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Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Power of Love

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Charles Stanley

Luke 15:11-24

At times, those of us reading Scripture in English are shortchanged by the language’s limitations. For instance, English has just one word for love, but Paul’s original letters, written in Greek, use two words. Believers are promised that God’s love will reside in them (Eph. 3:19). But we often think that refers to phileo love—brotherly concern and affection for others. Yet the truth is, the Holy Spirit shows agape love in us—a commitment to another person’s security, satisfaction, and development.

We, too, have the capacity to show the same sacrificial love Jesus demonstrated at Calvary. He subtly described the power of this love in His parable of the prodigal son. The father must have recognized that greed and wanderlust were gnawing at the young man and that denying his request for an early inheritance would lead to bitterness. So, despite personal and financial sacrifice, he gave the son his share of the estate. Then, the father waited while the prodigal learned his lesson.

No doubt that was a trying time. A good dad wants to protect his children from making mistakes. But a wise man also knows that people often must discover hard truths for themselves. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do is to get out of their way.

The prodigal son returned home dirty, contrite, and seeking a place in the servants’ quarters. What he received instead was the full force of his father’s love and instant restoration to his place as the master’s son. That is agape, and it is the kind of love that wins hearts and minds for the Lord.

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – When We Are Abused

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Charles Stanley

Luke 6:26-28

Knowing basic suggestions for handling abuse is wise. The problem is so widespread that even if you are not personally affected, someone closer than you realize probably is. Had I received this counsel early enough, perhaps I could have responded better to my stepfather’s abuse.

Seek God’s guidance. There is no standard answer for how to handle abusive situations, because they are all different. They range from irritating classroom bullying to life-threatening domestic violence, and are motivated by different reasons and emotions. Solutions also vary; severe conditions may warrant leaving the situation. Don’t simply do what others say they would do. Instead, ask, “Lord, what would You have me do?” Always check with God’s Word. He will never encourage doing anything that violates Scripture.

Pray for the abuser. As difficult as it seems, we are called to pray, even for our enemies. Ask that God’s love will make a difference in your oppressor’s life—that he or she will see the evil of the abuse and be set free from such harmful behavior. Pray that the Lord gives you understanding about the abuser’s motivation, which can be helpful as you deal with the situation.

This advice isn’t easy to follow; praying for the abuser goes against both our human nature and the popular message of our culture. However, there are former victims of abuse who testify that the Lord didn’t “waste” their suffering—and that some positive outcomes resulted from their experience (Rom. 8:28).

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Running the Race of Life

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Charles Stanley

Hebrews 12:1-3

The Christian life is often described as a race-—one designed by God. In it, we are called to fulfill His purposes for us. That is, we are to be conformed to Christ’s likeness and bring God glory.

To run the race, we need to know the route. The Bible serves as our map, compass, and guidebook. It is an infallible manual for godly living, which is needed in our culture of contradictory voices, all claiming to be the truth.

To complete the race, we need inspiration and correction. Scripture provides both through the true accounts of biblical personalities. Some of us are like King Saul, who answered God’s call and began the race in strong fashion (1 Sam. 10:9-11); correction is likely if we lose our focus on God’s agenda and become immersed in worldly ways. Others of us are like the apostle Paul, who lived an ungodly life for years before salvation. His life inspires us to persevere and to embrace the Lord’s plan with growing passion.

During a race, we will encounter obstacles against which we must persevere. Some of these hindrances might include: criticism from believers and/or unbelievers; opposition to our stand for Jesus; and periods of loneliness and uncertainty when the way isn’t clear. The Holy Spirit strengthens us as we study God’s unchanging character and timeless promises.

Are you running the race well? How are you responding to pressures along the way? Remember that Christ, who is our very life, always runs with us. And be encouraged through the Scriptures.

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Are You an Obedient Servant?

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Charles Stanley

Have you made a decision to follow God as a way of life? I’m not talking about obeying once in a while but rather, complying in every area to the best of your ability. Or do you find that you sometimes struggle to do His will?

Disobedience is not always wrapped in a sinful-looking package. It can be as simple as refusing to act upon what God has gifted, trained, and called us to do. Our resistance to His plan can bring misery and regret because we have only limited insight into the future. But God has promised to provide the guidance that we need:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones (Prov. 3:5-8).

Being obedient does not mean you and I will never make mistakes or face adversity. However, when trouble comes, the way will be straight, sure, and manageable because our trust is in God. The prophet Isaiah reassured us,

The LORD will continually guide you,
And satisfy your desire in scorched places,
And give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail (Isa. 58:11).

Notice that both passages of Scripture speak of physical health and well-being. You may be living in complete obedience and yet are battling a serious illness. That situation does not mean you’ve done something wrong. But believers who refuse to trust and obey God will feel stressed, pressured, out of control, and fearful—such emotions often contribute to health problems. And disobedience can simply be a case of not trusting Him to guide your decisions concerning family, community, or job.

Obedience Is a Choice

I doubt that many of us adequately consider the impact our decisions can have on the future. Often believers make choices based on what makes sense. For example, the interest rates are low; therefore, it must be the right time to purchase a house. However, no matter how the circumstances look, our decisions must always be directed by the Lord.

In Luke 5, Peter was faced with a life-changing choice that, at first, appeared insignificant. Jesus had been preaching along the shore of the Lake of Genesert (also known as the Sea of Galilee). With His back to the water and the crowd pressing in on Him, Jesus had no place to go (v. 1). When the Lord climbed aboard Peter’s boat and asked the fisherman to move it off shore a little distance, the future apostle agreed. That was Peter’s first step toward obedience. You see, unlike salvation, obedience is not a gift but a process—something we learn over time.

After Jesus finished preaching, He had another request: “‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ [Peter] answered and said, ‘Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets’” (vv. 4-5). Going back out to fish in during the heat of the morning didn’t seem wise to Peter. Every fisherman knew that the fish stayed on the bottom of the lake during the day.

People sometimes sense God’s leading but fail to see the logic in what He’s telling them. Such individuals have told me, “I just don’t know whether God wants me to do this. It simply doesn’t make sense.” You must trust the Lord—not overanalyze the situation to determine what you might gain or lose. As we hear His voice and submit to His leading, we build our faith and develop greater confidence in Him. Calculating, questioning, and doubting will not build the faith that He wants you to have.

Peter chose to obey Jesus’ unusual request to fish during the day. His catch was so successful that the nets began to break, and John and the others had to come help. The only words Peter could utter to the Savior were: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” as “amazement had seized him and all his companions because of the catch of fish which they had taken” (vv. 8-9). Here is one truth on which you can stake your life: If Jesus asks you to do something, you know without a doubt that a blessing will follow—not only for you, but often for others as well.

The outcome of Peter’s faith was a new line of work—one that had an eternal purpose. Jesus said to him, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men” (v. 10). What is God’s will for you? Only His plan guarantees you maximum joy, peace, and purpose. The way He operated in Peter’s life is the same way He will operate in yours—step by step, guiding you in the process of obedience. This is an awesome way to live the rest of your life—in the shadow of the Father’s constant care, in the light of His truth and eternal glory!

Adapted from “In Step with God” (2008).

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Surviving Our Present Culture

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Charles Stanley

Hebrews 5:12-14

If we desire to survive our present culture, then the inspired, infallible Word of God must have a central place in our daily life. Through the Bible, God speaks to us about His truths and the world’s lies.

To know if we have fallen victim to falsehood, we need to take an honest look at whether we are committed Christ-followers or worldly believers. Worldly Christians may have strong convictions about following the Lord but often find themselves compromising those principles. A weak understanding of God’s character and instructions will result in self-focused lives and susceptibility to the culture’s influences (Eph. 4:14). Worldliness is revealed in long-term inconsistency with regard to the Christian walk and in a focus on things that give pleasure or comfort. Minimal involvement in the local church also prevents growth in spiritual maturity.

Do you recognize yourself in any part of this description? If so, be encouraged. Scripture stands as a beacon to guide us safely through cultural perils so we can become committed Christ-followers. The Bible and the Holy Spirit’s work will increasingly cause our lives to reflect God’s standard. Applying Scripture to our attitudes and actions will result in a growing passion for the Lord and greater obedience to Him. Then, as trust and dependence on Jesus Christ continue to increase, our whole life will take on a new perspective because we have aligned ourselves with His Word. What place does Scripture have in your decision making?

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Our Time

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Charles Stanley

Ephesians 5:15-17

The way you use your time reveals your values, priorities, and beliefs about what is true and worthwhile. As a good steward of this fleeting gift, you can make the most of your time by . . .

• Receiving Christ as your personal Savior. Any portion of life spent outside of God’s will is wasted time. The only way you will ever reach your true potential and experience genuine peace and prosperity is by personally knowing the One who created you.

• Praying. The greatest timesaver is prayer. As you seek God’s mind con-cerning your schedule or decisions, prayer acts like a compass in your life. With respect to time and energy, no one has ever been more efficient than Jesus Christ. He consistently recognized that the most valuable way He could use His time was to find a solitary place and commune with the Father.

• Discovering God’s plan for your life and walking daily in His will. A believer who knowingly disobeys the Lord will be miserable and ineffective. There is no way to maximize your effectiveness if you are struggling against God or have become so hardened to His voice that you no longer hear Him.

• Writing a mission statement for your life. As the Creator, God knows the plans He has for you. So ask about His desires, and then take the time to summarize how you intend to use the remainder of your earthly days. If you stick to the plan God has helped you set, you will find that your time will be invested rather than simply “spent.”

 

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Our Thoughts

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Charles Stanley

Romans 12:1-2

The mind is the control tower of life. Your thoughts greatly influence not only your successes, failures, and choices but also your relationship with the Lord and others. Godliness comes from thinking the way God does.

Yet there are several problems that can negatively impact your thought life. One of the most persistent is the influence of your past. When you were saved, God gave you a new spirit and a new life. However, in letting you start over, He did not blot the past from your mind. The Father wants you to be able to draw from your good and bad experiences when ministering to others. He also wants you to appreciate His grace and knows it is important for you to remember what He rescued you from.

Another problem is unsuitable input. Though we may think we are immune to the effect of harmful influences, what we allow into our minds does greatly impact our thinking. Unrighteous input creates an acceptance of and desire for worldly things. It can also lead to internal conflict: our godly thoughts are at odds with our ungodly appetites, which creates feelings of tension and guilt. As we begin to edit God from various parts of our lives, we allow Satan to gain a toehold.

That’s why God tells us, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things” (Phil. 4:8). He knows that properly programming our mind can protect us from the Devil’s traps.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Holy Spirit, Our Teacher

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Charles Stanley

John 16:12-15

God sends His indwelling presence—the Holy Spirit—to personally instruct believers in His ways. This is a wonderful gift from the Father to every person who chooses to be His follower. And the Spirit of God is certainly well qualified to be our divine teacher: as a member of the Trinity, He is omniscient, just like the other two Persons of the Godhead. Because He knows all truth, He is clearly capable and trustworthy to provide guidance concerning divine matters (John 16:13).

So how can we benefit from the Holy Spirit’s teaching? First, we must trust in Jesus Christ and receive Him as Lord and Savior. The Spirit is freely given to every believer, but He isn’t present in the lives of those who have not yielded to Christ. For this reason, faith in Jesus is the essential first step.

Second, we must believe that the Bible is the Word of God. In it, the Lord shows us His ways, with the intent of drawing us ever closer to Himself. Scripture is God’s revelation to man, and though all 66 books were conveyed through human authors, every verse is fully divine.

Third, instead of relying on our own intellectual ability, we must depend on the Holy Spirit to teach us. Even the most admired human thinkers cannot begin to grasp the mind of the Lord. To the world, the gospel is foolishness, but in fact, it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18-25).

The wonders of the Lord are freely available to all who call upon His name. In the power of the Holy Spirit, ask God to bless your studies of His holy Word.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Divine Guidance

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Charles Stanley

John 14:26

God knew that we could never grasp the whole of His greatness with our finite human minds. It is for this reason that He provided us with a divine Teacher—the Holy Spirit.

The purpose of Bible study is not mere information, but transformation. If what we read doesn’t change our lives, then we are not experiencing the full power of the gospel. Therefore, the Holy Spirit has an important goal in teaching us the Word of God: to transform us into the likeness of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:29). He does this in three areas:

1. Evangelism. Before we came to faith in Jesus Christ, it was the Spirit of God who worked to make us aware of our need for a Savior. This was the first step of our move toward Christlikeness, or conformity to the image of God’s Son.

2. Discipleship. Once we have placed faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit begins the process of discipleship, which refers to steady spiritual growth and increasing knowledge of Scripture.

3. Missions. God wants His followers to go forth into the world and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Believers have the privilege of representing His grace to all people.

Transformation is a key to our becoming like the Lord Jesus Christ. Though we will never attain perfection in this life, the journey towards Christlikeness is important—it’s the way we develop into mature, active believers in Him.

The Holy Spirit is our guide. Thank God today for His goodness in providing a perfect Teacher to lead you on this exciting journey of faith.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Price of Walking Away

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Charles Stanley

Too many believers have walked away from God. No, He has not moved—they have. The moment we stop drawing near to our heavenly Father, we put a limit on our knowledge and understanding of Him. This is completely true of the lost man or woman, but to a certain degree, it also applies to the Christian who isn’t living a godly lifestyle.

More than once, I have listened to believers talk about how they can no longer trust the Lord. These individuals may have made a series of wrong choices, but they blame God for failing to prevent the negative consequences. We must keep in mind that His primary desire is to draw us into an intimate relationship with Him. Sin has consequences, and the Lord will not change the principles He has established. If we want to know why something has happened, we need to move closer to Him, not farther away. We also need to seek His forgiveness when we sin.

Someone might ask, “Didn’t Christ’s forgiveness take care of my sin––past, present, and future?” Yes. If we have accepted God’s gift of salvation, our guilt is completely erased in terms of our eternal destiny. But you and I still need to confess the wrong choices and decisions we make as believers.

Let me use an analogy to explain this truth. Think for a moment about being dressed in white—this is exactly how God views your life the moment you turn it over to Him. But then you receive an invitation to visit a coal mine. You want to go but realize white clothing is inappropriate for such an adventure. Nevertheless, curiosity and pressure from friends lead you to accept the offer. Soon, you are in the mine and covered with dust and grime. Your clothing needs to be cleansed.

Believers are often tempted to walk away from God’s call on their lives. We live in a corrupt world, where all manner of wickedness, profanity, and filth are within our reach. When you and I give in to temptation, it’s as if we have just reached out and touched the grime of a coal mine and wiped it on our white clothing. But we can ask forgiveness and become completely clean again. Every believer is sealed with an eternal “stamp” signifying that he or she belongs to Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:13). Our salvation is secure. Even so, we can become spiritually dirty and in need of God’s cleansing touch.

The Lord does not want us to mix purity and sin, so we must make a choice. One leads to inexpressible joy, peace, and security, while the other results in isolation, insecurity, regret, and deep sorrow. God demands our full commitment—anything less has serious consequences. Of course, all of us can have moments of waning devotion. But despite that, there should remain an underlying sense of love for God that we are not willing to compromise. Knowing the truth about sin and its path to destruction is important, but we must also choose to be God-focused rather than self-centered or worldly-minded.

If you are carrying sin around, you are going to be weighed down. You can’t enjoy life completely, and you certainly won’t experience the full measure of God’s blessings and goodness. Jealousy and resentment will steal your joy and prevent you from reaching your potential in Christ. Greed will limit your ability to know what the Lord is calling you to do. And endless pursuit of worldly fame and wealth will harden your heart to the simple pleasures that He gives each day. Lust and immorality will deaden the heart and spirit to such a degree that hearing God becomes impossible. As believers, we cannot engage in sin and remain in close fellowship with our Father (Ps. 66:18). Over time, we will become spiritually deaf to the principles written in His Word. That leads to one wrong decision after another.

When you have taken the wrong path––and all of us yield to sin at some point––there is Someone who will stand with you before God. John wrote, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). If you have walked away from God and said no to His plans for your life, confess that sin to Him. He will forgive you and cleanse you from unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Then, you can once again enjoy the peace, joy, and security of an intimate relationship with your heavenly Father.

Adapted from “In Step with God: Understanding His Ways and Plans for Your Life” (2008).

 

Related Resources

Related Video

Walking Away From God

Many people believe the lie that they have sinned too much to be forgiven. But no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Regardless of what you have done, the Lord will show mercy if you confess and repent. (Watch Walking Away From God.)

 

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – When Things Seem Impossible

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Charles Stanley

John 6:1-14

Even Christ’s disciples struggled with doubt and fear in times of trouble or uncertainty. Though they walked closely with the Savior, they were still prone to casting their focus in the wrong direction.

Just before He was about to perform the miracle of feeding the 5,000, Jesus tested Philip by asking him where to buy bread for the crowd. The disciple’s response revealed that he was thinking of solving the dilemma through man’s ideas and worldly means. At the same time, Andrew was busy surveying the multitude to determine how he would approach the situation. Upon finding a young boy with five loaves and two fish, he demonstrated his own limited mindset by asking, “What are these for so many people?” (John 6:9).

As was true for all of His miracles, Jesus performed this amazing feat of compassion and provision to prove who He was and always would be. And the same Christ who fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fish will act on our behalf when situations seem impossible.

In difficult times, when it seems all hope is lost, try not to assess your circumstances from a worldly perspective. Don’t ask, “What am I going to do?” Rather, in a spirit of faith, simply say, “Lord, what are You going to do?” Remember, He tells us to cast all of our cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).

Avoid attempting to engineer your circumstances. The virtues of patience, faith, and waiting upon the Lord will help you to know God’s grace and to experience His love and miraculous touch in your life.

 

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Blessings of God

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Charles Stanley

Ephesians 1:3-14

Everyone experiences difficulty in life. During painful times, we may feel as though God is not blessing us. But even then, we are experiencing many of His amazing gifts, despite the fact that they might be escaping our notice.

Below are several examples of blessings we can enjoy on bright or dark days:

• We are assured that our almighty God chose us before the foundation of the world (v. 4). He predestined us to be adopted as His children (v. 5). We can feel special and wanted because the Sovereign of the universe selected us.

• Jesus provided our salvation through His death and resurrection (v. 7). He redeemed us from sin that causes separation from God and ultimately leads to death. As a result, we receive a brand-new nature and daily forgiveness of iniquities (2 Cor. 5:17; 1 John 1:9).

• The Holy Spirit resides within us. He guides, warns, and fills us so we always have access to counsel or comfort. And because He also seals us, our eternity is secure (Eph. 1: 13).

• Our Father prepares an inheritance for us that is imperishable (1 Peter 1:4). We may experience momentary troubles, but we can look forward to living eternally in God’s presence, where there is joy and no suffering.

In painful situations, you might be tempted to conclude that the Lord’s hand isn’t resting on your life. But believers have wonderful spiritual blessings at all times. Without the four permanent gifts listed above, fear and emptiness would be overwhelming. Ponder these benefits, and express gratitude, even in difficulty.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – When Fear Grips Us

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Charles Stanley

Isaiah 41:10

All throughout the Scriptures, the Lord encourages us not to be afraid or anxious. As His children, we have no basis for fear. Of course, there are reasons for us to be extremely cautious about what we do and where we go, but God’s people are not to live in a state of anxiety.

If you think about it, you can identify at least six anxieties that are basic to all mankind. They are the fear of criticism, illness, old age, death, poverty, and losing a loved one. Although these are universal worries, they are in reality symptoms of something deep inside that feeds our fears.

Some of the root causes are:

A basic sense of inadequacy. Because of distorted thinking, we frequently feel incompetent to tackle certain challenges or tasks that should be possible for us to accomplish.

The tendency to set unrealistic standards for ourselves. We can go through life trying to measure up to lofty expectations that are self-imposed rather than goals set by God.

An innate sense of unworthiness. It’s amazing how many people will not succeed in life because they just don’t feel they deserve it.

In the midst of our fears and anxieties, we need to remember God’s promise in today’s passage. He reassures us, “Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” It is important that we look up at Him and not around at our circumstances.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Seeking the Lord

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Charles Stanley

Hosea 10:12

We all spend some time seeking the Lord, but to be truly successful at it, we must learn to adjust our focus. The reason focus is important is that what we behold, we become. If we fix our attention on the sensual and materialistic, it won’t be long before we ourselves start leaning in that direction. I challenge you not to sit in front of the television, or partake of other forms of entertainment that allow unhealthy ideas into your mind night after night. While you might think it has no influence, it actually has a subtle but terrible gripping effect on you.

If, on the other hand, you focus your love and attention on Jesus, you will become like Him. As believers, we can focus on Him when we pray, when we study the Scriptures, and when we meditate on God’s truths. But we must go deeper, to the point that we are listening and sharing our hearts with Him. If we are open and transparent before Him, He will speak and pour Himself into us, like a spiritual version of osmosis.

When we learn to do this, we will find that our hunger and thirst for everything else begins to diminish. It’s not that our desires will disappear; they instead become redirected. You will discover you have a growing hunger for God and a longing to know Him in a deep, personal way. And you will notice your joy bubbling up and overflowing so that it cannot be stopped or stifled. Why? Because once you have begun to seek the Lord, you will recognize Him as your all in all.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Spiritual Discouragement

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Charles Stanley

Psalm 34:1-8

Discouragement can result from different scenarios, but Satan is the instigator. He will do anything he can to dishearten us and keep our focus on negative things instead of on God.

A subtle form of spiritual discouragement is the idea that we cannot please God. This is a trap of the Devil, and too many Christians are ensnared by it. If we were to write down everything we thought we must do to please God, how long would that list be before it was complete? We would assume we should read the Bible more, pray more, give more, and witness more. We could probably fill up both sides of the paper. Then we would look at our list and realize it’s impossible to accomplish all of it. That’s the trap. What pleases the Lord is our obedience, not our adherence to a long checklist of duties.

Unanswered prayer is another source of discouragement. When we present a request to the Lord, He does not necessarily answer in the manner or timing that would be our preference. When that is the case, we will far too often allow discouragement to creep in, and from there, we might decide to give up on prayer.

Yesterday we saw that focusing on the Lord is essential for breaking the chains of discouragement. When you turn to God, it is also helpful to pray three things aloud. First, thank Him for being with you while you feel disheartened. Second, admit He is in control of your life. And third, acknowledge that He is good and will ultimately work the circumstances for your benefit.

 

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Landmine of Discouragement

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Charles Stanley

Psalm 42:5-8

There are people who suffer the effects of discouragement for years. They don’t know how to repair the damage caused by this devastating landmine. How does this loss of confidence and optimism originate?

Disappointment is our emotional response to a failed expectation. When we refuse to recognize and deal with the failure, that negative reaction can fester—then we can slip into discouragement. Disappointments are inevitable, but believers don’t have to be in bondage to discouragement.

We all periodically face difficulties that make us feel weak. Discouragement, however, like a drive through a dark tunnel, should be temporary: after a short while, we should come out on the other side. I have experienced situations in which I was very discouraged for a season. On occasion, I have had to get on my knees during the night to cry out to God for encouragement. After asking Him for a change in attitude and help in laying down my burden, I have been able to get back to sleep.

In order to gain victory, we must first look within ourselves. We need to admit our specific discouragement as well as the unresolved conflicts in our heart. Identifying the root cause of our disheartened feelings allows us to work through them. Most importantly, we must turn to God. As long as we are talking about our hurt, suffering, embarrassment, or shattered dreams, we will wallow in despair. But the moment we lift our heads and say “Father,” we take our first step out of discouragement.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Conquering Your Fears

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Charles Stanley

Would you consider yourself a free person? More than likely, you would. But perhaps somewhere in the back of your mind, you wonder, Am I truly free?

We live in a country that has a rich heritage—one that is steeped in freedom and liberty. But many people are not living free lives. They are bound by invisible chains that prevent them from reaching their full potential. These shackles are made up of links that have been cast and shaped in the emotional fires of fear.

Once this deadly emotion captures a person’s heart, breaking its bond is difficult—but it can be done. Though fear’s grasp is strong, it is not greater than the power of Jesus Christ. The Savior told His disciples, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32).

How do we break free from the bondage of fear? There is only one way, and that is through faith in Christ. But before we can do this, we must come to a point where we admit that we are battling a deadly foe and need God’s help.

I’m not fearful!

The young boy leveled his eyes at his mother’s gaze and said, “I’m not afraid. I want to camp outside with my friends!” His mother softened as she thought through the situation. He would be in the fenced-in backyard, within range of her hearing his every move, and more than
likely, she would be awake—watching to make sure he and his friends were safe. And if they needed anything, they could easily come inside the house.

This is exactly what happened. Somewhere around 2 am, she heard the backdoor open and close. She got up, grabbed her robe, and hurried downstairs to check on her son. As she flipped the lights on in the kitchen, she was greeted by the sight of her boy and two of his best friends—sleeping bags in hand along with a crumbled bag of chocolate chip cookies. Sensing their embarrassment, she asked, “Son, what happened?”

“There’s something out there,” her son replied. “I don’t know what it is, but it snarled at us. We could hear it in the yard. Maybe it was a big dog, a wild fox, or even a large bear!” Trying not to smile at the thought of their imagined foes, she said, “Why don’t you just sleep in the den and go back out to the tent in the morning? I’ll make pancakes for you when you wake up.” The mood of the group immediately brightened. She didn’t bother to mention the fact that the chances of meeting up with a fox or a bear were extremely low, especially since they lived in a densely populated city.

Fear attacks without warning. It tempts us to believe things that will not or cannot happen, and often leaves us feeling helpless and without hope. Each day, we are bombarded with words and messages that have the ability to stir thoughts of fear within us. Turn on the news, and more than likely you will hear a dismal rundown on the economy and many other items that strike notes of panic in your heart.

News organizations often broadcast with the goal of creating an emotional reaction from those who watch, listen, and visit their Web sites. To increase their audience, they target people with the messages that produce the greatest response. Therefore, if the fire of fear works, the flame is turned up.

From a worldly perspective, the future may look pretty bleak, especially if you decide to calculate your situation apart from faith in Jesus Christ. The fact is, if you do this, fear will reach out and grab your heart, telling you that the worst will happen and it will be beyond anything you can imagine. Don’t buy into the Enemy’s lies. The nightly news cannot give you a complete picture of reality—certainly not from a heavenly standpoint. And remember, nothing the Devil whispers to you is based on the truth of God’s Word (John 8:44). While we are facing very serious times in our nation’s history, we are not alone. God is with us, and He is never out of control.

The apostle Paul discovered this in a fresh way during a very difficult time in his ministry. Somewhere near the end of his second missionary journey, he was staying in the city of Corinth. He had left Athens to go to Macedonia, but something happened that almost caused him to stumble in his faith. The Jews resisted his teaching to a point where they “blasphemed.” Paul was fed up with their stiff-necked ways. He declared that he would no longer go to the Jews first, but instead would preach God’s message to the Gentiles (Acts 18:5-6).

At every turn, Paul faced opposition from the Jewish leaders. On several occasions, his very life had been threatened. He was tired and likely felt alone and worn thin emotionally—vulnerable to the destruction of fear. One night as he drifted off to sleep, God’s Spirit spoke to him, saying, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9-10).

There we have it: one of the greatest apostles who ever lived, battling fear. But the verses that follow do not mention this again. Why? Paul changed his focus. He came face-to-face with the reality of his fear and chose to abandon it. Was this something he could do on his own? Absolutely not. There was no way he could move past the anxiety he felt without the assurance found in Jesus Christ. Once God’s Spirit spoke to his heart, the issue was settled, and Paul knew there was only one thing for him to do: complete the work God had given him.

The Enemy uses many things in an effort to distract us and prevent us from reaching our full potential—and fear is one of his choice weapons. He usually follows it with words of discouragement and accusation: “You can’t do that”; “You haven’t been trained”; “What would people think if you fail?” And that was his strategy in Corinth: Satan knew he would face ultimate defeat if Paul succeeded, so he tried to keep the apostle fearful. The Lord’s faithful promise, delivered at just the right moment, was all the encouragement Paul needed to continue preaching the truth of the gospel.

The right steps to overcoming fear

If you are going to overcome fear, the first step is to acknowledge and admit your anxiety. Confess, “Lord, I feel fearful, and I don’t know what to do. Please show me how to go forward from this point.” Next, ask God to enable you to conquer your fear. The more you understand your relationship with God, the more intimately you will relate to Him. Your level of trust will increase, and you will begin to notice the many ways He is at work in your life and circumstances.

Shortly before his death, Paul wrote an interesting word of instruction to Timothy. He reminded his young protégé, “God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power and love and discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7). Fear doesn’t fit who we are as believers. It usually surfaces when we have the wrong response to disappointment and trial. God wants you to be victorious, not harassed or tormented by anxiety.

Let God remove fear from your life. He may choose to do this by placing you in a frightening situation where you feel out of control. But you do not have to worry, because the One who has promised never to let you go is holding your life in His omnipotent hand.

After you have given your worries to the Lord, meditate on His Word. David understood the power that was available to him through God’s personal promises. He wrote, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? . . . My adversaries and my enemies, they stumbled and fell. Though a host encamp against me, my heart will not fear” (Ps. 27:1-3).

If you want to keep your confidence strong, study the Bible, apply God’s principles to your life, and walk with Him each day by faith. When you hide His Word in your heart, you will have the light of His truth to guide you—not only for your present circumstances, but also for eternity.

 

Resources About Confidence

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Confidence That Conquers

There are many people with impressive talents and skills who fail to fulfill God’s will for their lives. Why? They lack confidence. Dr. Stanley teaches us that a person’s confidence level is one of the most reliable predictors of whether or not they will succeed in life. (Watch Confidence That Conquers.)

 

 

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – The Moments That Sustain Us

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Charles Stanley

Joshua 1:8

Meditation is a vital part of a healthy, growing relationship with God. It is, however, left out of many believers’ lives. So let’s start with basics and ask the key question, How do we meditate?

First, we must devote ourselves to the reading of God’s Word. If we want to hear His message, then we must dig deep into Scripture. This is no mere book; rather, it is the very message of God to His people. We have Scripture in order to know the Lord better. As faithful stewards of this wonderful gift, we must make it an integral part of our lives.

Second, we must learn to pray God’s Word back to Him. When we read a Bible passage, we should lift that Word back up to heaven as a prayer. We affirm the message of Scripture by showing our heavenly Father we are in agreement with what He has said.

Third, we must apply the Word. The Bible is not here for simple information; instead, it was given for obedience. If we do not allow the Word of God to change our life, then are we really placing much value on it?

Fourth, we must submit to God’s will. As we spend time actively listening to the Lord, He will share His plans for our life. As we apply what we have heard, meditation will become more and more instinctive for us. Then, we will find that we hear His voice regularly.

God has a special message for you. It’s imperative that you take the time to hear what your heavenly Father is saying. And when you do, you’ll enjoy the richness of your relationship with Him.

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Victory in the Battles of Life

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Charles Stanley

1 Samuel 17:32-50

Have you ever failed at something simply because you did not plan it all the way through? Sadly, this is all too common among believers and non-believers alike.

If we want to achieve victory in our pursuits, we must be willing to plan. It’s not always enough to see a matter through to completion; we must also demonstrate the wisdom to consider all steps leading up to the challenge and all potential results that might follow. Then we’ll have a complete view and will begin to see the matter from the perspective of our heavenly Father.

When David confronted the Philistine warrior Goliath, he knew that he was entering into much more than simply a wartime dispute. He was keenly aware of the nature of the conflict—that is, God’s reputation was at stake because all the other nations would be watching to see what happened. Failure at this important juncture would have shown the world that Israel’s God was not all that powerful.

Not only did David understand the nature of the conflict; he walked into battle knowing the outcome. He’d been called to defeat Goliath and provide an unshakable testimony to the Almighty’s power. And he was fully confident that God would enable him to do just that.

If your pursuits keep falling short, ask yourself, Am I looking at the whole issue, or have I lost perspective? If your point of view is too limited, commit the matter to the Lord and allow Him to show you what He is able to do through your efforts.

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Our God Is Able

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Charles Stanley

Jude 1:24-25

People fail. We do not like this reality, but there are times when, no matter how hard we try or how talented we may be, we simply do not succeed or reach our goal.

How are we to succeed at a given task, especially in situations when the odds are against us? For believers in Christ Jesus, the answer is to live out a radical faith in the knowledge that our God is willing and able to overcome our weaknesses.

Sarah laughed when she overheard the Lord prophesy that she would bear a son. “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” He asked (Gen. 18:14). Within a year, that question was answered when the elderly woman gave birth to baby Isaac. She saw that God was able to accomplish the unimaginable.

When God sent Moses to Pharaoh to demand the release of the Hebrew slaves, Moses was scared. “Who am I,” he asked, “that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the Sons of Israel out of Egypt?” (Ex. 3:11). God replied with assurance that He would pave the way for the Hebrews’ release, which He did in a miraculous way. Truly, Moses saw that God was more than able.

On our own, we can accomplish nothing (John 15:5). However, when we operate within the will of God, we have access to a limitless power source that far exceeds our comprehension (1 Chron. 29:12). If you are overcome by the burdens of the world, it is time to throw yourself into the arms of the only one who can carry your heavy load (Matt. 11:28-30). Trust in Him and learn for yourself that God is able.