Psalm 37:3-6
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Psalm of David
3 Trust in the LORD and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
4 Take delight in the LORD,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
5 Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you.
6 He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn,
and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.
We all seek justice from others … the legal system … the human resources department … but true justice comes from our relationship and authentic interaction with the Lord. Trust Him … delight in Him … commit your all to Him. When you do, you can count on the Lord’s help. When the world wants to label you as guilty … flawed, He will shine His light on your innocence.
Your trust … your delight … your commitment … will bring ‘the justice of your cause’ into plain view.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
GREEN PASTURES
John 10:7-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
7 … “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Jesus described Himself as the gate for the sheep (v. 7). As the gate He was the one through whom His sheep would find not merely entrance into a secure fold but into a rich green pasture (v. 9).
All who come to God through Jesus will receive not only eternal life but also abundant life. Time and again Jesus reminded His disciples about the benefits and rewards they would receive because they had chosen to follow Him.
Look around you today and take notice of your green pasture.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Good Shepherd and His Sheep
7 … “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who came before me were thieves and robbers. But the true sheep did not listen to them. 9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
Jesus described Himself as the gate for the sheep (v. 7). As the gate He was the one through whom His sheep would find not merely entrance into a secure fold but into a rich green pasture (v. 9).
All who come to God through Jesus will receive not only eternal life but also abundant life. Time and again Jesus reminded His disciples about the benefits and rewards they would receive because they had chosen to follow Him.
Look around you today and take notice of your green pasture.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
MUCH MORE THAN A PAYCHECK
1 Kings 9:4-5
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Lord’s Response to Solomon
4 “As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, 5 then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For I made this promise to your father, David: ‘One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.’
A note attached to your empty paycheck envelope that says. “God will reward you in heaven,” just won’t cut it. We all know our response to that. But the biblical principle of rewards is that our work is worth more than money. We actually contribute to God’s eternal work. That’s was the answer Solomon received.
Christians need to receive a fair wage. But Christians also can rest in knowing that they earn something more for their kingdom work … a reward that money can’t buy!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
The Lord’s Response to Solomon
4 “As for you, if you will follow me with integrity and godliness, as David your father did, obeying all my commands, decrees, and regulations, 5 then I will establish the throne of your dynasty over Israel forever. For I made this promise to your father, David: ‘One of your descendants will always sit on the throne of Israel.’
A note attached to your empty paycheck envelope that says. “God will reward you in heaven,” just won’t cut it. We all know our response to that. But the biblical principle of rewards is that our work is worth more than money. We actually contribute to God’s eternal work. That’s was the answer Solomon received.
Christians need to receive a fair wage. But Christians also can rest in knowing that they earn something more for their kingdom work … a reward that money can’t buy!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
THE REWARD OF THE FAITHFUL
2 Corinthians 5:9-10
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
New Bodies
9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
C. S. Lewis wrote, “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.”
God will reward the faithful who respond to opportunities. How will you respond to His call? He has a holiday waiting for you.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
New Bodies
9 So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him. 10 For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.
C. S. Lewis wrote, “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea.”
God will reward the faithful who respond to opportunities. How will you respond to His call? He has a holiday waiting for you.
Monday, January 25, 2010
GOD’S DESIRE
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Letter to the Exiles
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
God longs to bless and reward His people, but it is essential that they be willing to turn to Him and repent of their unfaithfulness and disobedience.
In Hebrews 11:6 we learn that “…he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
God has revealed a passion for our highest good, yet we struggle with seeking Him and the rewards He offers. God’s desire is for our good. Our desire must be for Him.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
A Letter to the Exiles
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the LORD. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
God longs to bless and reward His people, but it is essential that they be willing to turn to Him and repent of their unfaithfulness and disobedience.
In Hebrews 11:6 we learn that “…he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”
God has revealed a passion for our highest good, yet we struggle with seeking Him and the rewards He offers. God’s desire is for our good. Our desire must be for Him.
Friday, January 22, 2010
THE PROMISE OF REWARDS
Hebrews 11:32-40
32 … It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them… Others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection…
39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
Read Hebrews Chapter 11 … “The Hall of Fame of the Faithful”. A careful reading of this chapter reveals that many of these great men and women exercised their faith but were able only to look forward to their reward. The Bible is full of the promises of rewards God will give to those who follow Him.
Think about it. What rewards have you already received for your faithfulness? What might you receive by remaining faithful? What can you look forward to in eternity? God’s promises are still GOOD!
32 … It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. 33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them… Others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection…
39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
Read Hebrews Chapter 11 … “The Hall of Fame of the Faithful”. A careful reading of this chapter reveals that many of these great men and women exercised their faith but were able only to look forward to their reward. The Bible is full of the promises of rewards God will give to those who follow Him.
Think about it. What rewards have you already received for your faithfulness? What might you receive by remaining faithful? What can you look forward to in eternity? God’s promises are still GOOD!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
THE SERVANT LEADER
Psalm 78:70-72
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
70 He chose his servant David,
calling him from the sheep pens.
71 He took David from tending the ewes and lambs
and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants—
God’s own people, Israel.
72 He cared for them with a true heart
and led them with skillful hands.
What should be the focus of the servant leader? The psalmist Asaph points to two characteristics found in David. David promoted excellence in Israel because he led with skillful hands. David was an involved leader, not afraid to get his hands dirty. The servant leader must lead with skillful hands.
David’s hands were guide by a true heart. David led with skillful hands because he shepherded Israel with a heart of integrity. The servant leader must always examine the quality of their heart which guides their own hands in leadership.
Where has God chosen you to lead? Your family … home … community … workplace … church? What is the condition of your heart? How skillful are you hands?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
70 He chose his servant David,
calling him from the sheep pens.
71 He took David from tending the ewes and lambs
and made him the shepherd of Jacob’s descendants—
God’s own people, Israel.
72 He cared for them with a true heart
and led them with skillful hands.
What should be the focus of the servant leader? The psalmist Asaph points to two characteristics found in David. David promoted excellence in Israel because he led with skillful hands. David was an involved leader, not afraid to get his hands dirty. The servant leader must lead with skillful hands.
David’s hands were guide by a true heart. David led with skillful hands because he shepherded Israel with a heart of integrity. The servant leader must always examine the quality of their heart which guides their own hands in leadership.
Where has God chosen you to lead? Your family … home … community … workplace … church? What is the condition of your heart? How skillful are you hands?
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
MODERN DAY SACRIFICES
Malachi 1:6-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Unworthy Sacrifices
6 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name!
“But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’
7 “You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar.
“Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’
“You defile them by saying the altar of the LORD deserves no respect. 8 When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
As New Testament believers we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). God calls us to nothing less than the excellence of Christlikeness. That’s an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. This becomes possible only when we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Unworthy Sacrifices
6 The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name!
“But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’
7 “You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar.
“Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’
“You defile them by saying the altar of the LORD deserves no respect. 8 When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
As New Testament believers we are called to offer our bodies as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). God calls us to nothing less than the excellence of Christlikeness. That’s an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. This becomes possible only when we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
QUALITY
Hebrews 1:1-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Christ Is God’s Son
1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. 3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. 4 This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.
We live in a society surrounded by references to quality. There is great emphasis on the quality of the products on which we are willing to spend our hard earned income. I can remember as a child, shopping for toys, if it said ‘Made in China’, it was not going to last very long. Low quality. When we buy our cars, quality … service record … resale value … are the emphasis and why the American auto industry almost went bankrupt.
Throughout the book of Hebrews, we find references to the superiority of Christ. He is better than the angels … Moses … the Levitical priesthood. He offers a better covenant … sanctuary … sacrifice. He provides the power to live a better life.
Looking for quality in your spiritual life? There is nothing better than Jesus Christ!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jesus Christ Is God’s Son
1 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. 2 And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe. 3 The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. 4 This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.
We live in a society surrounded by references to quality. There is great emphasis on the quality of the products on which we are willing to spend our hard earned income. I can remember as a child, shopping for toys, if it said ‘Made in China’, it was not going to last very long. Low quality. When we buy our cars, quality … service record … resale value … are the emphasis and why the American auto industry almost went bankrupt.
Throughout the book of Hebrews, we find references to the superiority of Christ. He is better than the angels … Moses … the Levitical priesthood. He offers a better covenant … sanctuary … sacrifice. He provides the power to live a better life.
Looking for quality in your spiritual life? There is nothing better than Jesus Christ!
Friday, January 15, 2010
PROBLEM SOLVER
Daniel 5:12, 16
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
12 This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”
16 I am told that you can give interpretations and solve difficult problems. If you can read these words and tell me their meaning, you will be clothed in purple robes of royal honor, and you will have a gold chain placed around your neck. You will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
One criteria that determines greatness of a leader is the degree of difficulty of the problems which this leader is willing and able to tackle and solve. Great leadership is willing and able to roll up its sleeves, get down in the dirt and tackle life’s toughest issues. Daniel did that. Daniel ranks among history’s premiere leaders.
Every believer must tackle problem solving. Mankind’s greatest problem is sin and separation from God. The Christian has the answer. We must get down in the dirt and tackle life’s toughest issue! Tell someone about Jesus.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
12 This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means.”
16 I am told that you can give interpretations and solve difficult problems. If you can read these words and tell me their meaning, you will be clothed in purple robes of royal honor, and you will have a gold chain placed around your neck. You will become the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
One criteria that determines greatness of a leader is the degree of difficulty of the problems which this leader is willing and able to tackle and solve. Great leadership is willing and able to roll up its sleeves, get down in the dirt and tackle life’s toughest issues. Daniel did that. Daniel ranks among history’s premiere leaders.
Every believer must tackle problem solving. Mankind’s greatest problem is sin and separation from God. The Christian has the answer. We must get down in the dirt and tackle life’s toughest issue! Tell someone about Jesus.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
PRAY AND GIVE
Exodus 32:30-35
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Moses Intercedes for Israel
30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin, but I will go back up to the LORD on the mountain. Perhaps I will be able to obtain forgiveness for your sin.”
31 So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a terrible sin these people have committed. They have made gods of gold for themselves. 32 But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, erase my name from the record you have written!”
33 But the LORD replied to Moses, “No, I will erase the name of everyone who has sinned against me. 34 Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about. Look! My angel will lead the way before you. And when I come to call the people to account, I will certainly hold them responsible for their sins.”
35 Then the LORD sent a great plague upon the people because they had worshiped the calf Aaron had made.
Read Exodus 32 for the full context.
God responds to the petitions on men. He responded to Moses appeals to save the people of Israel.
Haiti is predominantly a Christian nation while MANY practice voodoo alongside their Christianity. Sounds similar to Israel and the golden calf.
Let us pray for Haiti and give to the relief effort in response to the earthquake tragedy (call (888) 407-4747).
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Moses Intercedes for Israel
30 The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a terrible sin, but I will go back up to the LORD on the mountain. Perhaps I will be able to obtain forgiveness for your sin.”
31 So Moses returned to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a terrible sin these people have committed. They have made gods of gold for themselves. 32 But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, erase my name from the record you have written!”
33 But the LORD replied to Moses, “No, I will erase the name of everyone who has sinned against me. 34 Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about. Look! My angel will lead the way before you. And when I come to call the people to account, I will certainly hold them responsible for their sins.”
35 Then the LORD sent a great plague upon the people because they had worshiped the calf Aaron had made.
Read Exodus 32 for the full context.
God responds to the petitions on men. He responded to Moses appeals to save the people of Israel.
Haiti is predominantly a Christian nation while MANY practice voodoo alongside their Christianity. Sounds similar to Israel and the golden calf.
Let us pray for Haiti and give to the relief effort in response to the earthquake tragedy (call (888) 407-4747).
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
CREATIVITY AND TIMING
Esther 4:13-17
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Mordecai Requests Esther’s Help
13 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” 17 So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
The problem facing the Jews seemed insurmountable but… “nothing is impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37
Mordecai and Esther reasoned together and came up with a creative plan. At the right time they executed the plan. Over it all they sought God’s blessing… “fast…do not eat or drink for three days…”. Creativity and timing are essential to problem solving combined with radical dependence on God… “If I must die, I must die.”
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Mordecai Requests Esther’s Help
13 Mordecai sent this reply to Esther: “Don’t think for a moment that because you’re in the palace you will escape when all other Jews are killed. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” 17 So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
The problem facing the Jews seemed insurmountable but… “nothing is impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37
Mordecai and Esther reasoned together and came up with a creative plan. At the right time they executed the plan. Over it all they sought God’s blessing… “fast…do not eat or drink for three days…”. Creativity and timing are essential to problem solving combined with radical dependence on God… “If I must die, I must die.”
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
THE GREAT PROBLEM SOLVER
Romans 3:9-12
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
All People Are Sinners
9 Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. 10 As the Scriptures say,
“No one is righteous—not even one.
11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away; all have become useless.
No one does good, not a single one.”
There has been no greater problem … the power of sin. There has been no greater problem solver in the history of mankind … God Himself provided the sacrifice that would satisfy our sin debt … His Son, Jesus Christ.
Is there a pressing problem that has been awaiting your action? God is waiting to help you in your family, your business, your personal life. Take a moment to go to Him in prayer … believing that He can solve your problem, whatever it may be!
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
All People Are Sinners
9 Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin. 10 As the Scriptures say,
“No one is righteous—not even one.
11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.
12 All have turned away; all have become useless.
No one does good, not a single one.”
There has been no greater problem … the power of sin. There has been no greater problem solver in the history of mankind … God Himself provided the sacrifice that would satisfy our sin debt … His Son, Jesus Christ.
Is there a pressing problem that has been awaiting your action? God is waiting to help you in your family, your business, your personal life. Take a moment to go to Him in prayer … believing that He can solve your problem, whatever it may be!
Monday, January 11, 2010
OPPOSITION
Nehemiah 6:5-9
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
5 The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, 6 and this is what it said:
“There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. 7 He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, ‘Look! There is a king in Judah!’
“You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me.”
8 I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.”
9 They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.
Read Nehemiah 6:1-14 to see the three ways Nehemiah’s enemies tried to distract him from his mission.
Believers will face opposition. It can’t be avoided. Follow Nehemiah’s model; (1) retain your focus, (2) confront any false accusations immediately with integrity and (3) pray to God for strength and wisdom. God is eager to help you.
Who is the opposition in your faith walk? No matter how strong the opposition seems, God is a more powerful ally. Don’t go it on your own.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
5 The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, 6 and this is what it said:
“There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king. 7 He also reports that you have appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim about you, ‘Look! There is a king in Judah!’
“You can be very sure that this report will get back to the king, so I suggest that you come and talk it over with me.”
8 I replied, “There is no truth in any part of your story. You are making up the whole thing.”
9 They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.
Read Nehemiah 6:1-14 to see the three ways Nehemiah’s enemies tried to distract him from his mission.
Believers will face opposition. It can’t be avoided. Follow Nehemiah’s model; (1) retain your focus, (2) confront any false accusations immediately with integrity and (3) pray to God for strength and wisdom. God is eager to help you.
Who is the opposition in your faith walk? No matter how strong the opposition seems, God is a more powerful ally. Don’t go it on your own.
Friday, January 08, 2010
EQUIPED BY GOD
Jeremiah 1:4-8
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jeremiah’s Call and First Visions
4 The LORD gave me this message:
5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
6 “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
7 The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!”
God equips each of His sons and daughters with a unique mix of temperament, education, background, aptitudes and abilities; and He couples this mix with a distinctive sphere of influence. God has called you to ministry. This ministry … this purpose is realized when you come to know Him and enjoy Him in your life. Only when you seek God first will you fully be the person God intends you to be.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Jeremiah’s Call and First Visions
4 The LORD gave me this message:
5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.
Before you were born I set you apart
and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.”
6 “O Sovereign LORD,” I said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young!”
7 The LORD replied, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. 8 And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the LORD, have spoken!”
God equips each of His sons and daughters with a unique mix of temperament, education, background, aptitudes and abilities; and He couples this mix with a distinctive sphere of influence. God has called you to ministry. This ministry … this purpose is realized when you come to know Him and enjoy Him in your life. Only when you seek God first will you fully be the person God intends you to be.
Thursday, January 07, 2010
THE GIFTED
Ephesians 4:11-13
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Unity in the Body
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Christ gave special gifts to His people in order to enhance the building of His church. He has not given these gifts just for our enjoyment. To quote Rick Warren, “It’s not about you.” Jesus gifted people so that they would exercise these abilities in a way that prepares them for works that would bring Him glory. He planned that these works of service would build up the body of Christ in unity.
How have you been gifted and how are you using that gift for Christ’s glory; for the unity of the body of Christ?
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.
Unity in the Body
11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
Christ gave special gifts to His people in order to enhance the building of His church. He has not given these gifts just for our enjoyment. To quote Rick Warren, “It’s not about you.” Jesus gifted people so that they would exercise these abilities in a way that prepares them for works that would bring Him glory. He planned that these works of service would build up the body of Christ in unity.
How have you been gifted and how are you using that gift for Christ’s glory; for the unity of the body of Christ?
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