Category Archives: Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Priority of Prayer

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Mark 1:35-37

Our Father does not consider prayer an optional part of the Christian life. The Bible tells us that two-way communication with God is essential.

The discipline of prayer includes . . .

  • An expectant attitude. We must believe that God has something important to say to us. It could be a strengthening reminder of His love, an insight into our situation, or the answer to a petition. With such an outlook, we’ll be listening more than we are speaking.
  • A focus on our heavenly Father. When we praise the Lord, our minds will let go of worldly things and center on Him. Thinking of His perfect character and sacrifice at the cross readies us to hear from Him and obey.
  • A willingness to see ourselves the way God does. The Holy Spirit works in us to produce Christlikeness. That means uncovering what is unholy and replacing it with righteousness. It also includes our recognizing when we demonstrate godly character (Gal. 5:22-23).
  • A surrender to His leadership. When we submit to Him as Lord, our petitions will be more in line with His will.
  • A regular “appointment.” It takes commitment to develop a life of strong faith. Daily activities will crowd out our conversations with the Lord unless we set the time and place to pray.

Everywhere Jesus traveled, the multitudes approached Him with their needs. Even though there were many people for Christ to help, He would regularly step away from the demands of the crowd to interact with His Father (Mark 6:45-46). Won’t you give prayer that same priority?

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Discerning the Source of Our Trials

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What was the last painful or stressful trial you experienced? Was it a struggle for you physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

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What was the last painful or stressful trial you experienced? Was it a struggle for you physically, emotionally, and spiritually? No one has ever lived a life completely free from pain, uncertainty, stress, and trials. The Bible makes this point abundantly clear. Jesus, Moses, Job, Peter, Paul, and all of the heroes of Scripture are portrayed as men and women who, at one time or another, underwent trying times of hardship and heartache. Now, thousands of years later, God’s servants are still undergoing hard times. Therefore, it is important that you learn how to cope with these harsh patches in life.

James 1:2 is a rather short verse, but it contains tremendous insight into the issue of life’s trials. The phrase “when you encounter various trials” includes three key words that demonstrate the universality of man’s hardships. First, it is significant that James uses the word “when.” This defines the issue; undergoing trials is not a matter of if but rather when. Second, when he says that you will “encounter” misfortune, he is stating that difficulties will arise unexpectedly; there may be no time to prepare for these dilemmas. Third, he uses the adjective “various” to denote the ever-changing, often-surprising forms in which trials appear.

There are lessons that can only be learned through hardship. Therefore, God will allow difficulties to enter into our lives for His purposes.

As you begin to examine the issue of life’s persistent difficulties, a reasonable question to ask is, “Where do these hard times come from?” There are, in fact, some specific sources of trials. The primary cause is simply making wrong decisions ourselves. Our God-given free will allows us the opportunity and responsibility of making our own choices. Unfortunately, though, even the most committed Christian will make mistakes when making decisions, and the result will be a period of hardship.

Another cause of trials is persecution by other people. This is certainly an impediment with which the early church was familiar. Writing to the suffering Christians scattered throughout the ancient world, Peter says, “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled” (1 Peter 3:14). Whether it is on account of your faith or for some other reason altogether, a sad fact of life is that the world is full of people who have the ability and desire to hurt you. This is certainly a challenge for Christians seeking to respond to their oppressors in a Christ-like manner.

A third source of trials is the fallen world in which we live. Sin has so permeated the earth that God’s original concept of paradise seems impossible. Tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, sickness, war, bloodshed, and crime are all the results of sin’s impact upon the world. Clearly, there is no way to escape the trials that seem to appear out of nowhere.

Not surprisingly, many trials often come straight from the Devil. After all, Satan is interested in ways in which he can torment us, and each attempt he makes has but one purpose—to draw us further away from God.

A final source of trials is the Lord. Many people resist this idea, believing that God desires only happiness for them. However, the truth is that God is more concerned with our maturity and development than He is our general happiness. That is difficult for some to accept, but our relationships with Him are far more important than our temporary well-being here on earth.

Often, there are lessons that can only be learned through hardship. Therefore, God will allow difficulties to enter into our lives for His purposes. Finding God’s reasoning for our suffering can be a daunting task, but when we view our hardships from our Father’s eternal perspective, we can begin to understand them more clearly. Therefore, the best starting point for understanding the rationale behind our trials is to prayerfully consider their source. The better we understand where these problems come from, the better we will be able to work through them.

Adapted from “The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible,” 2008

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Simplify!

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 Matthew 7:7-11

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father” (James 1:17 NLT).

It’s a beautiful truth. Every good thing in our lives comes from God—every single thing. Promotions and pancakes. Rain showers and relationships. Songs and sunsets. The astounding blessings God gives, and also the things He does so faithfully that we take them for granted.

And since all good things are from the Father’s hand, it is also true that our very existence depends on hearts that pump at a God-guided rhythm, lungs that breathe a recipe of air He created, brains that think thoughts through channels He wired. We can no more will our hearts to beat than we can move the moon. And we live, every second, because of this orchestrated ordinariness. Every single day.

That’s not to say life is or even should be without adversity or problems. But amid the highs and lows, it is good to remember God’s sustaining provision: He commanded rain to fall, guided sunbeams, and designed vegetation to replenish. All of this happens on a planet He holds in infinite space, in perfect position for each of these things to occur. And on this held planet, He endowed talents, granted mental aptitude, and bestowed physical abilities, according to His purposes.

The word from in James 1:17 makes this truth very personal: It implies a Giver of these good things. They are not simply of God, mere overspills of His goodness. They’re from Him—invented, given, and sent from your Father in heaven to you. And, good Father that He is, His gifts are always thoughtful, meaningful, purposeful. He gave you each provision, each ability, each heartbeat with beautiful intent.

When we start to see every good thing for the gracious gift it truly is, we will loosen our grip on life. There is no need to hoard money or belongings. They’re all bestowed by a gracious Father who can provide more if we were to give them away. Every ability and talent we have is a God-sent blessing. There’s no room for arrogance; we can rest in who the Lord made us to be. And we can enjoy the “little things”—the sunshine, the rain, those pancakes on Saturday morning. Because all things, even the “minor” ones, come from Him. And that means we are deeply loved, down to the most minute detail, with our lives resting on a foundation of God’s goodness.

As you unclench your hands on your possessions and talents and increasingly use them to glorify their Giver, you will discover the beauty and freedom that come with simplicity. Pressures will fade; joy will remain. So respond in kind, and let your life be read simply as a thank-You note to the Author of generosity.

—Laurin Greco

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Focusing on God

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Genesis 37:5-11

“Man is born for trouble” (Job 5:7). There is absolutely no way to avoid or escape this universal condition of mankind. As we continue to look at the life of Joseph, we catch a glimpse of the anchor that held him steady while, one after another, the waves of affliction rolled over him.

When Joseph was a teenager, he was given two dreams about God’s plans for his future. They revealed that he would one day be in a place of authority and honor, and his family would bow down to him. Especially since Scripture had not yet been written in those days, it was not uncommon for the Lord to speak to men through their dreams.

Previously, God had spoken to Jacob in a dream and given him a promise (Gen. 28:10-16). Now his son was hearing from the Lord in the same way. Joseph followed his father’s example of faith and believed the message.

God knew that Joseph was going to need a promise to get him through the difficulty that would soon follow. The Lord’s word to him was his anchor. Throughout all the trials, Joseph kept on believing that God would fulfill His promise. Instead of dwelling on the circumstances, Joseph chose to focus on the Lord’s faithfulness.

When the Lord speaks to our hearts through Scripture, we can hold onto what He says, allowing it to be an anchor for our souls. He will keep His promises to us, just as He did for Joseph. When we focus on God and His Word, our fears will dwindle, our sense of need will diminish, and our doubts will be cleared away.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Through Times of Trial

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 Genesis 39:19-23

When the problems of life seem overwhelming, we need someone to come alongside and help us to see our difficulties through the eyes of our sovereign God. Joseph is just such a person. Although he lived thousands of years ago, his story still speaks to us with great insight into the Lord’s purposes.

Joseph experienced a wide variety of trials—hatred, rejection, and betrayal by his brothers; loss of home, family, and freedom; false accusation and imprisonment; and the loneliness and disappointment of being forgotten. His life was a series of difficult and unfair situations, yet Scripture never records any bitterness or revenge in Joseph’s responses to all these circumstances.

Though outwardly it may have seemed as if God had abandoned the young man, He was doing some awesome work in Joseph’s heart. The Lord had big plans for him, and He knew that these trials would be the most effective tools in preparing His servant for the work that lay ahead.

As Joseph responded to each situation with faith in God and diligence in every task assigned to him, one fact became obvious to all who knew him: The Lord was with Joseph (Gen. 39:2, 21, 23).

We need to remember this when we are going through hard times: The Lord is with us even when our circumstances seem to shout that He has deserted us. We may have little control over the difficulties we face, but we each have a choice of how to respond. Joseph calls to us from out of the past, urging us to trust God.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – How to Light the Fire Again

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Matthew 22:36-38

Let’s continue looking at the Lord’s warning to the church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:4) The Ephesians are a model of cooled-down faith. Their fervor is gone, though they’re still going through the motions of serving God and even defending the faith.

Christ’s warning to the church at Ephesus applies to modern-day believers whose hearts have grown cold. He looks at distracted and complacent Christians who are laboring for every reason but the right one, and He exclaims, “What I want is not your empty service; I want you!”

The heart cools gradually as a person gives higher priority to other relationships and activities than to the Lord. Through our definition of idol as “false god,” Satan has subtly limited how we perceive the word. The truth is, anything that distracts from God qualifies as an idol. For example, a god of this age is sports. Many believers know more about stats than Scripture and show more passion in the stands than in a worship service.

Returning to a life of passionate ser-vice for God begins with repentance. We must assume responsibility for drifting away from our first love. Then, we’re to put Jesus Christ back on the throne of our heart and reconnect with Him through regular prayer and meditation on Scripture.

God desires an intimate relationship with every believer. So let me ask you a question: Are you excited about Jesus? Our best and purest devotion will be to whatever or whomever we prioritize. If that is not Jesus, repent and let Him rekindle the flame of your first love.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Priority of Relationship

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Revelation 2:1-7

Ephesus was home to a tremendous ministry. Despite opposition and harsh persecution, the church planted by Paul spread the gospel and was quick to challenge false prophets. But 30 years after the apostle left, John’s revelation included a stern warning for those believers.

Imagine how these words must have struck the Ephesians. After complimenting their service for the gospel, Christ said, “But I have this against you . . .” (Rev. 2:4). That phrase was, without a doubt, extremely disconcerting. The Lord warned them that they had left their first love. In other words, all of their work was being done with wrong motives.

Christ called the Ephesians to remember their love for Him and their delight in His salvation. Service is no substitute for an intimate relationship, but modern believers continue to fall into this subtle trap. The commendable things that we do count for nothing unless they stem from a vibrant personal connection with God. Our work cannot be effective or fruitful unless He is in it.

In fact, God is more interested in you and your personal relationship with Him than in a thousand lifetimes of good works. He desires to be the satisfaction and delight of His children so that their service is a result of loving devotion.

There are plenty of wrong reasons to labor for the kingdom. God wants all believers with selfish intentions to return to their first love. In that way, hearts and minds can be renewed, and service to the Lord will be more effective.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – THE BENEFITS OF WISDOM

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Learn about a few of the benefits to seeking the Lord’s wisdom.

 

Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God’s perspective and respond according to scriptural principles. What are a few of the benefits to seeking the Lord’s wisdom? Let’s look at what the Bible says.

  1. Clear Guidance From God

Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God’s perspective and respond according to scriptural principles.

Those who walk in wisdom receive the Father’s direction for their lives. While God’s children still have some painful experiences, they are spared many mistakes and false starts. Biblical principles spare believers numerous wrong decisions and hurtful relationships.

Nobody is better qualified to guide your steps or lead you to the right path than God.

  • According to Proverbs 3:5-6, what attitude best facilitates the Lord’s direction in a person’s life?
  • What benefits does Proverbs 3:21-26 promise to those who “keep sound wisdom and discretion” (v. 21)?

When we walk in divine wisdom, we can rest assured that the Lord is with us always. He won’t allow us to enter into any situation that He has not anticipated, nor will He permit a circumstance unless He intends it for our good.

  1. God’s Divine Protection

Wisdom protects us from various sources of wickedness, including:

  1. Evil in such forms as dangerous situations, harmful substances, and destructive circumstances. We are to reject evil and flee from it whenever possible.
  • What attitude gets a “fool” (unwise person) into trouble with regard to evil (Prov. 14:16)?
  1. People who entice us to do evil: Any person who tempts you to sin is not a friend. He or she wants to lead you into a situation that will ultimately cause you loss or harm (Prov. 2:10-18).
  1. Misleading emotions: Many people live according to the whims of their emotions. But “what feels good” isn’t always beneficial for us. Instead, we are called to trust the Holy Spirit for guidance rather than our desires, impulses, and feelings.
  • Why should we not trust our hearts (Prov. 28:26)?
  • Briefly describe a choice you made based on what “felt good” rather than what the Lord wanted you to do. What did you learn from that experience?
  1. A Good Self-Image

You are extremely important to God. The Father loves you, values you, and desires a close relationship with you. He has a specific plan for your life. These facts should give you confidence and a strong self-image.

At the very core of our self-image is the desire to be loved and regarded as lovable. Only God can fully satisfy that need. When we accept that He loves us unconditionally, we have the foundation for healthy, godly self-esteem.

  • Some believers feel God no longer loves them because of sin. Why is this rationale not biblical (Rom. 5:8)?
  • What should our attitude be toward ourselves (Prov. 19:8, Matt. 22:39)?

A proper, healthy love for yourself leads to generosity and selfless giving. It also fills you with confidence to move against the tide of popular opinion when necessary. Why? God loves and approves of you, and His opinion is the only one that matters.

  • Where are you in your journey to healthy self-esteem?
  1. Whole-Person Prosperity

The heavenly Father blesses us—and that involves our spirits, minds, and bodies (3 John 1:2). Prosperity from God’s perspective includes material goods as well as our relationships, health, and happiness, plus fruitfulness in His kingdom.

  • Proverbs 8:17-21 talks about “enduring riches and righteousness”—in other words, eternal wealth, such as knowing the Lord. What phrases in this passage indicate that earthly prosperity is included?
  • What characterizes God-given riches (Prov. 10:22)?

God provides for those of us who are His children—not simply for our own enjoyment, but also to enable our generosity to people in need.

  • This week, how could you bless another person with your spiritual, physical, or material riches?
  1. Good Health and a Long Life

Wisdom saves us from many difficulties in this life. It equips us to handle difficult circumstances and positions us to receive eternal rewards.

No one can promise another person a long life or healing from a particular disease. But in general, godly living is characterized by healthier living and length of days.

  • How does walking wisely affect your body (Prov. 3:7-8)?

Individuals who walk in wisdom utilize their time carefully because they view each day as valuable. They seek to use their gifts, talents, and other resources for God’s glory and His purposes. They take care of their bodies by getting physical exercise, adequate sleep, nutritious food, and sufficient relaxation.

  • In what way does the paragraph above not describe your life? What can you do this week to change that?

Closing: Wisdom saves us from many difficulties in this life. It equips us to handle difficult circumstances and positions us to receive eternal rewards. So discover and apply God’s wisdom for every situation—you won’t regret it.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word, which reveals how I am to live. Enable me to listen closely to Your voice, apply the principles of Scripture, and experience all the benefits of making wise choices. Amen.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Servanthood in a Culture of Celebrities

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Matthew 20:17-28

Every year Forbes magazine trots out its “Celebrity 100,” a list of the most famous people in the world. Our society sure loves its celebrities. They seem to have it all—fame, power, influence, and applause from the masses. Who wouldn’t want to be like them, at least on a small scale?

Unfortunately, the virus of celebrity worship can quickly develop into a full-blown case of celebrity envy, and when it came to Jesus’ disciples, they surely exhibited signs of infection. For three years the Lord has been training them to take the anti-celebrity path—the way of being unknown and un-famous, the path of secret goodness and unspectacular acts of mercy. But in the 20th chapter of Matthew, they still haven’t learned the lesson. This is the third time Jesus recites the horrific details of His impending death, which should have appalled and devastated His disciples. Instead, beginning with James and John, they start scrambling for the best seats in the house. Jesus is going to the cross, and they want to be stars.

Then things start to spiral out of control. The other 10 disciples, “indignant with the two brothers,” start puffing and preening with the cries of every celebrity wannabe: “Notice me,” “I was first,” and “I’m better than you.”

So Jesus enacts an intervention, first by warning them about the wrong way to live. “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them,” He says. Throughout human history, this wrong way has appeared utterly natural. No wonder Jesus’ prescription for the right way to live feels shockingly abnormal: “Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (vv. 25-27 NIV).

But Jesus doesn’t just give us good advice; He also becomes our servant and slave by offering His “life as a ransom for many” (v. 28). A ransom is a payment offered on behalf of someone held captive against his will. In this sense, the disciples aren’t just hostages of an oppressive Roman conqueror; they’re also captives of their own unloving attachment to fame, power, and privilege.

So Jesus has taken our place; He died the death we should have died. In light of His greatness and humility, no matter who Forbes trumpets next year, there’s room for just one real celebrity. By His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has permanently nabbed the top spot on the only list that matters. Thankfully, by His grace, this humble King invites us to join Him as His guests on the stage of redemption.

—Matt Woodley

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley –Willing to Wait for God’s Way

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Lamentations 3:24-26

Many Christians struggle to discipline themselves in the area of self-gratification. There are so many things we want right now. And to make matters worse, we usually have the ability to follow through on our desires. That’s what the credit card industry is all about: Have it now; pay later.

But finances aren’t the only area where we get into trouble. Some people are in a hurry to be married and therefore make an unwise choice regarding a mate. Others don’t even see marriage as necessary and opt for premarital sex instead of waiting for the right person. Then there are those who are just in a hurry to become successful and well-respected in their career, never giving any thought to whether the pursuit aligns with God’s plans for them.

One reason the Lord wants us to wait is to protect us from our own self-destructive ways. Those who can’t say no to their own desires end up enslaved by them. God wants us to be mature believers with the character and self-restraint to wait for His provision in His perfect time. Because the heavenly Father is omniscient, He alone knows what’s best. You can trust that if He asks you to wait, He has something more wonderful in mind than you could ever provide for yourself.

Does anything seem to have power over you? If so, it may be an area that requires the practice of self-restraint. Yield to the Lord and submit your desires to Him. Then begin saying no to temptations as you wait for God to reveal His will for your life.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Measure of Our Love

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John 14:15-24

As I studied today’s verses from John’s Gospel, I felt convicted about falling short of Jesus’ expectations. It’s easy to say, “Lord, I adore You,” but there have been times when I’ve used those words while resisting something He was trying to impress upon my heart. The old adage is true: Actions speak louder than words.

The measure of our love is obedience to the Lord’s commands and principles. Following His instructions is so important that Jesus stressed the point three times in today’s passage (vv. 15, 21, 23). This wasn’t a new concept for the disciples, either. They would have been familiar with the scriptural connection between love and obedience (Neh. 1:5; Dan. 9:4). In fact, God has always emphasized that the way to show our devotion is by doing what He says. (See Deut. 8:11; 10:12; 13:3-4.)

Scripture tells us that love for God is linked to obedience. The Lord told Joshua to meditate on Scripture day and night (Josh. 1:8). I read from the Bible every day so I can know how to obey, because that is the only way to stay faithful and show the Father my love.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Process of Forgiveness

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Ephesians 4:30-32

At some point, no doubt, you have been hurt. Probably, a person you loved and trusted did something unthinkable—something so devastating it changed your whole perspective on that individual. When this happens, we have a choice either to wallow in self-pity or to forgive.

Forgiveness is the act of giving up both the resentment we have toward someone and the desire to retaliate. It involves three important steps.

First, we must release the general feeling of resentment. That is, we must decide not to languish in our pain. This can be hard. Many people seem to enjoy harboring self-pity or an overarching sense of martyrdom. They sigh, “Oh, it’s just my lot in life to suffer.” No, it is not! You can choose to move past the hurt.

Second, we must surrender specific feelings of resentment toward the individual. That means we’re to give up our anger at being hurt and also seek to restore the broken relationship.

Third, we lay down all claims to retribution. You cannot forgive someone with your words while secretly wishing him or her harm. True forgiveness seeks the other person’s good, not punishment.

Forgiveness says, “Though you hurt me, I choose to pardon you. I won’t dwell on this, nor will I allow it to destroy my life or attitude. I won’t spend one minute plotting revenge. You are God’s precious child, and I love you.”

Truly, forgiving another person carries a price, but the rewards are worth it. Unleash the power of forgiveness in your life today.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – How God Calls

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1 Peter 2:9-17

God’s call on our life extends beyond the moment we receive salvation. He wants to develop Christlike character in us through the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. Every believer is given this call to sanctification—God’s intention is for all Christ-followers to be set apart. His Spirit enables us to turn from our old patterns of action and attitude so we can give ourselves exclusively to the Lord. Sanctification brings about genuine freedom from self-centered desires that keep us in bondage (Titus 3:3-7).

The Lord’s call to service requires total surrender. When God revealed His glory to Isaiah, the prophet offered himself completely (Isa. 6:8); Paul submitted his whole self to Christ on the Damascus road (Acts 9:15-19); even Jesus, our ultimate example, daily surrendered to His Father’s will (John 5:19). A life of surrender says, “God, whatever, whenever, wherever, and however You want it, my answer is yes.”

A willing response to each of these divine calls prepares the believer for God’s call to accountability. Scripture tells us that every person will experience a day of judgment. For those who refused God’s invitation to salvation, it will mean wrath and eternal separation from the Lord. For God’s children, it will be a day in which our response to His call on our lives will be evaluated. Only those things done at His direction and in His way will matter when that time comes; everything else will count for nothing (Ps. 127:1-2).

Daily, God is calling to you, wanting to speak with you about important matters. Are you listening to Him and responding?

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Call of God

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John 3:1-15

Do you ever think of God as “up close and personal”? Instead of being distant and unapproachable, the Creator of the universe has constantly sought to come near us. In order to save us, He chose to identify with man by sending His Son Jesus to live on earth. He also made it possible for His Spirit to indwell us as our counselor and guide. The Father invites everyone to have a personal relationship with Him. And He is pleased when we follow Him closely.

If we look at His call to various people throughout Scripture’s recorded history, it’s clear that this is not a general, vague offer (Jer. 1:5). God desires that you seek Him with all your heart so that you may find Him and the future He has planned for you (29:11-13). But God’s top priority for everyone is the call to salvation—He wants us to open the door of our heart so that He can cleanse us and do a transforming work in our lives. He calls us as individuals so that we will receive His love, forgiveness, and a new identity through spiritual rebirth.

Your eternal destiny depends upon a decision to answer His call with an open heart. To say yes is to embark on the adventure of a new life full of purpose—the life with Him that you were created to live. Have you responded to this incredible call on your life? If you have, reaffirm your commitment to Him. If you haven’t yet answered His invitation, make today the day that changes everything: Receive Jesus as your personal Savior, and make Him the Lord of your life.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Choosing to Pursue Wisdom

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Do you ever find yourself stunned by the circumstances of your life? Perhaps you’ve been genuinely surprised by the negative consequences you experience as the result of unwise decisions. When things go wrong, it’s common to wonder, What happened? and What did I do to deserve this?

Many times, people don’t ask the Lord to reveal wisdom on a matter before they act. Or they fail to take positive, precautionary measures. Still others choose to associate with individuals who are an influence for evil rather than good.

Foolish choices often lead to a snowballing effect of worsening circumstances. One bad decision leads to another, and the end result is costly. The sad news is that we suffer the consequences of our unwise actions whether we recognize our foolishness or not.

The apostle Paul wrote this challenge to the Ephesians:

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5:15-17).

In these two verses, God makes three things clear:

We must choose to pursue wisdom. It’s up to each of us to determine how we will walk through this life. Wisdom is not something a person stumbles into or acquires automatically. It must be sought out and pursued.

We must seek God’s plan. The person who walks in wisdom is aware of how he affects the world and how the world affects him. He recognizes that every person faces three enemies in life: the world system, the Devil, and the flesh. He seeks to know God’s plans and purpose—not only for his personal life, but also for every situation involving the people around him.

Those who love and search for wisdom have God’s promise that they will find it. Personified as a woman in the book of Proverbs, Wisdom says, “I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me” (8:17). Jesus affirmed Solomon’s counsel when He said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matt. 7:7-8).

We must take responsibility for applying wisdom to our lives. The person who walks in wisdom feels a responsibility for his actions and use of time. He knows that he has been given a limited quantity of minutes, hours, days, months, and years. He is aware that that those hours must be spent in a way that produces the largest amount of good. God has entrusted him with certain resources that must be used to further His kingdom.

The Christian who walks wisely is acutely aware of the Enemy of his soul who seeks to ensnare him through temptations and enslave him through the world’s system. He lives with soberness and caution, saying “no” to anything that undermines God’s will.

Wisdom is something we choose to live out, not a vague entity. It is related to the concrete, material world and is applicable to every life circumstance.

God calls us to be wise in every decision of our lives. We need His wisdom in our business dealings, health choices, relationships, parenting, finances, and our walks with Him. No area of life is beyond need, ignored by God’s Word, or off-limits to His wisdom.

Not everyone can become famous, wealthy, or educated. But the good news is, anyone can become wise. No matter who you are or where you live, you can reverence God, receive Jesus Christ as Savior, and submit your life to the Lord on a daily basis. Will you accept God’s challenge to become wise and walk in His wisdom daily?

Adapted from “Walking Wisely” by Charles F. Stanley, 2002.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Choosing the Right Path

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Matthew 16:24-27

The Father has opened a way for sinners to be forgiven and set on the path of righteousness—namely, through faith in His Son. Trusting in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior makes us members of God’s family and takes us immediately onto the narrow road, which is only for His followers.

As we journey on this heavenward highway, the Holy Spirit acts as our guide and teaches us what we need to know. Through Him, we develop the ability to look beyond the temporal to the eternal: With spiritual eyes, we will catch glimpses of the Lord’s majesty, comprehend the depth of our Savior’s love for us, and experience the invisible, powerful presence of the Spirit. We will witness the awe-inspiring transformation of ordinary, pride-filled human beings into humble, loving ambassadors for Christ. Our minds will grasp the truths of God’s Word, and we will hear Him speaking to us through it. On the broad road, none of these things are possible.

Despite such amazing blessings, we at times all wander from the Lord’s will. We might be drawn away by the glitter of material things, the temporary satisfaction of self-indulgence, or a desire to be part of the crowd. Whatever we hope to find outside of God’s plan proves illusive and temporary. Only by walking with Christ on the path of godliness will we find the security and contentment we crave.

If you are drifting in your Christian life, allowing the world’s priorities to direct your steps, then you need to turn back. Jesus calls you to deny yourself and commit to following Him alone

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Narrow Road

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Matthew 7:13-14

Like many people today, the Israelites in Jesus’ time believed they were destined for heaven. They mistakenly thought that to join God’s family, good works and an intellectual faith were all that He required.

To help us grasp the truth about how to enter His Father’s kingdom, Jesus described two roads leading in opposite directions. One is a broad highway, where most people travel. Theirs is an easy journey, as it requires few commitments and allows all kinds of philosophies. Because just about everything is acceptable, each person is free to be self-indulgent and choose whatever seems best. The broad path promises to give us whatever we desire, but in the end, it delivers nothing of lasting value.

The other road is narrow. It has a small entrance, because there is only one way to be reconciled to God—through faith in Christ. Traveling on this path requires a commitment to the Savior and a lifestyle of dependence, sacrifice, and trust.

Once we belong to Jesus, the Holy Spirit empowers us for everything that is required on the way of righteousness: loving God with our whole heart, loving our neighbors, and carrying out the Lord’s purposes. His plans are to take precedence over our own. In contrast to the disappointments on the broad road, every divine promise is guaranteed.

Each of us must choose which path to take: the wide one that ends in hopelessness and eternal separation from the Lord, or the narrow one leading to life everlasting. If you desire a relationship with God through Jesus, just ask Him.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Forgiveness: An Act of Love

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 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Forgiving those who have wronged us is a tough command to follow. Our human nature finds it easier and more satisfying to hold onto our anger. But as vessels of God’s love, Christians no longer live according to the impulses of the flesh. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, when someone mistreats us, we can not only forgive but also show love to that person.

First Corinthians 13:5 tells us that . . .

  • Love does not seek its own. Many people are preoccupied with their “rights.” Yet the idea of entitlements is a worldly construct, not a biblical mandate. That’s not to say we should allow others to take advantage of us; rather, the Bible teaches that our primary concern should be something other than our own interests—namely, we’re to be focused on showing God’s love to our enemy (Matt. 5:44).
  • Love is not provoked. Maintaining a peaceful spirit when we are irritated is difficult. But the moments when we are persecuted or wronged are precisely the times we most need to be mindful of God’s love flowing through us. Think how often Jesus had to face religious leaders who deliberately provoked Him, and yet, on the cross, He sought the Father’s forgiveness for them, too.
  • Love does not take into account a wrong suffered. God’s love flowing through us can carry away a hurt done by another person. But we must allow this to happen instead of holding onto pain.

People will wrong us. But if we have a caring attitude and refuse to be provoked or preoccupied with rights, then we will be able to let go of bitterness and forgive with love.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Message in the Storm

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Psalm 62:1-8

One of the most difficult things we’re to do as Christians is to “[wait] in silence for God only” (Ps. 62:1). We tend to think of waiting as passively sitting back until something happens. However, in the midst of a stormy life event, we don’t like inactivity. Our instinct is to react quickly and force things to change.

But in this psalm, the word wait has a different meaning—it connotes “pause for further instructions.” Instead of opting for passivity, we must choose to stop our actions and listen for God’s directive. Sometimes the Lord is silent for a season, but He always has a purpose. He knows the perfect time for us to act, and until that moment, we need to wait. It takes more strength and character to be still in the midst of a storm than to frantically seek our own solution.

I can tell you that I, too, at times wait impatiently. When that happens, I can become nervous and question God or complain. But those reactions do not fit who we are as Christians. Paul tells us plainly to “be anxious for nothing” (Phil. 4:6); he instructs us instead to pray to the Lord, who offers peace. We’re to wait in silence without complaining, which means we must have patience. In order for that to happen, we must trust in God’s wisdom, love, power, and timing. We can’t go wrong when we rely on Him.

The key to finding peace in the storm is waiting for God only. When we refuse to do so, we are more likely to make bad decisions. He hears our every prayer, but we must be willing to wait in silence and listen for His reply.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Responding to Our Trials

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1 Peter 4:12-19

What is your usual response when you face times of trouble? Are you inclined to stand and fight? Perhaps you are convinced that you’re strong enough to handle any obstacle. Or maybe you do what so many others do: run as far and as fast as you can.

Trials are unavoidable in life. Instead of deciding how best to avoid them, we should instead focus on the way to respond to them. There are several things for the Christian to do when confronted with conflict.

First, we should trust God, based on His holy Word. Scripture assures us that the Lord knows our limits and will therefore never allow us to be pushed or tempted beyond our ability to persevere (1 Cor. 10:13).

Second, we must trust in His faithfulness. In times of trouble, take time to reflect on previous hardships. Did God help you then? What was the result of that trial? How has He shown Himself to be faithful at other times? (See Ps. 37:23-24.)

Third, we must make a conscious decision to persevere. Romans 5:3-5 reveals that persistence is a vital part of a healthy growing Christian life. Our encouragement is that perseverance in the face of trials leads to the hope which “does not disappoint” (v. 5).

Finally, it is important to acknowledge the sovereignty of almighty God. Our heavenly Father is never surprised by the tragedies in our lives. Rather, He stands ready to work in us (Phil. 2:13), through us (1 John 4:4), and for us (Rom. 8:31) to bring us to the point of victory in His Son Jesus Christ.