Daily Archives: December 10, 2017

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – How God Would Have Us Use Money

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1 Timothy 6:6-11

The world attaches far more significance to money than God ever intended it to have. Instead of simply being a means of exchange for goods and services, it has become an object of greed, a source of power and prestige, and a means of achieving status, happiness, and security. With so many false hopes pinned to wealth, we must be careful not to fall for the lies. Scripture not only warns us that placing too much importance on money is dangerous; it also advises us how to use wealth according to God’s purposes.

For personal needs. God wants the able-bodied to earn money so they can meet personal and family needs (2 Thess. 3:10). Christians should live within their means so they won’t be a burden to others.

For God’s work. Since everything we have comes from the Lord, He commanded us to give the first part of our income to Him as an act of obedience and gratitude (Prov. 3:9). Our contributions allow the gospel to be proclaimed both locally and internationally, changing the eternal destiny of countless people.

For helping others. The Lord commands us to share what we have when someone experiences a financial crisis and is truly in need (Prov. 19:17). God never overlooks generosity and promises to repay us.

The important thing isn’t how much money we have but whether we’re using it as the Lord commands. Acquiring more is never the way to achieve happiness and security. Yet as we obey God’s instructions about finances, we’ll find the joy and contentment our hearts truly desire.

Bible in One Year: Colossians 1-4

 

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Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Restored Failures

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Read: Psalm 145:1–16

Bible in a Year: Hosea 1–4; Revelation 1

The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.—Psalm 145:14

A guest band was leading praise and worship at our church, and their passion for the Lord was moving. We could see—and feel—their enthusiasm.

Then the musicians revealed that they were all ex-prisoners. Suddenly their songs took on special meaning, and I saw why their words of praise meant so much to them. Their worship was a testimony of lives broken and restored.

The world may embrace success. But stories of past failure offer people hope too. They assure us that God loves us no matter how many times we have failed. Pastor Gary Inrig says that what we call the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11 could well be entitled God’s Hall of Reclaimed Failures. “There is scarcely an individual in that chapter without a serious blemish in his or her life,” he observes. “But God is in the business of restoring failures . . . . That is a great principle of God’s grace.”

I love the comfort of Psalm 145, which speaks of God’s “wonderful works” (vv. 5–6) and glorious kingdom (v. 11). It describes His compassion (vv. 8–9) and faithfulness (v. 13)—then immediately tells us that He lifts up those who have fallen (v. 14). All His attributes are expressed when He picks us up. He is indeed in the business of restoration.

Have you failed before? We all have. Have you been restored? All who have been redeemed are stories of God’s grace. —Leslie Koh

Our stories of failure can be God’s stories of success.

INSIGHT: For the believer, the living God is the ultimate safety net. The psalmist says, “The LORD upholds all who fall” (Ps. 145:14). Despite allowing disappointment, loss, and failure, God provides the power and resources to keep us going when we stumble.

How might you praise God today for His steadfast love that reaches out to you after you fall? Dennis Fisher

 

http://www.odb.org

Words of Hope

Words of Hope – Daily Devotional – A New Life

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Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

Always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. (v. 15)

Sukh Ram, a Hindu man with a young family, lived in the center of a dangerous city in India. The streets there felt like a war zone. Then, when Sukh Ram’s wife died, he was left to care for his two small children alone. He hoped for something better. Wanting safety and security for his children, he moved his family to a remote village many hours away. In this new home, Sukh Ram also found new life. Christians in the village welcomed Sukh Ram into their community, and Sukh Ram welcomed Christ into his heart.

“They introduced me to the gospel and to Words of Hope radio,” Sukh Ram explains. “They prayed with me and helped me overcome my past. Through answered prayers, I found peace, joy, and freedom from sin—that wasn’t possible with Hinduism.” Today, Sukh Ram goes by the name Prabhu Das, meaning “servant of God.” A new name, a new life, and a new hope granted by God through the testimony of a faithful community of his people.

In our reading today, we see Paul’s picture of the same thing: believers building each other up, and testifying to God’s work through the example of their lives. Sukh Ram met Christ through the care of his neighbors. He saw the kingdom of God through their welcome. This is the hope that Jesus offers all of us. Do your neighbors see this same testimony in your life? —Christy Prins, WOH staff

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to reflect the kingdom of God in our churches and communities. Amen.

 

https://woh.org/

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Choose God’s Standards, Not the World’s

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Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.— Psalm 1:1

Living above society’s moral decline involves the choices we make regarding our conversations, the way we dress, what we read, and the TV shows and movies we watch. It also has to do with the level of integrity with which we live our personal lives, interact with other people and conduct ourselves in our businesses or professions.

As Christians, we need to encourage one another to live by godly standards and resist the pull of the world. A well-known quote offers some good advice: “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”

One of God’s great gifts to mankind is the power of choice. If we want to enjoy the blessings He has for us, we need to make lifestyle choices that align with His Word and are consistent with the values of His Word, not choices reflecting the constantly eroding values of the world.

I urge you to make a decision to serve God wholly, putting Him first in everything you do.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – The Same Father

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“We who have been made holy by Jesus, now have the same Father He has. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brothers” (Hebrews 2:11).

Though you and I have been made holy by Jesus, we need to ask ourselves a question: Have we really been set apart, consecrated, devoted to God experientially?

A practical definition of the word consecration would carry the idea that you and I are willing to do anything the Lord asks us to do. Is that really the case? Are we listening closely enough to His still small voice even to know what He really wants us to do?

Once a popular TV commercial asked, “How do spell relief?” We might ask ourselves, “How do you spell commitment?” Too many of us, I’m afraid, spell it C-O-N-V-E- N-I-E-N-C-E. If it is convenient for us to share the good news of the gospel, we will do it; if it is convenient for us to go to Sunday school, church or prayer meeting, we will do it.

True commitment is a rare commodity these days – even among Bible-believing, evangelical Christians. Otherwise our churches would be full; our witnessing would be a normal daily routine; our lives would be more Christlike.

We have already been made holy, but we need to reckon on that fact – and through the enabling of the Holy Spirit, live like holy people. Meditate on this fact: We have the same Father as Jesus, and Jesus calls us His brothers. What a great honor and privilege is ours!

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:5-14

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will count on the holiness of Christ within me to make me all that He wants and intends me to be, As a member of God’s supernatural family I shall claim God’s power to live supernaturally.

 

http://www.cru.org

Wisdom Hunters

Wisdom Hunters – Out Serve Your Spouse 

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Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.   John 13:14-15

Out-serve your spouse. This is not natural to our selfish self, but out-serve your spouse, and you will start to see positive differences in both of you. Service makes them feel cared for and makes you feel fulfilled; Service makes them feel loved and makes you feel rewarded; Service makes them feel respected and makes you feel significant. Of course, unappreciated service can wear you down over time, but trust God. Allow Him to supply the strength for your service. If the Lord is not empowering your service, you will eventually burn out and possibly become resentful. Bitter service does not last, but joyful service does.

Serve your spouse out of gratitude to God for giving them to you. Serve them in the routines of life and when they least expect it. Serve them where they want to be served, not just where you want to serve them. It may be unloading the dishwasher, taking out the garbage, mowing the lawn, maintaining the house, or taking care of the cars. Their service may include an organized family, dinner at home, being on time, keeping a calendar, or planning a trip. If you are unsure, ask them how they like to be served.

Furthermore, carry this attitude of out-serving into your occupation. Be one who serves in the work place, especially if you are a leader or manager. Quietly and clandestinely clean up the break room, even wipe out the gooey microwave with its burst of flavors matted on the inside. Service from a sincere heart values and respects others.

Continue reading Wisdom Hunters – Out Serve Your Spouse  →

Today in the Word

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – A COPY OF HEAVENLY WORSHIP

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Exodus 25:8–22

One delightful attraction at Windsor Castle is Queen Mary’s Doll House, the largest doll house in the world. Equipped with electricity, running water, functioning elevators, and flush toilets, the Royal Collection Trust describes it as a “perfect replica in miniature of an aristocratic home.”

The Israelite tabernacle was a replica in miniature of God’s heavenly dwelling. Although God could not be contained in space, the tabernacle symbolized God’s intentional dwelling with His people on earth. The furnishings of the sanctuary reflected heavenly realities that God showed Moses on the mountain (v. 8; see Heb. 8:5).

First, notice God’s concern for beauty. The Ark of the Covenant (like the atonement cover and cherubim) was made “with pure gold, both inside and out” (v. 11). Later chapters reveal additional attention to beauty for the curtains, lampstand, and altars. The place of God’s dwelling reflected the worship of God in “the beauty of holiness” (Ps. 96:9, KJV). Second, the tabernacle reflected the cosmic reality of God’s heavenly dwelling. Just as God is surrounded in heaven by angelic beings (see Isa. 6:1–3), so too the ark was overshadowed by two massive cherubim (vv. 18–20). Third, the tabernacle underscored the centrality of God’s word for His people. Twice, Scripture repeats the instruction to “put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law” (vv. 16, 21). There, above the Ark of the Covenant, God would “meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites” (v. 22).

The tabernacle symbolized God’s dwelling with His people; but it required the acceptance and obedience of God’s word. God’s presence is most clearly manifested when His Word is established among His people.

APPLY THE WORD

When you join others in worship today, you participate in the beauty of worship, the cosmic dimension of worship, and the centrality of God’s Word in worship. As we look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ, give thanks that God has both revealed Himself to us and invited us into relational worship of Him.

 

http://www.todayintheword.org