Daily Archives: December 16, 2017

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Stepping Into Temptation

Leave a comment

 

James 1:13-16

Temptation can be defined as an inducement to do evil. Three powerful forces work together to ruin a believer’s character and witness: Satan, the world system, and our own lustful flesh tendencies. Being tempted isn’t a sin, but yielding is. We commonly hear the expression “falling into temptation,” but in reality, we walk into it, one step at a time. Throughout the journey, we have a choice to stop our downward progression into this dangerous territory or to move ahead and suffer the consequences.

The process starts in the mind. While it is impossible to prevent every enticing thought, we can choose how long to hold on to each one. By entertaining an idea, we take another step downward—into the imagination. One of the devil’s greatest deceptions is to convince us that experiencing the pleasures of sin in our fantasies isn’t really that bad. After all, we haven’t actually carried it out.

Satan knows the power of our thoughts. By gaining this foothold, he has seized the greatest motivator of the human will—desire. Those “harmless imaginations” now turn into blazing passions that crave satisfaction. That’s just a step away from uniting the desire with action, at which point all opposition has vanished and we give in to sin.

Resisting temptation becomes harder with each progressive step. Begin the fight early by rejecting tempting thoughts and refusing to dwell on the promised pleasure. Instead, consider sin’s consequences. The cost is always higher than our fleeting enjoyment.

Bible in One Year: Titus 1-3, Philemon 1

 

http://www.intouch.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Big World, Bigger God

Leave a comment

 

Read: Colossians 1:12–17

Bible in a Year: Amos 4–6; Revelation 7

For by [Jesus] all things were created.—Colossians 1:16 NASB

As we drove through northern Michigan, Marlene exclaimed, “It’s unbelievable how big the world is!” She made her comment as we passed a sign marking the 45th parallel—the point halfway between the equator and the North Pole. We talked about how small we are and how vast our world is. Yet, compared to the size of the universe, our tiny planet is only a speck of dust.

If our world is great, and the universe is vastly greater, how big is the One who powerfully created it? The Bible tells us, “For by [Jesus] all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Col. 1:16 NASB).

This is good news because this same Jesus who created the universe is the One who has come to rescue us from our sin for every day and forever. The night before He died, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NASB).

When facing the large and small challenges of life, we call on the One who made the universe, died and rose again, and won victory over this world’s brokenness. In our times of struggle, He powerfully offers us His peace. —Bill Crowder

Lord, I’m grateful that You are greater than my mind could ever comprehend. Help me to trust You today.

God’s grace is immeasurable, His mercy inexhaustible, His peace inexpressible.

INSIGHT: In Colossians Paul combats false teaching that seems to have included both Jewish asceticism (severe self-discipline) and the idea that the material world is bad and we are saved by avoiding it (see 2:16-23)—ideas similar to what would later be known as Gnosticism. Paul argued that the teachers of such “idle notions” (2:18), despite appearing wise (v. 23), were missing the point entirely. By focusing on their own ideas and rules (vv. 18, 22), they were missing Christ—the One through whom everything holds together (v. 19).

Colossians 1:15-17, often believed to be a Christian hymn, beautifully reinforces the truth that the gospel includes hope for the material world, God’s good creation. Because Jesus is the One who holds creation together (vv. 17-18), He restores not only harmony between people and God but between the creation and God (v. 20). Believers, as those living in His kingdom (vv. 12-14), can experience a taste of this renewed creation, even as we long for the final restoration.

How might Colossians 1:12-17 give us hope that God cares about and is involved with the particular areas of brokenness in our lives and world? Monica Brands

 

http://www.odb.org

Today in the Word

Moody Global Ministries – Today in the Word – GOD’S INTENTIONS FOR THE WORLD

Leave a comment

A GPS navigational system can be a useful tool when driving in unfamiliar territory. Sometimes after taking a wrong turn, however, the best navigational advice is simply, “Turn around.”

Our reading today offers the spiritual equivalent to this GPS command: repentance. Although God was “very angry” (1:2) over Israel’s disobedience, His command through Zechariah was intended to get them back on track. “Return to me . . . and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty” (1:3). The path toward that reconciliation was quite simple: “Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices” (1:4). Repentance is the shortest and most effective means of restoring our relationship with God.

Like many drivers who refuse to follow the GPS advice, previous generations of Israelites failed to heed God’s prophets. Despite God’s warnings, “they would not listen or pay attention to me” (1:4). But now this generation was different; they repented and recognized that “the LORD Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve” (1:6). It was the first step on a path toward a better relationship with God.

The result of their repentance was a beautiful, joyous promise of reconciliation. God urged His people to “Shout and be glad” because “I am coming, and I will live among you” (2:10). The people would once again be restored to the land. But do not miss the bigger picture here. God intended a relationship with more than just Israel. “Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people” (2:11). His call was for “all mankind” to “be still before the LORD” (2:13). God’s intention is to have relationship with all of His creation, not just one particular people group.

APPLY THE WORD

God’s reconciling love. Ask your pastor or local church leaders about opportunities to support missionary efforts, Bible translation, or disaster relief services in Christ’s name. You can be part of spreading the gospel through your gifts and prayers.

 

http://www.todayintheword.org

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Learn to Trust God’s Plan for You

Leave a comment

 

Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.— Psalm 37:5

You can simplify your life by learning to develop trust in God. Far too often, we don’t allow ourselves to trust. Maybe your trust has been betrayed too many times in the past, or maybe you’re just a very independent person. Even so, it’s so critical to learn to trust God.

It’s easy to get stressed-out and run-down trying to make your life work on your own, but that never works. And God’s plan is always better than your own. The person who trusts God knows that His way is best.

Now, trust won’t just magically happen. Trust grows as we take steps of faith and experience God’s faithfulness. You have to resist doubt, fear, insecurity, or maybe even your fierce independence so you can pursue a life of trusting God completely. When you do that, you won’t have to struggle so much to make your life work.

Trusting God brings a supernatural rest to our souls, allowing us to live simply and freely, the way He wants us to live. So even when it doesn’t make sense, trust Him, and experience His freedom and rest.

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Trusting an Unchanging God

Leave a comment

 

“God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those He promised to help would be perfectly sure and never need to wonder whether He might change His plans” (Hebrews 6:17).

If there is one characteristic that might describe us all, more than any other trait, it would have to be that we are changeable and unpredictable. We are not dependable. How wonderful then to know and serve someone who never changes – who is the same yesterday, today and forever. We can know what to expect from Him in any given situation without fear of a sudden change in behavior, thought or purpose.

A scientist knows there are laws governing the universe and that those laws are inviolate. Thus, when President John F. Kennedy challenged industry to put a man on the moon, a mobilized army of scientists and engineers was able to accomplish the feat within nine years from the drawing board stage. When the assignment was given, no one knew what to do, and yet there were basic laws – dependable, trustworthy laws of the universe – on which they could build. Through much creative planning and thinking, the miracle occurred.

Today, it is commonplace to send men into space. God of the universe, who established the laws that govern all life, never changes. Our moods and our attitudes and actions vacillate, but God never changes. That is the reason we can absolutely, without question, believe His promises, and in so doing, release His mighty supernatural resources in terms of money, manpower and technology to envelop the entire world of almost five billion people with the most joyful news ever announced.

We are reminded in Hebrews 11:6 that without faith it is impossible to please God. Have you learned how to claim the promises of God by faith? When you do, you will learn how to live supernaturally.

Bible Reading: Psalms 102:24-28

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Realizing that God has bound Himself with an oath to keep His promise, I shall trust and obey Him no matter what happens, for this is the way to supernatural living. This is the way to maximize myself for the glory of God.

 

http://www.cru.org

Streams in the Desert

Streams in the Desert for Kids -The Choir to End All Choirs

Leave a comment

 

Revelation 14:3

Once in a while a writer in the Bible pulls the curtain back and we get to look into heaven. That’s what happens in Revelation 14. Wow! What a sight!

Picture this: There are 144,000 believers standing on top of a mountain. Soon there is the sound of harps being played before the throne of God and before the thrones of the twenty-four elders who are nearby. There are four creatures near the throne that are covered with eyes—even under their six wings. All these creatures constantly give glory, honor, and thanks to God. (See Revelation 4:4–11.) Then the 144,000 begin to sing a song about how they had been redeemed (saved) from the earth.

It is a song that only they can sing. It is a song of redemption. The angels cannot sing it. Only those who have experienced God’s grace and transforming power can sing this kind of song. What a choir!

Our life on earth, including the hardships, is part of our “training” to sing songs of redemption in heaven. When we accept salvation, we become part of the future choir. God’s Spirit says, “Let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17). That’s all we have to do to join in the celebration around the throne of God at the end of time.

Dear Lord, I want to be a part of the great choir that sings around your throne in heaven. Amen.

Wisdom Hunters

Wisdom Hunters – Be Open to Adjusting Your Plans 

Leave a comment

David inquired of the LORD, and he answered, Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. 2 Samuel 5:23

Many times, plans are made to be adjusted, as the Lord is in the business of leading and guiding us through the planning process of discovery. It is imperative that we remain nimble, flexible, and open to His leadership. What worked yesterday, may not work tomorrow. Prayerfully seeking the wisdom of God is the GPS (Global Positioning System) needed to define His process and locate His destination.

Do not be afraid to scrap the old plan and script a new one. God delights in leading you through the informal back door, and not necessarily the formal front door. What your friend experienced may be just the opposite of your experience. This is why it is wise to follow Christ’s critical path. The path of Jesus may seem perilous, but you can be guaranteed His presence is in the middle of your planned adjustments.

If you remain bound by your plan, you may miss the success of His. Man sets the plan, but the Lord extracts it from his heart—though it may not seem logical at the moment. Yes, it is somewhat embarrassing to change course for the umpteenth time, however it is better to make a midcourse correction and suffer a little shame, than to wait too long and be humiliated by our stubbornness. God’s best, often, is not a direct linear path. He is most creative in leading us on a trail of trust.

The plan of God requires ongoing prayer that asks Him to purify your motives and to clarify His plan to you. Ask Christ to confirm your coordinates to His destination. Whatever path you are blazing, He has been there before. It is typically harder to discern God’s best when you are encountering someone or something for the very first time. There are many unknowns and so many opportunities to pursue.

So over-apply due diligence by not rushing into first-time experiences with blind optimism. If you do, you might regret it. Trying to rush God’s will is frustrating and will cause you to fret. God’s will, reflected upon and clarified, is encouraging and will cause you to rest. It is okay to change today if He has amended what you thought He told you yesterday. Just make sure the Holy Spirit is guiding your steps.

Lastly, it is not unusual to discover His best over a period of time. If you make His minor adjustments daily, your course correction does not seem as radical. If you refuse to discern His plan daily, then one day you will wake up in need of a revolutionary reaction. So much so, perhaps, that you scare people away.

So, be wise to let God lead you down what may be the unconventional road of His will. Inform others along the way so they are not surprised by any sudden change. Humility is willing to allow the Lord to lead you in a different direction. Wisdom is being able to get it done while leading others to do the same. Expect your plans to need adjustment, and trust God with the outcome. Adjustable plans are the best laid plans. Hold your plan with an open hand, which rests in the hand of the Lord.

The Bible teaches, “We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD’S purpose prevails” (Proverbs 19:21, The Message).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, show me the way and give me the courage to adjust as I go, in Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Application: What plan do I need to revisit and change since my situation has changed?

Related Readings: Proverbs 16:9, 20:24; Isaiah 8:10; Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Corinthians 1:12-17

 

Home