Daily Archives: October 6, 2014

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Walking With God for a Fruitful Life

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Charles Stanley

John 15:4-8

Here’s a conversation with several more lessons about fruitfulness:

Child, there’s a third thing I want you to know: I’m bringing others along on the journey with you. Look out for them.

But, Lord, I have enough to do—taking care of my stuff, reading Your Word, and overcoming obstacles.

Child, you need to let go of your preoccupation with yourself and help others make the journey.

I can’t do more. I’m too busy.

I’ll sort through your priorities.

I’m too weary.

I’ll give you rest. Now, here’s the fourth lesson: You need to submit to My plan whether you like the plan or not.

Will You explain what You are doing?

Sometimes, though not always.

But what if Your plan makes no sense to me?

Do not rely on your own understanding; just keep walking where I direct.

But, Lord, what if I don’t want to go that way? What if it makes me too uncomfortable?

Ah, now we are at the heart of the matter, lesson five: A fruitful life is found only in a life surrendered to Me. It is characterized by an ever-increasing resemblance to Jesus in His fullness. In other words, the fruitful life is one filled with the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). In this relationship, I, the Lord, am in charge. Your part is to cooperate and submit to My plan. Now that you know the instructions, do you still want to follow? Think carefully.

Yes, Lord. To whom would I go? I believe You and want You as my guide.

 

 

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — A Faithful Helper

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Our Daily Bread

Jeremiah 20:7-13

The LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One. —Jeremiah 20:11

As a young boy, my father had to deliver slop to hungry pigs on the farm where he grew up. He hated this job because the hogs would knock him over when he entered their pen. This task might have been impossible except for a faithful helper who accompanied my dad—a German shepherd named Sugarbear. She would maneuver herself between my father and the pigs and hold them back until my dad finished his chore.

The prophet Jeremiah had the difficult job of proclaiming God’s messages to the Israelites. This required him to endure physical abuse, verbal attacks, imprisonment, and isolation. Although Jeremiah struggled with deep discouragement, he had a Helper through all of his trouble. God promised him, “I am with you . . . to deliver you” (Jer. 1:19).

God did not desert Jeremiah, and He will not desert us. We have His continual aid through the power of the Spirit who lives inside every believer (John 14:16-17). The Helper gives us hope (Rom. 15:13), steers us toward spiritual truth (John 16:13), and pours out God’s love in our hearts (Rom. 5:5). We can trust that God faithfully helps us as we endure hardship. We can say with Jeremiah, “The LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One” (Jer. 20:11). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

You, God, have been our help forever.

And You are our hope now and into eternity.

We thank You that You will never desert us.

You will be faithful.

Our greatest hope here below is help from God above.

Bible in a year: Isaiah 26-27; Philippians 2

Insight

Knowing that God called him to a difficult ministry, Jeremiah endured much persecution while striving to remain faithful to his calling (Jer. 20:1-6). His suffering caused him to question that calling (vv.7-10), but he was quick to reaffirm God’s sovereignty (vv.11-13).

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Christ’s Surprising Choice

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Alistair Begg

He had married a Cushite woman.  Numbers 12:1

Moses made a strange choice, but not as surprising as the choice of Him who is a prophet like Moses but greater than him—even our Lord Jesus! It is the wonder of angels that the love of Jesus should be set upon poor, lost, guilty men. Each believer must, when filled with a sense of Jesus’ love, also be overwhelmed with astonishment that such love should be lavished on an object so utterly unworthy of it. Knowing as we do our secret guiltiness, unfaithfulness, and halfheartedness, we are dissolved in grateful admiration for the matchless freeness and sovereignty of grace.

Jesus must have found the cause of His love in His own heart; He could not have found it in us, for it is not there. Even since our conversion we have been poor, though grace has made us rich. Holy Rutherford said of himself what we must each subscribe to: “His relation to me is that I am sick, and He is the Physician of whom I stand in need. Sadly how often I play fast and loose with Christ! He binds, I loose; He builds, I tear down; I quarrel with Christ, and He agrees with me twenty times a day!”

Most tender and faithful Husband of our souls, pursue Your gracious work of conforming us to Your image, until You will present even us in our poverty to Yourself without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Moses met with opposition because of his marriage, and both himself and his spouse were the subjects of disapproval. Can we be surprised if this empty world opposes Jesus and His church, and particularly when notorious sinners are converted? For this is always the basis of the Pharisee’s objection: “This man receives sinners.”1 Of course He does; after all, He did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

1) Luke 15:1

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The family reading plan for October 6, 2014 * Ezekiel 39 * Psalm 90

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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 – Fast-day service

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CharlesSpurgeon

“Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.” Micah 6:9

Suggested Further Reading: Nehemiah 1

This world is not the place of punishment for sin; not the place; it may sometimes be a place, but not usually. It is very customary among religious people, to talk of every accident which happens to men in the indulgence of sin, as if it were a judgment. The upsetting of a boat upon a river on a Sunday is assuredly understood to be a judgment for the sin of Sabbath-breaking. In the accidental fall of a house, in which persons were engaged in any unlawful occupation, the inference is at once drawn that the house fell because they were wicked. Now, however some religionists may hope to impress the people by such childish stories as those; I, for one, renounce them all. I believe what my Master says is true, when he declared, concerning the men upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, that they were not sinners above all the sinners that were upon the face of the earth. They were sinners; there is no doubt about it; but the falling of the wall was not occasioned by their sin, nor was their premature death the consequence of their excessive wickedness. Let me, however, guard this declaration, for there are many who carry this doctrine to an extreme. Because God does not usually visit each particular offence in this life upon the transgressor, men are apt to deny altogether the doctrine of judgments. But here they are mistaken. I feel persuaded that there are such things as national judgments, national chastisements for national sins—great blows from the rod of God, which every wise man must acknowledge to be, either a punishment of sin committed, or a premonition to warn us to a sense of the consequences of sins, leading us by God’s grace to humble ourselves, and repent of our sin.

For meditation: Reflect and pray over the state of the nation and its standing before God (Proverbs 14:34).

Part of nos. 154-155

6 October (Preached 7 October 1857)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Preparing for Spiritual Service

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John MacArthur

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable . . . that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Scripture equips you for spiritual service.

Each week I have the privilege of interacting with more than one hundred students at The Master’s Seminary. One of my greatest joys is seeing their determination to do God’s work in God’s way.

That attitude is the key to success in ministry, as Joshua learned when he assumed leadership over the Israelites after Moses’ death. At that point, God said to him, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Josh. 1:8).

This is how Paul described spiritual success to Timothy: “In pointing out [the things I have said] to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following” (1 Tim. 4:6).

“Servant” speaks of one who oversees and dispenses the goods and property of another. A good spiritual servant is one who knows and dispenses God’s Word. Whatever level of ministry you pursue, you must conform to biblical teaching. To do that, you must know what God says about ministering to His people.

I’ve met many people who love the Lord and want desperately to serve Him effectively, but haven’t taken time to learn the principles that govern spiritual ministry. Consequently they’re ill-prepared and in some cases unwittingly participating in activities that actually violate God’s Word.

Don’t let that happen to you. God’s Word supplies all the strength, instruction, and comfort you need to serve Christ properly. Study it thoroughly and follow it closely.

Suggestions for Prayer

  • Thank God for every ministry opportunity He gives you.
  • Ask Him to help you see any areas of your service that might need to be corrected, and then respond accordingly.

For Further Study

According to Philippians 1:12-18, is it possible to minister with impure motives? Explain.

 

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – It’s Not About You

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Joyce meyer

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me…He has sent Me to… proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. —Isaiah 61:1

Dave and I have been married almost forty-five years, and I am appalled at how selfish I was during the early years of our marriage. I can honestly say I did not know any better. In the house where I grew up, all I ever saw was selfishness and “taking” instead of giving.

So when I became an adult, I was a selfish person who knew very little about giving to others. I was always on my mind, and nothing changed until I got weary of my entire life being about me, me, and more of me. According to today’s Scripture, Jesus came to open prison doors and set captives free. He has set me free from many things, the greatest of which is myself. I have been set free from me! I continue to grow daily in this freedom, but I am thankful to realize that real joy is not found in getting my way all the time.

Perhaps, like me, you also had poor examples in life and need to “un-learn” some things you learned growing up. Be honest: How do you respond when you don’t get what you want? Do you become angry? Do you grumble and complain? Are you able to trust God to take care of you or do you live in fear that if you don’t take care of yourself, no one will take care of you? Believing you have to take care of yourself leads to selfishness, which leads to an unhappy life.

The Holy Spirit is a great teacher. He will help you learn the lessons you need to know in order to truly value, care for, and love others.

Love Others Today: “Lord, help me un-learn every bad lesson I have learned in the past and set me free to learn to love others they way You want me to love them.”

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – He Honors the Humble

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dr_bright

“For everyone who tries to honor himself shall be humbled: and he who humbles himself shall be honored” (Luke 14:11).

At times I am respectfully amused at the repetition of certain themes in the Word of God – repeated over and over again so that you and I will not forget the importance of the message. This is one of those principles.

Many missionaries have given up honor, acclaim, and success at home in obedience to God’s call upon their lives. Perhaps to their surprise, God has honored them in many ways despite the fact that they purposely gave up all rights to such honor.

In every field of endeavor, the principle is true. Most men who seek genuine acclaim are thoroughly humbled along the way. Conversely, most people who humble themselves as a part of their commitment to Jesus Christ and His service are eventually honored.

I have seen this truth fulfilled on numerous occasions in the work of Campus Crusade for Christ to which the Lord has called me. Many young people have stepped into unsung roles of service for their Master. God has honored them not only with fruit for their hire, but also with a measure of acclaim they never would have achieved otherwise.

It is part of God’s plan to abase the proud and raise up the humble. Our goal should be committed service for the Savior. We should let Him take care of the honoring and the humbling.

Bible Reading: Matthew 23:5-12

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I’ll recognize anew today that the only good thing about me – and about any believer – is the reality of my relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ through the indwelling person of the Holy Spirit.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; A.W. – Faith in His Ability

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ppt_seal01

Recently a sailing championship was held off the coast of Northern Ireland. More than 87 dinghys were in the water when a powerful squall with winds over 60 miles per hour caused several boats to capsize. Many of those rescued said they feared for their lives, but one sailor said the danger was blown out of proportion. He knew the sailors were experts; they were experienced in handling such storms. He had faith in their abilities.

And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

Matthew 8:26

In today’s scripture, Jesus had just finished the Sermon on the Mount and healed many. He and the disciples were crossing over the Sea of Galilee and Jesus went to sleep. A storm hit and the disciples, afraid for their lives, woke Jesus – who immediately calmed the winds and waves. The disciples learned you don’t have to fear storms in life if you have faith in the abilities of the One who controls everything.

Pray today for God to conquer the fears of many Americans during the ongoing storm of current events, and that both leaders and citizens will trust in Him.

Recommended Reading: Psalm 107:23-32

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – In His Hands      

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greglaurie

Since his days are determined, the number of his months is with You; You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass. —Job 14:5

The Bible says that our days are numbered, which means there is a day coming (we don’t know when) when we are out of here. We can worry about that, or we can simply trust that God knows when that day will be. It doesn’t mean that we take up bungee jumping off of bridges or try swimming with sharks, putting our lives at unnecessary risk. But it does mean that we recognize the fact that our lives belong to God. We are in His hands.

This is a very comforting thought because it means that until God is finished with us, nothing will happen to us. That’s great to know. But it also means that when our number is up, it’s up. When that day comes, there is nothing we can do to turn the clock back.

So what are we to do? As we have already read in these pages, the apostle Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). So we should praise God for each new day, thank Him for the opportunities He provides, for the blessings He gives us, and for our family and friends. We should take time to smell the flowers and bounce a little one on our knees. We should savor the sight of a rainbow or a tree painted with the colors of autumn or the blue surf rolling in across a sandy beach. And of course we should be available and willing to serve Him in whatever plans He has for us.

God values you. He loves you. But if death came for you today, would you be ready? If not, you would face a certain judgment. That’s the last thing God wants to happen to you. That’s why He sent Jesus to die on the cross and shed His blood for every sin you have ever committed.

Only the person who says, “To live is Christ” can then say, “To die is gain.” That is a person whose soul is right with God.

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

 

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – Lord, Teach Us to Pray

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Max Lucado

We can’t even get the cable company to answer us, yet God will? The doctor’s too busy, but God isn’t? We have our doubts about prayer!

Jesus raised people from the dead. But a “How to Vacate the Cemetery” seminar? His followers never called for one. But they did want Him to do this: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Might their interest have something to do with the jaw-dropping promise Jesus attached to prayer? “Ask and it will be given to you.” When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray He gave them a prayer. Could you use the same?

Father, You are good. I need help. Heal me and forgive me.

They need help. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Before amen—comes the power of a simple prayer. Punctuate your day with it!