Daily Archives: February 4, 2013

Uncategorized

Living Out Your Call – Charles Stanley

1 Comment

 

1 Peter 2:9-12

Which term is a better description of your life as a Christian: believer or Christ-follower? A believer can be intellectually certain about a lot of things without necessarily putting them into practice. But saying “I’m a follower of Jesus Christ” narrows life down to a single path.

How can we follow the path to which God calls you? First, we must trust Him (John 14:1), because we will not follow someone we don’t trust. Trust develops as we abide in Him and discover the beauty of His character, the depth of His love, and the perfection of His plan.

Secondly, to follow means to obey Him (John 14:15). When it comes to obeying God, there are only two responses: I will or I won’t. A true follower of Jesus combines trust with obedience, endeavoring to say “Yes, I will” when it’s difficult, “Yes, I will” when it’s unpopular, and “Yes, I will” even when it may cause heartache or suffering.

Lastly, to follow Jesus means to serve Him. As God’s children, we are not to be observers; we’re to participate actively in the Lord’s work. Spectators sit and watch, but we are called to use our spiritual gifts and serve continually. In the body of Christ, each member is called to do his or her part (1 Cor. 12:27-28).

Jesus trusted His Father totally, obeyed sacrificially (Phil. 2:8), and lived a life of service (Matt. 20:28). We are called to emulate Him. In which of those areas do you need to follow Christ more closely? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you a trusting servant’s heart and an obedient spirit.

Uncategorized

Our Daily Bread — Just Enough

Leave a comment

 

Matthew 6:25-34

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. —Matthew 6:33

I love writing for Our Daily Bread. I confess, however, that sometimes I whine to my friends about how difficult it is to communicate everything I would like to say in a short devotional. If only I could use more than 220 words.

This year when I came to the book of Matthew in my Bible-reading schedule, I noticed something for the first time. As I was reading about the temptation of Christ (Matt. 4:1-11), I noticed how short it was. Matthew used fewer than 250 words to write his account of one of the most pivotal events in all of Scripture. Then I thought of other short yet powerful passages: the 23rd Psalm (117 words) and the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 (66 words).

Clearly, I don’t need more words, I just need to use them well. This also applies to other areas of life—time, money, space. Scripture affirms that God meets the needs of those who seek His kingdom and His righteousness (Matt. 6:33). The psalmist David encourages us, “Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing” (Ps. 34:10).

If today you’re thinking, “I need just a little bit more” of something, consider instead the possibility that God has given you “just enough.” —Julie Ackerman Link

I would be quiet, Lord, and rest content,

By grace I would not pine or fret;

With You to guide and care, my joy be this:

Not one small need of mine will You forget! —Bosch

He is rich who is satisfied with what he has.

Uncategorized

Former Things – Ravi Zacharias Ministry

Leave a comment

 

The last battle had been fought, the final obstacle demolished; the land that was once promised was now land possessed. Joshua called together all the tribes of Israel and standing upon the foreign ground of freedom he announced to all the people: “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Long ago your forefathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the River and worshiped other gods. But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the River and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants… Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I afflicted the Egyptians by what I did there, and I brought you out…. You saw with your own eyes what I did to the Egyptians. Then you lived in the desert for a long time.’”(1)

Goethe once penned, “What you have as heritage, take now as task; for thus you will make it your own.” Having fought hard to possess the land God had promised, the Israelites now stood before Joshua looking forward to the life God had promised. On this momentous day, they were given instruction from God in the form of history. The vast majority of the people listening had not personally lived through the miraculous events in Egypt. As the Red Sea was parted and the Egyptians swallowed by sea, they were not standing on dry ground watching with their own eyes as it all happened. And yet, the impact of this history and the continual (and commanded) retelling of the story made it possible for the LORD to say it as such: With your own eyes you have seen almost a millennium of landless slavery redeemed by God’s promise, transformed at God’s own hands.

God continued to speak through Joshua, moving from Israel’s early history into days the crowd would remember first hand: “‘Then you crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho.  The citizens of Jericho fought against you, as did also the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites and Jebusites, but I gave them into your hands…. You did not do it with your own sword and bow. I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’”(2)

His words told of current events and familiar scenery, while warning against forgetting it was God, past and present, who had brought them there. God reminded the battle-weary Israelites that what happened at the crossing of the Red Sea with Moses was as imperative to their story as the crossing of the Jordan with Joshua. God’s hand throughout their history was to be God’s assurance of plans to give them a hope and a future.

For the Christian, to remember that Jehovah saves even on this day, in this dark valley, in this trying situation, is to remember the story of God in its entirety. God saved the people from Egypt; from God’s hand came each victory across the Jordan. By God’s presence a nation was led into the Promised Land; by the blood of God’s Son, death, the last enemy, was defeated. The Christian’s worldview is historical memory living presently. Today God saves because yesterday God saved.

In his book Life Together, Dietrich Bonhoeffer states emphatically, “It is in fact more important for us to know what God did to Israel, to his Son Jesus Christ, than to seek what God intends for us today…. I find no salvation in my life history but only in the history of Jesus Christ.” As Bonhoeffer led the anti-Nazi Confessing Church, he was moved by the presence of God in the history of Israel, the promise of God in his crucified Son, such that he chose to believe in God’s salvation even unto death in a concentration camp.

At the conclusion of God’s word to the people on that day of promise, Joshua declared, “[C]hoose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Out of the history of God with the people of Israel comes a story that can instruct one’s own, a rescuer born and wounded for you. With Isaiah we hear God’s plea, “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done.”

God’s people were led into the Promised Land with a leader whose very name confesses “Jehovah saves.” It is not coincidental that the same word marks the name of Jesus, who offered his life that the world might be fully led into the story of God.

Jill Carattini is managing editor of A Slice of Infinity at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia.

(1) Joshua 24: 2-3,5,7b.

(2) Joshua 24:11-13.

Uncategorized

Charles Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

Leave a comment

 

Morning  “The love of the Lord.” / Hosea 3:1

Believer, look back through all thine experience, and think of the way whereby  the Lord thy God has led thee in the wilderness, and how he hath fed and  clothed thee every day–how he hath borne with thine ill manners–how he hath  put up with all thy murmurings, and all thy longings after the flesh-pots of  Egypt–how he has opened the rock to supply thee, and fed thee with manna that  came down from heaven. Think of how his grace has been sufficient for thee in  all thy troubles–how his blood has been a pardon to thee in all thy sins–how  his rod and his staff have comforted thee. When thou hast thus looked back  upon the love of the Lord, then let faith survey his love in the future, for  remember that Christ’s covenant and blood have something more in them than the  past. He who has loved thee and pardoned thee, shall never cease to love and  pardon. He is Alpha, and he shall be Omega also: he is first, and he shall be  last. Therefore, bethink thee, when thou shalt pass through the valley of the  shadow of death, thou needest fear no evil, for he is with thee. When thou  shalt stand in the cold floods of Jordan, thou needest not fear, for death  cannot separate thee from his love; and when thou shalt come into the  mysteries of eternity thou needest not tremble, “For I am persuaded, that  neither death; nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor  things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other  creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in  Christ Jesus our Lord.” Now, soul, is not thy love refreshed? Does not this  make thee love Jesus? Doth not a flight through illimitable plains of the  ether of love inflame thy heart and compel thee to delight thyself in the Lord  thy God? Surely as we meditate on “the love of the Lord,” our hearts burn  within us, and we long to love him more.

 

Evening “Your refuge from the avenger of blood.” / Joshua 20:3

It is said that in the land of Canaan, cities of refuge were so arranged, that  any man might reach one of them within half a day at the utmost. Even so the  word of our salvation is near to us; Jesus is a present Saviour, and the way  to him is short; it is but a simple renunciation of our own merit, and a  laying hold of Jesus, to be our all in all. With regard to the roads to the  city of refuge, we are told that they were strictly preserved, every river was  bridged, and every obstruction removed, so that the man who fled might find an  easy passage to the city. Once a year the elders went along the roads and saw  to their order, so that nothing might impede the flight of any one, and cause  him, through delay, to be overtaken and slain. How graciously do the promises  of the gospel remove stumbling blocks from the way! Wherever there were  by-roads and turnings, there were fixed up hand-posts, with the inscription  upon them–“To the city of refuge!” This is a picture of the road to Christ  Jesus. It is no roundabout road of the law; it is no obeying this, that, and  the other; it is a straight road: “Believe, and live.” It is a road so hard,  that no self-righteous man can ever tread it, but so easy, that every sinner,  who knows himself to be a sinner may by it find his way to heaven. No sooner  did the man-slayer reach the outworks of the city than he was safe; it was not  necessary for him to pass far within the walls, but the suburbs themselves  were sufficient protection. Learn hence, that if you do but touch the hem of  Christ’s garment, you shall be made whole; if you do but lay hold upon him  with “faith as a grain of mustard seed,” you are safe.

“A little genuine grace ensures The death of all our sins.”

Only waste no time, loiter not by the way, for the avenger of blood is swift of foot; and it may be he is at your heels at this still hour of eventide.

Uncategorized

The Joy of Kindred Spirits – John MacArthur

2 Comments

“Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:1).

Timothy was Paul’s trusted companion in the gospel. In Philippians 2:20 Paul describes him as a man “of kindred spirit.” That is, they were likeminded, sharing the same love for Christ and His church.

Elsewhere Paul described Timothy as his beloved and faithful child in the Lord (1 Cor. 4:17) and fellow worker in the gospel of Christ (Rom. 16:21; 1 Thess. 3:2). Those are significant compliments coming from Paul, whose standard of ministry and personal integrity was very high.

However, as godly and useful as Timothy was, he apparently struggled with many of the same weaknesses we face. For example, 2 Timothy implies he might have been intimidated by the false teachers who challenged his leadership (1:7). He perhaps was somewhat ashamed of Christ (1:8) and tempted to alter his theology to avoid offending those who disagreed with sound doctrine (1:13- 14). He might have been neglecting his studies in the Word (2:15) and succumbing to ungodly opinions (2:16-17). Other struggles are implied as well.

Paul wrote to strengthen Timothy’s spiritual character and encourage him to persevere in the face of severe trials.

Despite those apparent weaknesses, Paul valued Timothy highly and entrusted enormous ministerial responsibilities to him. In addition, Timothy’s friendship and ministry was a source of great joy and strength to Paul.

I pray that you have people of kindred spirit in your life– brothers and sisters in Christ who encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable to God’s truth. Like Timothy, they may not be all you want them to be, but they are precious gifts from God. Esteem them highly and pray for them often. Do everything you can to reciprocate their ministry in your life.

If perhaps you lack such friends, seek the fellowship of a local church where Christ is exalted, His Word is taught, and holy living is encouraged. Build relationships with mature Christians who will stimulate you to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24).

Suggestions for Prayer: Identify three people who are of kindred spirit with you. Pray for them and tell them how much you appreciate their examples and ministries.

For Further Study: Read 2 Timothy 1:1-14.

What were Paul’s admonitions to Timothy?

How might they apply to you?

Uncategorized

The Reason for Resistance – Greg Laurie

Leave a comment

 

“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”—John 3:19

Why is it that some people never respond to the gospel? They are not necessarily mean about it, though they may be. They are simply not open to it.

Some people will say no with a smile. When you tell them all about your faith in Christ, they will say that is very nice for you. But when you ask them if they would like to become a Christian, they will decline.

Then there are others who are hostile or argumentative. They may point to a problem they have with a certain teaching of the Bible or want to know why God allows suffering. Or, they may say the Bible is full of contradictions or claim there are a lot of hypocrites in the church.

Yet I think their reason for not responding doesn’t have to do with any of these things. Because the moment you start to address the actual issues with an intelligent and biblical response, they will change the subject. It is seldom about any of the issues they raise; it is simply about one thing: they want you to go away.

Jesus said, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). The bottom line is they don’t want to change. They don’t want to stop doing what they know, deep down inside, is a sin before God. The bottom line is they don’t want to admit their weakness and their need for God. They just don’t want to believe.

So what should we do? We should pray for them. We should ask the Lord to open their eyes and help them see their need for Jesus Christ.

Uncategorized

What If? – Max Lucado

Leave a comment

 

What if, for one day, Jesus were to become you? Waking up in your bed, walking in your shoes, assuming your schedule?  With one exception—nothing about your life changes. Not your circumstances. Your schedule.  Your problems.  Only one change occurs!  His priorities govern your actions. His love directs your behavior.

What would you be like?  Would people notice a change? What about the less fortunate?  Would you treat them the same? And your friends?  Would they detect more joy?

Pause and think about your schedule. Obligations.  Engagements.  Appointments.  Would anything change? Keep working on this for a moment.  Adjust the lens of your imagination until you have a clear picture of Jesus leading your life. Then frame the image. What you see is what God wants. He wants you to “think and act like Christ Jesus.” God wants you to be just like Jesus!

“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18).