a hard time worse. Preparation for the future starts with developing biblical thinking.

A second lesson from Peter is to be "sober in spirit"--in other words, to maintain our balance in the midst of crises (v. 13). That requires resisting quick fixes to problems and refusing to embrace ungodly ideas or philosophies. Our enemy Satan is quick to offer suggestions designed to trip us up or turn us away from God's path. With the Spirit's help, we can learn to stand firm in a crisis and steadfastly follow the Lord.

Our culture is increasingly distancing itself from Jesus Christ and opposing His followers. Are you preparing spiritually for whatever the future holds?

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Monday November 17
Getting Ready
2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Yesterday we learned two ways to prepare for life's difficulties: biblical thinking and balanced judgment. First Peter 1 has further instructions, which include . . .

Fixing our hope on Jesus (v. 13). No matter how hard the circumstances, life has purpose and meaning in Christ. The Savior has promised always to be with us and to keep watch as a shepherd cares for his sheep (Matt. 28:20; John 10:14). Through the Holy Spirit's transforming power, troubled times can become opportunities to learn more about God's faithfulness, draw on His strength, and experience personal growth.

Resisting our former lifestyle (v. 14). When troubles come, it is tempting to revert to ungodly habits or take up new ones. In these seasons of life, Satan will encourage us to pursue any path that leads away from the Lord. We need to remember that we are new creations whose lifestyles are to match our position as God's children. That old behavior does not fit us anymore.

Making holiness our goal (v. 15). Being "holy," or "set apart," begins with giving up control over our life to the Holy Spirit. As we submit to Him, He will begin to express the life of Christ through us. By learning what pleases God and acting accordingly, we cooperate with His efforts to conform us to the Son's image.

While struggles are part of everyday life, we do not have to be overcome by them. Think about a specific step you can take to start carrying out these instructions today.

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Tuesday November18
Pursuing Holiness
1 Peter 1:15-21

God's children are called to live holy lives that are marked by a deep reverence for Him. One strong motivation for righteous living is the cross and what it represents.

First, the cross is a reminder of our original position as outsiders, separated from God because of sin. Second, it points to our need for a Savior. Divine justice decrees that the penalty for sin is death (Rom. 6:23); however, the only acceptable payment is the shedding of innocent blood (Deut. 17:1). Since we are all guilty, we cannot pay for our own sins. Third, it was on the cross that Jesus took our place and endured God's wrath so we could be forgiven. Fourth, the crucifixion marks the time when God's justice was satisfied and His mercy was demonstrated. Finally, it points out the way to be reconciled to the Lord and adopted into His family. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can we be saved (John 14:6).

Sadly, many have forgotten about God's requirement of holiness (v. 15). Instead of holding fast to His standards of attitude and behavior, we embrace some worldly values that seem more comfortable or self-satisfying. We pursue secular ideals such as pleasure and material wealth instead of godly ones like servanthood and obedience. These goals are encouraged by our culture, which has little fear of the Lord and regularly ignores His warnings and commandments.

To counteract the culture's influence, keep the meaning of the cross before you. Then you'll be motivated to pursue holiness in honor of the One who gave His life to save you.

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Wednesday November 19
The Loss of Hope
Acts 27:13-26

Life doesn't always meet our expectations. Even when making plans according to God's lead, we may run into something that interrupts them. Frustration over the obstacle can lead to discouragement and loss of hope. Then, if the hindrance should persist, our spirits may plummet toward despair.

Circumstances which seem impossible to overcome are often the ones that trip us up. Think about Paul's voyage to Rome by sea. When a bad storm arose, the sailors worked hard to save the ship. But since they couldn't control the weather, they gradually gave up all hope of being saved (v. 20). There are times when we can't change what has happened--whether it's a job loss, a loved one's death, or a devastating diagnosis. In such situations, feelings of hopelessness can overtake us.

Postponed plans can also be disheartening. Hannah is an example of someone who became dejected because of "hope deferred" (Prov. 13:12). She saw other women bearing children, but her own maternal desires had not yet been fulfilled (1 Sam. 1:11). When things do not go according to our schedule, we may experience emotions like hers.

Feeling abandoned by the Lord can throw believers off track. I remember a season of life when I felt all alone. My mind said God was with me, but my feelings said He wasn't. To counter those emotions, I pursued the Lord through Scripture meditation and prayer.

In times of discouragement, you have a choice. Will you focus on your circumstances, or will you fix your gaze on our loving Father and trust Him?

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Thursday November 20
The Source of Our Hope
Colossians 1:26-28

Hope is a desire for something, accompanied by the anticipation of receiving it. If our expectation of fulfilment diminishes, discouragement can set in. And prolonged disappointment can lead to despair.

The disciple Judas wanted to see Israel throw off Roman oppression and establish itself as the ruling power. Perhaps he thought that having Jesus arrested would push God to use force against Israel's religious and political rulers. If that was his thinking, then Judas failed to reach his goal. We know for certain that his betrayal of Jesus cost him everything. Overcome by guilt, he gave up his life.

We have an Enemy who watches for our times of weakness, when he can influence us away from the Lord. As the father of lies, he tries to keep us focused on our circumstances and doubting God--He wants us to complain, "This isn't fair. If the Lord loves me, why would He allow this to happen?"

As children of the heavenly Father, we were birthed into a living hope: the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3). Because of Him, we have been taken from condemnation to full acceptance, from spiritual death to eternal life in heaven with the Lord. We have His indwelling Spirit to guide us through tough times and to provide comfort in them.

Because we're eternally secure in the Lord, we are never in a hopeless circumstance. We may feel desperate, but emotions are not reliable. Jesus Christ, our Savior and friend, is our constant source of hope.

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Friday November 21
Listening to God
Psalm 81:8-14

Does the heavenly Father still speak to His children? It's a question that may be on your mind right now. We all have this need to know that the Lord is still communicating with us. We crave the certainty that He hears us--and that He answers.

In Psalm 81:8-14, we get a clear picture of God's heart: He yearns for Israel to listen to Him. Think about that. Here's the almighty Creator of the universe pleading with His chosen people to hear His voice. It almost doesn't make sense, does it? Why on earth would the Israelites turn a deaf ear to their sustaining, omnipotent heavenly Father?

However, God's message is sent to inattentive ears. He says, "Oh, Israel, if only you would listen to Me. But My people did not listen to My voice. Oh, that My people would listen to Me!" (Psalm 81:8-14, paraphrase).

Thousands of years later, I'm certain that same question still rings through heaven. We can practically hear the Lord saying, "Oh, church, if only you would listen to Me. But My church did not listen to My voice. Oh, that My church would listen to Me!"

No doubt, you've heard God say the same thing to you personally. We seem to fall out of touch with Him at times. We put ourselves in one corner and restrict the Lord to someplace "over there" and out of the way. We somehow seem to lose track of His voice in our lives. And yet, though we may not hear Him, He is still talking.

Quiet your spirit today. Open God's Word and invite Him to speak to you anew. And then, listen.

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Weekend, November 22-23
Discerning God's Voice
1 John 4:1

Believing that the Lord still speaks to His followers, we must learn how to hear His voice. We have to develop discernment--many voices claim to be His and yet have nothing whatsoever to do with the true God.

For example, just think of the many cults around today. No doubt, you've seen news reports or televised specials dissecting the odd-sounding belief systems of different faith-based groups. Many of them profess to be based on Scripture, yet they often have certain doctrines that are radically foreign to us; the God of the Bible is completely unrecognizable in their creeds. Obviously, this can pose a problem for those of us in the church who are eager to hear from our Father.

When confronted by different voices that claim to be "true" and clamor for our attention, we remember two absolute truths:

First, we know that the Lord will never say anything that contradicts Scripture. For example, suppose a religious group claimed that extra-marital affairs were somehow acceptable in the Lord's sight. We would know immediately that this wasn't from God, as it directly contradicts Exodus 20:14.

Second, we know that God won't add to or take away from the Bible. It is His complete and reliable Word. Therefore, anyone claiming to have "more" scriptures or another Testament is a fraud.

Two of the Enemy's best weapons are distraction and deception. Don't fall for his lies. Test every voice against Scripture, and ask God for the wisdom to discern His voice among the impostors.

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November 24
Who Is Jesus?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4

Most people are familiar with the name "Jesus," but relatively few truly know who He is. This is tragic because a right understanding of the Savior's identity and mission is directly related to every person's eternal destiny.

How is it possible to know who Jesus Christ is and what He did? The Father has provided a completely trustworthy source: the Bible. The wise person will regularly spend time in the Word to gain knowledge of the Savior and develop a deep relationship with Him.

Scripture tells us that Jesus is God:

1.Christ existed before His own birth--in fact, even before time began. The prophet Micah spoke of His ancient origin (5:2), and Paul named Him as the Creator (Col. 1:5-6).

2.Jesus claimed equality with the invisible God and was the perfect reflection of Him (John 10:30; 14:9).

3.The Savior performed miracles--such as restoring the dead to life--that were possible only by supernatural power (John 11:43-44).

4.The Lord received worship and forgave sin, two acts that are acceptable only for Deity (Matt. 9:2-8; John 9:38).


Think about Jesus coming to earth as a baby. Imagine the power resting in that little manger--the omnipotent God was lying in a trough made from trees He had created, under stars He Himself had strewn across the sky!

Scripture makes it clear that there is only one way to eternal life: by trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior (Acts 4:12). Weigh the evidence, and then make a wise decision to follow Him.

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November 25
The Importance of the Bible
2 Timothy 3:14-17

The importance of Scripture cannot be overstated. It is the source of all truth about God and about ourselves.

A primary purpose of the Bible is to lead us to salvation. Without the Scriptures, we would never discover that we have a spiritual problem which separates us from the Lord: we are sinners from birth (Rom. 3:23) and have no way to rescue ourselves. The Father wants us to know that Jesus died to save us, and if we accept His sacrifice as payment for our sin-debt, we'll be forgiven. The Word also makes clear that God desires to adopt us into His family so we can live with Him forever. Faith in Christ--not good works--is the one and only means of salvation and eternal life (John 14:6;
Eph. 2:7-8; ). Everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus will be saved (Acts 16:31).

Another purpose of the Bible is to provide instructions on how we are to live. A godly life is characterized by surrender to the Lord's control, submission to His plan, and a daily yielding to the Holy Spirit's guidance (Gal. 2:20). The Scriptures also reveal the Creator's standard for living--namely, what is acceptable behavior and what is not.

If you earnestly seek to know the Father better and please Him, time spent in His Word will never be wasted. Through it, you will experience both the joy of a personal relationship with God and the power to affect our world for Him. Have you accepted His gift of salvation? If so, how does He manifest His transformational power in your life?

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November 26
A Heart of Gratitude
Psalm 100:1-5

The Bible instructs us, "In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess. 5:18) That directive might seem easy when life is going well. But if painful circumstances arise, expressing gratitude can become difficult.

It's interesting to note that this instruction to thank the Lord in all things was written by Paul--the apostle whose loyalty to Christ earned him severe persecution. You might wonder how he was able to be grateful to God.

While many situations weren't to his liking, Paul knew that His riches in Christ Jesus far outweighed any earthly discomfort. Consider the blessings he so valued, which are available to all believers. First of all, we are invited to have a personal relationship with the one true God--the sovereign, omniscient, and omnipresent Lord of all creation. Second, our Creator loves us with an everlasting and unconditional love. Third, He sent His Son to die as payment for our sin-debt so that we could spend eternity with Him. As a result, when we place trust in Jesus, we are freed from the fear of death.

And the list of blessings keeps going: God adopts believers as His children and seals them with His Spirit (Eph. 4:30). He has a plan for every life--and bestows special gifts and empowerment to make it happen. He also promises to meet every need through His limitless resources (Phil. 4:19) and provides His Word and indwelling Spirit to guide us.

No wonder Paul was grateful! Count his blessings as your own, and let God know how appreciative you are.

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November 27
The Blessing of Gratitude
Colossians 2:6-7

Believers have the amazing privilege of praying to their heavenly Father. But it may come as a surprise to some that bringing requests to God is just one aspect of our communication with Him. Another important part of prayer--which, sadly, is often overlooked--is thanksgiving (Phil. 4:6).

In fact, the Father wants His children's lives to be characterized by gratefulness. His Word tells us that an appreciative attitude should be evident in our worship (Ps. 95:2-7; Col. 3:16), giving (2 Cor. 9:12), relationships (Phil. 1:1-3), and even the way we approach spiritual battles (1 Cor. 15:55-57). In other words, thankfulness to the Lord should permeate everything we do (Rom. 14:6).

In the Scriptures, the Lord mandates our gratitude (1 Thess. 5:18), which some people find perplexing. But He knows how a grateful attitude affects our hearts. Thanking Him ...

• Keeps us aware of His presence.
• Focuses us on Jesus Christ; pride diminishes when we remember life is about Him.
• Drives us to look for His purpose in our challenging situations.
• Reminds us of His goodness, which leads to hope and submission to His will, even when we don't understand the reason for our pain.
• Encourages continued dependence on Him.
• Replaces anxiety with peace and joy.

When we maintain an attitude of thanksgiving in both happy and difficult seasons, our lives will feel purposeful and fulfilling. But more importantly, God will be glorified. Ask Him to bring blessings to mind so you can say "Thank You."

A Hymn of Thanksgiving

Now Thank We All Our God

Now thank we all our God,
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In Whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in His grace,
And guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills,
In this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given;
The Son and Him Who reigns
With Them in highest Heaven;
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and Heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.
--Martin Rinkart c. 1636
(translation by Catherine Winkworth)

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November 28
Responding to God's Love
John 3:16-21

God is love. Most likely we have heard these words from 1 John 4:8. But do we truly understand what they mean?

John 3:16 sums it up: God loved vile, sinful, rebellious humanity so much that He came to earth in human flesh and died a gruesome death to save us. This is no shallow love.

Some people question Jesus' sacrifice, though. They think, Certainly the Lord could have come up with a different way to offer salvation. He is God, after all, so shouldn't He be able to do all things? They fail to consider two of His unchangeable attributes.

First, the Lord is holy by nature. This means that He cannot look upon sin with approval, so He must condemn transgression. Second, God is just. As a result, all wrongdoing--without exception--must be punished (Rom. 6:23). The Lord's every action must be consistent with His nature.

We all fall short of God's perfect holiness, and He is unable to accept us in our fallen state (Rom. 3:23). But our heavenly Father desires an everlasting relationship with us. So He provided the solution by sending His Son Jesus to earth--to live as a man and die on the cross. This is the ultimate expression of love. As 1 John 4:10 states, "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

The wise will accept the free gift of salvation. That is, they will receive Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior and commit to follow Him. What is your response to His amazing love?

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November 29-30
God's Gift to Us
Romans 8:1-11

Imagine this courtroom scene: After a long trial, emotions are running high, the most noticeable one being hostility toward the convict. The judge issues his verdict: guilty of murder in the first degree. Then a punishment is decided--the death penalty. Tearfully, the mother of the victim rises, puts her arms around the murderer, and says to the judge, "Let me die in his place."

Who'd do such a thing? What mom would take the punishment of one who had wronged her so grievously? But while the anecdote is fictional, here's a true story that's even more amazing: the Lord--Creator of all--died in our place while we were His enemies who deserved death (Rom. 5:8-10).

And His gift encompasses far more than removal of our punishment. Once we receive Jesus as our personal Savior, we are flooded with blessings. Our sins are forgiven, and we are also freed from condemnation, clothed in righteousness, and promised eternal life in the Lord's presence. In addition, as His adopted children (Eph. 1:5), we are heirs who will "obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven..." (1 Pet. 1:4).

What's more, the Holy Spirit--God Himself--lives in believers to guide, comfort, and teach. He seals us until the day of redemption, which means that nothing can undo our salvation (John 10:29). In other words, we are free from the bondage of insecurity and fear.

When we start to grasp all that the Lord has given us, gratitude will naturally flow. Tell Him how thankful you are.

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December 1, 2008
Jesus--Keynote of God's Plan
Luke 2:6-11

Jesus' genealogy may not seem like exciting reading but the context of the His lineage is important (Matt. 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38). The Bible delineates His family tree to reveal God's handiwork throughout history. Everything He had done from Eden to Bethlehem to Golgotha and beyond was planned.

In the garden of Eden, disobedience ushered sin into the world, corrupting mankind's nature. So God provided immediate as well as long-term solutions. He shed an animal's blood so that its skin might cover Adam and Eve's nakedness. In addition, He set into motion events that would culminate in His Son becoming the sacrificial Lamb of God.

As part of His plan, the heavenly Father promised to bless the human race through Abraham's descendants (Gen. 26:4), a people whom He set apart to serve Him. Despite periods of enslavement, wandering, and exile, the Israelites grew into a prominent community with a radical belief in one God.

Later, the Macedonian Empire's mandatory language (Greek) gave far-flung peoples a common tongue. In addition, Jews long separated from their homeland once again had access to Scripture, thanks to translation efforts. In another development, the Romans built 50,000 miles of highway, facilitating the gospel's distribution throughout the world.

The timing of Jesus' birth was no accident. His ancestors' lives were woven into the redemption plan that culminated in Christ's triumph over death. God used both good and bad events to create the perfect environment for maximum impact.

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December 2, 2008
An Adoption Story
Galatians 4:4-7

Adoption. The very word will cause an orphan's heart to swell with hope--the hope of belonging, sharing a common name, and receiving love. No wonder Paul used such an engaging metaphor to illustrate the importance of Jesus' birth. The world was then and is still filled with people desperate for the intimacy of Father and family.

New Testament writers used a lot of imagery about kinship. For instance, they wrote about sons, heirs, and brothers and sisters of Christ (Matt. 12:50; Gal. 4:7). The words remind readers that those who have received Jesus as Savior are set apart. No longer are believers "sons of disobedience" or "children of wrath," but rather, they have been given a new name: children of God (Eph. 2:2-3; 1 John 3:1). And with that distinction come special privileges, such as the right to call upon the Father.

God loves every person ever created, but like any parent, He offers His children "family-only" benefits. He responds to their prayers (Luke 18:1-8). He provides for their needs (Matt. 6:31-33). He holds a protective hand over them (Prov. 18:10). In a word, He is perfect. And this amazing Father desires to build a personal relationship with each one who is willing to be part of His family.

An orphanage is frequently a place of little hope, since only a few kids receive adoption offers. Not so with God. His family is open to all. The process is simple--no forms to fill out and no waiting period. Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sins, and choose to surrender your life to His will. Welcome to the family!

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December 3, 2008
When God Is Silent
John 11:1-6

When Lazarus was dying, his sisters urgently called for Jesus. Imagine how their grief must have compounded when He didn't instantly respond to their request.

God's silence is difficult to accept. We want Him to leap into action when we call, particularly if we are hurting or afraid. But since He promises to meet our needs, we can be sure that a silence from heaven has purpose.

Silence grabs our attention. The disciples knew that Jesus could heal, so they must have wondered why He delayed instead of rushing to His friend's bedside. But the Lord wanted them to witness something even greater: His power over death. They had been confused by His statements about conquering death, and they needed to understand that He could fulfill His own resurrection prophecies (Mark 9:31-32). The miracle at Lazarus' tomb was part of their preparation.

Silence teaches us to trust. Mary and Martha sent word of Lazarus' illness because they anticipated that the Lord would heal him. But would their faith waver if that expectation was not met? Martha answered the question by stating, "I believe that you are the Christ" (John 11:21-27 niv). The Lord rewarded the women's trust with a stunning miracle: their brother's return to life.

At times, the only thing we can hear when we pray is our own breathing. That can be frustrating and frightening. But Scripture says God is always with us, and His silence will not last forever (Job 23:8-10; Heb. 13:5). Cling to those promises as you seek the purpose behind His silence.

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December 4, 2008
Persevering Through Silence
Job 23:16-17

Yesterday we noted that God always has a purpose for being silent. I learned this lesson--and its corollary--in college.

One day during my senior year, I prepared to pray over a situation that would impact my future. But as I got on my knees, I felt as if God was suddenly gone. For three days and nights, His presence seemed miles away. The fourth evening, some friends gathered to intercede on my behalf, but to no avail. Nearly defeated, I was headed back to my room when I saw my buddy Don's light. I climbed through his open window (the dorms were locked), and we prayed until dawn. Still nothing.

I beseeched the Father all week. Then, at last, He dramatically intervened in my life to clearly dictate my next steps. The corollary is this: When God is silent, keep on praying!

Far too many times, I have heard people say they quit praying about a need because there was no answer. Matthew 17:20 says that faith the size of a mustard seed is able to move mountains--then imagine how tiny our trust must be when we give up on the Lord! Believers cannot treat prayers like quarters fed into a vending machine, which gives an instant response. Talking to God is a long-term investment in the intimate friendship we have with Him.

Though God may be silent for a time, He never ceases working on our behalf. When the time is right, He provides an outcome that aligns with His perfect plan. Giving up before the Lord responds to your call is a grave mistake. So pray on, friends. Pray on!

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December 5, 2008
Brokenness: The Protest
Jonah 1

The children's story about Jonah and the whale presents the prophet in a rather rosy light: After three days in the fish's belly, he relents and goes merrily on to Nineveh. End of story.

The Bible narrative has the same components (storm, big fish, repentant Ninevites) but a totally different context. From the moment Jonah chose to flee till the end of the book, his heart was in rebellion against God.

The inhabitants of Nineveh were Assyrians, a people known for their aggression and cruelty. Since they were the sworn enemies of Israel, Jonah had good reason to despise them. However, God loved the Ninevites and desired their repentance. The challenging task of ministering to them carried an additional purpose: breaking Jonah's unloving spirit--an attitude so strong that he preferred to die rather than see the enemy saved (Jonah 4:3).

God longed to mold the prophet's character to reflect His own--He wanted a willing, loving servant, but Jonah resisted at every turn. Pride and hatred drove him ever deeper into rebellion. Note that while he agreed to go to Nineveh, he didn't repent (Jonah 2:9). The Lord wasn't fooled; He knew Jonah's heart remained hard. So as the Ninevites rejoiced over deliverance, their minister stewed in his bitterness. Emotional and mental anguish were high prices to pay for resistance.

What keeps you from serving the Lord fully? You probably already know the area of your life He is trying to break. The process is painful, but it's done for your good and His glory. Give in to Him.

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December 6-7, 2008
Abandoning the Self-Life
Jonah 4

The believer's self-life is composed of the habits, attitudes, and relationships he or she is unwilling to surrender. Keeping those things from the Lord gives people a sense of independence, which is highly prized in our current culture. However, by following "self," we interfere with God's purpose. He wants every aspect of our life submitted to His will.

Jonah mistook rebellion for freedom. The fourth chapter of his story paints a vivid picture of the prophet sweltering in the sun--and in the heat of his hatred. His blood boiled when God showed mercy to the Ninevites. "I have good reason to be angry, even to death," he ranted (v. 9). God had used him to save more than 120,000 souls, but he was angry because he desired their destruction.

Freedom is not the same as autonomy. There is only one true liberty: walking in full obedience to the Lord. Jonah obeyed with his body but not with his heart. And his bitterness shows that stubbornly clinging to our self-life is a snare for the spirit. Unhealthy routines, like thick weeds in our path, prevent us from moving forward. So God is determined to break us loose from any hindrance.

Sadly, Jonah resisted the Lord's every attempt to crack his pride. Believers have the right to choose self over submission, but the cost of doing so is high. We may steep in emotional turmoil like the prophet. Or God might deny us ministry opportunities. Whatever the consequences, one thing is certain: autonomy will cause us to miss the blessing of intimacy with the Lord--and nothing we value is worth that.

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December 8, 2008
A Prayer Burden
Nehemiah 2:1-8

Christians use the word burden in an unusual way. Instead of referring to a physical load, believers speak of a spiritual weight placed on their heart. In essence, "I have a burden for her" means "I feel an intense urge to pray for her."

God makes a believer's spirit heavy when He wants his or her attention focused on a certain matter. For example, He motivated an exiled Israelite, Nehemiah, to intercede for the Jewish remnant left vulnerable by Jerusalem's crumbling walls. The Lord already knew the Israelites' troubles, so He certainly didn't need this one man's prayers. The burden was for Nehemiah's good. Allowing God to use him as a conduit to help others boosted his faith. Nehemiah tapped into a reservoir of compassion while on his knees. So great was his love for his countrymen that he swallowed his fear and revealed the need to the Persian king.

Calling us to bear each other's burdens is one way the Lord strengthens His church. Human nature is such that we feel connected with those we have helped. In a similar way, an invisible thread ties us to the people for whom we pray, even though they may never hear of our intercession. God knits these strands together so that many believers make up one whole, which He calls "the body of Christ" (Rom. 12:5).

Our heavenly Father is looking for people willing to be burdened for their brothers and sisters in the Lord. I challenge you: make yourself available to intercede on behalf of someone else. Blessing the body of Christ is an awesome privilege.

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December 9, 2008
Nation Builders
Nehemiah 1

In Touch magazine makes its way into many countries. So I am thinking globally when I write this: Your nation needs your prayers.

Before a single stone was laid to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah began the work on his knees before God. He fasted and mourned over his motherland's vulnerability. The soon-to-be construction foreman then offered up a three-part prayer. First, he confessed Israel's sin; next, he reminded the Lord of His promises to the faithful; and finally, he requested success for his plans.

Like Nehemiah, all of us are to be nation builders. His response to Israel's situation should be our template for fighting threats of evil to our homelands. Perhaps you've never thought to fast over a national crisis. Or you may not know that you can intercede about your countrymen's disobedience to God. But taking action to protect and serve others is a believer's responsibility (Matt. 25:35-40).

Some people argue that one individual's prayers or activities cannot make a dent in a country's problems. Nehemiah proved otherwise. God used him to gather supplies and organize the Jewish people to rebuild Jerusalem's walls in just 52 days (Neh. 6:15).

The effect of your intercession will likely be subtler than Nehemiah's. In fact, until you reach heaven, you may not even know the impact. Countries are always in flux, but steps of change are often so small as to be imperceptible day to day. If we are to build nations where the innocent are protected and justice prevails, then we must begin as Nehemiah did--on our knees.

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December 10, 2008
A Revolutionary Announcement
Acts 2:38-47

"God raised [Jesus] up again," declared Peter in his first sermon (Acts 2:24). Imagine what a revolutionary statement that was. The assembled crowd knew of the Lord and the miracles He'd performed. Perhaps some had even joined in shouting, "Crucify Him!" (Matt. 27:22). Yet here was one of Jesus' followers, claiming that the Christ could not be held down by death's power.

The disciples' early accounts of the Lord's resurrection were treated as idle tales told by desperate men. But Pentecost was a new day. The crowd witnessed something historic as each person heard the gospel in his or her own language (Acts 2:11-12). God visited mankind in a way He'd never done before.

The revolution sparked by the Holy Spirit that day spread across the world and into the modern era, transforming cultures as well as individuals. Revival began in 3,000 hearts smitten with remorse at the news of the Messiah's death. Those new believers underwent baptism--a public "statement" that Jesus was the Savior, who died for their sins, rose again, ascended into heaven, and took His place at God's right hand. The new believers' conversion also caused change within their communities, as they lived out the gospel message of compassion and love.

The revolution continues. God sees to it that all people who are open to the gospel will receive it in a language they can understand. Are you a changed person because you have heard that Jesus is alive? If not, now is the time to let this truth transform you.

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December 11, 2008
Preaching Like Peter
Acts 2:14-36

Peter's first sermon takes less than three minutes to recite. Sharing the gospel doesn't need to be complicated or lengthy. In fact, Peter's message contains a formula we can use to outline our own testimonies.

Preparation. The disciple relied heavily on the Scriptures to make his case for Christ. But Peter knew there was another important element--after being miraculously enabled to proclaim the gospel in multiple languages, he must have realized the significance of the Holy Spirit. No matter how persuasive a man's message is, only the Spirit can open the door to unbelieving hearts and minds.

The Savior's Credentials and Purpose. Peter identified Jesus as God's Son. He cited the "miracles and wonders and signs" that validated Him as the promised Messiah (Acts 2:22). Then the disciple made clear Jesus' foreordained mission on earth: to die for mankind's sin. Christ willingly submitted to the task assigned by His Father.

A Personal Invitation. Peter wasn't shy about convicting the hearts of his audience. "This Man . . . you nailed to a cross," he said (v. 23). The new preacher made sure listeners knew their responsibility in the Messiah's death, but then gave the exciting news that Christ was alive. Those who believed were invited to repent and be baptized in Jesus' name. No gospel message is complete without telling people how they, too, can be saved.

Witnessing to others can be intimidating. But if you are prayerful and prepared, sharing your faith will be rewarding, regardless of the outcome.

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December 12, 2008
The Virgin Birth: Does It Matter?
Isaiah 7:14

The virgin birth--like Jesus' resurrection from the dead--ranks as one of the Bible's more amazing miracles. Many people reject the idea outright, while others shrug it off as nonessential to their understanding of the Savior. But a person can't believe the Word of God while rejecting its claim that the Lord was born to a virgin.

Scripture is emphatic about the nature of Jesus' unusual conception. It is mentioned in both the Old Testament and the Gospels. In Genesis 3:15, God warned the serpent that enmity would exist between Eve's seed and his. The choice of words is meant to catch the reader's attention, since a woman does not have "seed." Later, through Isaiah, God speaks a clear prophecy: "Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son" (Isa. 7:14).

When Matthew recorded Jesus' genealogy, he crafted a sentence that paid tribute to Mary--not Joseph--as Jesus' biological parent (Matt. 1:16). Then, Luke's gospel relates Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel, who explained that the Holy Spirit would place God's Son in her womb (1:35). The heavenly Father saw to it that the biblical writers gave an accurate account of this awesome event.

Simply stated, rejecting the virgin birth is the equivalent of calling God a liar. The Bible is His revealed Word (2 Tim. 3:15). Suggesting one portion is false places the whole document under suspicion. Therefore, in answer to the question posed in the devotion's title, yes, belief in the virgin birth does matter.

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December 13-14, 2008
A Perfect Sacrifice
Leviticus 22:17-21

In the Law, God gave the Jews strict rules about sacrificial animals. Each was to be without defect, or He wouldn't accept it--in fact, when the Israelites offered blind, lame, and sick animals, the Lord angrily called them to account (Mal. 1:8). The early system of spilling blood to cover sin foreshadowed the Father's ultimate redemption plan: He gave His Son to die in the place of corrupt men and women (John 3:16).

To be acceptable, the final sacrifice had to be perfect too. The Father's plan required that a man be sacrificed; however, only a member of the Trinity could remain sinless in life on earth. The other dilemma was that a being is either divine or not--divinity could not be bestowed on a child after birth. That is, the sacrificial Lamb had to be both God and man from the moment of conception (John 1:29). So Jesus was conceived of the Holy Spirit, since His earthly father could not be human.

The virgin conception and birth preserved Jesus' divine nature. His shift from heaven to the womb happened in an instant and was done without human intervention. Therefore, unlike every child born of a woman and a man, Jesus was not corrupted by Adam's sin.

Jesus was the perfect Lamb, unblemished in every way. Therefore, God accepted Christ's sacrifice. The way we lay claim to the offering made on our behalf is by trusting in Him.. Denying that Mary was a virgin is not an option for believers. Our salvation depends upon Jesus' flawless nature because, as God made clear to the Israelites, only a perfect sacrifice will do.

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Tuesday December 16
God's Way to Give
2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Our heavenly Father knows what our income is and how He would like us to spend it. He also desires that we demonstrate certain heart attitudes in our giving. These include faith, compassion, and generosity.

It takes faith to give before our own needs are met. The Macedonians at Philippi were experiencing deep poverty, but they still longed to contribute. Their behavior revealed a deep trust in the Lord's provision.

Compassion is also vital. This heart attitude cares about others and wants to bless them. The Philippian church saw Paul's situation and longed to help (Phil. 4:16). The Lord is pleased when we love one another and share from what we have.

The Macedonian believers were also generous. Though in great need themselves, they begged for the privilege of contributing to the collection for the Jerusalem church.

Consider how greatly we have benefited from the generosity of our heavenly Father. He provided His Son Jesus to take our sins upon Himself and die in our place. He has adopted us into His family, made us co-heirs with Christ, and prepared for us a permanent home in heaven with Him. And in this life, His Holy Spirit provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). As we make our Christmas plans, let's be generous towards others, just as God has been to us.

As we study biblical principles about how to handle money, God's Holy Spirit will help us put them into practice. Obedience to the Word will bring spiritual blessing (Luke 6:38).

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Wednesday December 17
Consequences of Unforgiveness
Hebrews 12:14-15

Scripture stresses the importance of pardoning those who have offended us. While it may feel natural to pull away from hurtful people, refusing to forgive has consequences far worse than the pain of being wronged.

Unforgiveness . . .

• Harms family interactions. Have you ever tried to maintain a growing relationship with an individual who's rooted in bitterness? You can't do it, because that person is fixated on his unhealthy feelings about someone else. Moreover, it's hard to spend time with anyone consumed by bitterness, because such people simply cease being likable.

• Hinders prayer life. Unforgiveness is sin, and unconfessed sin creates "static" in our relationship with God. So we must forgive others before prayer or worship (Matt. 5:23-24).

• Damages one's personal witness. The highlight of your testimony is salvation, which centers around the truth that the Lord has forgiven all your sins. How can you stress the importance of this if your listener can't see even a hint of forgiveness in your own life?

• Thwarts spiritual growth. God will not bless sinful actions. And so, if you are living a life mired in unforgiveness, you cannot expect Him to shower you with His blessings. By persisting in disobedience, you disrupt intimate fellowship with the Lord and put yourself in a dangerous, weak position.

Is there anyone you need to forgive today? Don't let another night pass without granting that forgiveness. There is more at stake here than you may have realized.

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Thursday December 18
How to Deal With Unforgiveness
Matthew 6:9-15

Scripture clearly teaches that we are to forgive those who hurt us. So let's identify practical ways to confront the matter of unforgiveness head-on. You may want to keep this list in your Bible or close by for easy review.

1. Take it seriously. Unforgiveness is a major issue that shouldn't be casually dismissed.

2. Assume full responsibility. Don't blame anyone else for your feelings or actions.

3. Confess it honestly. Be specific and direct with God about what you feel, and acknowledge that unforgiveness is sin. Don't "soften" the matter or let yourself off the hook.

4. Lay down your anger. Unless you deal with your resentment, bitterness can re-enter your life later on.

5. Pray for the other person. This may feel impossible or unnatural, but do it anyway. Praying is a choice to act lovingly, regardless of how you are treated. This will impact your entire relationship.

6. Ask that individual to forgive you. If the other person knows that you've been harboring bitterness, you need to ask for his or her forgiveness.

7. Do something nice for that person. Let a loving gesture demonstrate your desire to restore the relationship.

8. Don't allow Satan to throw you back into unforgiveness. Once the matter is resolved, watch out for stray thoughts that could stir up memories of how the other person hurt you.

This process isn't easy, but it works. If you go through these steps every time you are hurt, God will truly work miracles in your relationships.

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Weekend December 20-21
When Life Seems Out of Control
Romans 8:28-30

We all have experienced seasons when life just seems to spin out of control. Sometimes people don't cooperate with us and become an obstacle to our goals. At other times, we are squeezed by overcommitment. Perhaps an illness interrupts our plans or an unexpected situation throws us off balance. None of these things take God by surprise. Our all-knowing heavenly Father will use the events of life to shape us internally and externally (Ps. 147:5).

Let me give you an analogy to show how the Father works. Imagine a chess game in which one contestant is a master and the other is an amateur. The champion chess player wants to teach the other person how to play. But he never forces the beginner to move a particular piece. Instead, he allows the amateur to make his own decisions and then responds accordingly. The inexperienced player knows only some simple strategies and lacks the experience to see several moves ahead. He makes many mistakes along the way. The champion understands the game so well that he can anticipate the result of every move. In this way, he is able to guide the game to the conclusion he has chosen.

In our case, the Father desires to transform us into the image of His Son Jesus. He knows we are beginners who will make some right choices and some poor ones. But He is the master with the knowledge and ability to work all things together for our good. Because of this, we need not be discouraged. The Lord is always at work for our benefit.

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Monday December 22
Immanuel -- God Is With Us
Matthew 1:18-25

Names have great significance in the Bible. Jesus was called Messiah in Hebrew, which is translated as Christ in Greek. The terms both pointed to Him as an anointed One who would become King. Immanuel was another important name He was given. It means "God with us" (Matt. 1:23).

To understand the difference it makes to have God with us, consider how this blessing affected three biblical leaders. First of all, the Lord's presence was the reason Moses repeatedly approached Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelite slaves--God's promise enabled him to overcome his fear (Ex. 3:12).

Second, after Moses' death, Joshua was appointed to take Israel into the Promised Land. Imagine what it meant to this new leader to realize that the Father was always near. As commander, Joshua would face many challenges, including travel, combat, and rebellion. He could be a courageous leader because he knew that the Lord would never leave him.

Third, as a young shepherd boy and later as king, David knew the Lord's presence well (1 Sam17:37; 2 Sam. 7:18). In Psalm 23, he wrote that in his darkest times, he would not fear evil because God was with him.

Our Father has pledged to be with all those whom He has redeemed (Isa. 43:1-2). If you have received Jesus as your personal Savior, then His Holy Spirit dwells within you. No matter what happens in your life, God remains with you to strengthen, guide, and comfort.

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Tuesday December 23
Immanuel - Christ in You
John 14:16-20

When Jesus Christ was born, God in human flesh dwelt among mankind. The long-awaited Messiah had come into the world. Immanuel was here.

The news was given first to the shepherds, who hurried to see this God-man for themselves. From there, they spread the word that a Savior has been born (Luke 2:20). What a momentous day! God had sent His Son into the world to live among the people.

For 30 years, Jesus lived in obscurity--till the Father's appointed time for Him to begin His work. Then for three years, He ministered among Jews and Gentiles, teaching and preaching to whoever would listen. In the end, His message and His person were rejected; He was crucified on a cross and buried in a tomb. It appeared that Immanuel was gone.

However, the resurrection proved that was wrong. And then on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was given to all believers (Acts 2:1, 4) just as Jesus had promised. The Lord's Spirit would now live within them forever, guiding them into all truth and leading them in the way they were to go. The promise was not just for the disciples but for every person who chooses to trust in Jesus.

If you've acknowledged that you are a sinner and accepted Christ's payment for the penalty you owe, the Spirit now lives in you. Through Him, you have an intimate connection with God. Take time to dwell on the divine mystery of Christ in you. Let the knowledge of His constant presence transform loneliness into comfort, fear into faith, and weakness into strength.

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Wednesday December 24
Divine Joy
John 15:5-11

In John 15, Jesus described our relationship with Him as branches connected to the true vine. In a vineyard, grapes are produced when the plant's sap runs through its branches. As Christ's life-giving Spirit flows through us, spiritual fruit will develop. This includes divine joy (Gal. 5:22-23).

To experience this deep spiritual contentment, we must stay closely connected with the Lord. Jesus often slipped away so He and the Father could have intimate communion (Mark 1:35). He was able to endure much because of His fellowship with God and the joy He knew was to come (Heb. 12:2). In a similar way, the apostle Paul overflowed with joy even when he suffered (2 Cor. 7:4). He described a Christian's connection with God this way: "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." (Gal. 2:20 niv).

Joy will increase when we follow Paul's example and fix our attention upon Jesus rather than upon ourselves or our circumstances The more we abide in Him, the greater our spiritual happiness will be. Our initial reaction to hardship may be discouragement or overwhelming pain. But if we focus on Him and commune with His Spirit, our sense of peace will return. Remember, the Lord promised that His joy would be in us fully when we rest in Him.

What a powerful witness we'll have when the Lord's joy flows in and through us. It's not an earthly happiness but a divine contentment that the Holy Spirit produces in us. Let spiritual joy permeate all you do and say.

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Wednesday December 25
Good News of Great Joy
Luke 2:8-14

When an angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds in the field, he gave them good news of great joy for all people: The long-awaited Savior was born! Then the angel was suddenly "joined by a vast host of others--the armies of heaven--praising God" (Luke 2:13 nlt).

The good news they proclaimed that day had to do with much more than Jesus' birth. It anticipated His sinless life, which qualified Him to be God's sacrificial lamb. It looked ahead to His crucifixion on our behalf and His resurrection, which signaled the Father's acceptance of Christ's payment for our sins. The announcement also encompassed the idea of His ascension into heaven (Ps. 110:1). And it envisioned the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit would indwell believers (Joel 2:28; Acts 2:17), as well as the time Jesus would return as King. The angels rejoiced because the day of salvation was here (2 Cor. 6:2).

Jesus spoke about spiritual joy because He wanted His followers to experience the deep satisfaction that derives from a relationship with God. Such divine contentment is not dependent upon outward circumstances but overflows from the Spirit's presence. Earthly happiness is externally produced and temporary. Divine joy is internally generated through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The angels in heaven rejoiced at the announcement of Jesus' birth, and the shepherds praised God. Have you thanked the Lord today for your salvation? Are you experiencing the divine joy that overflows from a Spirit-filled life?

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December 26
Brokenness: The Way to Blessing
2 Corinthians 2:7-9

No one enjoys heartache. Yet God uses pain to mold His children. Although wonderful, happy times feel great, times of suffering tend to produce growth.

Brokenness is God's way of dealing with the part of us that wants to act independently of Him. He targets areas that hinder His purposes. Then skillfully and lovingly, our Father arranges circumstances that will allow us enough discomfort to realize our dependence upon Him.

The apostle Paul experienced this. After being saved on the road to Damascus, he still needed spiritual growth in order to be most effective for Christ. Therefore, God allowed some type of affliction, which the apostle termed a "thorn." Three different times, he pleaded with the Lord for its removal, but the thorn remained. Remarkably, Paul's response was gratitude. Even more, he wrote, "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:10).

Like Paul, we can dislike suffering and yet still be confident that God is growing us. His purpose is that we walk in intimate oneness with Him and serve effectively according to His purpose and will. To accomplish this, He has to break us of our rebellion, resistance, and self-will.

If you truly desire to live for Jesus, trust Him enough to pray, "Lord, more than anything else in life, I want to live for You. Please break me of any areas that are not in complete submission to Your will."

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December 27-28, 2008
Promises for Painful Times
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Yesterday we learned about brokenness as a tool the Lord uses to mold us into His likeness. As believers, we should desire this outcome, and yet the process is a painful one. That's why our heavenly Father gives encouragement in a number of ways.

First, the Lord breaks us in love. Believers are His children; as parents lovingly redirect their sons and daughters, God does so with us. He never allows suffering out of anger.

Second, He sets a limit on our suffering, controlling the pressure to be sure it's never more than we can bear (2 Cor. 4:8). Our Father knows exactly what is needed to break our stubbornness, rebellion, and selfishness, but He will never break our spirit.

Third, God brings clarity through difficult times. As we learn that His ways are higher than ours, we gain greater understanding of His amazing attributes. At the same time, our self-awareness starts to sharpen, and old, unproductive thought patterns begin to fade.

Fourth, God promises that He will never desert us. Brokenness can feel lonely and empty, as we are losing the things that once captured our loyalty. But our Father replaces those with Himself--and He is vastly more satisfying and dependable.

Fifth, the Lord is always patient. He knows our background and deeply rooted thought patterns. Yet He also sees the end result and knows that the journey is worth it.

When you face hardship, remember God's promises and keep your eyes fixed on the goal. He has your best interest in mind, so seek His lesson for you.

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December 29
A Realistic View of Life
2 Timothy 4:6-8

Our culture desperately tries to postpone death. Vitamins, exercise, and wise diets are ways we try to live as long as possible.

Not that these things are bad! Our motive, however, is key. For instance, knowing that our bodies are God's temple (1 Cor. 3:16), we should take care of His dwelling. And since He has good works for us to do (Eph. 2:10), we should stay fit to complete His tasks.

On the other hand, prolonging life for fear of dying isn't of God. Because Jesus died in our place, those who have faith in Him as Lord and Savior need not fear death. Once saved, we have assurance of a real place where we will live eternally in His presence. The Bible teaches that fear isn't from God (2 Tim. 1:7). In fact, the apostle Paul assures us that, far from being a dreadful change, physical death actually leads believers home to be with the Lord forever (2 Cor. 5:8).

God already knows the duration of each person's life. With this in mind, how can we best prepare for what's next? The first step is to receive Jesus as Savior through faith. Next, we should live a surrendered life and strive to walk according to His will. Furthermore, it is vital that believers fight the tendency to view this world as "home." If we become too comfortable here, finding our security and worth in earthly success, we won't be able to maintain an eternal perspective.

It is an inescapable fact that life on earth is temporary. It would be foolish not to prepare for something inevitable. How can you best live so that you are ready when God decides it is time?

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December 30
Ending Well
Luke 12:15-21

Today's passage is about a rich man who made poor use of his days. Incorrectly assuming that his life would last for many years, he not only left God out of His plans but also allowed materialism to guide him.

The apostle Paul, on the other hand, knew his time was short and yet made the most of His life on earth. For one thing, his priority was to give to others until his final days. His letters from prison illustrate this--despite knowing he would soon face death, Paul devoted his time and energy to instructing fellow believers and praying for them.

Paul also recognized the value of time spent encouraging Christians to do everything as if for the Lord (Col. 3:23). This is important even when one's task seems unrelated to the church. Our Father's work isn't just for missionaries and pastors; He calls all His children to different fields and assignments.

The apostle also knew that the Christian life encompasses struggles. And he was realistic about acknowledging his own imperfections (Rom. 7:5-25). This meant that to make the best use of his time, he needed to persevere, keep faith in God's promises, and rely on divine power for victory. And indeed, at the end of his life, Paul was able to say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7).

Life is a gift. Every one of us has a limited number of days on this earth. How will you utilize your time so you can look back and, with Paul, confidently say that you ended well?

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Dec. 31
The Bible: God's Voice Today
2 Timothy 3:16

In biblical times, God spoke in many dramatic ways. Although He still speaks today, His methods have changed. Therefore, we can't expect Him to speak in an audible voice or send an angelic messenger every time He has something to say. We must learn how to perceive His voice today.

Today our Father speaks to us primarily through His written Word--we have His complete revelation within this Book. There is not a single thing missing that He needs to add. Why? Because He has already revealed His Word perfectly to those whom He inspired to write it down. This is not a book written by human beings; the Holy Spirit of God literally breathed His truth upon the minds of certain men so that they could record it (2 Tim. 3:16).

The Bible is God's way of speaking to our pressing needs, concerns, heartaches, and worries. So often when trouble strikes, we turn here or there, talking to some friend or counselor. All of that is well and good, and the Father does indeed speak through godly men and women. But the first place we should turn is to His Word.

The Lord has given us this Book so that we might know His mind--which requires consistently spending time in the Word. If you pick up the Bible only when you have a question or emergency, then you'll never get the big picture of what God wants to say.

Scripture is a treasure trove of God's thoughts. Spend time there every day--starting today--mining it for new truths and insights.

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