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Don’t compete, and don’t compare
“He alone decides which gift each person should have.” 1Co 12:11 NLT
In Scripture, the church is never described as a democracy. Certainly every person deserves equal treatment in terms of kindness, love, and respect; but as our God-given assignments differ, so do our gifts. “It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have” (v. 11 NLT). Pay close attention to the words “He alone decides.” As a parent, you want to see all your children succeed in life. But you recognize that just as their individual talents differ, so do their unique destinies. That’s why it’s a mistake to compete with or compare yourself to somebody else. The Bible says, “God was validating it [the message] with gifts…as he saw fit” (Heb 2:4 MSG). Don’t question and second-guess God; He knows what He is doing and never makes mistakes. Even among His twelve disciples, Jesus had an inner circle. He took Peter, James, and John up the Mount of Transfiguration and sent the others into town to work. He didn’t feel obligated to take everybody up the mountain so nobody would feel slighted. Does that mean He loves one person more than another? No, the experience Peter, James, and John had on the mountaintop that day was part of their training for the assignment Jesus was calling them to. There is a lesson here. You have to move beyond other people’s opinions. God made you for a special purpose; He has a job for you that nobody else can do as well as you. When you know that something is right for you, do it and trust God to vindicate you in the eyes of others.
Don’t be a mudslinger
“The slingers surrounded and attacked it.” 2Ki 3:25 NKJV
In Old Testament times, “slingers” were people who enjoyed going around blocking other people’s wells by throwing mud and rocks into them—wells of water that were essential to their survival. Today, mudslingers are people who make malicious attacks against others. Now, chances are that you may have encountered some “mudslingers” yourself, and even suffered at their hands. What should you do? Avoid them because they’re dangerous. You can’t mud wrestle with a pig without getting dirty. Not only will the pig win—he will enjoy the fight! And if you yourself have become a slinger, here is a portion of Scripture you would do well to read and keep in mind: “If you stop making trouble for others…then your light will shine in the darkness, [you will begin to get attention from and have influence with the right people]…The Lord will always lead you [you will begin to make the right moves]. He will satisfy your needs in dry lands [He will give you success in the most unlikely places, and in spite of adverse circumstances] and give strength to your bones [cause you to live a long and healthy life]” (Isa 58:9-11 NCV). Now there is a benefit package worth working for! So, guard your thoughts because they become your words. Guard your words because they become your actions. Guard your actions because they become your character. And guard your character because it determines the level of God’s blessing in your life. So, here is the word for you today: Don’t be a mudslinger.
When God Gives You a Vision (2)
“I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.” Ac 26:19
When God gives you a vision: (1) It will interrupt you. Sometimes God will speak in a voice you can’t tune out. Other times, like Jonah, God will let you go to the bottom to get your attention. Either way, things won’t go right until you say yes to Him. (2) It will illuminate you. You may not like what God says. Ananias didn’t like going to pray for Saul of Tarsus, a man with the power to put Christians to death. But God said, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel…I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Ac 9:15-16 NKJV). Notice the word “suffer.” The Devil isn’t going to send you a congratulatory telegram because you have decided to do God’s will, so be prepared for attack. (3) It will inspire you. You will accomplish things you never dreamed possible. Look at Gideon. When God found him he was hiding in a winepress (See Jdg 6:11 NKJV); not exactly a promising start. When the angel called him “a mighty man of valor” (v. 12 NKJV), he replied, “I am the least in my father’s house” (v. 15 NKJV). When the angel said, “The Lord is with you,” he replied, “If the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?” (vv. 12-13 NKJV). When he finally took the job, he wondered, “How can so few of us defeat so many of them?” Yet at that very moment his enemies were having nightmares about him (See Jdg 7:13-15). The secret of victory lies in knowing: “It is God working in me” (See Php 2:13).
When God Gives You a Vision (1)
“I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision.” Ac 26:19
Paul had a “heavenly vision.” But there are those who “speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord” (Jer 23:16 NKJV). So you must be sure you are operating according to God’s plan, not your own, or somebody else’s. The story of the Tower of Babel teaches us two things: (1) When people make up their mind to do something, they often succeed. (2) Succeeding doesn’t mean that you’re in the will of God. The word babel (confusion) means others can think you’re right, yet you’re wrong. You ask, “But isn’t it okay to make plans and set goals?” Yes, but your plans and goals should come out of a vision that God has given you. When Paul said, “I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision,” he meant that there’s only one acceptable response to God’s plan—obedience! Partial obedience, selective obedience, or delayed obedience are still disobedience. William Carey, who is considered the father of modern missions, gave up comfort and fortune to go to India and introduce the gospel. One of his more memorable quotes is: “Attempt great things for God, expect great things from God!” But you can only say that with confidence when you know what God has called you to do. What He ordains, He sustains! When you set your own goals you lack a heart-deep confidence that God is doing the work, so you wear yourself out thinking it’s all up to you. However, when you know God has given you a vision for your life, you trust Him, even when you can’t see any way to bring it to pass.
You can overcome your fears
“Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you.” Isa 41:10 AMPC
The first lady to win a Nobel Prize was French physicist Madame Marie Curie. She said, “Nothing in life is to be feared, only understood.” So: (1) Get the facts about what you fear to take away the mystery and misinformation from it. (2) Instead of focusing on your phobia, focus on God’s promises: “Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice” (v. 10 AMPC). Note the words “I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties.” As your faith in God grows stronger, the threat of your fears will grow weaker. (3) Relax. Imagine yourself peaceful and free of the bondage of fear. Envision the positive effect on your life when you are delivered. (4) Confront each one of your fear-triggering circumstances with baby steps. Every single hurdle you conquer strengthens you. So, commit yourself to overcoming the fears that have wreaked havoc on your peace of mind. Jesus said, “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (Jn 14:27 NKJV). Note the words “let not.” Don’t let fear rule you! Become proactive and arm yourself with the promises of God. Run toward your fears as David ran toward Goliath, knowing that in the name of the Lord you will win.
God has a good plan for you
“I know the plans I have for you.” Jer 29:11 NLT
Read this Scripture: “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. In those days when you pray, I will listen…I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes” (vv. 11-12, 14 NLT). The Israelites went through a long period of suffering because of their sins—seventy years of captivity. But God said, “I still have a plan for you.” Have you sinned and gone through a season of correction and now you’re wondering if God has turned His back on you? God may correct you, but He will never reject you! Two chapters later, God says to the same group of people, “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. I will rebuild you” (Jer 31:3-4 NLT). Note the word “rebuild.” Your life may have fallen apart, but God can rebuild it. The Bible’s theme is restoration. King David committed adultery and murder, but when he repented, God fully restored him. And the Bible says, “After David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died and was buried with his ancestors” (Ac 13:36 NLT). How would you like to have those words on your tombstone? You can! The Prodigal Son’s older brother was angry with their father because he forgave and restored his younger brother. But his father restored him anyway. You cannot undo the fact of your past sins, but God can heal you from the effects of them. Just come to Him today; take that first step!
Your prayers can change the situation
“Remember the solemn promise you made.” Ex 32:13 CEV
If you’re not sure your prayers can change the situation you’re in right now, read the story of Moses interceding with God not to destroy the Israelites because of the golden calf and committing idolatry: “Moses tried to get…God to change his mind…Remember the solemn promise you made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You promised that someday they would have as many descendants as there are stars in the sky and that you would give them land. So even though the Lord had threatened to destroy the people, he changed his mind and let them live” (vv. 11, 13-14 CEV). Moses was on his face one minute, and in God’s face the next. For the lives of his people, he was on his knees, pointing his finger, raising his hands, crying tears, tearing his cloak, and wrestling like Jacob at the brook. Notice how he prayed. He reminded God of His covenant promises. He stood on the Word! And if there is one thing that will get God’s attention and cause Him to respond to your needs, it’s standing on His Word. God’s word in the matter is always God’s will in the matter. “We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for” (1Jn 5:14-15 NLT). You are similar to electric wire through which God’s power and presence can flow into any situation, and in prayer you flip the switch. So instead of complaining about the situation, begin to pray about it.
God’s plan for your money
“You will be enriched in every way.” 2Co 9:11 NLT
One pastor told his congregation, “The good news is, we have enough money here this morning to build a new church.” Then he added, “The bad news is, it’s still in your pockets!” Some of us grew up believing it was wrong to ask God for money because that was a sign of greed and selfishness. And it can be, but it doesn’t have to be. When you pray, “Lord, bless me financially so that I can give to your work and fulfill your plans,” you’re in proper spiritual alignment with God. In part, the explosive growth of the New Testament church was due to some Christians who were willing to sell their assets in order to finance the will of God. Barnabas was one of them: “He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles” (Ac 4:37 NLT). And Barnabas wasn’t the only one: “Those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles” (vv. 34-35 NLT). Among those who followed Christ were women married to wealthy and powerful men. As a result, Jesus needed a treasurer to take care of their funds. Scripturally speaking, here is the bottom line when it comes to money: If you honor God, He will honor you, and if you put His work first, He will bless your work. Jesus said, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need…don’t worry about tomorrow” (Mt 6:33-34 NLT). Here is God’s will for you: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous” (2Co 9:11 NLT).
Dealing with death the right way
“Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.” Ps 23:4 NKJV
Here is the truth about death: (1) It’s a sure thing. The story is told of a hypochondriac who put these words on his tombstone: “Now maybe you’ll believe I was sick.” Seriously, if you’re wise, you won’t obsess about death, but you will prepare for it. (2) It’s a sojourn. The word “walk” means each step you take brings your departure date one day closer. The word “through” tells you it’s only a temporary passage and not your final destination. The word metamorphosis pictures a humble caterpillar being transformed into a beautiful butterfly that can soar. Likewise, the Bible describes your new body in these words: (a) “Incorruptible,” meaning you will never again contend with pain or sickness (See 1Co 15:53). (b) “Immortal,” meaning you will be ageless and incapable of dying (See v. 53). (c) “Shadow.” Now, a shadow might frighten you, but it cannot harm you. Indeed, the only way to have a shadow is to have a light shining. Don’t you find it interesting that many of the people who have died and come back tell others about emerging from a tunnel into a bright, celestial light? No wonder we need “fear no evil.” Why? Because the Lord is with us, and He has conquered death, hell, and the grave. Jesus said, “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death” (Rev 1:18 NKJV). Rejoice; the key to your eternal destiny is not in your own hands or anybody else’s but in the hands of the One who loves you.
Getting the most out of your Bible (2)
“The unfolding of your words gives light.” Ps 119:130 NIV
President Woodrow Wilson said: “I am sorry for men who do not read the Bible every day; I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and of the pleasure. It is one of the most singular books in the world, for every time you open it, some old text that you have read a score of times suddenly beams with a new meaning. There is no other book that I know of, of which this is true; there is no other book that yields its meaning so personally, that seems to fit itself so intimately to the very spirit that is seeking its guidance.” If you want to get the most out of your Bible, ask these questions: (1) Is there a warning to heed? (2) Is there a promise to claim? (3) Is there a sin to forsake? (4) Is there a command to obey? (5) Is there a lesson to learn? (6) Is there a principle to apply? (7) Is there an example to follow? As you ask yourself these seven questions, keep a journal to write down the answers God gives you, and you will be amazed at the wisdom you glean. You will be thrilled by the success principles you learn. Your anxieties will begin to lift, your mind will clear, and you will experience peace. John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn 1:1 NIV). Notice the phrase “the Word was God.” The more you read your Bible, the more of God’s presence and power you will experience. You might even adopt the old slogan used by American Express: “Don’t leave home without it.”
Spiritual growth takes time
“If it dies, it bears much fruit.” Jn 12:24 ESV
God takes two days to grow a mushroom but sixty years to grow an oak tree. So, would you like to be a mushroom or an oak tree? Spiritual growth takes time. Have you been wondering, “Why is it taking me so long to improve? I am still struggling with many of my weaknesses.” Why? Because spiritual growth, like natural growth, takes some time. The best fruit ripens gradually. Jesus said, “Truly, truly…unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (v. 24 ESV). When Jesus says, “Truly, truly,” He means, “Now understand this! Listen! This is very important.” The point Jesus stresses here is that just like a grain of wheat has to die to produce fruit, so we also must die to ourselves to produce spiritual growth. And dying to our own self-absorption takes a while. Our inclination is to unearth the seed periodically to monitor its progress instead of trusting God to perform His work in our lives. Christ will produce fruit in our lives if we stay in Him. Jesus said, “Abide in me” (Jn 15:4). The word “abide” means “to live in.” Abiding in Christ means staying in contact with Him, depending on Him, living for Him, and trusting Him to finish His work in our lives in His perfect timing. Wait for God’s promised harvest, and in the meantime, delight in His presence in your life. God is happy with you at every phase of your spiritual growth. He is not waiting until you’re perfect to begin loving you. He will never love you one drop more than He already does.
God: the source of your confidence
“Those who trust in the Lord…cannot be shaken.” Ps 125:1 NIV
People are naturally attracted to leaders who convey poise and self-assurance; they won’t follow one who lacks self-confidence. An excellent illustration of this is an incident that took place in Russia during an attempted coup. Army tanks encircled the government building that held President Boris Yeltsin and his prodemocracy supporters. As the army moved into position, Yeltsin strode from the building, climbed up on a tank, stared the commander in the eye, and thanked him for turning to the side of democracy. Later the commander admitted that although he hadn’t intended to go over to Yeltsin’s side, the Russian leader appeared so confident, the soldiers decided to join him. Great achievers exhibit confidence regardless of circumstances. But true confidence doesn’t come from having the approval of people around you. The Bible says, “The Lord will be your confidence” (Pr 3:26 NKJV); it’s about knowing He has called you and equipped you to do the job. Paul wrote, “We feel certain before God…It is God who makes us able to do all that we do” (2Co 3:4-5 NCV). Even though others may not believe in you, knowing God believes in you enables you to believe in yourself. David wrote, “Many are saying of me, ‘God will not deliver him.’ But you are a shield around me…the One who lifts my head high” (Ps 3:2-3 NIV). A confident leader can say to those who follow him or her, “I have confidence in the God who called me. I have confidence in you. I believe that together we can accomplish what God wants done.”
Putting the other guy first
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Ro 12:10 NIV
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “There is no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.” Most people know about Isaac Newton’s famed encounter with a falling apple; how he introduced the law of universal gravitation and revolutionized astronomical studies. But few people know that had it not been for a man called Edmond Halley, the world may never have heard of Newton. Halley was the one who urged Newton to think through his original theories, corrected his mathematical mistakes, and formulated geometrical figures to support his discoveries. It was Halley who persuaded a hesitant Newton to write his great work The Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. And it was Halley who edited and supervised its publication and financed its printing, even though Newton was wealthier and could better have afforded the cost. Historians have called Halley’s affiliation with Newton one of the most selfless cases in science. Newton began almost immediately to reap the rewards of prominence, but Halley received little credit. He did use the principles Newton established to forecast the orbit and return of a comet that would later bear his name. But since Halley’s Comet returns once every seventy-six years, relatively few people still hear his name. However, Halley didn’t care who got the credit as long as the cause of science was advanced. He personified what it means to live by this scriptural principle: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Anytime God gives you an opportunity to put others first and yourself second, grab it and run with it.
Always be thankful to God
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord.” Ps 92:1 NKJV
Journalist Fulton Oursler tells the story of an elderly nurse called Anna. Born a slave on the eastern shore of the state of Maryland, she had attended Fulton’s birth, plus that of his mother. He honors her for teaching him the best lesson he ever learned about giving thanks and finding contentment: “I remember her as she sat at the kitchen table in our house; the hard, old, brown hands folded across her starched apron, the glistening eyes, and the husky old whispering voice, saying, ‘Much obliged, Lord, for my vittles.’ I asked, ‘Anna, what’s a vittle?’ ‘It’s what I’ve got to eat and drink—that’s vittles,’ the old nurse replied. ‘But you’d get your vittles whether you thanked the Lord or not,’ I said. ‘Sure,’ said Anna, ‘but it makes everything taste better to be thankful!’” The excitement that comes from getting something new, or even something you have worked hard for, is often short lived and quickly replaced by your desire for the next thing. Solomon put it this way: “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing” (Ecc 1:8). So, what’s the solution? Having an attitude of gratitude! Stopping regularly to remember the goodness of God that makes it possible for you to enjoy every blessing you have, and remembering to say, “Thank you, Lord.” The psalmist had a heart of gratitude. He wrote, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your faithfulness every night” (Ps 92:1-2 NKJV). So, always be thankful to God.
S.T.R.E.S.S. (2)
“Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you.” 2Ch 20:17 NKJV
Trust what God tells you. “You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord…Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you” (v. 17 NKJV). God’s way of resolving our problems can frequently go against our logic. Maybe that is why we are hesitant to approach Him in certain matters. Why would God instruct Jehoshaphat’s army, which was clearly no match for three armies, to show up prepared for a battle they were not intended to fight? That didn’t make any sense! God will many times tell us to “position” ourselves to deal with a demanding task or problem we feel completely inadequate to tackle. Our challenge is to obey Him and position ourselves to win. How do you do that? (1) You “position” yourself when you choose to enter college, even though you may not have achieved well in high school. (2) You “position” yourself when you resign from a job at God’s urging and start a new business, even though a long list of customers or clients isn’t waiting in the wings. (3) You “position” yourself when you sit down at your computer each day to write a book you have always desired to write–without a head full of knowledge but with a heart full of faith that God will join you there with His words. God’s instruction is to position ourselves for victory. He wants us to show up, so He can show Himself strong on our behalf (See 2Ch 16:9 NKJV).
Stand in faith
“All things are possible to him who believes.” Mk 9:23 NKJV
One day a distraught father came to Jesus and said, “My son…frequently…falls into the fire and…the water…I brought him to Your disciples, and they were not able to cure him” (Mt 17:15-16 AMPC). Notice, he never once said, “Maybe my son inherited this problem from me” or “Perhaps if I had raised him differently.” No, he dumped the responsibility onto the disciples, who were themselves in training. Whenever we’re in trouble, we like to blame the pastor, the church, our mate, our boss, our family, our looks, our social status, or find some other excuse. We’re unable or unwilling to admit that we stuck our own hand in the fire or almost drowned by jumping in headfirst when we couldn’t swim. After Jesus healed the boy, His disciples asked Him, “Why can’t we do the things you do?” (See Mt 17:19). That’s like asking, “Why isn’t my marriage working?” or “How come I’m still in debt?” or “Why isn’t my life going as planned?” Jesus replied, “Because your faith is too small” (Mt 17:20 NCV). Sometimes you need the kind of faith that makes you seem a little weird; the kind that doesn’t need other people’s approval and doesn’t care whether or not you fit in. That’s the kind of faith that made Noah say, “Even though there has never been rain and nobody in my generation believes, I’m still going to do what God said.” As a result, he came out on top! Paul writes, “Having done all…stand” (Eph 6:13 NKJV). Stand on what? Stand on what God has told you in His Word, because ultimately, it’s the thing that will work.
Your loved one is with the Lord
“To be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2Co 5:8 NKJV
Try as we might to avoid it, and as reluctant as we are to discuss it, each of us must release the hand of the one we love into the hand of the One who loves us most. But what happens when you die? What happens to you between your death and Christ’s return? Paul answers, “We don’t want you, my brothers, to be in any doubt about those who ‘fall asleep’ in death, or to grieve over them like men…who have no hope” (1Th 4:13 PHPS). Scripture is surprisingly quiet about what happens to us in the period between our death and the resurrection of our body. (It doesn’t give us enough information to satisfy our curiosity, just enough to whet our appetite). Paul writes: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far” (Php 1:21-23 NIV). Bible scholar Anthony Hoekema says, “What Paul is saying here is that the moment he departs or dies, that very same moment he will be with Christ.” Ultimately, heaven is the greatest healing of all! Your loved ones had pain here but have no pain there. They struggled here but have no struggles there. You may wonder why God took them home, but they don’t. Now they understand. They are, at this very moment, at peace in God’s presence.
“I am disciplined and self-controlled”
“The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” 2Ti 1:7 CEV
In order to be happy in life, you must start doing the right things and stop doing the wrong things. And one of the first things you must do is stop saying, “I just don’t have any self-control.” Self-control is a choice, and the more you choose it, the stronger it becomes. And here is the best part: The power of self-control comes from God, not you. “The Spirit gives us power, love, and self-control.” It happens automatically as you spend time with God in prayer and His Word. “Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Pr 4:20-23 NLT). God will give you the power to do this, but you must exercise that power each day. There is no quick fix form of self-control. Remember how many times in school you repeated your arithmetic tables before they became part of your thinking? Now you just do it automatically. Similarly, when you become educated to think as God wants you to think, you will be able to defeat the Devil and walk in victory. And the first step is to stop saying, “I just don’t have any self-control.” You will never rise above what you say! As long as you believe you’re not a disciplined person, you won’t be. So today, come into agreement with God’s Word and start saying, “I am disciplined and self-controlled.”
Jesus is coming back again!
“Come, Lord Jesus!” Rev 22:20 NKJV
The last promise in the Bible is, “Surely I am coming quickly” (v. 20 NKJV). The last prayer in the Bible is, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (v. 20 NKJV). Some Bible scholars believe a major prophecy concerning Christ’s return was fulfilled in 1948 when the nation of Israel was reborn (See Am 9:14). Since then, the clock of Bible prophecy has been ticking and the countdown is on. Cynics and critics sometimes say, “Christians have been telling us for hundreds of years that Jesus will return, but it hasn’t happened.” That is additional proof of Christ’s return. “In the last days scoffers…will say, ‘What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same’…But you must not forget…A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise…No, he is being patient…He does not want anyone to be destroyed but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along…But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness” (2Pe 3:3-4, 8-13 NLT). Jesus is coming back again—be sure you’re ready.
Not self-control but Spirit control
“Let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Gal 5:25 NLT
Do you have an out-of-control appetite when it comes to money, food, nicotine, alcohol, drugs, sex, or…(you fill in the blank)? Have your repeated efforts to gain control left you with a sense of shame, failure, and hopelessness? Have all your attempts at self-control failed? Try Spirit control! “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions…But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control…Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives” (Gal 5:16-17, 22-25 NLT). The secret of walking in victory is in realizing these two things: (1) Self-control is not something you do for God, it’s something God does for you. (2) Self-control is not a one time work but a daily walk. Each time you say no to self and yes to God, His Spirit comes to your aid and empowers you. By choosing to obey God instead of your impulses, you activate the power that brings victory.
Don’t just pray, believe!
“You can pray for anything, and if you believe…it will be yours.” Mk 11:24 NLT
The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6 NIV). God’s greatest desire is to be believed. You can pray regularly and ritually, and even feel closer to God as a result, yet not expect Him to answer your prayers or for your situation to change. Peter had been put in prison and sentenced to death, and his execution was scheduled for the next day. So, the church prayed all night for his release. And it happened miraculously. God put the guards to sleep, opened Peter’s prison door, and set him free. Yet when he appeared on the doorstep of the house where the believers were praying, they couldn’t believe it: “A servant girl…told everyone, ‘Peter is standing at the door!’ ‘You’re out of your mind!’ they said. When she insisted, they decided, ‘It must be his angel’” (Ac 12:13-15 NLT). Even the early disciples struggled to believe God would hear them. Even when the answer knocked on their door, they still hesitated. And we do too, don’t we? We struggle with prayer. We forget to pray, and when we remember, we rush through prayers with insincere words. Our thoughts disperse like a covey of quail. Why does this happen? You can pray anywhere, at any time, using your own words, and God promises to answer. So, what’s the problem? We need to realize the incredible power and potential of one praying believer: “Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places” (2Co 10:4 NCV). So don’t just pray; believe God for the answer. Then talk and act like you believe!
Don’t give in to resentment; forgive them
“Resentment kills a fool.” Job 5:2 NIV
For reasons known only to God and Satan, Job lost his money, his children, and his health. If ever a man had cause to be resentful, it was him. But Eliphaz advised him, “Resentment kills a fool.” In other words, the only thing that can hurt you more than what has already happened is allowing resentment to rule your mind and dictate your actions. You say, “But I want justice!” How much justice? Imagine your enemy for a moment. Picture him strapped to a whipping post. The strong-armed man with a whip turns to you and asks, “How many lashes?” And you give a number. The whip cracks, the blood flows, and the punishment is inflicted. Your foe slumps to the ground, and you walk away. Are you happy now? Do you feel better? Are you at peace? For a little while, but soon another memory will surface, and another lash will be needed. When does it all stop? It stops when you take seriously the words of Jesus: “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Mt 6:14-15 NIV). When you pray, “Treat me as I treat my neighbor” (See Mt 6:12), are you aware of what you’re really saying to God? “Give me what I give them. Grant me the same peace I grant them. Let me enjoy the same tolerance I offer them.” If you want peace, make peace. If you want God’s generosity, be generous to others. If you want the assurance of God’s forgiveness, extend forgiveness to others.
Spirit-filled living
“Do not be drunk with wine…but be filled with the Spirit.” Eph 5:18 NKJV
The Christian life isn’t only a changed life but an exchanged life. At the moment of conversion, we give our old life to God and He gives us a new life in its place. But He does more; He comes to live within us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul made the contrast between being drunk with wine and being filled with the Spirit. One causes you to be out of control, while the other enables you to be in control. One is counterproductive, while the other is productive. One makes you powerless, while the other empowers you. One brings you sorrow, while the other brings you joy. This Scripture is not a promise or even an option, it’s a command: “Be filled with the Spirit.” And Paul gives us three evidences of a Spirit-filled life: (1) “Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (v. 19 NKJV). This song isn’t induced by circumstances but despite them. “At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God…and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed” (Ac 16:25-26 NKJV). Praising God can open doors and break chains. (2) “Giving thanks always for all things to God” (Eph 5:20 NKJV). Spirit-filled people have troubles like everyone else. But they don’t focus on their troubles; they count their blessings and stay positive, upbeat, and grateful. (3) “Submitting to one another in the fear of God” (v. 21 NKJV). Spirit-filled people are “others focused.” They know that what you make happen for someone else, God will make happen for you (See Eph 6:8).
“We know”
“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.” Ro 8:28 NKJV
This is one of the most often quoted and comforting Scriptures in the Bible: “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (v. 28 NKJV). This verse is to believers; to redeemed children of God who love the Lord and walk according to His purposes and operate according to scriptural principles. Interestingly, the Bible translates our English word “know” from a Greek word meaning we know “intuitively.” Something within us says, “I don’t understand it and can’t explain it, but I know that God is at work and something good will come out of it.” Note the words “things work together.” Would you enjoy eating baking soda? Or flour? No. But when you put them together, add some eggs and sugar, mix them up, and place them in the oven, they come out as something “good.” When the Bible says, “All things,” it includes things that are painful, unfair, and difficult. The path to the throne of Egypt led Joseph through betrayal, slander, false imprisonment, and disappointment. But looking back, he could say, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day” (Ge 50:20 NKJV). In ways you cannot see or understand right now, what you are going through is working for your good. Do you love God? Do you believe that He has a plan and purpose for your life? Are you endeavoring to please Him? Then trust Him to work “all things” out for your good.
Getting the most out of your Bible (1)
“Search for it as for hidden treasure.” Pr 2:4 NIV
When you think about it, studying the Bible is like prospecting for gold or silver. It involves two things: (1) You must look for it. Solomon writes, “If you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand…and find the knowledge of God” (vv. 4-5 NIV). Simply stepping into a mine and glancing around won’t cut it. If you want to get the gold or the silver, you must be searching for it. Any miner will inform you that gold doesn’t strike you—you strike gold. The purpose of this devotional isn’t to replace regular Bible reading but to whet your spiritual appetite for it. According to the Barna Research Group, only 9 percent of Christians read the Bible every day. The question is, are you one of them? (2) You must dig for it. The Spirit of God within you speaks to you as you read His Word. The story is told about a guy who loved to study the Bible. Every time he came to something he didn’t understand, his friend Charlie would pop into his mind. Charlie was a great Bible student; he just seemed to ooze with biblical wisdom. So whenever the first guy encountered a Bible question, he would go to Charlie and say, “What does this verse mean? What is God trying to say here?” One day as he was reading, the Holy Spirit spoke to him and said, “Why don’t you just ask me? I’m the one who teaches Charlie.” So, expect God to speak to you today as you read His Word, and He will.
Are you totally committed?
“He sought…God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” 2Ch 31:21 NIV
Change, improvement, growth, success, and victory don’t happen because they’re admirable concepts or desirable options. No, they happen because you’re totally committed and willing to pay the price. When King Hezekiah came to the throne, Israel was in bad shape. The doors of God’s house were shut, the Law of the Lord was not being observed, and the people were worshiping the same gods as the heathen nations around them. If you’re “a turnaround expert,” you would benefit from studying Hezekiah’s life and his strategy. The Bible says, “In everything that he undertook…he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly” (v. 21 NIV). The cost of commitment involves these: (1) A change in lifestyle. Hezekiah broke the family mold, refusing to live the way his father before him had lived. (2) Loneliness. Hezekiah was the first to turn to God. In order to do it, he had to stand alone. (3) Criticism. People don’t take kindly to change, and Hezekiah faced a barrage of harsh questions from the older generation. (4) Hard work and money. He was willing to give up time, energy, and money to reach his goal. (5) Daily discipline. Changing a culture and the mindsets of the people who are part of it can be difficult. Every day Hezekiah taught and instilled God’s principles into the minds of the people. (6) Constant pressure. The people who went along with the changes Hezekiah was making expected to see results, and they weren’t necessarily patient. But Hezekiah “sought his God…worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.” The principles Hezekiah used will work for you too, so today begin to apply them.
Learn to disagree, agreeably
“Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Col 3:12 NLT
John Gray wrote the best-selling book Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. His underlying thesis is this: In order to get along with someone, you have to try and see life from their perspective. And that’s not easy. Paul writes: “Clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts” (vv. 12-15 NLT). Those who need others to think and act exactly the way they do are often masking insecurities. They have a deep-seated need to have their views and actions confirmed in the behavior and thoughts of others. But that’s not how life works. Disagreements happen in any relationship where more than one person is involved. We are all unique, and we are not likely to agree on everything. But the way we approach our disagreements can determine whether our relationship makes it to the finish line. Fighting fair, opening yourself to the ideas of others and to new ways of doing things, is how you grow. And who knows, in the end you may even “agree to disagree.” The important thing is to respect the other person’s ideas and seek to create an environment where the two of you can feel free to express your feelings and be who you really are without fear of being judged.
Downscale in order to upscale
“One thing I have desired…that will I seek.” Ps 27:4 NKJV
You may have to downscale materially to upscale spiritually. If owning things, maintaining them, and worrying about losing them is robbing you of the things that matter most like peace, joy, and fulfillment, consider simplifying your life. Downscale on the things that don’t matter, so you can upscale on the things that do. During her successful career as an opera singer, Jenny Lind, known as the “Swedish Nightingale,” became one of the wealthiest artists of all time. Yet she gave up her career at a time when she was singing her best. And she never returned to it. People speculated about the reason and wondered how she could give up applause, fame, and money. But Jenny seemed satisfied to live in privacy in a home by the ocean. One day a friend found her sitting on the sand with her Bible on her knees, looking out at a glorious sunset. As they conversed, the friend asked, “Madame Goldschmidt [Lind’s married name], how is it that you came to abandon the stage at the height of your success?” She answered quietly, “When every day made me think less of this (laying a finger on her Bible), and nothing at all of that (pointing to the sunset), what else could I do?” King David owned all the stuff we dream about, yet he wrote: “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” (v. 4 NKJV). Now, there is a man with right priorities!
S.T.R.E.S.S. (3)
“I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?” Jer 32:27 NKJV
Remember past victories. Notice how King Jehoshaphat prayed: “Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?” (2Ch 20:7 NKJV). If God has ever performed a miracle for you or for anybody else, He can do it again. So, read His Word and strengthen your faith by recalling His great deeds. E—Exalt God above the problem. “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations, and in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You?” (v. 6 NKJV). In his anguish, Jehoshaphat asked rhetorical questions that exposed how big his God was compared to the problem. Sometimes it’s difficult to look past the problem when the reality of it is so close. If you close one eye and put a coin over your other eye, you can blind yourself to something as big as the sun. Getting the idea? S—Solicit the prayers and support of others. “Jehoshaphat…proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah…they came to seek the Lord” (vv. 3-4 NKJV). Jehoshaphat didn’t ask the people for their opinions but for their prayers, because that’s what moves the heart of God. S—Stand on the promises of God. When you do, you can say like the psalmist, “As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands” (Ps 119:143 NLT). That’s God’s formula for stress—now use it.
S.T.R.E.S.S. (1)
“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Lk 12:25 NLT
King Jehoshaphat heard that he was about to be attacked by three different armies. Talk about stress! His response is the example you need to follow when life gets overwhelming. His story is told in 2 Chronicles 20. Using the word S.T.R.E.S.S., we learn the following lessons: S—Seek God’s guidance. “Jehoshaphat…set himself to seek the Lord” (v. 3). Years prior when his father, King Asa, faced a similar threat, he responded by collecting the silver and gold from the temple and his palace and using it to bribe one of the raiding kings to defect to his side. That solved the immediate problem—but not without negative consequences. Although the invasion endeavor was abandoned, God became angry at his reliance on another king to help him conquer his enemies (See 2Ch 16:1-9). So, He pronounced Asa’s punishment for the rest of his reign: “In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars” (v. 9 NKJV). He would live with the stress of constantly being at war, because he had not sought after God’s counsel first. So, Jehoshaphat, his son, decided that he wasn’t going to take that route. How about you? Do you stress out, attempting to figure out a solution instead of finding out how God wants you to deal with it? Think of the last problem you faced. Did you rely on the opinions of others or on your own ideas, or was your first idea to seek God? God promises this: “You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13 NKJV). So, talk to God about it!