Tag Archives: heavenly father

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Following the Father’s Example

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Ephesians 6:1-4

Do you have a strong relationship with your children? The way we initially think about God has much to do with how we were parented—especially by our father. What image of the Lord are you portraying?

Many men struggle in their role as dads because their own fathers were either absent—physically or emotionally—or poor examples. But regardless of what a person experienced in the past, the best thing any parent can do is imitate God the Father. Yet how do we know who He really is?

We get our best glimpse of what the heavenly Father is like by looking at His Son. Speaking with the disciples, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me . . . He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:6, 9). Not only is Christ our path to relationship with God; He is also the way we come to know the Father’s true character.

When we look at Jesus’ life, what do we see? He was merciful, patient, gentle, compassionate, kind, and full of goodness toward all people (Matthew 9:10-13). The Savior healed the sick, provided for needs, and offered forgiveness—regardless of the offense (Matthew 14:14-21; Luke 23:34). But in love, He didn’t hesitate to discipline others when correction was required.

More than a solid education or material possessions, your child’s greatest need is a role model of devotion to God through prayer, Bible reading, and holy living. If you make knowing and following the heavenly Father your first priority, you won’t have to worry about what kind of parent you will be.

Bible in One Year: Psalms 55-59

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Are You Not Worth Much More Than They?

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Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?- Matthew 6:26

It might do all of us good to spend some time watching birds. That’s what our Lord told us to do. If not every day, then at least every now and then we need to take the time to observe and remind ourselves how well our feathered friends are cared for.

They literally do not know where their next meal is coming from, yet, I have personally never seen a bird sitting on a tree branch having a nervous breakdown due to worry. The Master’s point here is really very simple: “Are you not worth more than a bird?” Even though you may be wrestling with a poor self-image, surely you can believe that you are more valuable than a bird, and look how well your heavenly Father takes care of them.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Our Father in Heaven

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…your heavenly Father…  Matthew 6:26

 God’s people are doubly His children. They are His offspring by creation, and they are His sons by adoption in Christ. Hence they are privileged to call Him, “Our Father in heaven.”

Father! Oh, what a precious word is that. Here is authority: “If I be a Father, where is My honor?” If you are sons, where is your obedience? Here is affection mingled with authority; an authority that does not provoke rebellion; an obedience demanded that is most cheerfully rendered–which would not be withheld even if it might. The obedience that God’s children yield to Him must be loving obedience.

Do not go about the service of God as slaves to their taskmaster’s toil, but run in the way of His commands because it is your Father’s way. Yield your bodies as instruments of righteousness, because righteousness is your Father’s will, and His will should be the will of His child.

Father! Here is a kingly attribute so sweetly veiled in love that the King’s crown is forgotten in the King’s face, and His scepter becomes, not a rod of iron, but a silver scepter of mercy–the scepter indeed seems to be forgotten in the tender hand of Him who wields it.

Father! Here is honor and love. How great is a Father’s love to his children! That which friendship cannot do, and mere benevolence will not attempt, a father’s heart and hand must do for his sons. They are his offspring, and he must bless them; they are his children, and he must show himself strong in their defense. If an earthly father watches over his children with unceasing love and care, how much more does our heavenly Father?

Abba, Father! He who can say this has uttered better music than cherubim or seraphim can reach. There is heaven in the depth of that word–Father! There is all I can ask, all my necessities can demand, all my wishes can desire. I have all in all to all eternity when I can say, “Father.”

Today’s Bible Reading

The family reading plan for January 26, 2015
* Genesis 27
* Matthew 26

 

Devotional material is taken from “Morning and Evening,” written by C.H. Spurgeon, revised and updated by Alistair Begg.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – You Can Trust Him

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“So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and He will give them to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to” (Matthew 6:31-33).

As a young businessman, I was strongly attracted to the material things of the world and worked very hard to achieve success. But when I became a Christian, I could not ignore the logic of Christ’s command, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33, KJV).

I made my commitment to obey His command. Since that day so many years ago, I have sought to be obedient to that command. The Lord has graciously and abundantly blessed me with the fulfillment of the promise of His supernatural provision which follows:

“You heavenly father already knows perfectly well (the things you need), and He will give them to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to.”

God is trustworthy, and the obedient, faithful Christian soon learns that he, like the psalmist of old, can proclaim:

“I have never seen the Lord forsake a man who loves Him, nor have I seen the children of the godly go hungry” (Psalm 37:25).

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-30

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Resting on the absolute certainties of the Word of God, I will refuse to worry about anything today (recognizing that concern involves others, while worry involves only myself). “All things work together for good to them that love God…” (Romans 8:28). “My God shall supply all your need…” (Philippians 4:19). By trusting these and other promises from God’s word, I have no reason to worry

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Enjoy Life as You Grow

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You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. —Matthew 5:48

Being perfect sounds good, but it is not reality. Reality is that you are a human being, and no matter how hard you try to be perfect, you still make mistakes. Your heart can be perfect, but your performance will never be perfect as long as you are on earth.

You are legally and positionally perfect in Christ, but experientially, you are in the process of changing every day from glory to glory. It is a growing process, and it takes time.

Struggling for perfection to gain acceptance and approval from God or others only brings frustration and never-ending struggle. And it isn’t necessary because Jesus accepts you just as you are. He will never pressure you to perform or demand something of you that you don’t know how to give. So just do your best . . . and enjoy life while you’re maturing.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – My Assurance: God Is in Control

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Charles Stanley

Jeremiah 32:17

During one of the most trying seasons of my life, I would sit by the fire with a dear friend and pour out my heart. Since this man was a good listener, he could sense when I felt discouraged, and he would remind me that God is in control. This truth became an anchor in my life; no matter how much the adversity intensified, I took comfort in knowing that my heavenly Father is sovereign.

The Lord has absolute rule, control, and authority over the universe and everything in it. Scripture states that there is “one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (Eph. 4:6).

Consider the assurances that this truth provides for believers. First, if God created everything and has complete power over all, then nothing can happen apart from His direction and permission. Second, we know from the Bible that He is intimately involved in our personal lives and cares about the details of each day. Third, Romans 8:28 guarantees that He makes something beautiful for His children from every circumstance—even situations that seem painful and wrong. If our loving Father protects us in this way, we can experience peace in the present and confidence about the future.

In painful times, how do you view God? Especially during hardships and heartbreak, it’s important to remember that He is in control. Focusing on His sovereignty will give you the confidence to carry on. Reread today’s passage, paying particular attention to the power, love, and ability of your heavenly Father.

 

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Confess Your Sins to God

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Alistair Begg

It is quite certain that those whom Christ has washed in His precious blood need not make a confession of sin as culprits or criminals before God the Judge, because Christ has forever taken away all their sins in a legal sense, so that they no longer stand where they can be condemned, but are once and for all accepted in the Beloved.

But having become children, and offending as children, should they not every day go before their heavenly Father and confess their sin and acknowledge their iniquity in that character? Nature teaches that it is the duty of erring children to make a confession to their earthly father, and the grace of God in the heart teaches us that we, as Christians, owe the same duty to our heavenly Father. We daily offend and ought not to rest without daily pardon. Suppose that my trespasses against my Father are not at once taken to Him to be washed away by the cleansing power of the Lord Jesus–what will be the consequence? If I have not sought forgiveness and been washed from these offenses against my Father, I shall feel at a distance from Him; I shall doubt His love for me; I shall tremble before Him; I shall be afraid to pray to Him: I shall grow like the prodigal who, although still a child, was yet far away from his father. But if with a child’s sorrow at offending so gracious and loving a Parent, I go to Him and tell Him everything, and do not rest until I realize that I am forgiven, then I shall feel a holy love to my Father and shall go through my Christian career not only as saved, but as one enjoying present peace in God through Jesus Christ my Lord.

There is a wide distinction between confessing sin as a culprit and confessing sin as a child. The Father’s bosom is the place for penitent confessions. We have been cleansed once for all, but our feet still need to be washed from the defilement of our daily walk as children of God.

Family Bible reading plan Job 18 1 Corinthians 5

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Obey Your Heavenly Father

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Alistair Begg

Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Romans 3:31

When the believer is adopted into the Lord’s family, his relationship to old Adam and the law ceases at once; but then he is under a new rule and a new covenant. Believer, you are God’s child; it is your first duty to obey your heavenly Father.

A servile spirit you have nothing to do with: You are not a slave but a child. And now, inasmuch as you are a beloved child, you are bound to obey your Father’s faintest wish, the least intimation of His will. Does He bid you fulfill a sacred ordinance? It is at your peril that you neglect it, for you will be disobeying your Father.

Does He command you to seek the image of Jesus? Is it not your joy to do so? Does Jesus tell you, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect”? 1 Then not because the law commands, but because your Savior enjoins, you will labor to be perfect in holiness. Does He bid his saints to love one another? Do it, not because the law says, “Love your neighbor,” but because Jesus says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” 3

And this is the commandment that He has given unto you, “that you love one another.” Are you told to distribute to the poor? Do it, not because charity is a burden that you dare not shirk, but because Jesus teaches, “Give to him that asks of you.” Does the Word say, “Love God with all your heart”? Look at the commandment and reply, “Ah, commandment, Christ has fulfilled you already. I have no need, therefore, to fulfill you for my salvation, but I rejoice to yield obedience to you because God is my Father now, and He has a claim upon me, which I would not dispute.”

May the Holy Ghost make your heart obedient to the constraining power of Christ’s love, that your prayer may be, “I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!” 3 Grace is the mother and nurse of holiness, and not the apologist of sin.

1 Matthew 5:48

2 John 14:15

3 Psalm 119:32

 

 

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – You Can Trust Him

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dr_bright

“So don’t worry at all about having enough food and clothing. Why be like the heathen? For they take pride in all these things and are deeply concerned about them. But your heavenly Father already knows perfectly well that you need them, and He will give them to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to” (Matthew 6:31-33).

As a young businessman, I was strongly attracted to the material things of the world and worked very hard to achieve success. But when I became a Christian, I could not ignore the logic of Christ’s command, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33, KJV).

I made my commitment to obey His command. Since that day so many years ago, I have sought to be obedient to that command. The Lord has graciously and abundantly blessed me with the fulfillment of the promise of His supernatural provision which follows:

“You heavenly father already knows perfectly well (the things you need), and He will give them to you if you give Him first place in your life and live as He wants you to.”

God is trustworthy, and the obedient, faithful Christian soon learns that he, life the psalmist of old, can proclaim:

“I have never seen the Lord forsake a man who loves Him, nor have I seen the children of the godly go hungry” (Psalm 37:25).

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-30

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Resting on the absolute certainties of the Word of God, I will refuse to worry about anything today (recognizing that concern involves others, while worry involves only myself). “All things work together for good to them that love God…” (Romans 8:28). “My God shall supply all your need…” (Philippians 4:19). By trusting these and other promises from God’s word, I have no reason to worry

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Knowing God as Our Father

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Charles Stanley

1 John 3:1-3

When we hear the word “father,” what images come to mind? Couch potato or hardworking? Stern or enthusiastic? Available or absent? No matter what strengths or weaknesses our earthly dads may have had, we have a heavenly Father who is perfect.

Jesus’ life provides us with a picture of God as our Father. We see the Savior tenderly holding children, ministering to the sick, and showing compassion to the undeserving. Christ’s words tell us of a heavenly Father who loves people, listens to the prayers of His children, and freely offers forgiveness.

Jesus also revealed that there are two spiritual fathers in this world: Jehovah and Satan. Only those who have been spiritually born into God’s family may call Him “Father.” This rebirth (John 3:3) takes place when a person accepts Jesus’ substitutionary sacrifice for his or her own sins. Those that reject Christ—the only way to God (14:6)—consequently choose the Devil as their spiritual father (8:42-45). They have believed the Father of Lies and rejected the one true God as revealed in the person of Jesus. Satan came to steal, kill, and destroy (10:10), but Jesus came that we might have new life and be reconciled to God the Father.

God is aware of every need we have, and He has promised to provide His best for us. He delights in giving good gifts to His children and doesn’t hold our mistakes against us. With Him, we find intimacy, security, and satisfaction. Child of God, how well do you know your Father?

 

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; H.L.M.- Power of Collaboration

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Nehemiah encountered challenges in his effort to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. When he surveyed the situation and changed his plans, he recruited the help of many. It was a collaborative effort as some stood guard while others worked on the wall. Nehemiah created a plan where even the most distant team member could call for help from all others when necessary.

And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.

Nehemiah 4:18

John 17:21 says, “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Jesus prayed that His people would share the same unity as He and His Heavenly Father. When Christ followers are loving and serving each other, it is a powerful witness to the reality of God’s presence in their lives.

Join your heart with believers across America and help rebuild the spiritual wall of America. Pray daily for our nation’s leaders. As you do, know that God is beside each of you as you collaborate with others in this powerful act of service.

Recommended Reading: Ephesians 4:1-10

 

 

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Promises to Heal

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Charles Stanley

James 5:13-18

Have you ever wondered why we see far fewer miracles today than what the Bible reports? God has not changed, nor has His power. And our needs are no fewer than those of that day. Why, then, do we witness less of His powerful healing in modern society?

James 4:2-3 lists two reasons: “You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

God’s power may also be hindered by a lack of faith. In fact, because the people in Jesus’ own hometown rejected Him, He did few miracles there (Matt. 13:57-58).

There’s another reason, and it may be the most difficult to comprehend and accept: Sometimes the Lord’s perfect and loving will is not for our health to be restored immediately—or ever. He might have a lesson for us to learn that requires suffering so we can listen and understand. Because our Father knows the big picture that we are unable to see, He may allow the difficulty to remain.

Paul accepted this. He asked God three times to remove what he called his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). But he finally understood that it would continue and the Lord’s power would be made perfect through his weakness.

God desires that you turn to Him as Lord and Healer. Pray with faith in Jesus’ name, bringing your requests but also surrendering to His will. Trust that He can do anything—and that what He does will be in your best interest and for His glory. Our heavenly Father still does miracles today.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – Highest and Best Knowledge

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Alistair Begg

The people who know their God shall stand firm.  Daniel 11:32

Every believer understands that to know God is the highest and best form of knowledge; and this spiritual knowledge is a source of strength to the Christian. It strengthens his faith. Believers are constantly referred to in the Bible as people who are enlightened and taught by the Lord; they are said to “have been anointed by the Holy One,”1 and it is the Spirit’s peculiar office to lead them into all truth, so that they might grow in their faith.

Knowledge strengthens love as well as faith. Knowledge opens the door, and then through that door we see our Savior. Or to put it another way, knowledge paints the portrait of Jesus, and when we see that portrait, then we love Him. We cannot love a Christ whom we do not know at least in some degree. If we know only a little of the excellencies of Jesus, what He has done for us and what He is doing now, we cannot love Him much; but the more we know Him, the more we will love Him.

Knowledge also strengthens hope. How can we hope for something if we do not know of its existence? Hope may be the telescope, but until we receive instruction, our ignorance blocks our view, and we can see nothing. Knowledge removes the blockage, and when we look through the bright optic glass we discover the glory to be revealed and anticipate it with joyful confidence.

Knowledge supplies us with reason for patience. How will we have patience unless we know something of the sympathy of Christ and understand the good that comes out of the correction that our heavenly Father sends us? There is not a single Christian who, under God, will not be fostered and brought to perfection by holy knowledge. It is then very important that we should grow not only in grace, but in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

11 John 2:20

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – Spiritual Adultery

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Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. —1 John 2:15–16

On more than one occasion in Scripture, the church is compared to a bride—and Jesus is the Groom. One day, there will be a heavenly wedding, and the church will be presented to Him.

Just as a husband and wife need to be faithful to one another, we need to be faithful to the Lord. When people break their vows and are unfaithful to their spouse, they commit adultery. But did you know that Christians can commit spiritual adultery? We do this by loving this world system. James wrote, “You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).

“World,” as it is used here, doesn’t mean the Earth. There is nothing wrong with appreciating what God has made. I think, more than anyone else, Christians can appreciate the handiwork of our Heavenly Father.

The “world” James was speaking of is a system of thought, a mentality, a way of living that is embraced by most. Yet the Bible says, “Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you” (1 John 2:15).

I like this paraphrase of the same verse from: “Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him.”

We don’t want to commit spiritual adultery. God has called us to be faithful to Him.

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Charles Stanley – Faith vs. Reason

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Psalm 119:67-72

One of the first things people tend to do in times of hardship is to point a finger, trying to find someone or something to blame for their adversity. If we are hurting in life, certainly it must be someone else’s fault, right?

But more often than not, our attempts to blame others are hollow and fruitless. Sadly, a probable cause of our difficulty tends to go largely unnoticed—namely, ourselves. Although it may hurt our pride to admit, we are frequently to blame for our own adversity.

This is certainly a tough lesson for any believer. Today’s passage reveals David’s own struggle in this very area. However, he reached a point when he realized his own culpability in his turmoil. He cried, “Before I was afflicted I went astray” (Ps. 119:67). That is, he recognized that his affliction was not anyone else’s fault, but rather, it was the result of his own wandering heart and mind.

In this sense, adversity can be a powerful tool in the hands of our heavenly Father. Why would He allow us to fall into such hard times? The answer may be that He desires to teach us the result of our own sin and misdirection. He wants to impress upon our minds the results of our sin. By doing so, He helps us avoid these problems in the future.

That is why David was able to make the rather surprising statement, “It is good for me that I was afflicted” (v. 71). The second part of that verse—”that I may learn Your statutes”—explains the long-term protective benefit. If you are going through adversity, perhaps God is trying to teach you something. Be open to His lesson, and seek to find meaning in your hardship.

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Max Lucado – Dealing with Debt

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Doesn’t someone owe you an apology?  A second chance?  An explanation? A thank you?  A childhood?  A marriage?  Your parents should have been more protective. Your children should have been more appreciative. Your spouse should be more sensitive. What are you going to do?  Few questions are more important.

Dealing with debt is at the heart of your happiness. Jesus speaks of the grace we should share.  He says: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14).

It reminds me of the story of a huge grizzly bear in the center of Yellowstone Park feeding on discarded camp food.  No one dared draw near. Except a skunk who walked toward the food and took his place next to the grizzly.  The bear didn’t object.  He knew the high cost of getting even! We’d be wise to learn the same thing.

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Charles Stanley – The Father’s Far-Reaching Grace

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Luke 15:17-24

Family-oriented movies frequently end by showing a warm reunion. We see loved ones with arms around each other in an expression of love and support.

The parable of the prodigal son paints a similar picture of our heavenly Father’s attitude towards us, His children. That well-known story illustrates the magnificence of grace. In Luke 15:20, the one who was sinned against is running out to eagerly welcome back the one who sinned. Be sure to notice how the one who was mistreated shows compassion to the one who was at fault.

And there is even more. The prodigal did not know that his full rights as a son would be restored. We as believers, however, know in advance what awaits us when we humbly return to our heavenly Father. Because of grace, we can count on acceptance no matter how long we have been absent from Him or how far we’ve wandered.

Grace guarantees that our the Lord will greet us with compassion and forgiveness, lovingly restoring us to full rights as His children. It is not our performance—in other words, not good deeds or even the right words of apology—that matters; it is our position in Christ. When God sees that we belong to His Son, He forgives us.

The parable of the prodigal son points us to the truth that because of Jesus Christ, we are forgiven even before we return. While this does not give us license to sin (Rom. 6:1-2), it does give us reason to celebrate. Our Father is waiting to welcome us home.