In Touch with Dr Charles Stanley ~ July

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July 1, 2009

The Day of the Lord

2 Peter 3:3-18 (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/xdbbkwrzzf_ohgnfvtmgvp.html) Today's passage is about what Peter calls "the day of the Lord." He's not referring to a 24-hour interval but rather a season of time. Certain events within that period lead up to Jesus Christ establishing a new heaven and earth. For instance, living saints are raptured into heaven while the bodies of dead believers are resurrected. Those days will also be when the Antichrist rises to power and tribulation fills the earth. But at the end, Jesus returns victorious to judge the world.

Some people claim that we are already in the tribulation period, but that is not the case. It will be a time of God's judgment upon the earth, and the church need not endure that. We are destined for salvation rather than for wrath (1 Thess. 5:9). The trials and hardship spreading around the earth today are "merely the beginning of birth pangs" (Matt. 24:8)--a prelude to the great ordeal yet to come.

The pains of a laboring woman gradually accelerate and intensify. Doesn't that sound like the increasing frequency and potency of heartaches in our world? Jesus warned believers to expect wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famine, persecution, and death even before the end times (Luke 21:9-12). These disturbances are among the signs that our redemption is drawing near, though no one knows the exact time (Matt. 24:36).

The day of the Lord will creep up on most of the world's inhabitants like a thief in the night (1 Thess. 5:2). They can't see that events are unfolding according to God's plan. But the church should pay attention and work diligently to reach suffering people with the hope of the gospel (Luke 21:13).

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July 2, 2009

Let Us Be Alert and Sober

1 Thessalonians 5:1-8 (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/vpttzkbzvz_zrsvwbmtsbf.html) Many people are snoozing through life. They tell themselves that the earth's troubles will eventually end: leaders will somehow bring harmony to war-torn lands, provide food for all, and create economic stability. However, true peace and safety aren't possible in a world ruled by Satan and inhabited by fallen man.

The church must stay alert and monitor world events through the lens of biblical prophecy. Jesus warned of widespread trouble preceding the tribulation and His second coming (Matt. 24:6-14). He offered signs rather than dates so His followers would be watchful and ready to go at any moment. But we're not to neglect our kingdom duties. We should be building, serving, even while anticipating His return.

Nominal Christians run the risk of being unprepared for the troubling times ahead. These are people who come to church if the weather is good, read the Bible only when they're worried, or allow worldly pleasures to distract them from heavenly things. We're no better than drowsy watchmen if we adopt such attitudes. The wise believer is consumed by Christ--empty of his or her own wishes and pursuits and fully surrendered to the Lord's plans and desires. Only a servant completely focused upon God can be useful in His kingdom.

When God shifts things about on the world stage, people get anxious. We can encourage one another by sharing how He has worked in our life. We can also reveal the Source of our assurance and peace to a world in dire need of both. As the end draws near, realize now is not the time to be quiet.

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July 4-5, 2009

A Christian Citizen's Responsibilities

Romans 13:1-7 (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/gbppspkdhl_qspltrnmprz.html) If you catalogued every country of the world, you'd find many different styles and structures of government. But all, from dictatorships to democracies, have this in common: their leaders have been given their positions of power by the Lord (Dan. 2:21).

From a scriptural point of view, everyone with political authority is a servant of God for the good of that society. And while the Lord will hold them accountable for how they govern, His Word also details the Christian's responsibilities as a citizen.

First, believers should be law-abiding. God's children are expected to obey whether the issue is paying taxes or driving according to the speed limit (Rom. 13:7; Matt. 22:21).

Second, the body of Christ is to pray for government officials. First Timothy 2 urges us to make "entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings . . . for kings and all who are in authority." While one purpose is "that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity," God also "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth" (vv. 1-4).

Third, we have a responsibility to use actions and words to bear a righteous influence upon our government. Notice that I did not say "dictate" or "dominate"; rather, we are to cooperate by working within the system to effect healthy change.

Jesus called His followers "the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13), because salt changes the flavor of whatever it touches. The substance is also a healing agent as well as a preservative. God can bring health to a nation through citizens whose first priority is allegiance to the King of Kings.

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Essential Truths of the Faith

Matthew 7:24-25 (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/czppnflhfd_zrsvwbmtsbf.html) Through faith in Jesus Christ, we become children of God and citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20). We no longer belong to this world. Our allegiance is to the Lord. To live in a way pleasing to Him, our beliefs must align with His. These include:

• The Bible is true. It contains the self-revelation of our heavenly Father--His nature, plan of salvation, and dealings with mankind. God in His omnipotence made sure that His Word was recorded accurately (2 Tim. 3:16). There, we find everything we need for the Christian life (2 Peter 1:3). Since Scripture is the final authority on faith and conduct, embracing its truth is essential for all believers.

• The Lord created the heavens and the earth, including each of us. Genesis reveals a personal God who was intimately involved in this work. As Creator, He has authority and power over what He made.

• There is only one God, and He expresses Himself in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The terms Godhead, Trinity, and Triune God are all used to describe this concept, which is supported by numerous scriptures. For instance, both the Spirit and Jesus were active at creation (Gen. 1:2; Col. 1:16) and identified as divine (John 10:30; 16:7-15).

Ask yourself, Do I believe that the whole Bible is the inspired, infallible word of God? Am I growing in my understanding of it? Am I learning to know the Holy Spirit as well as God the Father and His Son Jesus? Have I accepted the Lord's authority over my life, my family, and my world?


For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/dbzzqhywhg_zrsvwbmtsbf.html)
and
click here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/vpttjbmkbg_zrsvwbmtsbf.html).

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July 7, 2009

Our Firm Foundation

Ephesians 2:1-9 (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/gbppstslqt_xdkbwscrksz.html) What we believe determines how we will act. To behave in a godly manner, we must embrace biblical truth. So let's continue examining our beliefs:

• Man's relationship with God is broken, apart from Jesus Christ. When Adam and Eve rebelled against the Lord, their nature became corrupt and alienated them from God. All future generations are born with this condition--a "flesh" nature that separates them from the Father (Rom. 5:12). On our own, we can neither make amends for our sin nor change our nature.
• Salvation comes through Jesus alone (Acts 4:12). God's justice required a penalty for sin, but only a sacrifice without defect would suffice. Jesus, who lived a perfect life on earth, was uniquely qualified. He bore our sins and died in our place so we might be forgiven and adopted into God's family. When we receive Him as Savior, we're given a new nature, and Christ's righteousness is counted as ours (Phil. 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:17).

• The church--Christ's body--is made up of born-again believers throughout the world (1 Cor. 12:13). All Christians are commanded to worship the Lord, care for one another, and share in the work of spreading the gospel. God's followers are also given spiritual gifts to use in building up other believers.

If these truths are the basis for our view of life, we'll find ourselves growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Forgiving others will become a possibility--and dying to self a more common occurrence. Ungodly traits will fade away and be replaced by the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).

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God's Goal in Communicating

1 Corinthians 2:9-14 (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/njzzbbzzpb_qspltrnmprz.html) Whenever the Lord speaks to us, He gets straight to the point. He doesn't dance around the issue, He doesn't engage in idle chitchat, and He doesn't talk just for the sake of talking. God always has something specific to say. He says it precisely, and His message invariably speaks directly to our needs.

Therefore, if the Lord has something important to say, and if it is vital to a deep need in our lives, then we must be clear in asking, What is God's primary purpose in speaking to me? What does He want me to do as a result of what He has said?

First, God speaks so that we are able to comprehend the truth. That is, He wants us to fully understand His message and absorb it into our hearts and minds.

Second, God speaks so that we may be conformed to the truth. Simply knowing biblical principles is not enough; we must apply those guidelines to our circumstances and live out the life of faith.

Third, God speaks so that we can then communicate the truth. If something is true, then it is true for everyone, everywhere, every time. Therefore, it is not enough simply to hear scriptural principles and apply them to our own lives. We must also share that life-changing information with others.

How can you better understand biblical truth? How can you more effectively apply God's principles to your life? How can you best share them with others? The Lord holds us accountable for our answers. Open yourself to His message today, and then submit to whatever the Holy Spirit tells you.

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July 9, 2009

Two Types of Listeners

Acts 17:10-12 (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/dbzzqlqgbz_esmwtrhbmrn.html) In order for the Holy Spirit to do His work, we must truly make an effort to hear God when He speaks. It is possible, for example, to "listen" to every word of a sermon, while actually not hearing a word of it. Sadly, there are some vacant parishioners like this in churches every week! Their bodies may be in the pew, but their minds are obviously somewhere else. In fact, there are two types of listeners in practically every church in the world: passive and aggressive.

A passive listener is one who attends services--maybe even every week--but just sits in the pew and lets his mind wander. He watches people, notices the way they dress and act, socializes with friends, and makes lunch plans. He doesn't go to church to hear from the Lord. He shows up out of habit, or because the simple act of going makes him feel better about himself.

An aggressive listener, on the other hand, walks into the sanctuary excited about what the Lord is going to say. He has a Bible, notebook, and pen in hand, ready to capture the meat of the message. He scribbles down as much as he can, trying desperately not to miss a single point of the sermon. Throughout the message, he asks himself, How does this apply to my life?

The Lord communicates in many different ways, and when He speaks, we must always listen aggressively! If you find your mind wandering during worship, perhaps you are approaching God passively. Ask Him to refocus your thoughts, and decide to be an aggressive listener from now on.

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Conforming to God's Truth

James 1:23-25 (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/sfnnsfblld_bnmczkhrmkg.html) The Lord conforms us to the truth by continually confronting us with the truth. And when He does, we have two options: either we can accept it, or we can ignore it.

When we accept truth, we can fully expect our Father's richest blessings. When we do not, then we have no reason to expect any blessings at all, because we have simply denied the Word of God. This is not an attitude that the Lord will bless, and it is certainly not the way we become more Christlike.

Do you accept truth or ignore it? Think about the way you exit church on Sunday mornings. Do you walk away with the sermon heavy on your mind, trying to commit the main points to memory, and reciting the key Scripture passages? Or do you simply walk away and let the whole message slide right out of your head?

Even committed churchgoers lose more truth between the sanctuary door and the Sunday lunch table than they realize! The true meat of the message doesn't even start to make an impact until you give it time to settle in your mind. If you stop thinking about the sermon as soon as you hit the parking lot after the service, then you are not allowing God's truth to work its way into your life.

Don't be a passive listener during the sermon. This week, master your attention in worship--in so doing, you will allow God's Word to penetrate your life. And take notes so the message will sink in. Talk about it over lunch. Don't lose one more sermon in the church parking lot!

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July 11-12, 2009
Results of Discouragement

James 1:2-4 (http://www.crosswalkmail.com/bnccvckrgc_zrsvwbmtsbf.html) Discouragement is one of Satan's most effective weapons; he knows that if he can destroy our courage, we'll be ineffective in accomplishing anything for Christ. Let's explore the downward spiral that is created by this destructive force.

One mark of discouragement is a divided mind. This underlying distraction affects every area and decision. No matter what you're doing, it feels as if a dark cloud covers your entire thought life.

Discouragement also leads to the "blame game," where we feel a deep inner need to point a finger at someone else. You may want to find fault with God because He has allowed painful circumstances in your life, or you may accuse others because of the way they treat you. Perhaps you yourself feel guilty for poor choices or past mistakes. My friend, blame is an empty activity. No healing or restoration ever came from trying to pin responsibility on someone else for the hardships in your life.

Anger is another common indication that one is discouraged. When this occurs, bitterness may develop into a spirit of vengeance and finally retaliation. If you let anger grow and fester without resolution, it easily mutates into depression. In this, resentment acts like a cancer that slowly spreads and destroys your entire life.

The traits described above aren't what one would expect of a Christ-follower, are they? However, they are all too evident in the church. Ask the Father to search your heart for any trace of these destructive seeds, and to short-circuit the work of discouragement in your life.

[janbear]

July 16, 2009
Avoiding Obstacles to Effective Prayer
James 1:5-8

Some of King David’s prayers are recorded in the Psalms. There we read how he praised the Lord, confessed sin, and cried out about his troubles. He also asked God to hear his prayers and not be silent (Ps. 28:1).

We all want to pray effectively like David. To do so, we must avoid certain hindrances, such as:

• Wavering faith. Doubts about God’s character or dependability diminish our trust in Him. Therefore, we must not allow feelings to dictate what we believe.

• Wrong motives (James 4:3). Petitions motivated by selfish desires won’t receive an affirmative answer. God wants us to pray for His will to be done—not ours.

• Conflict in relationships. Being resentful or argumentative with others will affect communication with the Father.

• Lack of generosity (Prov. 21:13). God is displeased if we ignore people’s needs or give begrudgingly to the church. He hears us asking for a blessing yet sees us refusing to obey Him in our giving (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

• Indifference (Prov. 28:9). Apathy to the Scriptures is another stumbling block. God has given us the Bible so that we might know Him and serve Him wholeheartedly. Failure to read and apply His Word consistently will diminish our ability to maintain a godly lifestyle.

To develop a strong prayer life takes effort and commitment, but the rewards are great. If your prayers have not been answered, consider which, if any, of the above issues may need correction. Then, start by personalizing the prayers you read in the Psalms or elsewhere in God’s Word.

[janbear]

July 17, 2009
Waiting for God to Answer
Psalm 17:1-6

Yesterday we learned several reasons why a prayer may seem to go unanswered. Consider one more: unconfessed sin. The Lord has promised to forgive transgression once we admit our action is wrong and turn away from it (1 John 1:9). If we only give lip service to our confession or refuse to change ungodly ways, petitions will not be granted. An unrepentant heart always hinders our prayer life.

What about those times when our heart is right and what we ask is in line with God’s will, but He remains silent? Sometimes He waits because our longing for Him is in danger of being replaced by our desire for something else. Certain petitions—such as a request for a spouse, a baby, or a loved one’s healing—generate strong emotions in us. Unless we are careful, these desires could divert our attention from God. He will not share first place with anyone or anything. Instead, He patiently waits for our focus
to return to Him before He answers.

At other times, the Lord uses delays to prepare us for future service or greater blessing. Or, He may want to strengthen our trust. Strong faith means believing Him even in trials, persevering while we wait for an answer, and being confident that He always keeps His promises.

Prayer is the communication link between us and our loving heavenly Father. Let’s not allow “static” to block His message to us. Instead, we must confess and turn from all known sin. Then we will be able to hear God’s voice and obediently carry out whatever He asks.

[janbear]

July 25-26, 2009
God’s Scriptural "Benefit Package"
2 Timothy 3:14-17

This world offers a variety of financial plans, weight loss programs, and a host of other opportunities which all claim to yield beneficial results. But nothing is as profitable to us as Scripture.

God’s plans for you do not stop at salvation. His goal is that you become conformed to the likeness of His Son, and the tool He uses to achieve His purpose is the Bible. Today’s passage outlines His comprehensive program for your spiritual transformation.

The foundation is laid with the teaching of Scripture’s basic truths. These fundamental doctrines about God’s character and work anchor our souls during the storms of life and protect us from deception.

Since we all have certain flesh patterns, perfection is impossible, and we at times fall into sin. Then Scripture offers reproof, and we sense conviction about our wrongdoing.

This is followed by correction. The Lord never convicts us and leaves us in the mess we have made. He provides the instruction that we need to make things right.

The final step is training in righteousness. Think of this as a one-on-one discipleship course with the Word of God. If we heed the instruction and discipline of Scripture, we’ll grow in obedience and godliness and eventually will find that we need less reproof and correction.

Full participation in the Lord’s scriptural benefit package involves three steps: 1) read the Bible each day; 2) believe everything God says in His Word (Heb. 4:2)—not just the parts that appeal to you; and 3) do what God says. You will become equipped and qualified to fulfill His purpose for you.

[janbear]

The Land Mine of Insecurity
Romans 8:33-39

If someone were to ask, “Do you feel good about yourself?” what would you say? Would your thoughts be filled with all sorts of self-doubt and second-guessing, or would you be able to stand tall and say, “Yes, I do feel good about myself”?

Many people, including believers, cannot say that. They have become so crippled with insecurity that they’ve surrendered practically every ounce of usefulness in the kingdom of God. This is one of the deadliest dangers in the Christian life, and it can creep into our hearts and minds without our knowing—until it’s too late.

You see, there are many landmines that explode dramatically, such as sexual sin, unforgiveness, and fear. But insecurity is different. It’s more like a slow-burning flame sitting just beneath the surface, affecting everything about your life and subtly destroying you from the inside. This issue may be harder to identify, but it’s as dangerous a landmine as any other we could discuss.

What do we mean by “insecurity”? It’s a feeling of inadequacy, compounded by a sense of complete helplessness, purposelessness, disapproval, or rejection. All of these things can add up and weigh us down terribly if we do not learn how to identify insecurity and then filter it out of our lives.

Spend time today in earnest prayer and honest self-discovery. Ask the heavenly Father to shine His light on any area of insecurity that may be lurking in your heart. Then, request that He remind you in a powerful, glorious way just how special you are in His eyes.

[janbear]

July 28, 2009
The Causes of Insecurity
Psalm 8

Insecurity is a subtle danger. In order to recognize this problem in our lives, we must take an honest look at where it originates. Let’s identify some common causes for a lack of confidence.

First, insecurity grows out of a persistent sense of being unaccepted. When we grow up thinking no one really likes us, we turn into chronically shy, unconfident adults.

Second, tragedy can initiate such feelings. Broken homes, the death of a loved one, and other relationship scars can be causes.

Third, a poor body image can damage self-esteem. The issue may be body shape, weight, birthmarks, hair loss, or anything else that leads people to see themselves in a negative light. The result is a sense of shame and self-consciousness that permeates every personal interaction.

Fourth, insecure individuals often have a history of feeling overshadowed by others. When this happens, they are preoccupied with people who seem smarter, wealthier, nicer-looking, more successful, etc. This creates doubt in their ability to achieve anything themselves.

Fifth, a serious “life failure” can result in a tremendous loss of self-esteem. Because we pour ourselves into our work and families, a setback in these areas has the potential of crushing our spirits.

If any of these causes sound familiar, examine your heart carefully for any resulting insecurity. Remember, this is a danger that can lie dormant for years before blowing up in your face. Don’t allow it to fester in your heart any longer! Bring it to God, who wants to free you from its damaging effects.

[janbear]

The Consequences of Sin

Genesis 3:14-19

Christians tend to categorize sins, rating some as small and inconsequential, but others as huge and far-reaching in the damage they cause. In reality, no one sins in isolation. Each disobedience to God affects not only the sinner but also countless others in both the present and the future.

If we were to separate Adam and Eve’s sin from its context, few of us would convict them of great transgression. All they did was swallow some fruit from a tree with a “do not eat” sign. Today people think nothing of ignoring commands—even biblical ones.

But God has a totally different view of our sins. Each one is followed by negative consequences. Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to pain and frustration in two basic areas of fulfillment—relationships and meaningful work. The whole earth fell under sin’s curse, and every person born since then has entered the world with a sin nature that alienates each one from the Lord.

That first rebellion plunged humanity into a terrible condition. Civilization is now plagued by countless ramifications of the innumerable sins committed by human beings throughout the ages. Is it any wonder the world is in such sad shape? Sin not only causes suffering; it robs us of God’s best. The Garden of Eden is closed and locked to sinful mankind.

The good news of Christ’s grace and forgiveness is our only real hope in this fallen world. Though unpleasant, focusing on sin’s consequences is necessary at times to remind us of the greatness of our salvation and to move us to obey God, even in the small things. Each obedience is huge to Him.

[janbear]

The Consequences of Sin

Genesis 3:14-19

Christians tend to categorize sins, rating some as small and inconsequential, but others as huge and far-reaching in the damage they cause. In reality, no one sins in isolation. Each disobedience to God affects not only the sinner but also countless others in both the present and the future.

If we were to separate Adam and Eve’s sin from its context, few of us would convict them of great transgression. All they did was swallow some fruit from a tree with a “do not eat” sign. Today people think nothing of ignoring commands—even biblical ones.

But God has a totally different view of our sins. Each one is followed by negative consequences. Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to pain and frustration in two basic areas of fulfillment—relationships and meaningful work. The whole earth fell under sin’s curse, and every person born since then has entered the world with a sin nature that alienates each one from the Lord.

That first rebellion plunged humanity into a terrible condition. Civilization is now plagued by countless ramifications of the innumerable sins committed by human beings throughout the ages. Is it any wonder the world is in such sad shape? Sin not only causes suffering; it robs us of God’s best. The Garden of Eden is closed and locked to sinful mankind.

The good news of Christ’s grace and forgiveness is our only real hope in this fallen world. Though unpleasant, focusing on sin’s consequences is necessary at times to remind us of the greatness of our salvation and to move us to obey God, even in the small things. Each obedience is huge to Him.

[janbear]

Aug. 5, 2009
Identifying Insecurity


Psalm 139:13-16

Let me ask you to do what may be an uncomfortable exercise. We are going to examine statements that insecure people often make about themselves. As you read each one, ask yourself, Do I think similarly?

Insecure people make comments like:

• Why bother trying? I’ll never get it right.
• Everyone is looking at me, just waiting for me to make a fool of myself.
• I’m a failure.
• I am ugly and awful to look at.
• I can never win. I’m just a loser.
• No matter how hard I work, I never get any recognition.
• I am incompetent at everything.
• Nobody could ever speak well about me.
• I have failed before; once a failure, always a failure.
• I don’t see how anyone could ever like, respect, or accept me.
• I don’t deserve to be treated well.
• I don’t fit here or anywhere else.
• Everyone else looks so “together.” I feel “out of it” compared to them.
• I am an incomplete person, and nothing can change that.
• Why would anyone care to hear what I have to say?
• No one cares about what I think or feel.
• People are nice to me only when they want something from me.

Did any of the above statements ring true for you? Prayerfully consider the ones that got your attention. Then, take those specific fears to the Lord, and allow Him to show you His truth in each area. God wants to set you free from anything hindering your spiritual development.

[janbear]

. 6, 2009




The Results of Insecurity

Psalm 143:8

We’ve already seen some of the areas where insecurity shows up. Now we need to turn our attention to its effects.

To start, insecure people have difficulty establishing good, lasting relationships. They simply cannot see how they could add value to anyone else’s life. This is a tragic loss, because every single one of us needs deep and meaningful friendships to help us grow.

Also, men and women with insecurity are often seen as prideful or snobbish. Lack of confidence can cause them to withdraw from others, which can easily be mistaken for an act of arrogance. They can thereby give the impression that they simply don’t want to be around others.

What’s more, insecurity frequently leads to indecisiveness and fear. People can be so consumed with self-doubt that they can’t make any decision at all. They wonder, What if I make a mistake? Well, so what if they do? Making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn how to do something correctly. Don’t be afraid to try. Even if you don’t succeed, you can at least rest in the fact that you did your best.

After a while, insecure people typically get angry. When they go so long feeling so poorly about themselves, they start to resent the success and happiness of others.

Can you see how something as subtle as a lack of confidence can have a debilitating effect on one’s life? Don’t allow such devastation to affect your relationships. Pray for the ability to recognize areas of self-doubt. And then start to take control today by asking the Lord to heal your insecurities.

[janbear]

Aug. 7, 2009




The Source of Jealousy

Galatians 5:17-21

Most likely, you have been caught off guard by a wave of jealousy at some point in your life. Was it a spiritual attack? Did the Enemy make you covetous? Was someone or something working to make you resentful?

The answer—which may surprise you— is no. Jealousy actually springs from within us, even though we might try to deflect the blame. For example, we may say, “Well, they just shouldn’t have that. They don’t deserve it, so I’m perfectly justified in feeling this way.”

Do you see what is actually going on here? We are not only feeling envious of someone, but we’re also saying that our jealousy is the other person’s fault! That’s simply not true. We are each 100 percent responsible for our own feelings of envy.

Jealousy is a product of the flesh. In the Bible, it is listed among such sins as idolatry, immorality, drunkenness, and sorcery—sins which stand against our holy God and are described as “earthly, natural, demonic” (Gal. 5:17-21; James 3:15).

Envious feelings can lead to unhealthy comparison of one’s own success to someone else’s. That pattern can grow into a competition to out-perform others—and may result in full-blown fear and resentment. What a horrible way to live!

Though jealousy is a common emotion, it has no place in a believer’s life. So each of us should try to look objectively at our heart motives. Are you plagued with an attitude of jealousy today? Lay your honest feelings out before the Lord, and ask Him to cleanse you of this sinful attitude

[janbear]

Aug. 8-9, 2009
The Consequences of Jealousy
Romans 13:13


In learning about the nature of jealousy, perhaps you realize that you do, in fact, struggle a bit with this problem. Maybe you envy a friend, neighbor, or coworker in a way you’ve never consciously considered. If so, understand that this is a serious danger which must be excised from your life.

As we realize how envy corrupts various aspects of our life, we can learn to identify when we have a problem. Prayerfully review this list of some consequences of jealousy:

• Fear—You’re afraid of not getting what you want or of losing what you have.
• Competitiveness—You aggressively strive to outperform others.
• Critical spirit—Undermining the success of others becomes a goal.
• Comparison—You measure your own success by the accomplishments of others.
• Divided mind—Someone else’s success becomes a constant distraction.
• Anger—Hostility is a natural outgrowth of jealousy and bitterness.
• Insecurity—You never feel as if you have enough, because you place a higher value on what someone else has.
• Lack of peace—Jealousy and peace stand in opposition to each other; you simply can’t have both.
• Illness—Emotional turmoil can take a toll on physical health.

Remember that jealousy is a land mine which maims or destroys whoever triggers it. However, recognizing its destructive consequences may help you start to identify this issue in your life. Then, with the Lord’s help, you can begin the journey toward healing and restoration.

[janbear]

Aug. 15/16, 2009
The Conflict


2 Timothy 4:6-8

Spiritual combat is going on all the time. It is important for believers to be aware of this conflict in order to battle sin effectively and live in a manner pleasing to the Lord.

The struggle exists in three areas. First, we have an internal enemy. Ever since the fall in the garden of Eden, the human heart does not naturally seek after God. But His Spirit can draw us and move our thoughts toward Him. However, even after salvation, we will have the capacity to do wrong as long as we remain in this carnal body. Scripture names evidence of the old “flesh” patterns at work within us, such as immorality, impurity, jealousy, and outbursts of anger (Gal. 5:19-20).

Second, there exists an external enemy: the system of ungodly beliefs, attitudes, and philosophies all around us. First John 2:15 gives a stern warning: “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” As believers in Jesus, we should be salt and light to the society around us while not allowing its ways to influence our thoughts or behavior.

Third, there’s an infernal enemy—namely, Satan. His desire is to dishonor God and to gain victory over the Lord’s kingdom. We know from Scripture that this will not happen, but the conflict will continue until the final days mentioned in Revelation.

Be aware of these three enemies. You wouldn’t sleep in the midst of a raging war, and neither should you live without awareness in the daily spiritual battle. Today’s passage gives the specifics for standing firm in Christ: Arm yourself with God’s Word, and seek His protection and wisdom.

[janbear]

The Final Exam


Matthew 25:31-40

Pay attention because there will be a test later.” Upon completing their schooling, most people are relieved not to have to hear those words anymore. Well, your testing days are not quite over, because God has a final exam for believers. Below is a brief “study guide” outlining what the Lord’s faithful can expect at His judgment throne.

Questions. Examining each believer’s life from the moment of salvation to death, God looks for answers to three questions:

1. How much truth did the person know?

2. How many opportunities did he or she have to use that truth?

3. What did the individual do with those opportunities?

So you see that we are actually preparing for the final exam right now. On judgment day, no excuses or arguments can stand, nor will anything unrighteous, selfish, or evil be permitted in God’s holy presence. All we’ll have to show is what we did in His name.

Rewards. Every person who receives Jesus Christ as Savior shares in the gift of eternal life. However, just as each one is judged by his or her own life, so are rewards given individually. Though the Bible is not specific about the nature of heavenly blessings, the promise of receiving them permeates its pages (Matt. 5:12, 6:4; 1 Cor. 3:8; Rev. 2:23).

Throughout life, our heavenly Father provides each of us with so many big and small ways to honor Him. Take my advice: Do not waste a single moment of preparation time! On the appointed day, you will want to stand before Him, certain that you used your opportunities to the fullest.

On Prophecy

Then the Lord said to [Moses], “ . . . I will raise up a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites. I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell the people everything I command him. I will personally deal with anyone who will not listen to the messages the prophet proclaims on my behalf. But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die. But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.”
—Deuteronomy 17:18-22 (nlt)

“And He said to them, ‘O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! . . .’ Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.”
—Luke 24:25-27

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”
—Hebrews 1:1-2

“But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.”
—2 Peter 1:20-21

[janbear]

The Authority of Our Message

1 Kings 17:1

King Ahab’s first thought after encountering the prophet Elijah may well have been, Of all the nerve! Just who does this guy think he is? Bursting onto the scene out of nowhere, Elijah confronted Israel’s wicked king with a message that would soon disrupt life throughout the entire region.

The validity of the revelation rested with the Source, not the mouthpiece. Elijah was a man of great faith who believed what God told him; he could boldly speak with authority because he knew and trusted the One who gave the message. He spent time alone with the Lord and listened as he stood before Him.

Our Father doesn’t speak to us in exactly the same manner that He spoke to the Old Testament prophets, but the process of receiving His message hasn’t changed. It begins with being alone in His presence and involves listening as He speaks through His Word. But it shouldn’t end there.

Prophets had the responsibility of telling the people what the Lord revealed to them. Similarly, we are to share with others what we learn from God’s Word. Devotional time with the Lord is not just about our own interests and needs. The Father reveals His treasures to us so that we can share them with others.

Begin each day alone with God in His Word and in prayer, listening as He speaks to your heart. Believe what He says in Scripture, apply it to your life, and then share with someone else what He has revealed. Be bold and remember that the authority of your message comes from Him.

[janbear]

Aug. 22/23, 2009



God’s Ways: Ordinary and Miraculous

1 Kings 17:2-7

God declared, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” (Isa. 55:8). And in fact, one of the biggest frustrations of the Christian life has to do with a lack of understanding about God’s ways. There are times when we could really use a miracle, and yet He does not come through for us. Unmet expectations lead to confusion, disappointment, and even anger. Why did God let me down?

There are two schools of thought regarding the miraculous. Some people don’t believe God works miracles at all, while others are convinced that if He’s not doing the miraculous every day, then something is wrong with their faith. We need a balanced perspective, which we find in the Bible.

God works in both supernatural and ordinary ways, and He determines the method. Elijah ate food miraculously delivered by ravens, but his water supply from a brook was completely natural. When the water dried up, the Lord could have made more spring from the ground, but He didn’t.

Sometimes God uses ordinary means to move us in a new direction. The curtailment of his water supply opened the door for Elijah’s next “assignment.” When the Lord withholds miraculous intervention and lets your brook dry up, He has something else planned for you.

Seeing the work of God in the miraculous is easy, but He’s just as involved in the commonplace aspects of life as He is in any supernatural event. Look for His “fingerprint” in the day’s mundane activities. He is there, opening and closing doors, drying up one opportunity but initiating another.

[janbear]

Aug. 25, 2009
Preparation for Greater Service


1 Kings 17:17-24

In Luke 17:5, the apostles asked Christ to increase their faith. The Lord told them that if they had faith as small as a mustard seed, they could do great things. God does not enlarge our faith instantly. He begins with what little we have and proceeds to grow it.

Elijah was in a faith-building program. The Lord gave him increasingly difficult challenges of reliance and obedience. Back at the brook, the prophet had to depend on the Lord for his own survival. But at Zarephath, he trusted God to provide for both himself and a widow. And in today’s passage, he served her in an even larger way by raising her son to life.

Each act of believing God and the ensuing step of obedience resulted in increased opportunities for Elijah to serve the Lord and others. Raising the dead may seem like the height of his ministry, but it was to be followed by an even greater opportunity to influence an entire nation for God. Elijah was about to face the biggest spiritual battle of his life (1 Kings 18)—all his previous demonstrations of faith and obedience were the Lord’s way of preparing him.

God wants each of us to be influential in His kingdom. He knows which faith challenges to present so that we can be entrusted with even greater tasks.

The Lord will provide occasions for you to believe Him and respond in obedience. These situations are what we call “problems.” Begin to look at each difficulty as an opportunity designed by God specifically for the purpose of increasing your faith so He can do great things in and through you.