Daily Archives: September 8, 2014

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Peace With Ourselves

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Charles Stanley

Romans 12:1-8

In the 12th chapter of Romans, Paul indicates that some people tend to think more highly of themselves than they should. It is also true that others are tempted to think more lowly of themselves than is appropriate. What thoughts should we have about ourselves?

A godly sense of self-worth offers a valuable solution here. It lies at the heart of a peaceful life and provides the solid middle ground between the ditch of self-disparagement on the one hand and the precipice of self-exaltation on the other. This resting place in Jesus stems from simply seeing yourself the way the Lord sees you.

When you are born again, God sees you as His beloved child and the owner of a new identity. Because your life is hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3), you can say that you are complete in Christ. And because of His Spirit within, it is possible for you to live a righteous life.

At the same time, you retain old patterns of sin, which are still capable of expressing themselves. It is all right, therefore, to be grieved by some things you do while rejoicing over progress. That is how God feels. Keep in mind, however, that His delight or displeasure with your conduct in no way alters either His love for you or your identity as His. The Lord always sees you as His own and as a person of infinite worth.

Ultimately, you’ll reach full spiritual maturity in Christ. But in the meantime, never forget that you are not what you do. You are what you are: a child of God (John 1:12).

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Sow What

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Our Daily Bread

Mark 4:1-20

On the clock tower of my alma mater is an Art Deco bas-relief sculpture titled The Sower. The inscription beneath it is from Galatians 6:7, “Whatsoever a man soweth.” Michigan State University remains a leader in agricultural research, but despite many improvements in farming techniques and crop production, this fact remains: Seeds of corn will not produce a crop of beans.

Jesus used many farming metaphors to explain the kingdom of God. In the parable of the sower (Mark 4), He compared the Word of God to seeds sown in different types of soil. As the parable indicates, the sower sows indiscriminately, knowing that some seed will fall in places where it will not grow.

Like Jesus, we are to sow good seed in all places at all times. God is responsible for where it lands and how it grows. The important thing is that we sow. God does not want us to reap destruction, so He wants us to sow what is good and right (Prov. 11:18). The apostle Paul elaborated on the metaphor when he warned believers not to sow seeds of corruption. Instead, we are to sow seeds that will reap eternal life (Gal. 6:8).

The answer to the question, “Sow what?” is “Sow what you want to reap.” To reap a good harvest in your life, start sowing seeds of goodness.—Julie Ackerman Link

Sow a thought, reap an act;

Sow an act, reap a habit;

Sow a habit, reap a character;

Sow a character, reap a destiny. —Anon.

A buried seed brings fruit; a selfless life reaps an eternal harvest.

Bible in a year: Proverbs 3-5; 2 Corinthians 1

Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – Two Thrones

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Ravi ZIn the beneficial book How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart note that “every individual Old Testament narrative is at least a part of the greater narrative of Israel’s history in the world, which in turn is a part of the ultimate narrative of God’s creation and his redemption of it.”(1)

The story told in Daniel 6 is one such narrative. Daniel sets a definite rhythm to the story, carefully dancing between the stories written on the hearts of his listeners and his own story, presenting a reality for all to see and hear.

In the beginning we find a peaceful kingdom and a king in control. Daniel, we are told, a Hebrew foreigner and a slave in exile, is found by King Darius to be distinguished above all other men, set apart from the others. With these words, Daniel meaningfully hints of another story—a story his listeners knew well. Choosing Israel, God set his people apart from all the nations, claiming them as his own. Daniel tells the story written on every heart of every person listening. And it is a story that speaks volumes to a people in exile, removed from all of it: “You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation… And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people”(2)

Yet quickly the story moves from the picturesque image of a king very much in control, to a telling picture of human frailty. Daniel is trapped by manipulative lawmakers and sentenced to be thrown into the lions’ den, while King Darius finds himself bound by his own law, ineffective in his own kingdom, and powerless to save his distinguished Daniel.

It is in the midst of this self-realization that the king speaks directly to Daniel for the first time in the story. Quite significantly, Darius’ words are not about himself or Daniel or his accusers, but Daniel’s God. “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” proclaims the king. The storyteller is careful to make a point of this indeed, for however dimly, Darius of the nations has exercised faith in the God of Israel. Guilt-ridden and unable to sleep, Darius is well aware that his sense of sovereignty as king was little more than the sovereignty one has over the hunger of a lion. Daniel is in hands beyond his dominion. With incredible transparency, King Darius sees for the first time his desperate need for a King greater than himself. Here, it is the events taking place in the heart of Darius that above all show the greatest hint and the greatest hope in the entire narrative. As the prophet Isaiah has written, “Thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, but also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite’” (Isaiah 57:15). One is left to wonder whether it is king Darius who is most in need of the Spirit’s reviving or Daniel who is left for the night in a den of lions.

At first light, Darius runs quickly to the lions’ den. Finding Daniel alive, the king proclaims a hymn of wonder at the God who rules in high and holy places, in dark dens and in restless hearts.

As the narrative comes to an end, we find the king of the nations, bowing in reverence before the God of Daniel. For those listening, it is simultaneously a proclamation of the history of Israel touched again by the hand of God. Far-reaching implications exist for all. For King Darius it is first and foremost the realization that God is, that God not only exists but is the King most high, and that Daniel is distinguished above others because his God is distinguished above all. For those in exile it is the real hope that God is never far off, but intimately ruling the kingdom, faithfully reigning in heaven and earth, though appearances might suggest otherwise. And for those of us listening hundreds of years later, it is the stirring sounds of God alive and actively at work in creation, stretching holy hands to reach the most unlikely of places and the lowest of hearts with the resounding promise which Christ makes our own, “I will be your God and you shall be my people.”

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

(1) Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), 80.

(2) Exodus 19:6, Leviticus 26:12.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – What Is This Power?

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Alistair Begg

…And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead.  Ephesians 1:19-20

The resurrection of Christ, and our salvation, was brought about by nothing less than divine power. What will we say of those who think that conversion is accomplished by the free will of man and is due to his own kindly disposition? When we begin to see the dead rise from the grave by their own power, then may we expect to see ungodly sinners turning to Christ by their own endeavors. It is not the word preached, nor the word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Spirit.

This power was irresistible. All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; death itself could not hold Jesus in its grip: Just as irresistible is the power displayed in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners on earth can resist the hand of God’s grace when it intends to convert a man. If God omnipotently says, “You shall,” man will not say, “I shall not.” Notice that the power that raised Christ from the dead was glorious. It reflected honor upon God and caused dismay in the hosts of evil. So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner.

It was everlasting power. “Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.”1 So we, being raised from the dead, do not go back to our dead works or to our old corruptions, but we live to God. “Because I live, you also will live.”2 “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”3 “Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”4 Finally, in the text note the union of the new life to Jesus. The same power that raised the Head works life in the members. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ!

1) Romans 6:9   2) John 14:19   3) Colossians 3:3   4) Romans 6:4

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The family reading plan for September 8, 2014 * Ezekiel 11* Psalm 50

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Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

 

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – The question of fear and the answer of faith

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CharlesSpurgeon

“Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me.” Job 23:6

Suggested Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:14-3: 5

Didst thou ever stand and take a view of heaven? Hast thou discerned the hills which lie between your soul and paradise? Hast thou counted the lions thou hast to fight, the giants to be slain, and the rivers to be crossed? Didst thou ever notice the many temptations with which thou art beset, the trials thou hast to endure, the difficulties thou hast to overcome, the dangers thou hast to avoid? Didst thou ever take a bird’s eye view of heaven, and all the dangers which are strewn thickly along the path thither? And didst thou ever ask thyself this question, “How shall I, a poor feeble worm, ever get there?” Didst thou ever say within thyself, “I am not a match for all my foes, how shall I arrive at paradise?” If thou hast ever asked this question, I will tell thee what is the only answer for it: thou must be girded with almighty strength, or else thou wilt never gain the victory. Easy thy path may be, but it is too hard for thy infantile strength, without the almighty power. Thy path may be one of little temptation, and of shallow trial; but thou wilt be drowned in the floods yet, unless almighty power preserve thee. Mark me! However smooth thy way, there is nothing short of the bare arm of deity that can land any one of you in heaven. We must have divine strength, or else we shall never get there. And there is an illustration of these words: “No, but he will put his strength in me.” “And shall I hold on to the end?” says the believer. Yes, thou wilt, for God’s strength in is thee. “Shall I be able to bear such-and-such a trial?” Yes, thou wilt. Cannot omnipotence stem the torrent? And omnipotence is in thee; for, like Ignatius of old, thou art a God-bearer; thou bearest God about with thee. Thy heart is a temple of the Holy Spirit, and thou shalt yet overcome.

For meditation: For meditation: Without Christ we can do nothing (John 15:5)—we have no reason for self-confidence. In Christ we can do all things (Philippians 4:13)—there is no need for despair. Do you regard yourself as self-sufficient or as Christ-sufficient? See 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Sermon no. 108

8 September (Preached 31 August 1856)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Attacks on God’s Character

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John MacArthur

“Stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Eph. 6:11).

One of Satan’s most effective tactics is to challenge God’s credibility.

Paul’s exhortation to “stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Eph. 6:11) refers to the various tactics Satan employs in spiritual warfare. One of his tactics is to call God’s character and motives into question by raising doubts about His Word.

He used that approach in the Garden of Eden, when he said to Eve, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” (Gen. 3:1). In one brief statement Satan disputed and distorted God’s Word. God didn’t forbid them to eat from any tree. They could eat freely from every tree except one: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (2:16-17).

Satan followed his distortion with an outright denial of God’s Word: “You surely shall not die!” (3:4). He implied that God lied when He said that sin will result in death. Satan then went on to tell Eve that if she ate the fruit, she would in fact become like God Himself (v. 5). The implication is that God was withholding something good from Eve, and to keep her from seeking it, He intimidated her with empty threats of death and judgment.

Do you see the insidious nature of Satan’s approach? Tragically, Eve didn’t. Rather than trusting and obeying God, she believed Satan’s lies and concluded that the tree was good for food, a delight to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise. Then “she took from its fruit and ate” (v. 6).

Satan deceives and spreads his lies from generation to generation (2 Cor. 11:14). Although he is subtle, his attempts to discredit God by disputing, distorting, and denying His Word should be obvious to discerning Christians.

Don’t be victimized by Satan’s attacks. Become strong in the Word through systematic Bible study. Yield to the Spirit’s control through prayer and obedience to biblical principles.

Suggestions for Prayer

  • Ask God for the discernment to recognize Satanic deceptions, and the wisdom to pursue truth.
  • Pray for God’s enabling as you discipline yourself for diligent Bible study.

For Further Study; Read 1 John 2:12-14. How did John describe those who are strong in the Word?

 

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Change Ingredients

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Joyce meyer

To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: . . . a time to break down and a time to build up, . . . a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, . . . a time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away. —Ecclesiastes 3:1–6

If you are stressed out all the time, something will have to change in order for the stress to be relieved. It will not just go away as long as you keep doing the same thing. If you want different results, you have to change the ingredients. Now, as soon as I mentioned the word change, perhaps you tensed up because you are afraid of change. Almost one hundred years ago, the clerk of Abbington Presbytery came up with percentages for the kinds of attitudes people have about change, and I think they still apply today:

Early innovators (2.6 percent) run with new ideas; Early adaptors (13.4 percent) are influenced by innovators but are not initiators; Slow majority (34 percent) are the herd-followers; Reluctant majority (34 percent); Antagonistic (16 percent) will never change.

If you’re like the bottom 84 percent of people in the above list, you want the safety of sameness. It is amazing to me how some people spend their lives resisting change while others thrive on it. Change keeps life fresh and adventurous.

Lord, my time is in Your hands. Help me to be fearless as I face change and embrace change. I want to be vibrant and fully alive. Amen.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Cycle Breaker

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ppt_seal01

The book of Judges records a turbulent period in the history of Israel. All throughout it, the cycle of sin is repeated. Some call it the ABC’s of Judges. God’s people would lose sight of His commands and “abandon” them. As punishment, the Lord would allow them to be taken into “bondage” by their enemies. Then the people would repent and “cry” out to God. He would hear their prayer and “deliver” them. Then the cycle would begin again.

But when the people of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the people of Israel, who saved them.

Judges 3:9

Unfortunately, many people do the same cycle today in their Christian walk. The enemy wants you to believe once you sin, there is no way out. God’s Word tells a different story. I John 1:9 says if you confess your sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive them and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.

Praying for forgiveness begins to break the cycle of sin. Take time today to intercede for the country and its leaders to realize how they have abandoned God’s commands and for Him to deliver the land.

Recommended Reading: Leviticus 26:3-6, 12-17

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – The Clock Is Ticking   

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greglaurie

A person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God. —Luke 12:21

A watchmaker who built grandfather clocks inscribed these words on every clock he built: “Lo, here I stand by thee upright to give thee warning day and night, for every tick that I do click cuts short the time thou hast to live.”

Jesus told the story of a rich farmer who enjoyed great success. Reflecting on his accomplishments, he said, “I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, ‘My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’ ” (Luke 12:18-19, NLT). But God told him, “You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?” (verse 20, NLT).

We can find some commendable things about this rich man. He was a hardworking farmer. He probably would have had to work longer and get up earlier and expend more energy than the other farmers of his day to achieve such success. But his mistake wasn’t in being successful in his work. His mistake wasn’t even in acquiring possessions. His mistake was failing to make plans for eternity. He was living large. But he forgot that the clock was ticking, that life was passing by.

And this man who died, leaving all his possessions behind, is like many people today. They just want to enjoy the moment. “Take it easy!” they say. “Eat, drink, and be merry!” Yet God says that is not the way to live.

In Psalm 10, the psalmist describes an arrogant, wicked man. One of the most striking things he says about this man is in verse 4: “In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God” (NIV).

That says it so well, doesn’t it? There was no room for God, no room for the Creator, Lord, and Savior in all this man’s many thoughts about this and that.

Our lives on this earth may be very brief, but when we fill our thoughts with the eternal God and His purposes, we prepare ourselves for an endless life in His presence.

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie, 2013

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – The Purpose of Life

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Max Lucado

As surely as a child breathes, he will someday wonder, “What is the purpose of my life?” Some search for meaning in a career.  My purpose is to be a dentist. Fine vocation but hardly a justification for existence. They opt to be a human doing rather than a human being. They work many hours, because if they don’t, they have no identify. For others, who they are is what they have. They find meaning in a new car, a new house, new clothes.  They are great for the economy because they’re always seeking meaning in something they own. Sports, entertainment, cults, sex, you name it. Paul says in Romans 1:22, “Claiming themselves to be wise without God, they became utter fools instead.” Contrast that to God’s vision of life when he said, “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to devote ourselves to the good deeds for which God has designed us!” (Ephesians 2:10).

From In the Grip of Grace