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Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Do Fathers Really Matter?

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Charles Stanley

Ephesians 5:22-6:4

A great deception is spreading in our culture. It’s the idea that fathers are irrelevant. This attitude is promoted on television, in movies, and throughout the media. Men are generally portrayed as shallow, self-absorbed, and ignorant. Because of her husband’s inadequacy, the mom is pictured as the one who comes to the rescue and wisely solves the family’s problems. Furthermore, the prevalence of divorce and the absence of men in the home have led many people in our society to consider fathers unnecessary.

But let us consider what the Lord says about men. After all, He created the family and established the roles for each member. First, God has designated that the husband is to be the head of the wife (Eph. 5:23). Next, He prescribed that children are to honor and obey their parents (6:1-2). This has nothing to do with value; He’s simply describing areas of responsibility. All people are valuable—and that includes fathers.

According to God’s Word, fathers are to be honored. Now, I know some of you did not experience the blessing of being raised in a home led by a godly man; however, this command isn’t dependent upon the circumstances or the person. We are to honor our fathers because of the position given to them by God. Although our dads may have failed in many ways, we are still to treat them with respect.

Instead of taking your father for granted or finding fault, stop and recall the reasons you can be thankful for him. Father’s Day is a good opportunity to express your gratitude to him in word and deed.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Power of Loving Unconditionally

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Charles Stanley

Colossians 3:21

By expressing unconditional love, parents are empowered to raise their children to be confident adults. When we accept each child’s unique nature, we lay a foundation for good self-esteem. Often, we unintentionally inflict damage on a young one’s ego by confusing actions with personhood—a child might hear criticism as “I’m bad” rather than “my behavior was wrong.” Children need parental guidance and discipline, but these must be wrapped in actions and language that convey love.

The alternative—correction aimed at making a child into the adult Mom or Dad desires (instead of the one God intends)—promotes a rebellious spirit. Think of the popular child-rearing axiom “Pick your battles” in these terms: “Pick the battles that affect the child’s soul.” Passing fads and weird clothing or hair choices are not worthy battles, whereas issues related to honesty, integrity, and obedience call for a parent’s guidance.

The result of unconditional love and its by-products—self-esteem and obedience—is that children build good relationships. They will be prepared to accept others with the same attitude their parents showed them. This is important because a wounded child will one day struggle to express wholehearted love to a marriage partner or to receive it in return.

Conveying acceptance to a child doesn’t cost money, but it does take time. Parents love their kids through actions and attitudes—namely, taking an interest in a child’s activities, listening intently, and offering encouragement and praise. Do your kids know you love them?

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – A Child’s First Image of God

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Charles Stanley

Ephesians 5:1-2

A child’s first image of God is his earthly father. We Christians spend a lot of time discussing ways to protect or improve our witness. We need to live our faith in front of coworkers and friends, but in the privacy of our home, we want our family to see Jesus in us, as well. If we show forgiveness, patience, and acceptance, then our children will expect to find those traits in the Lord.

Similarly, negative behaviors—like consistent harshness, busyness, or emotional neglect—also shape a child’s view of God. I remember a young man who came to me worried about his salvation. He had received Christ as his personal Savior but wasn’t convinced that he was truly forgiven. When I opened the Scriptures to share some assurances with him, he responded, “I believe them, but I’m just not sure God’s promises apply to me.” He seemed surprised when I then asked about his relationship with his father. During our conversation, it came out that his dad had often made promises he failed to keep. Now, years later, the son lacked certainty that God would keep His word.

Being a reflection of the Lord requires no special skills; the only training guide we need is the Bible. By approaching fatherhood as an area of service and ministry, all men are able to be successful dads. As with any service rendered for God, the Holy Spirit offers fathers the wisdom and guidance they need for raising their children.

Be sure that you are attentive to the words of the heavenly Father. Then your children will rise up and call you blessed.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Negative Power of Rejection

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Charles Stanley

Ephesians 4:29-32

As a pastor, I’ve had many wounded children in my office. They might be adults, but the little boy or girl inside of them is still grieving over a parent’s lack of acceptance.

Parents have significant power to negatively shape a child’s life by making him or her feel rejected. Without the steady foundation of unconditional parental love, such kids become adults whose entire life experience is shaped by their earliest feelings. These walking wounded cannot trust in others’ care for them—they are waiting for the rejection that they believe is inevitable. Friendly advice is often heard as criticism, and even a forgotten birthday may be seen as a sign of dislike.

Many mothers and fathers are probably thinking, I love my kids; I accept them! Rejection, however, can be subtle. For example, parents may think they’re providing guidance by suggesting more conventional music selections, hair styles, or fashion choices. But this type of criticism is often received as an attack on the child’s personhood—an indication that he or she isn’t measuring up. The same sort of thing can happen at a Little League game. If Dad says, “You would have hit that pitch if you had watched the ball as I taught you,” his son’s delicate ego hears, “If you performed better, I’d be happy with you now instead of irritated.”

Unwise criticism can be interpreted as rejection, leaving a child feeling unloved or unworthy of love. On the other hand, discipline and instruction, which are necessary for children’s maturity, confront their actions and attitudes while communicating a parent’s acceptance.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Overcoming Distractions

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Charles Stanley

Nehemiah 4:1-20

On a daily basis, we are faced with distractions. Things like gossip, criticism, financial pressure, poor health, conflict, personal desires, and effusive praise from others bombard us. Any of these can influence us to turn away from God’s perfect plan. But today’s passage shows us the value of . . .

Single-mindedness. Nehemiah feared the Lord and conscientiously applied himself to His work. His mind was not divided. If we set our attention solely on God’s plan, our minds will stay fixed on the task, regardless of the difficulties.

God’s favor. The Lord’s blessing is always upon us when we’re obedient to Him. This knowledge gave Nehemiah confidence, and it should do the same for us, even in hard times.

Accountability. Nehemiah had to give a progress report to the king about what had been accomplished. One day we’ll stand before Jesus and account for how we used resources and gifts (1 Cor. 3:12-15).

Consistency in our prayer life. When the Israelites were ridiculed, they were helpless to stop their opponents’ speech. So Nehemiah prayed, and the people received strength to continue. As the plotting worsened, Nehemiah and his fellow workers cried out to God, who not only frustrated their enemies’ plans but also provided His people with discernment about how to avoid traps.

Nehemiah completed the ambitious project in just 52 days (Neh. 6:15). When we follow his example, God can achieve great things in and through us. Which of the above points from Nehemiah’s life can help you overcome your distractions?

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Dealing With Distractions

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Charles Stanley

Nehemiah 1:1-2:20

When Nehemiah was cupbearer to the king, his heart was deeply troubled by news of the Israelites’ plight and the condition of their city. With the king’s permission, he set out to rebuild Jerusalem. He encountered obstacles but refused to be distracted from the task. His example shows the importance of . . .

• Being in the center of God’s will. When Nehemiah cried out to God about his brothers back home and the city’s state of disrepair, the Lord showed him exactly what to do. God also caused the king to be favorably disposed toward the request and to provide all that was needed. Knowing we are where God wants us to be will give us confidence to handle trials without being sidetracked.

• Remembering what the goal is. Nehemiah knew that the Lord’s priority for him was to rebuild the city. God has planned things for us to do, too, and His work is always of great value. We are not to underestimate our part in it, no matter how small it seems to us.

• Accomplishing each task. Following every crisis, Nehemiah returned to the task at hand. By remembering the Lord’s goal, we will stay in our God-appointed place, carry out each step, and remain on course.

• Identifying our distractions. Those who seek to interrupt our work, divert our attention, or attack us personally are not from God. With the Father’s help, Nehemiah recognized whom to heed and whom to ignore.

For the most part, distractions originate outside of ourselves. Who or what usually distracts you?

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Roadblock of Doubt

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Charles Stanley

Have you experienced so much failure that you’re afraid to try again? Have you ever felt alone, wondering if God cares about your dreams? Is it difficult to believe that biblical promises will really work for you? If so, you might be held back from pursuing your God-given purpose by what I call the roadblock of doubt.

Believing you can achieve a goal is vital to reaching it. The writer of Hebrews says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). After you receive His gift of salvation, obeying God includes pursuing goals He has designed for your life. Without faith in God—and without believing He will reward those who diligently seek Him—you will fail.

Perhaps you doubt because you lack understanding that God is with you always. I encourage you to read aloud one of these passages of Scripture until you truly believe it:

  • Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
  • Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
  • Hebrews 13:5: “I will never desert you nor will I ever forsake you.”
  • Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

When I experience momentary doubt, I usually get on my knees, open my Bible, and read it aloud to God, saying, “Lord, this is what You have said in Your Word. I trust You to do this in my life.”

Another reason people doubt is their past failures.Most of us need to stop looking over our shoulders at past mistakes. By doing so, they carry guilt over sins the Lord has already forgiven and forgotten. If God has forgiven you—which He says He does every time you confess your sins to Him—then forgive yourself. (See John 1:9.) It isn’t possible to mess up so badly that God will reject you or turn away from using you.

Thinking that you’re a failure will cause you to act like one, and the things you attempt to do will miss the mark. Choose to lay down your defeatist mindset, and embrace your identity as a beloved, spiritually-gifted child of God.

Don’t wait for someone else to do what is really your responsibility. Too often people expect others to provide opportunities and blessings to help them succeed. God wants you to reach the goals He designed uniquely for you. Nobody else can do the believing or the work necessary to accomplish His plans for your life.

Take God at His Word. Many people read the Bible but then conclude, “That’s for somebody else.” What you read in the Scriptures is for you. Count on it.

Jesus gave us great encouragement about what happens to those who face life with faith rather than doubt. He taught that they could move mountains (Mark 11:22-24). Such a large feat may take time––in some cases, years or decades, but it is possible when a believer is yielded to the Holy Spirit and perseveres in His power.

Consider a young man who is called to a life of preaching the gospel. The Lord doesn’t say, “I expect you to produce 50 years’ worth of sermons.” Rather, the Lord says, “I set before you the goal of preaching the gospel as long as you are alive, as effectively and irresistibly as you can.”

The young preacher needs to say, “What does the Lord want to say through me to the people in my church this week?” With that attitude of trust and dependence, he is likely to believe God for a good sermon each week, one at a time. Then, if he lives long enough, he’ll have sermons for 50 years.

Focus your energy on short-range goals, where it will be most effective and potent. Over time, your faith will grow stronger as your goals become more challenging. Only as you look back will you be able to say, “I lived by faith.” And that, of course, is precisely God’s desire for you (2 Cor. 5:7).

Do you doubt your ability to reach God-given goals? If your answer is yes, confess your need to the Lord. Ask Him to forgive you. Then ask Him to help you move forward in your life. Push doubt aside, and act as the saved, Spirit-filled, gifted child of God that you are.

Adapted from Success God’s Way (2000).

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – When the Trumpet Blows

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Charles Stanley

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

When it comes to learning about the end times and the return of Christ, many believers feel confused by the elaborate symbolism the Bible uses to describe these events. Clearly there are certain mysteries regarding the end of life as we know it, and God has chosen to present some of these topics in unique and interesting terms.

One revelation, however, is quite clear: We can be certain of the sights, sounds, and feelings surrounding the moment when Jesus returns, as today’s passage makes clear.

We will hear the magnificent voice of the Lord as He descends from heaven. The voice of the archangel and the sound of a trumpet of God will also be audible (v. 16).

We will see Jesus Christ with the archangel, and the deceased saints who had trusted in the Lord will be raised to meet them in the air (vv. 16-17).

We will feel our bodies instantly transformed as we are “caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (v. 17).

With these miraculous happenings mapped out for us in God’s Word, there is no reason to feel fearful about the return of our Savior. It will be a time of worship and rejoicing. No matter what happens in the world around us from now until then, we know that we can place our confidence in Jesus Christ. Just as He promised, He will return—accompanied by the archangel and announced by a trumpet—to take His children home for eternity.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Importance of Baptism

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Charles Stanley

Matthew 3:13-17

Children will frequently identify themselves with superheroes or other characters. For a time, they will adopt the mannerisms, dress, and speech patterns of their current favorite. As Christians, we are supposed to identify closely with Jesus and emulate His actions.

The Lord has commanded us to follow His example in all things, including baptism (Matt. 28:19). At the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, John the Baptist was calling Jewish people to confess their sins and demonstrate repentance through immersion in the Jordan River. The Son of God—who had no sin—asked John to baptize Him. Jesus was affiliating Himself with sinful man. When we follow His example in the waters of baptism, we are publicly confessing our faith in the Savior and identifying ourselves with Him.

By participating in baptism, we demonstrate our connection not only with Jesus but also with our brothers and sisters in the faith: We are all members of one body under the authority of the same Lord (Col. 1:18). It is important to remember that baptism is not a requirement for salvation; only faith in Jesus Christ is (Eph. 2:8-9). But in order to be obedient, we’re to be baptized after making the decision to follow Him.

Belief in Jesus is not something to be hidden away like a light under a bowl (Luke 11:33). It should be expressed in words and actions. Have you matched your confession of faith with the act of baptism?

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Jesus, the Perfect God-Man

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Charles Stanley

John 20:30-31

People’s attitudes toward Jesus Christ tend to fall into three categories. First, there are some who don’t believe He is God. They reject, diminish, or ignore His character and lifesaving work, claiming He was simply a good person. Second, there are some who intellectually acknowledge Jesus is God’s Son but have no personal relationship with Him. Third, true followers believe Christ is Savior (Rom. 10:9). Through genuine faith, believers are made part of His family.

Ephesians 2:1-2 says that before salvation, we all are spiritually dead and living according to our sin nature. Those who don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus remain in that state. But when a person places faith in Him, spiritual birth takes place; he or she is made alive in Christ and becomes a new creation who is no longer to live according to the flesh (John 3:3; Eph. 2:5; 4:24).

Our position in the Lord affects everything about us—attitudes, emotions, conversation, and conduct. The ungodliness of our culture no longer fits who we are. As believers, we are to grow in Christlikeness, embracing ideas, thought patterns, and activities that please God, while rejecting all others.

Jesus is the perfect God-man, who willingly took our sins upon Himself and experienced divine wrath in our place. God accepted His death as full payment for our sins, and He raised Jesus from the dead to a position of divine glory (Eph. 1:20). His Spirit now lives within us. So understand who Jesus Christ is, and let that knowledge strengthen your commitment to be like Him.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – What Does It Mean to Be “Born Again”?

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Charles Stanley

John 3:1-16

In today’s passage, the Lord instructs Nicodemus that no one can enter into the kingdom of God unless he is first “born again.” Jesus gave the term a spiritual meaning that may be familiar to us today, but Nicodemus didn’t understand. “How can a man be born when he is old?” he asked. “He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” (John 3:4).

Though he was a Pharisee and a teacher, Nicodemus found it hard to grasp what Jesus was describing. And I suspect many people—including believers as well as unbelievers—don’t truly comprehend the concept any better today. So let’s take the time to understand this important idea.

“Born again” is an apt description of what it means to trust Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Our lives are not changed when we enter into a relationship with Christ; rather, our old lives are effectively ended, and we are completely reborn in the Spirit.

Therefore, it makes perfect sense to say that we are “born again.” It means that we are no longer who we once were in sin. Rather, we are a new creation that exists to glorify God (2 Cor. 5:17).

Does your life in Christ reflect the glory of God, or are you still clinging to your old ways of living? It is important to understand that the Lord does not simply want to change you; instead, He wants to remake you—there’s a big difference. As you pray today, ask for the courage to surrender to God and to live a life that proclaims your old self has died. He desires to make you new!

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – How to Deal With Burnout

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Charles Stanley

Psalm 62:1-2

As the world continues to stress over the importance of achieving more, doing more, and being more, we may find ourselves trapped in a never-ending cycle of activity. Our days regularly fly by in a giant blur of meals, appointments, and mundane tasks.

On their own, these responsibilities often seem small. However, when they are all strung together day after day, they can create stress and lead to serious burnout. Then we must take two steps of action.

First, it is imperative that we find the time to be still before the Lord and to rest in Him. In Mark 6:31, Jesus told His disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” Resting in God renews our souls and quiets our racing minds, enabling us to partake of His strength.

Second, we should frequently ask ourselves, Are the activities in my life all necessary and chosen by the Lord? In His Word, God gives us this instruction: “Cease striving and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). Essentially, our Father wants us to slow down and realize that our lives are in His hands. With this assurance, we can replace striving with resting and trusting. No matter what we do in life, it should be done to the glory of God.

Make time today for a quiet moment to sit before the Lord. Allow Him to provide the strength and rest you need. While doing this, ask Him to reveal to you any areas of your life in which you are “striving” needlessly. He longs to provide peace and rest for His children.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – When We Feel Burned Out

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Charles Stanley

Isaiah 40:27-31

Almost all of us can recall times when our bodies and minds have felt tired from manual labor and mental strain. If these conditions become constant or extreme, it is very easy for us to become burned out.

Fortunately, we have been provided with specific encouragement for such times of exhaustion. Today’s Scripture reading reveals three reassuring truths about God and His faithfulness in our times of weakness.

First, we learn that the Lord “does not become weary or tired” (v. 28). Therefore, we can call upon a God who won’t ever run out of power. His strength has never decreased and will not decrease in the future. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8).

Second, we find that “He gives strength to the weary” and power to those who are not mighty (Isa. 40:29). Our loving heavenly Father does not frown upon us when we are weak. Instead, He embraces us and lifts us up when we are unable to help ourselves.

Finally, we are given an incredible promise. Verse 31 reads, “Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”

The next time you feel too tired or frustrated to go on, remember this: Our God is not exhaustible. Instead, He is faithful to provide a supply of endless divine strength to those who are willing to wait for His perfect timing. In all things, He gives exactly what we need for the moment at hand.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Setting Goals

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Charles Stanley

Unless we give serious thought to our goals and how to reach them, our time, money, and priorities will usually be determined by others. Identifying some life objectives can lead us into deeper intimacy with the Lord. It can also result in healthier relationships with family and friends, and the peace of mind that comes from a well-planned strategy. As Proverbs says, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage” (Prov. 21:5).

Goals and motivation

To begin, I encourage you to write down each of your goals. Let me remind you to keep your mind and heart open to God’s desires for you. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” That doesn’t mean you are not supposed to make plans and set priorities. But it does mean that on occasion, you will need to adjust your focus as God reveals His purposes for your life.

Once your objectives are listed, write why fulfilling them is important. That way, you’ll know your motivation for each goal you set. For instance, your plan may be to pay off the mortgage within five years. Why? Perhaps you hope to live without debt or would like the assurance of a paid-for home should anything happen to your health or employment status. The why will motivate you to continue in your efforts when other things come up that could be a temptation to abandon that goal. What’s more, in order to achieve your ambitions, it’s important to have an idea of what your objectives are and why they are worth attaining.

Types of goals

I’d like to suggest a couple of areas to consider when setting goals:

Your spiritual goals are of utmost importance. Perhaps you need to re-examine your quiet time—or start one if you don’t already spend time alone with God. Plan when and where you will meet with the Lord during the week. Don’t leave it to chance. Unless you set aside time, other things will fill your schedule.

Another spiritual goal would be to join a small group within your church—such as a Sunday school class, prayer team, or support group that seeks to find God’s answers to difficult questions. If there aren’t any small groups within your church, you might offer your time and energy to facilitate one.

Serving is another spiritual goal to consider. Perhaps this is the year to stop enjoying the benefits of fellowship without giving back to your faith community—check out church ministries you could join to help your Christian brothers and sisters or people who don’t yet know the Lord. And if you attend a church but have never joined, consider becoming a formal member.

Character goals are vital to your growth as a spouse, parent, child, friend, pastor, boss, or employee. Try asking these questions:

What would I like to become?

What one thing would I like to see God change in me?

What character quality—if developed—would make me a better parent, sibling, friend, etc.?

My son Andy once shared his character goal with me. It has three parts:

1.A husband worth respecting

2.A father worth imitating

3.A leader worth following

And why did he feel those objectives were important? “That is what God has called me to be,” he said. “To move in this direction will lead to a deep sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. To become these things will make my time on earth worth having been here. . . . It will set a pace and direction for my children that, if followed, will ensure for them the best quality of life they can experience as well.” Andy knows why he wants to achieve this goal. That motivation will help him in the choices he makes and will guard him when temptation comes.

Get started

Determine the areas of your life that need specific goals, and go to work. Whether objectives involve finances, relationships, or health, don’t waste time feeling sorry that you didn’t take action sooner. Instead, begin to establish where you want to be six months or a year from now, and ask God to give you the strength to stay on track. Enlist a friend to hold you accountable and periodically check up on your progress.

To ensure that you use your time well, sit down and make a schedule for the coming days. When the year ends, you will be among the minority who ended the year with more accomplished and less left undone.

Adapted from “Charles Stanley’s Handbook for Christian Living” (1996).

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Most Important Thing

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Charles Stanley

Luke 11:1-4

Many of us have redesigned prayer to fit in with the busyness of our lives and to make us more comfortable. We have organized it to suit ourselves and in the process, we’ve forgotten what the heart of prayer really is—our relationship with the Lord.

Prayer is to be a time of separation from the world in order to be with God. It occurs when we surrender our schedules, our priorities, and ourselves to the joy of drawing near to our Father in heaven. It’s a time to experience His love and express ours to Him; to remember that life is centered on Jesus and that our priority is to obey Him. It’s where our souls are nourished and we gain strength to continue.

For us as children of the King, prayer is the means by which we communicate with Him about needs, work, desires, and even our mistakes. It is also one of the primary ways for us to receive His responses. Most importantly, it’s a time to bask in the presence of God our Father and Jesus our Savior—and to be guided by the Holy Spirit in heavenly conversation.

The value of prayer is seen in the life of Jesus. He often withdrew from the crowds and even from His own disciples in order to spend significant time with His Father. What value do you place on praying? Whom or what do you seek through your prayers? How often do you enter the throne room just to spend time with your Father? Commit to seeking a prayer life like the Savior’s—with God Himself as your focus and top priority.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Financial Wisdom: How to Spend

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Charles Stanley

Philippians 4:11-19

God entrusts each believer with a share of His resources. And like any wise overseer, He gives His stewards guidelines for how best to use His wealth:

• The Essential Expense. A believer’s wisest money management decision is to set aside the first portion of income for the church. As we promote and provide for God’s work in this way, He protects what is left (Deut. 26:2; Mal. 3:10-11).

• The Next Priority. God promised to supply for our needs (Phil. 4:19). We get necessities like food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and schooling mainly by paying for them with what He provides.

• Pursuit of Godly Goals. Next, we’re to use money to meet the Lord’s goals for us and our family. He may lead us to invest in education, start a business, or purchase a particular item—whatever it may be, instead of “floating” through life, believers should seek and pursue God’s will.

• A High Calling. Giving to the needy is an investment in God’s kingdom. While we should not promote laziness, a gracious act to a poor man “lends to the Lord and He will repay . . .” (Prov. 19:17).

• Uses for What’s Left. Last on the list is fulfillment of desires. Believers who delight in the Lord also obey Him. He then blesses them with good things that fit His will for their lives (Ps. 37:4).

Good stewards manage the Father’s resources by asking Him, “What is Your will for the wealth that You have given me?” You’ll be amazed at how fulfilling it is to live according to biblical principles. Even a little money seems like more than enough when you spend it as the Lord intends.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Grace of Giving

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Charles Stanley

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

Today we live under a new covenant established by God through the shed blood of His Son (Heb. 9:15). Based on what Christ did, Romans 12:1 tells us to present ourselves as “a living and holy sacrifice, [which is] acceptable” to the Lord. If you are a child of God, all of your abilities, time, and money belong to Him.

The principle of sacrificial living can be seen in the early church. Those new believers eagerly sold their possessions and property to meet needs around them (Acts 2:45). God blessed them for their generosity—they experienced glad hearts, favor with others, and growing numbers.

Macedonian churches also understood the priority of giving. Even though the believers there were extremely poor, they begged for the opportunity to help financially. Second Corinthians 8:7 says they excelled at the “grace of giving” (NIV).

Under Old Testament law, God required a tithe (a tenth of one’s crops and animals) to support the temple (Lev. 27:30-32). When the nation drifted away from this practice, the Lord sent Malachi to warn them of the consequences for disobeying. By holding onto their tithe, they were robbing God of what was rightfully His (Mal. 3:8). We certainly don’t want to be guilty of withholding the Lord’s money from Him.

Having appointed us as His stewards and entrusted us with resources, God expects us to give generously. When the impoverished widow put two coins into the temple treasury, Jesus praised her sacrificial giving (Mark 12:41-44). If we trust God with our finances as the widow did, we will excel at the grace of giving.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – How to Walk Wisely

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Charles Stanley

Proverbs 28:26

According to 2 Corinthians 5:7, believers are to walk by faith. However, with so many voices clamoring for us to follow worldly paths, we often struggle to hear and apply God’s wisdom. For example, it is hard to ignore our natural impulse to withhold mercy, even though the Lord says we must forgive (Eph. 4:32).

Godly wisdom is the capacity to view things as the Lord does and to respond according to biblical principles. This discernment isn’t automatic. Yes, God’s Holy Spirit lives inside believers to prompt them to do right. However, each individual chooses whether or not to pursue the wise way.

To walk wisely, a person must commit to remaining on the right path—that is, to determine in his or her heart, I will follow God no matter what. Pleasing the Lord and conforming to His likeness are always the right things to do.

Resolving to honor God transforms the way we make decisions. It means choosing to seek His viewpoint in a given situation instead of following instincts or impulses. And rather than relying on other people’s advice, it involves a decision to search Scripture for verification of what God seems to be saying. As a result, the Spirit’s quiet voice becomes easier to discern, and those worldly shouts fade.

You have a loving heavenly Father who honors the heartfelt commitment to walk according to His will. God assumes responsibility for offering His children sought-after wisdom and enabling them to keep walking on the right path (Prov. 3:5-6). Following Him is always the best decision.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Way to Handle Negative Relationships

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Charles Stanley

1 Corinthians 15:33-34

In an ideal environment, all our relationships would draw us closer to the Lord. However, we live in a fallen world with sinful people, so that is not our reality. God wants us to influence those who aren’t walking obediently with Him, but unless we’re careful, we could easily end up following them. How are we to deal with relationships that drag us down instead of building us up?

Prayer. Your first step is to pray for the people who tend to pull you away from God. It’s not your job to change them, but you can ask the Lord to work in their lives. And don’t forget to ask Him to give you the wisdom and patience you need in your interactions with them.

Separation. You may have to break off a relationship if it’s hindering your Christian walk. However, this should be done only after much prayer and wise counsel. Remember, some relationships are meant to be permanent, so listen carefully to what God is telling you.

Perseverance. If the negative relationship never changes and the Lord is not calling you to break off association with that person, then He wants you to persevere in the situation. In that case, your goal is to walk faithfully with your heavenly Father despite any hindrances or opposition.

If you deal with negative relationships, you should also cultivate friendships with godly people who can help you grow in your faith. Spend time in God’s Word, filling your mind with truths that anchor your soul in stormy situations. Persevere in walking faithfully with Christ—you may even influence the other person.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Walking in the Word

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Charles Stanley

Psalm 119:97-104

People make a lot of decisions on any given day. Most choices present themselves quickly, leaving little time to weigh pros and cons. So we “go with our gut.” But believers who desire to walk wisely through the perils of this world require something more reliable than flesh-based instinct. We need godly knowledge and principles to guide us, which is why we must meditate on the Word.

I mention meditating on Scripture often in my writing and preaching—and for good reason. The Bible is the key to knowing God and following His will. Believers simply cannot neglect spending time poring over its words. If you want to be certain of the Lord’s perspective on an issue, you go to the source book to fill your mind with truth.

All of us have a sort of grid around our minds. It’s made up of the principles we were taught as children, the habits we’ve formed, and the information we accept as true. New knowledge coming our way passes through that grid and is either assimilated or rejected. Think about TV commercials—those persuasive ads full of beautiful people are designed to steal past your mind’s defenses. Well, the devil has the same goal of getting past your grid and gaining a mental and spiritual foothold.

Some of the darts that Satan aims at your mind seem harmless or even good—that’s why “going with your gut” is so dangerous. A mental grid layered with biblical truth is essential for Christians, because it identifies and rejects whatever is sinful, poorly timed, or simply not fit for God’s children.