Tag Archives: jesus christ

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Be Generous on Purpose

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And let fall some handfuls for her on purpose and let them lie there for her to glean, and do not rebuke her. —Ruth 2:16

Today’s scripture is an instruction from Boaz, a wealthy man and leader in his community, to his workers. Telling them to leave grain in the fields for Ruth “on purpose” was his way of providing for her and her mother-in-law, Naomi, who were both poor widows. In their day the law demanded that some grain be left over after harvest so poor people could glean it and have something to eat. Boaz knew the law, but gave this instruction anyway to make sure that Ruth would have enough. We see repeatedly in Scripture that God always provides for the poor. But His provision does not fall out of the sky or just miraculously appear; He provides through people.

At Joyce Meyer Ministries, we have an account called “Love in Action.” The ministry and employees can give money to this account specifically to be used for the needs of fellow employees who might be experiencing a difficult time financially for one reason or another. Perhaps sickness has left them with a burden, or a special need with a child may have gotten them in distress. We decided we wanted to be prepared to help those among us who had genuine needs and could not help themselves.

If you have a Bible study group or a group of friends who want to love and bless others, one thing you can do is select a treasurer or open a special bank account. Let everyone donate to that special fund each week or month. You can call it “Love in Action” or choose your own name, but use it to meet needs that arise. Often we hear about needs and wish we could help. Why not start saving for those times so you can be prepared? If you cannot form a group, then find one or two people and if you have to, do it by yourself; just do it!

Love Others Today: Needs will arise. Prepare ahead of time to be able to meet them—and ask others to join you.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Abound With Blessings

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“A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished” (Proverbs 28:20, RSV).

“Years ago when my children were small,” declared a godly Baptist layman in South Carolina, who was secretary and treasurer of a large cotton mill corporation, “my salary was too small for my actual needs. Strive as I would I could not keep out of debt.

“This became a heavy cross to me, and one night I was unable to sleep. I arose and went to my desk, where I spent some time in prayer to God for help and guidance. Then I took a pen and paper and wrote out a solemn contract with my heavenly Father.”

Continuing, the layman said, “I promised Him that no matter what testings or trials came I would never turn back. Also, that no matter how pressing my obligations I would scrupulously tithe my income. Next I promised the Lord that if He would let me make a certain salary I would pay two- tenth, then if I made a certain larger salary I would pay three-tenths.

“Finally I named a larger salary, which was far beyond anything I had ever hoped to earn, and told the Lord if I ever reached such a salary I would give him one-half of my income. For many years it has been my privilege to give one- half of my income to the Lord.”

This verse warns the man who is so determined to accumulate personal wealth that he robs God of that which is rightfully His. That man will not go unpunished. God promises. May He help us to give cheerfully of that which He entrusts to us.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 28:21-28

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Whatever I give to the Lord, His servants and His work will be done cheerfully and generously, as He has prospered me.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Reasons for Rejoicing

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One repentant sinner brings rejoicing to the streets of Heaven. Why? Surely the angels remember the dawn of creation when all Heaven sang, and perhaps they see in the redemption of that wayward one those first days, and thrill that he is now a new creation. Maybe it is a quieter angelic sigh of relief; because they know the future that would have awaited that one had he failed to turn from his wicked ways. Conceivably, the angels are delightfully gleeful watching that person’s name inscribed into the Lamb’s Book of Life and they anticipate greeting him on his blessed arrival.

There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Luke 15:10

Whatever their motives, what is your response? The angels of Heaven celebrate, but do you? Rejoicing is easy when you watch a major revival where throngs come to the Lord, but what about when that young man everyone had written off hangs his head in sorrowful repentance and finds salvation in Christ Jesus? Is not God’s mercy just as great?

As you pray today, examine your expressions of joy. Intercede for the members of government who need to find God’s mercy, grace and salvation – so Heaven’s hosts (and you) can rejoice anew.

Recommended Reading: Luke 15:1-10

 

Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie – The Nut Has Gone

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Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. —1 Corinthians 15:20

A minister who was conducting a funeral service wanted to speak of some of the wonderful things about the deceased. But this poor guy said the wrong thing. He boldly proclaimed, “What we have here is only the shell,” gesturing toward the coffin. Then he added, “But the nut has gone.” He didn’t want it to come out that way. But that is a pretty accurate statement of what happens when we die.

God will give us new bodies one day — resurrection bodies. And we will need these new bodies because we will be in a new place called heaven. Of course, we wouldn’t think of sending astronauts into space dressed like they are going to the beach. They must have special suits that are designed to allow them to breathe and function in their new environment. Our earthly bodies suit us fine for life on earth. But in heaven, we will need new bodies.

We will need new bodies for our new environment because, to begin with, if we were to see God in the bodies were are living in right now, we would disintegrate on the spot. Why? Because we aren’t perfect people. Our bodies are limited by the effects of sin. The very fact that we age, can get sick, and will one day die (if the Lord does come back for us first) means that we have bodies that are tainted by sin. We need new bodies, made into the image of Jesus.

You will leave the shell, but the “nut,” the real you, will go into the presence of the Lord.

Today’s devotional is an excerpt from Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie, 2013

Max Lucado

Max Lucado – A Blessed Man

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Max Lucado

My daughters are too old for this now, but when they were young, crib-size and diaper-laden—I’d come home, shout their names, and watch them run to me with extended arms and squealing voices. For the next few moments we would speak the language of love. We’d roll on the floor, gobble bellies, and tickle tummies and laugh and play. We delighted in each other’s presence. They made no requests of me, with the exception of “Let’s play, Daddy.” And I made no demands of them, except, “Don’t hit Daddy with the hammer.” In this very special dad time—my kids let me love them!

Psalm 127:3-5 reminds us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”

I am a blessed man!

From Dad Time

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).

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread — Kangaroos and Emus

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Our Daily Bread

Philippians 3:12-17

Forgetting those things which are behind . . . I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:13-14

Two of Australia’s indigenous creatures, kangaroos and emus, have something in common—they seldom move backward. Kangaroos, because of the shape of their body and the length of their strong tail, can bounce along with forward movement, but they cannot shift easily into reverse. Emus can run fast on their strong legs, but the joints in their knees seem to make backward movement difficult. Both animals appear on Australia’s coat of arms as a symbol that the nation is to be ever moving forward and making progress.

The apostle Paul called for a similar approach to the life of faith in his letter to the Philippians: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14).

While it is wise to learn from the past, we shouldn’t live in the past. We cannot redo or undo the past, but by God’s grace we can press forward and serve God faithfully today and in the future. The life of faith is a journey forward as we become like Christ. —Bill Crowder

I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I’m onward bound,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” —Oatman

I will go anywhere—provided it is forward.

Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 15-16; John 12:27-50

Insight

Paul the apostle had an interesting writing style. One aspect of this is seen in Ephesians 1, where verses 3-10 form one long sentence. Another element of Paul’s novel approach is found in Philippians 3:13-14. Here Paul declares, “one thing I do”; then he goes on to list not one but three things! His one thing? Forgetting the things behind, reaching to the things ahead, and pressing toward the goal of the upward call of Christ. Though marked by Paul’s unique style, the wisdom of his words regarding spiritual priorities still rings true.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg – In the Wilderness

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Alistair Begg

For the Lord . . . Makes her wilderness like Eden. Isaiah 51:3

In my mind’s eye I see a howling wilderness, a great and terrible desert, like the Sahara. I perceive nothing in it to relieve the eye; all around I am wearied with a vision of hot and arid sand, on which are ten thousand bleaching skeletons of wretched men who have expired in anguish, having lost their way in the pitiless waste. What an appalling sight! How horrible! A sea of sand without boundary and without an oasis, a cheerless graveyard for a forlorn race.

But look and wonder! All of a sudden, springing from the scorching sand I see a well-known plant; and as it grows it buds, the bud expands—it is a rose, and at its side a lily bows its modest head—and, miracle of miracles, as the fragrance of those flowers is diffused, the wilderness is transformed into a fruitful field, and all around it blossoms abundantly like the glory of Lebanon, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon. Do not call it Sahara; call it Paradise. Do not refer to it any longer as the valley of death, for where the skeletons lay bleaching in the sun, a resurrection is proclaimed, and up spring the dead, a mighty army, full of life immortal. Jesus is that well-known plant, and His presence makes everything new.

The wonder is no less in each individual’s salvation. I can see you, dear reader, cast out, an infant, unclothed, unwashed, defiled with your own blood, and left to be food for beasts of prey.

But look, a jewel has been thrown into your bosom by a divine hand, and for its sake you have been pitied and guarded by divine providence; you are washed and cleansed from your defilement; you are adopted into heaven’s family; the fair seal of love is upon your forehead, and the ring of faithfulness is on your hand—you are now a prince to God, though once an orphan and a castaway. Cherish then the matchless power and grace that changes deserts into gardens and makes the barren heart sing for joy.

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

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The family reading plan for June 1, 2014 * Isaiah 33 * Revelation 3

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Indwelling sin

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“Then Job answered the Lord, and said, Behold, I am vile.” Job 40:3,4

Suggested Further Reading: Galatians 5:13-24

When we believe in Jesus Christ all our sins are pardoned; yet the power of sin, although it is weakened and kept under by the dominion of the new-born nature which God infuses into our souls, does not cease, but still lingers in us, and will do so to our dying day. It is a doctrine held by all the orthodox, that there still dwells in the regenerate the lusts of the flesh, and that there still remains in the hearts of those who are converted by God’s mercy, the evil of carnal nature. I have found it very difficult to distinguish, in experimental matters, concerning sin. It is usual with many writers, especially with hymn writers, to confound the two natures of a Christian. Now, I hold that there is in every Christian two natures, as distinct as were the two natures of the God-Man Christ Jesus. There is one nature which cannot sin, because it is born of God—a spiritual nature, coming directly from heaven, as pure and as perfect as God himself, who is the author of it; and there is also in man that ancient nature which, by the fall of Adam, has become altogether vile, corrupt, sinful, and devilish. There remains in the heart of the Christian a nature which cannot do that which is right, any more than it could before regeneration, and which is as evil as it was before the new birth—as sinful, as altogether hostile to God’s laws, as ever it was—a nature which, as I said before, is curbed and kept under by the new nature in a great measure, but which is not removed and never will be until this tabernacle of our flesh is broken down, and we soar into that land into which there shall never enter anything that defiles.

For meditation: Are there times when you cannot understand your own behaviour? You are in good company (Romans 7:15-25). But the Christian, having received the new nature, need not and should not give in to the old nature as if he could do nothing about it.

Sermon no. 83

1 June (1856)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Examining Your Faith

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John MacArthur

“Prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves” (James 1:22).

Our studies this month center on James 1:19-2:26, which deals with the issue of true faith–a most important consideration indeed. Knowing your faith is genuine is a wonderful assurance, but thinking you’re saved when you’re not is the most frightening deception imaginable. In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus speaks of those who call Him Lord and even do miracles in His name, but aren’t redeemed. Second Timothy 3:5 speaks of those who have a form of godliness but deny its power. They’re religious but lost. Sadly, many people today are victims of the same deception. They think they’re Christians, but they’re heading for eternal damnation unless they recognize their true condition and repent.

Deception of that magnitude is a tragedy beyond description, but you need never fall prey to it because James gives a series of tests for true faith. This month we’ll be applying one of those tests: your attitude toward God’s Word. That’s an especially crucial test because the Word is the agency of both your salvation and sanctification. The Holy Spirit empowered it to save you, and He continually works through it to conform you to the image of Christ. That’s why Peter said, “You have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God. . . . [Therefore] like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet. 1:2-2:2).

Jesus Himself characterized believers as those who abide in His Word and obey His commandments. They receive the Word with an attitude of submission and humility. However, unbelievers resist and disobey the Word (John 8:31, 43-45). Psalm 119:155 says, “Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Thy statutes.”

As you study this test of true faith, ask yourself, Do I pass the test? I pray that your answer will echo the words of the psalmist: “I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end” (Ps. 119:112).

Suggestions for Prayer:  Ask God for clarity and confidence about your faith in Christ.

For Further Study: Read the book of James, noting the instructions he gives regarding Christian living.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Get Understanding

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My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6

I believe marriages, friendships, and business relationships are destroyed due to men and women not understanding the differences that make us unique. In our pride we usually think that we are a shining example of what is right, and we expect everyone to act as we do and like what we like, but that is fantasy, not fact.

In his best-selling book Love and Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs points out that the obvious differences found in men and women can be seen in something as simple as looking into a closet. Eggerichs writes about a couple getting dressed for the day: She says, “I have nothing to wear.” (She means, she has nothing new.) He says, “I have nothing to wear.” (He means, he has nothing clean.)

God made men and women to be different in many different ways. Whether you are married or single, you will encounter and need to deal with men throughout your life. I believe it is important for our confidence level as women to understand ourselves and the differences between us and men. We need to remember that those differences aren’t better or worse, they’re just different. Once we accept those differences, we can understand and appreciate what each gender offers.

Lord, I ask You to help me understand myself as well as to understand men in general. Then help me apply that understanding in practical, helpful ways in my relationships. Amen.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Life-giving Fruit

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“Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and all who win souls are wise” (Proverbs 11-30).

“The monument I want after I am dead,” said Dwight L. Moody, “is a monument with two legs going around the world – a saved sinner telling about the salvation of Jesus Christ.”

When a young minister asked the Duke of Wellington whether he did not consider it useless to attempt to evangelize India, the Iron Duke sternly replied:

“What are your marching orders, sir?”

No doubt one of Satan’s greatest weapons of deceit in the world today is that of procrastination. Tomorrow I am going to become a soul-winner. Next month, after an evangelistic training program, I will become a great witness. As soon as I finish seminary or Bible college, I’ll begin sharing the good news of the gospel.

But “today is the day of salvation, now is the accepted time,” declares the Word of God. Sensitivity to God’s Holy Spirit – dwelling within to give me supernatural ability – will enable me to tell others what Christ means to me, and what He has done for me.

In God’s economy, the truly wise person, is that one who is redeeming the time, buying up every opportunity to share his faith, refusing to put off that which he knows should become a natural, every-day, moment-by-moment part of his life. Wonder of wonders, God even promises to put the very words in our mouths, if we ask Him, as we go in His name.

Bible Reading: II Corinthians 5:11-17

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will do what God leads me to do this day to bear life-giving fruit.

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; J.K. – Filled With Joy

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Godliness is rarely mentioned today, but it should be the goal of every believer. Matthew records Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount to give you steps for that journey (Matthew 5:2-12). Acknowledge your sin and spiritual deficiency – be poor in spirit. Grieve over them – mourn and long for God’s forgiveness. Trust Him in every circumstance – show meekness. Long to do right – hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God. Endeavor to do good – show mercy. Desire inward cleansing – seek to be pure in heart. Actively promote peace – be a peacemaker.

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.

Matthew 5:12

What reward shall come to you? It may be persecution. “Oh, joy!” you say. And it should be! David, the man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) suffered greatly, but in the midst of every calamity, he recounted his joy in the Lord. God’s mighty works in his life encouraged David to trust in the One who had always saved him. Joy filled his heart.

Take his attitude to heart, dear one. The June devotionals will remind you that joy is expected of you. Let your testimony and your prayers for yourself and this nation be filled with it.

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 55:6-12

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.

Our Daily Bread
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Our Daily Bread Isaiah 1:1-4,12-18 Your sins . . . shall be as white as snow. —Isaiah 1:18 Iwas driving my son home from school one day when snow began to fall. The cottony fluff came down steadily and quickly. Eventually, we slowed to a stop, boxed in by traffic. From inside our vehicle, we watched a transformation take place. Dark patches of soil turned white. Snow softened the sharp outlines of buildings; it coated the cars around us, and accumulated on every tree in sight. That snowfall reminded me of a spiritual truth: Just as that snow covered everything in sight, God’s grace covers our sin. But grace doesn’t just cover sin, grace erases sin. Through the prophet Isaiah, God appealed to the Israelites, saying, “Come now, and let us reason together . . . though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isa. 1:18). When God made this promise, His children had a painful problem with sin. God compared them to a physical body plagued with “wounds and welts and open sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil” (v.6 niv). As bad as their sin was, God was willing to extend His grace to them. As His children today, we have the same assurance. Sin may stain our lives, but when we repent and confess it, we have “the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of [God’s] grace” (Eph. 1:7). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt Lord, give me courage to confess, To bare my sinful heart to Thee; Forgiving love You long to show And from my sin to set me free. —D. DeHaan The weight of sin is balanced only by the blood of Christ.

Alistair Begg

Alistair Begg  – Healing of a Divine Physician

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Alistair Begg

. . . Who heals all your diseases. Psalms 103:3

Humbling as this statement is, yet the fact is certain that we are all more or less suffering under the disease of sin. What a comfort to know that we have a great Physician who is both able and willing to heal us! Let us think of Him for a moment tonight.

His cures are very speedy—there is life for a look at Him; His cures are radical—He strikes at the center of the disease; and so His cures are sure and certain. He never fails, and the disease never returns. There is no relapse where Christ heals, no fear that His patients should be merely patched up for a season. He makes new men of them: He also gives them a new heart and puts a right spirit within them.

He is well skilled in all diseases. Physicians generally have some specialty. Although they may know a little about almost all our pains and ills, there is usually one disease that they have studied more than others; but Jesus Christ is thoroughly acquainted with the whole of human nature. He is as much at home with one sinner as with another, and He never yet met an unusual case that was difficult for Him. He has had extraordinary complications of strange diseases to deal with, but He has known exactly with one glance of His eye how to treat the patient. He is the only universal doctor; and the medicine He gives is the only true panacea, healing in every instance.

Whatever our spiritual malady may be, we should apply at once to this Divine Physician. There is no brokenness of heart that Jesus cannot bind up. “The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”1 We have only to think of the myriads who have been delivered from all sorts of diseases through the power and virtue of His touch, and we will joyfully put ourselves in His hands. We trust Him, and sin dies; we love Him, and grace lives; we wait for Him, and grace is strengthened; we see Him as he is, and grace is perfected forever.

11 John 1:7

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

The family reading plan for May 31, 2014 * Isaiah 32 * Revelation 2

ul’s � pc � ��>is own calling.

Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon – Elijah’s appeal to the undecided

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CharlesSpurgeon

“How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: if Baal, then follow him.” 1 Kings 18:21

Suggested Further Reading: John 13:12-19

I insist that it is your bounden duty, if you believe in God, simply because he is God, to serve him and obey him. I do not tell you it is for your advantage—it may be, I believe it is—but that I put aside from the question; I demand of you that you follow God, if you believe him to be God. If you do not think he is God; if you really think that the devil is God, then follow him; his pretended godhead shall be your plea, and you shall be consistent; but if God be God, if he made you, I demand that you serve him; if it is he who puts the breath into your nostrils, I demand that you obey him. If God be really worthy of worship, and you really think so, I demand that you either follow him, or else deny that he is God at all. Now, professor, if thou sayest that Christ’s gospel is the only gospel, if thou believest in the divinity of the gospel, and puttest thy trust in Christ, I demand of thee to follow out the gospel, not merely because it will be to thy advantage, but because the gospel is divine. If thou makest a profession of being a child of God, if thou art a believer, and thinkest and believest religion is the best, the service of God most desirable, I do not come to plead with thee because of any advantage thou wouldst get by being holy; it is on this ground that I put it, that the Lord is God; and if he be God, it is thy business to serve him. If his gospel be true, and thou believest it to be true, it is thy duty to carry it out.

For meditation: Four things God will not accept—hypocrisy (Luke 6:46), half-heartedness (Luke 9:59-62), double-mindedness (James 1:6-8) and lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15,16).

Sermon no. 134

31 May (1857)

John MacArthur

John MacArthur – Making Worthless Things Valuable

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John MacArthur

“The names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; and James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-gatherer; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him” (Matt. 10:2- 4).

The story is told of a great concert violinist who wanted to prove a point, so he rented a music hall and announced that he would play a concert on a $20,000 violin. On concert night the music hall was filled to capacity with music lovers anxious to hear such an expensive instrument played. The violinist stepped onto the stage, gave an exquisite performance, and received a thunderous standing ovation. When the applause subsided, he suddenly threw the violin to the ground, stomped it to pieces, and walked off the stage. The audience gasped, then sat in stunned silence.

Within seconds the stage manager approached the microphone and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, to put you at ease, the violin that was just destroyed was a $20 violin. The master will now return to play the remainder of his concert on the $20,000 instrument.” At the conclusion of his concert he received another standing ovation. Few people could tell the difference between the two violins. His point was obvious: it isn’t the violin that makes the music; it’s the violinist.

The disciples were like $20 violins that Jesus transformed into priceless instruments for His glory. I trust you’ve been encouraged to see how God used them despite their weakness, and I pray you’ve been challenged by their strengths. You may not be dynamic like Peter or zealous like James and Simon, but you can be faithful like Andrew and courageous like Thaddaeus. Remember, God will take the raw material of your life and expose you to the experiences and teachings that will shape you into the servant He wants you to be.

Trust Him to complete what He has begun in you, and commit each day to the goal of becoming a more qualified and effective disciple.

Suggestions for Prayer: Make a list of the character traits you most admire in the disciples. Ask the Lord to increase those traits in your own life.

For Further Study: Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17, noting Paul’s perspective on his own calling.

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Step Out and Find Out

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A wide door of opportunity for effectual [service] has opened to me [there, a great and promising one], and [there are] many adversaries. —1 Corinthians 16:9

Sometimes the only way to discover God’s will is to practice what I call “stepping out and finding out.” If I have prayed about a situation and still don’t seem to know what to do, I simply take a step of faith. God has shown me that trusting Him is like standing before an automatic door at a supermarket. We can stand and look at the door all day, but it won’t open until we take a step forward and trigger the mechanism that opens it.

There are times in life when we must take a step forward in order to find out, one way or the other, what we should do. Some doors open as soon as we take a step of faith and others never open no matter what we do. When God opens the door, then go through it. If He does not open the door, then be satisfied to take another direction. But do not let fear trap you in total inactivity.

In the verse for today, Paul mentions the door of opportunity before him, but he also mentions “many adversaries,” so we must be sure we don’t mistake opposition for a closed door.

Paul and his coworkers, Silas and Barnabas, did not sit and wait for an angel to appear or a vision to come from heaven while they were seeking God’s will. They took steps in the direction they felt was right. Many times God did open doors for them, but there were times when He closed doors. This did not discourage them, but they simply kept going forward in faith, searching for what God wanted them to do.

God’s word for you today: Walk boldly through the doors God opens for you, and don’t become discouraged when He closes one

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – How to Stay Pure

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“How can a young man stay pure? By reading Your Word and following its rules” (Psalm 119:9).

I can live a pure life if I follow God’s Word. That seems to be the clear import of the psalmist’s message in this verse. And if that is true – and I have no doubt it is – then certain things surely should follow.

I will begin today by determining to know His Word and to obey it. Simple logic would dictate that I cannot and will not obey His Word if I am not familiar with it.

In a day when immorality is rampant and divorce is becoming commonplace even among Christians, how important it is that I seek to keep my life pure. Surely I cannot expect to be used of God in a supernatural way to help fulfill the Great Commission unless I am pure. And there seems to be no better way to accomplish that desired end than by reading, studying – even memorizing – His Word, and then, through the enabling of the Holy Spirit, by claiming God’s promises and obeying His commandments.

Earlier (Day 18) we mentioned the importance of hiding God’s Word in our hearts, that we might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). Again I would emphasize the value of committing to memory many verses – and even chapters – from the Word of God. In that way, we will have them stored in our minds so that God can bring them to our minds in time of special need and can use them to enable us to live supernaturally.

Basic to living the supernatural life is this matter of spending time in God’s Word, which is quick and powerful.

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:10-16

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: Today I will spend quality time in the Word of God and begin to memorize favorite passages, especially Psalm 119.