THE MEASURE OF MATURITY

He is the one who gave these gifts to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

In Touch Ministries - 08/31/06

As the Apostle Paul wrote to the church about spiritual gifts, he described the responsibility of those endowed with leadership gifts. They are charged with equipping the people of the church to serve God and build up the body of Christ. The measure of the success of these leaders is threefold:

• Unity in the faith


• Knowledge of God’s Son


• Christ-likeness (“measuring up to the full stature of Christ”)

God has gifted men and women with the purpose of building His kingdom on earth. That kingdom must be unified, not divided; informed and focused on Jesus, no one else; glorifying Christ, not man. We still have much work to do!

A FAIR TRIAL

This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

1st Peter 2:21-23

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 08/30/06

Our legal system is filled with judges who make every effort to fill their responsibilities with fairness, equity and justice. However, because they are human, this does not always happen. Because they deal with human defendants, lawyers, prosecutors and juries, the final outcome may seem less than fair to someone involved.

When we leave our “case in the hands of God”, we can be sure that the judgment will be fair because God knows all things and only truth and justice will be part of His decision. When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ (and we all will one day), we can count on a fair trial. You have the opportunity to determine the outcome of that trail. Are you living with the judgment seat in mind?    

TESTED FAITH

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, as long as it is called “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. But never forget the warning: “Today you must listen to his voice. Don’t harden your hearts against him as Israel did when they rebelled.”

Hebrews 3:12-15

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 08/29/06

Life will challenge your faith. The writer of Hebrews issues the warning that “today … every day”, sin will try you. He says, “Today you must listen to his voice.” When the challenges come, the LORD will not be silent. Your spirit must be open and attentive to His voice. He will guide you through your trial if you will listen and not harden your heart to His instruction.

TERROR, ASTONISHMENT OR COMFORT

He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning he came to them, walking on the water. He started to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they screamed in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were astonished at what they saw.

Mark 6:48-51

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 08/28/06

The reaction of the disciples, when they observed Jesus, coming to them walking on the water, was first terror and finally astonishment. Jesus saw they were in trouble and was coming to their aid. Because He came in a way that was out of the ordinary, supernatural, it frightened them. Jesus spoke to them saying, “It’s all right. I am here! Don’t be afraid.”

How do you respond when Jesus shows up in your circumstances? Are you frightened, astonished or comforted? Jesus’ presence in your situation is always for your good. Welcome Him and receive His comfort.

The presence of the Lord is here,
The presence of the Lord is here.
I can feel Him in the atmosphere.
The presence of the Lord, the presence of the Lord,
The presence of the Lord … is here.
By Byron Cage (WOW Gospel 2005)

ETERNAL RESCUE

I think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and completely overwhelmed, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we learned not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. And he did deliver us from mortal danger. And we are confident that he will continue to deliver us. He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us.

2nd Corinthians 1:8-11b

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 08/25/06

Memories are so important. Often, throughout the Old Testament, the nation of Israel is reminded of its history. They are prompted to remember how God rescued them from their slavery in Egypt. The Exodus theme is replayed through the history, literary and prophetic writings.

How often has God rescued you? Keeping a journal of the times when trouble came to your life and God rescued you, delivered you, is a great way to hold onto those memories. From your personal history you can remind yourself when trouble comes again. The same God who rescued you in your past is there to help you in your present situation.

There is also the assurance from God’s word that promises you a final rescue. Faith in Jesus Christ carries with it the promise of eternal life. There is nothing else comparable to God’s eternal rescue plan!

FAN INTO FLAME

I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.

1st Timothy 1:6-8

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 08/24/08

It may only take a spark to get a fire going but for the fire to continue to burn requires fuel and some tending. God has given believers in Christ Jesus the gift of His Holy Spirit. We must provide the fuel and the tending to keep the flame blazing hot within us.

The fuel: God’s Word, prayer, sharing the gospel with others, serving others

The tending: Gathering together, worship, praise

What is the status of your spiritual fire? Is it fanned into a roaring flame or have you allowed the cares of the world to quench your fire?

THE WEEPING PARENT

That is why the LORD says, “Turn to me now, while there is time! Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief; instead, tear your hearts.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful. He is not easily angered. He is filled with kindness and is eager not to punish you.

Joel 2:12-13

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 08/23/06

Many of you may have heard a parent declare, “This hurts me worse than it does you”, as they administer a hand of correction. The parent who truly loves their child will administer the discipline necessary to “train up a child in the way they should go.” (Proverbs 22:6). It is that love they have for their child that causes the pain in their heart as they dole out the punishment.

God, our Heavenly Father, will not hold back His discipline from us when we go astray because of His great love for us. I can imagine how He weeps when He has to punish us to get our attention … get us back on track.

The thought of God weeping reminds me of the teardrop at the end of ‘The Passion of the Christ’ film, when God had laid the punishment for our sin on His own Son. He sacrificed His Son Jesus on the cross to provide the way for you and me to have eternal fellowship with Him. How His heart must have ached!

“Does He still feel the nails, every time I fail?” - (Ray Boltz lyric from ‘Feel The Nails’).

How He aches for a relationship with us!

LIFE TURNED INSIDE OUT

“I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. The real action comes next: The main character in this drama—compared to him I’m a mere stagehand—will ignite the kingdom life within you, a fire within you, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house—make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.”

Matthew 3:11-12 (The Message)

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost For His Highest - 08/22/06

You cannot live the kingdom life to the fullest until you allow Jesus to be LORD of every aspect of your life. The kingdom life is one of total surrender. If you are holding on to something—an old habit … bitterness … hatred … low self esteem … resentment … secret sin … pride—it will hinder your effectiveness for the kingdom.

Open your life to Jesus. Let Him turn it inside out, burning away everything from your old life which is useless in the kingdom life.

COMMITMENT TO MENTORING

Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest!” he said to his disciples. “How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”

Matthews 9:35-38 (The Message)

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 08/21/06

With the school year at its very early stages, it is that time of year when volunteers are being recruited to fill tutoring, mentoring or other after-school roles. You may have already been approached, heard an appeal or read a bulletin expressing the need. As when Jesus ‘looked out over the crowds’ there is a great need for workers who will go out and meet the needs of those who are ‘confused or aimless’.

As the Holy Spirit prompts you to respond to the call, may I give a word of encouragement? The need is great! If you say yes, be committed. Do not take your volunteer role lightly. The heart of a child is at stake. Too often, because it is a volunteer role, we allow our busy schedules to prioritize other things ahead of our commitment. You can’t imagine how disappointing this is to a child. They may never tell you how disappointed they are but they will hold inside the memory of where you have placed their worth. You will have joined a long list of those who have disappointed them and taken them for granted.

“How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!”

GOT YOUR BACK

Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
 
Ephesians 6:13-17
 
TODAY’S DEVO LINK
 
Youth for Christ - 08/18/06
 
The Apostle Paul wrote the Church at Ephesus warning them to stay on guard, stay prepared for the attacks of the believer’s enemy Satan. He gave them (and us) the uniform requirements to be effective the battle against the devil. With this armor you are prepared to take him face on. Everything is covered … belt … breastplate … shoes … shield … helmet.
 
The only thing left exposed is your back but don’t worry (Phil. 4:6-7). God’s got your back.

THE FIRST CHURCH

Acts 2 (NLT)

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 08/17/06

Read Acts 2 again and this time look for the characteristics of the first church.

• Signs and wonders (wind and fire)
• Gospel preaching
• Conviction, repentance, confession, salvation
• Baptism
• Fellowship, sharing, unity
• Communion
• Worship
• Prayer

The Holy Spirit came on those first believers and set in place the foundational elements of the Church. This same Holy Spirit and these same characteristics should be evident in the Lord’s church today. We should be praying that our churches follow the model.

REJOICING OVER THE LITTLE THINGS

I know that you sincerely trust the Lord, for you have the faith of your mother, Eunice, and your grandmother, Lois. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for Christ. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News.

2nd Timothy 1:5-8

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 08/16/06

I can empathize with Anne from the Our Daily Bread devotion today. Those of us who are blessed to be able to care for aging parents must look for those little blessings. Anne found it in the prayers of her mother and in her mother sharing her faith with her care-givers. Last week I was blessed just hearing my Mom bless her food, without prompting, before she was fed. She may have forgotten many things but she still knows where her blessings come from.

Praise God!

STRUGGLE WITH SIN

Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it is because they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows they belong to the Devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy these works of the Devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not sin, because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they have been born of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the Devil. Anyone who does not obey God’s commands and does not love other Christians does not belong to God.

1st John 3:7-10

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost For His Highest - 08/15/06

Do you ever ask yourself the question, “Am I really saved?” Have I been born again? How do I know for sure?

The sin issue in our life is a clear indicator of whether we have entered God’s family. It is not a question of whether, as a Christian, we can sin. Yes we can. John said earlier in this same letter, “If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth.” – 1 John 1:8.

The sin issue is whether you or I continue to practice sin. One who has ‘been born into God’s family … can’t keep on sinning…’

THE SEED OF GOD'S WORD

When you put a seed into the ground, it doesn’t grow into a plant unless it dies first. And what you put in the ground is not the plant that will grow, but only a dry little seed of wheat or whatever it is you are planting. Then God gives it a new body—just the kind he wants it to have. A different kind of plant grows from each kind of seed.

1st Corinthians 15:36b-38

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 08/14/06

We don’t know what will be produced from the seeds of God’s Word that we plant in the soil of life. From a children’s Sunday school class may come a man who is called to healing ministry, a woman called to the mission field or a teenager who will be the positive leader for his or her peers. From a Bible study or small group may come men who are spiritual leaders in their homes or women who teach their children the Way they should go.

Our job is to plant seeds. God decides what will be produced. A group of men spent the weekend planting seeds in the soil of the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility on a Kairos Retreat. It will be a blessing to observe the blooms that will come from the seeds which were planted. Pray for the harvest.    

SOMETIMES THE TRUTH HURTS

You should also know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control; they will be cruel and have no interest in what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act as if they are religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. You must stay away from people like that.

1st Timothy 3:1-5

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ

Sometimes when I click on a certain devotion as input for the Gospel Pearl, it is scary how close it hits to home (TODAY”S DEVO LINK is an example of that). The devotional story will speak to what is going on in my personal life. You may have heard it said of the preacher’s sermon, “He stepped all over my toes today.” That happens to me all the time as I prepare these daily devotions. God uses them to address something with me and sometimes it hurts.

I have come to find out that the Gospel Pearls occasionally have that affect on others as well. My intention is not to step on your toes but if God uses the devotion in that way, to point out some area of your life in which He is not pleased, that’s good. I pray the hurt will draw you to God, not push you away.

SUCCESS NO SECRET

David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the LORD was with him. When Saul recognized this, he became even more afraid of him. But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle.

1st Samuel 18:14-16

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

In Touch Ministries - 08/10/06

Has anyone offered to tell you the ‘secret of success’? Many motivational books have been written on this subject. One of the more popular was Norman Vincent Peale’s, “The Power of Positive Thinking”. He offered many good suggestions on being a positive person and there is nothing wrong there.

God, however, clearly tells us the truth to success. There is no secret. It is not hidden.

If you desire success in any area of your life, family … relationships … career … finances … faith walk, you best follow David’s example. He was so successful in everything he did, for the LORD was with him!

The truth to success is found in your relationship to the LORD.

JUST LIKE I DO

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Matthew 6:11-12 (KJV)

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 08/09/06

You probably learned these verses as a young child and have often prayed them individually or recited them along with a group as ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ was read. They have become so familiar that we may miss what is being said. For that reason, let me quote them from a different translation than what is often memorized.

“Give us our food for today, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.”– Matthew 6:11-12 (NLT)

LORD, forgive me, just like I forgave my co-worker who messed over me.

LORD, forgive me, just like I forgave my abusive or alcoholic father.

LORD, forgive me, just like I forgave my spouse for his or her failure.

We ask our heavenly Father to forgive us after the pattern of our own forgiveness. “Forgive me, just like I do.” As you examine your own acts of forgiveness, are they the pattern of forgiveness you want from God?    

HIS MOTHER'S MODEL

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God... Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants. May everything you have said come true.” And then the angel left.

Luke 1:35, 38

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 08/08/06

When the angel announced to Mary that the Son of God would be born through her flesh, she responded, “…I am willing…”  

What has your response been to the Son of God being born into your flesh?

Are you saying every day, “LORD, I am willing!” In the small tasks of my routine life, I am willing to exhibit godly holiness. When I see someone in need, I willing respond out of the abundance God has supplied me. When the pastor announces the new program or a critical need in an existing one, is your response, “Here I am LORD, send me.”

Mary modeled this kind of willingness. How about you?

I COULD HAVE JUST SAT THERE

Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments against adultery and murder and stealing and coveting—and any other commandment—are all summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to anyone, so love satisfies all of God’s requirements.

Romans 13:8-10

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

The Upper Room - 08/07/06

I was blessed to spend this past Friday evening and Saturday at Promise Keepers in the Jackson Coliseum. The Word and the worship were a blessing. More than that was the blessing I received from my neighbor.

Among the approximately 9000 men there, I was seated next to a young boy from South Carolina, attending PK with his brother, father and grandfather. He was about 7th or 8th grade. He sang along with the music, clapping his hands and patting his feet. He was very attentive to the speakers. He appeared to be taking it all in and enjoying it.

I could have just sat there and not acknowledged him. In a crowd like that, you could get away with not speaking to your neighbor. I could have spent all my time talking with the guy on my other side who I had known for years. But no, that was not the Lord’s plan. The Holy Spirit told me to tell this young boy how pleased He was that he was there and how much he was loved. When I spoke to him, there came a beautiful smile on his face. We spent the rest of our time, smiling at each other when we heard something that touched our hearts, locking arms when we prayed … neighbors loving each other.

I will pray for my young brother in Christ who I may never see again. We come from different worlds (states, ages, races) but I am glad our paths crossed. I am hopeful that the experience was as special for him as it was for me and it will help him to see those from other worlds as neighbors loved by God.

A GOOD REPUTATION

There was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil.

Job 1:1

TODAY’S DEVO LINK

Youth for Christ - 08/04/06

What kind of reputation do you have?

Job had a spotless reputation. When things turned bad in Job’s life, through no fault of his own, his friends accused him of wrong doing despite his reputation. Job didn’t let that sway him off the path of righteous living. He continued to trust God.

As believers we can expect detractors just because we have identified our lives with Jesus Christ. When we fall (and we all stumble), the “Look … see … I told you so” crowd will be right there to shine a light on your failure. The thing to do is get back up and dust yourself off. When we fall we don’t have to stay down. We seek God’s forgiveness and restoration.

Guard your reputation so others will speak about you like the Word speaks about Job.

“… blameless … complete integrity … feared God … stayed away from evil.”    

THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS

So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father.” For his Holy Spirit speaks to us deep in our hearts and tells us that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we will share his treasures—for everything God gives to his Son, Christ, is ours, too. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.

Romans 8:15-17

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

InTouch Ministries - 08/03/06

When you have followed Romans 10:9, confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God and risen LORD of your life, and entered into that personal relationship with Him, Jesus sends His Spirit to live in you. The Holy Spirit is a counselor, a helper, a comforter and the One who brings you under conviction. In the many various situations in your life, the Holy Spirit will speak to your heart with words of direction, aid, peace or correction.

When you hear His voice, receive His message. Let it also be a reminder of the relationship you have with God, through His Son Jesus Christ, and the promise of eternal rest. We will soon share in His glory even though we now share in His suffering.

CLOSE FRIENDS

Then Jesus brought them to an olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go on ahead to pray.” He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he began to be filled with anguish and deep distress. He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me.”

Matthew 26:36-38

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Our Daily Bread - 08/02/06

Like Job and Daniel, Jesus had an inner circle of friends. It is interesting to see the different responses of friends. In Job’s case, his friends all turn on him. In Daniel’s trials, his friends were always at his side. For Jesus the scenario was different. The reaction of his friends was all different.

We don’t read specifically what James did as Jesus was arrested, tried and crucified. We must assume that he was among the disciples who ran away. We learn that Peter stayed close to the action but denied knowing who Jesus was. John went to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and supported her as they witnessed the cruelty of the Cross. John was standing with Mary at the foot of the Cross as his friend Jesus took His last breath and life went out of Him. Despite the different response of Jesus’ friends, we learn that each returned after the resurrection and continued the work to build the early church.

Our friends will respond to us in different ways. We can expect that. Their response to us is something over which we have no control. What we do control is how we respond to our friends. Which Bible example of a friend will you follow?    

A RESOLUTION FOR IMPATIENCE

Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land… Don’t be impatient for the LORD to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed.

Psalm 37:7-9, 34

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

My Utmost for His Highest - 08/01/06

Too often we think waiting patiently for the LORD means we should sit back and do nothing until heaven opens and some great revelation occurs. Sitting and doing nothing is what brings about impatience.

I have a co-worker who struggles with waiting in line just for a few moments. He quickly becomes impatient and gives up. If I did nothing waiting in line, I would have the same trouble. I always try to have something with me to work on … the latest novel I’m reading … some item from my to-do list … my Bible. You won’t become impatient if you plan ahead and fill your time with what has already been given you to do.

The psalm writer says, “Be still … Travel steadily…” We are to be still in our spirit so as not to miss the Lord’s moving and travel steadily along His path, the direction He has already given us in His Word.    

A DAILY REMINDER

“Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don’t be concerned that they might not repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

Luke 6:35-36

TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL LINK

Upper Room - 07/31/06

Our natural reaction is to strike back at those who are our enemies. When we are falsely accused, ridiculed, talked about or belittled, our first inclination is to respond in like manner. The Bible calls this living according to the flesh.

Jesus calls us to, “Love your enemies!” This is a way of life which does not come naturally. It takes practice. It takes discipline and self control. It requires surrendering our will to the lordship of the Holy Spirit. The Bible calls this living by the Spirit.

The best way to overcome your enemy is to pray for them and shower them with unconditional love. Make yourself a daily reminder of some sort (a sticky note on your desk, an entry in your prayer journal, etc.). Then when your enemy comes against you it is not far from the forefront of your memory that Jesus calls you to respond to them with love.