Daily Archives: March 29, 2015

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – PRINCIPLES FOR EFFECTIVE PRAYER

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Read: James 5:15-16

Each of us has prayed about situations and for other people without seeing results. When that happens, it’s easy to become discouraged. Rather than give up, we should review our lives to see if we need to alter something.

  1. Our prayers must flow from a heart that is in step with God. If we want our prayers to be effective, we must be open to His Spirit and be compassionate, forgiving, and sincere as we intercede. Therefore, pray that you will have His love and compassion for others and that you will forgive fully—just as He has forgiven you (Eph. 4:32).
  2. Our prayers are a link between our needs and God’s inexhaustible resources. Ask the Lord to reveal your or your loved one’s true needs and His power to meet those needs so that you can intercede in faith.
  3. Identify with the need of the other person. To be truly compassionate in our supplication, we must see others through Jesus’ eyes. When we realize that people are truly hurting on the inside, our mercy for them is released, and we can intercede for them with greater zeal, understanding, and emotion.
  4. Desire the highest good in the person’s life. We should pray to stay in the center of God’s will and that whomever we are praying for will do so as well. The Father knows what is absolutely best for each person and what it will take to bring him or her closer to Him.
  5. Be open to meeting the person’s need. Are you willing for God to use you to meet another person’s need? Will you allow Him to glorify Himself through you? Jesus did not back away from those who were hurting, and neither should we. We are to follow His example and always remember that God blesses us so that we might bless others.
  6. Persevere. We must continue praying, regardless of whether we see immediate results or not, because the longer we intercede for a situation or another person, the more tightly our hearts will be knit to God. That in itself is a comfort to those in need. Prayer binds us together with the Father and with others in love and fellowship—with a spiritual bond that lasts into eternity and will certainly be a blessing to us and to others.

Therefore, endure in your loving, compassionate, hopeful supplication for others, and always be confident that: “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16). God is listening, friend. Trust Him.

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Who Are You?

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Read: Matthew 21:1-11
Bible in a Year: Judges 7-8; Luke 5:1-16

 

When [Jesus] had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” —Matthew 21:10

From time to time, we read of people who are offended at not being treated with what they consider due respect and deference. “Do you know who I am?” they shout indignantly. And we are reminded of the statement, “If you have to tell people who you are, you probably really aren’t who you think you are.” The polar opposite of this arrogance and self-importance is seen in Jesus, even as His life on earth was nearing its end.

Jesus entered Jerusalem to shouts of praise from the people (Matt. 21:7-9). When others throughout the city asked, “Who is this?” the crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee” (vv.10-11). He didn’t come claiming special privileges, but in humility He came to give His life in obedience to His Father’s will.

The words Jesus said and the things He did commanded respect. Unlike insecure rulers, He never demanded that others respect Him. His greatest hours of suffering appeared to be His lowest point of weakness and failure. Yet, the strength of His identity and mission carried Jesus through the darkest hours as He died for our sins so that we might live in His love.

He is worthy of our lives and our devotion today. Do we recognize who He is? —David McCasland

Lord, I am in awe of Your humility, strength, and love. And I am embarrassed by my desires for self-importance. May knowing You change every self-centered motive in my heart into a longing to live as You did in this world.

When once you have seen Jesus, you can never be the same. —Oswald Chambers

INSIGHT: The disciple of Christ should be preoccupied with exalting Him instead of self. The words “My utmost for His highest,” taken from Oswald Chambers’ classic devotional, express the goal of the follower of Christ.
Ravi Zacharias

Ravi Zacharias Ministry – ISIS, MURDER, AND MARTYRDOM: A REFLECTION FROM RZIM IN THE MIDDLE EAST

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by Maher Samuel / RZIM BLOG  March 23, 2015

Although the scenes of slaughter and murder are not new or alien to Christians in Egypt, the ISIS beheading of the 21 Coptic Christians (as seen in the video released in February) was one of the most devastating tragedies Egyptian Christians have ever witnessed.

Though several weeks have passed, our minds are still perplexed and our hearts broken. The old question of “where is God amidst all this evil?” emerges again to denote a great challenge for Christian leaders in this region and particularly for those of us here in RZIM Middle East.

The final words we heard on the ISIS beheading video were “Lord Jesus” as the 21 were butchered, only to remind us of what we read in the Word of God about Stephen, the first martyr.

Of the 21 murdered, only one was non-Egyptian. Of all the very encouraging stories is that of the non-Egyptian: he was originally a Muslim and accepted the Lord while living with the kidnapped Christians. When the murderers tried to persuade him to go back to Islam, to escape slaughter, he refused and was martyred with his brothers.

The difficult aspect of the story is the puzzlement of many believers, who were expecting God’s miraculous intervention. However, the bright part is that the blood of the martyrs was not shed in vain. The beheading shook many hearts and minds among Muslims, causing them to question their beliefs. It also emphasized the importance of the Egyptian President’s call for a religious revolution against all beliefs that call for killing people.

Two months prior to this painful incident, I gave a sermon at Kasr El Dobara Evangelical Church, titled “ISIS and Jesus–The Culture of Death and the Culture of Life.” Approximately 2,000 people attended this sermon and it was broadcasted live on SAT7 (a Christian satellite station), during which I mentioned ISIS is religiously, not politically, oriented.

The core of ISIS’s belief is to establish Allah’s rule, with death to all who refuse this rule. On the contrary, Jesus called for the kingdom of God by giving life. The kingdom of God is to be accepted, not imposed. This is the vast distinction between Jesus and ISIS.

In my sermon a few months ago, I challenged the audience with three significant truths. First, we are created in the image of God, however the image has been tarnished (though not erased). Second, God loves us and desires salvation for our souls, inviting us turn from falsehood to truth. Third, the Christian history teaches us that many who were similar to ISIS were saved and became servants of the Lord.

That day, when I preached these words, I had not known that a terrible death was right at the door and that ISIS would brutally slaughter loved ones, some of whom were known to us.

After the ISIS beheading, I reviewed these three truths and must admit it was difficult for me to accept that God loves the members of ISIS and that He yearns for their salvation. Nevertheless, this is what the Bible says and we must recognize that no one is beyond the grasp of God’s grace and redemption.

In light of this tragedy, we at RZIM Middle East are faced with two massive challenges: the first is how to deal with Christians’ broken hearts, and second, how to deliver the truth to those minds that are now open and thirsty for the truth in the aftermath of this massacre. We need your prayers for our team in the region, for our brothers and sisters in Iraq and Syria, and for all who have yet to turn from darkness to light.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – He Learned Obedience through what He Suffered

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Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Hebrews 5:8

We are told that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through suffering; therefore we who are sinful and who are far from being perfect must not wonder if we are called to pass through suffering too. Shall the head be crowned with thorns while the other parts of the body enjoy only comfort and ease? Must Christ pass through seas of His own blood to win the crown while we walk to heaven dry-shod in silver slippers? No; our Master’s experience teaches us that suffering is necessary, and the true-born child of God must not, would not, escape it if he could.

But there is one very comforting thought in the fact of Christ’s “being made perfect” through suffering–it is that He can have complete sympathy with us. He is not a high priest who is “unable to sympathize with our weaknesses.”1 In this sympathy of Christ we find a sustaining power. One of the early martyrs said, “I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and He suffers in me now; He sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong.” Believer, grasp this thought in every agonizing experience. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in His steps. Find a sweet support in His sympathy; and remember that to suffer is an honorable thing–to suffer for Christ is glory. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to do this. Just so far as the Lord shall give us grace to suffer for Christ, to suffer with Christ, just so far does He honor us.

The jewels of a Christian are his afflictions. The regalia of the kings whom God has anointed are their troubles, their sorrows, and their griefs. Let us not, therefore, shun being honored. Let us not turn aside from being exalted. Griefs exalt us, and troubles lift us up. “If we endure, we will also reign with him.”2

1) Hebrews 4:15 2) 2 Timothy 2:12

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

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – The snare of the fowler

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“Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler.”Psalm 91:3

Suggested Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:1-20

It was once said by a talented writer, that the old devil was dead, and that there was a new devil now; by which he meant to say, that the devil of old times was a rather different devil from the deceiver of these times. We believe that it is the same evil spirit; but there is a difference in his mode of attack. The devil of five hundred years ago was a black and grimy thing, well portrayed in our old pictures of that evil spirit. He was a persecutor, who cast men into the furnace, and put them to death for serving Christ. The devil of this day is a well-spoken gentleman: he does not persecute—he rather attempts to persuade and to beguile. He is not now the furious Romanist, so much as the insinuating unbeliever, attempting to overturn our religion, whilst at the same time he pretends he would but make it more rational, and so more triumphant. He would only link worldliness with religion; and so he would really make religion void, under the cover of developing the great power of the gospel, and bringing out secrets which our forefathers had never discovered. Satan is always a fowler; whatever his tactics may be, his object is still the same—to catch men in his net. Men are here compared to silly, weak birds, that have not skill enough to avoid the snare, and have not strength enough to escape from it. Satan is the fowler; he has been so and is so still; and if he does not attack us as the roaring lion, roaring against us in persecution, he attacks us as the adder, creeping silently along the path, endeavouring to bite our heel with his poisoned fangs, and weaken the power of grace and ruin the life of godliness within us. Our text is a very comforting one to all believers, when they are beset by temptation.

For meditation: We should be on our guard against falling into the snare of the devil (1 Timothy 3:7), but take courage from the fact that God is able to enable us to escape from it (2 Timothy 2:26).

Sermon no. 124
29 March (1857)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Seeking God’s Protection

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“Do not led us into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt. 6:13).

Have a healthy sense of self-distrust.

At the moment of your salvation, judicial forgiveness covered all of your sins—past, present, and future. Parental forgiveness restores the joy and sweet fellowship broken by any subsequent sins. But concurrent with the joy of being forgiven is the desire to be protected from any future sins. That’s the desire expressed in Matthew 6:13: “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

That petition seems simple enough at first glance, but it raises some important questions. According to James 1:13, God doesn’t tempt anyone to commit sin, so why ask Him to protect us from something He apparently wouldn’t lead us into in the first place?

Some say the word “temptation” in Matthew 6:13 means “trials.” But trials strengthen us and prove the genuineness of our faith. We are to rejoice in them, not avoid them (James 1:2-4).

The solution to this paradox has to do with the nature of the petition. It is not so much a technical theological statement as it is an emotional plea from one who hates sin and wants to be protected from it. Chrysostom, the early church father, said it is a natural appeal of human weakness as it faces danger (Homily 19.10).

I don’t know about you, but I have a healthy sense of self-distrust. That’s why I carefully guard what I think, say, watch, read, and listen to. If I sense spiritual danger I run into the presence of God and say, “Lord, I will be overwhelmed by this situation unless You come to my aid.” That’s the spirit of Matthew 6:13.

We live in a fallen world that throws temptation after temptation our way. Therefore it’s only natural and proper for us as Christians to continually confess our sins, receive the Father’s forgiveness, and plead with Him to deliver us from the possibility of sinning against Him in the future.

Suggestions for Prayer; Thank the Lord that He loves you and ministers through you despite your human weaknesses.

Ask Him to protect you today from any situation that might cause you to sin.

For Further Study; Read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and James 1:13-16.

To what degree will God allow you to be tempted?

What is a common source of temptation?

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Refuse to Lose

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Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 1:21 KJV

All of us become disappointed when we have plans that fail, hopes that don’t materialize, and goals that are not reached. When this continues for a while, we become discouraged, a condition that can lead to depression if not handled properly.

When you get discouraged, you must make a decision to adapt and adjust, to take a new approach, to just keep going despite your feelings. That’s when you must remember the Greater One resides within you and decide you won’t let discouragement keep you from realizing your dreams and goals.

When you feel discouraged it is sometimes difficult to be positive. That’s when you must rise above the discouragement through He who lives in you. He is always available to help you find renewed direction and hope.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – As a Man Thinketh

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“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…. (Proverbs 23:7, KJV).

“Every day in every way I am becoming better and better,” declared the French philosopher Emile Coue. But it is said that he committed suicide.

Positive thinking by a nonbeliever without a biblical basis is often an exercise in futility. Though I agree with the basic concept of positive thinking, so long as it is related to the Word of God, there is a difference between positive thinking and supernatural thinking. We do not think positively so that we can know Christ better; we come to know Christ better, which results in supernatural thinking. The basis of our thinking is God’s Word; supernatural thinking is based upon the attributes of God.

When a man says, “I am going to be enthusiastic, by faith, as an act of the will,” or “I am going to rejoice, by faith, as an act of the will,” he is simply drawing upon his rights as a child of God, according to the promises of God.

In supernatural thinking, we apply the promises of God, knowing with certainty that if we ask anything according to His will, He will hear and answer us.

Some well-known Christian leaders emphasize “positive thinking” and “possibility thinking.” They are men whom I admire and with whom I agree basically in this regard because the Christian life is a positive life. “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”

But I prefer to use what I believe to be the more scriptural definition of the Christian life – supernatural thinking, which includes – but goes far beyond – both positive thinking and possibility thinking.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 23:1-6

TODAY’S ACTION POINT:  Today I will claim by faith a promise or promises from God’s Word which will help me to live a supernatural life.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Vision for America

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Helen Keller, probably the best known blind person who has ever lived, once said, “What would be worse than being born blind? To have sight without vision.” Recent polling among American college students reveals the majority have no vision for their lives, their families, or their communities. A George Barna survey recently reported that three-quarters of all churches in America have either peaked in attendance and influence or are on the decline.

Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint.

Proverbs 29:18

In Hebrew, “vision” includes “divine communication.” Could it be that the loss of vision among the youth – and among the churches – is because God is no longer their prime communicator?

God’s vision has always been for the welfare of His children, and that begins with a reconciliation of the world to Him. The part of that vision He entrusts to you will differ from that given to your neighbor, just as the way He equips you both won’t be the same. Do you trust Him enough to do what He has called you to do? Ask for His blessed reassurance today. Intercede for members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus to hold up God’s vision for America as they serve Him and you in the high chambers of the nation.

Recommended Reading: II Corinthians 5:11-21

 

Night Light - James & Shirley Dobson

Night Light For Couples -The Trouble Paradox

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“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

When troubles line up in what seems like an endless parade, feelings of despair or helplessness can be overwhelming. One way out of this downward spiral toward depression is to reach out to someone else. Our own difficulties seem less threatening and all‐consuming when we are busy helping someone else handle theirs. The possibilities for helping others are limitless. Visit the sick. Bake something for your neighbors. Do household chores for an elderly shut‐in. Use your car for those without transportation. And, perhaps most important, be a good listener. Sometimes what a person needs most of all is simply a friend who will share his or her life for a few moments.

This is one of the powerful paradoxes of the Christian life: When we share someone else’s pain, we often shed some of our own. When we help others, we end up helping ourselves. When we lift another’s burdens, ours lighten.

Just between us…

  • What do you do when you’re discouraged or depressed?
  • Am I helpful to you when you’re feeling down?
  • In what ways did Jesus minister to the downhearted? Is there someone in a difficult situation who could use our help?

Dear God, thank You for Your goodness during trouble. Increasingly, make us Your instruments to help others in need. Help us to share Your comfort and testify to Your great faithfulness. Thank You that we’ll be blessed in doing so. Amen.

  • From Night Light For Couples, by Dr. James & Shirley Dobson