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Be A Peacemaker
“Blessed are the peacemakers.” Mt 5:9 NIV
Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar told of a little guy who was confronted by three big bullies, any one of whom could have flattened him. And clearly, that’s what they had in mind. But the little guy was very bright. He backed away, drew a line in the dirt, backed up a few more steps, looked into the eyes of the biggest bully and said, “I dare you to step across that line!” The guy did. Then the little boy grinned and said, “Good, now we’re both on the same side!” When you find yourself in the midst of conflict, you can decide to do one of two things: become a troublemaker or a peacemaker. You can add to the stress or try to bring a solution. Peacemakers look for common ground and try to get everyone onto it. Their goal is to find a win-win solution. Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Consolation,” stood up for the newly-converted Saul of Tarsus. The leaders of the church felt threatened by him, and you could hardly blame them. But Barnabas wasn’t thinking about Paul’s violent background; he was considering his value to God. In essence, he was thinking, “If we can harness and direct this guy, he can win the race for us.” And he was proved right. Saul the persecutor became Paul the apostle. But not until Barnabas put his credibility on the line (See Ac 9:26-30). Peacemaking calls for taking risks. It means evaluating people by their best moments and qualities. Peacemakers are “big picture” thinkers who are governed by grace, not petty opinions and temporary conditions. So be a peacemaker.
Learn To Live Within Your Means
“The borrower is servant to the lender.” Pr 22:7 NKJV
Here’s an idea for getting out of debt, and staying out. Instead of referring to it as your “credit card,” start seeing it as your “debt card.” Next time you have an “itch” to purchase something you don’t need or can’t pay for, that may just stop you from “scratching” it. People generally fall into three categories: (1) the haves; (2) the have-nots; and (3) the have-not-paid-for-what-they-haves. The story is told of a handyman who’d been called out to a millionaire’s mansion to refinish the floors. The rich man’s wife said, “Be especially careful with this dining room table. It goes back to Louis XVI.” The handyman said, “That’s nothing. If I don’t make a payment by next Friday, my whole living room set goes back to the furniture store!” They say the average person today drives a bank-financed car, over a bond-financed road, on gasoline they bought with a credit card, to a department store to open another charge account, so they can fill their house that’s mortgaged for thirty years to the bank, with furniture that’s been purchased on an installment plan. Now, the Bible doesn’t condemn credit, but it cautions us about the use of it. “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” It’s okay to borrow for necessities, but you should always pay for luxuries. So if at all possible, pay cash or don’t buy it. “The wicked borrows and does not repay” (Ps 37:21 NKJV). It’s not wrong to borrow money, it’s just wrong to borrow money and not repay it. So the word for you today is: Learn to live within your means.
Spiritual Growth (2)
“When we grew up, we quit our childish ways.” 1Co 13:11 CEV
People with strong faith can make you feel “less than,” when you compare yourself to them. One Bible teacher writes: “I admired those faith heroes whose flowery testimonies hung around the ceiling, like steam gathering in a shower. They seemed so changed, so sure, so stable. I thought God’s love was doled out according to a merit system. If I did well today, He loved me. If I failed, He didn’t. What a roller coaster! I didn’t realize everything that’s born needs time to grow and develop into maturity. I was expecting an immediate, powerful, all-inclusive metamorphosis that would transform me into perfection.” Do you feel that way, as if there is something wrong with you because you never seem to measure up? If so, read this: “When we were children, we…reasoned as children…But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways.” You start as a spiritual infant, then you become a spiritual child, then you become a spiritual adolescent, and eventually you become a spiritual adult. But you never “arrive.” And quick-fix, do-it-yourself righteousness will just make you try to impress others with a false sense of holiness. It will stop you from being honest before God and make you think you should be farther along than you are for your spiritual age. Do you remember when you were a child and you dressed up in your mom’s high heels or your dad’s work boots? No matter how much you wanted to fit into them, you couldn’t. That didn’t mean there was something wrong with you; it just meant you were exactly where you should have been for your age.
God Loves Them–You Must Too
“God…doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit.” Ac 10:28 CEV
From a Jewish point of view Cornelius, a Gentile, was a bad guy. He ate the wrong food, hung out with the wrong crowd, and swore allegiance to the wrong leader: Caesar. He didn’t quote the Torah or descend from Abraham. He was uncircumcised, unkosher, and unclean. Yet he did two things that got God’s attention. He prayed for spiritual enlightenment, and he was generous to the poor and needy. The Bible says he was “one who feared God with all his household…gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always” (v. 2 NKJV). Up until this point the gospel had been preached only to the Jews. But God was about to change that. And to do it He used Peter, one of the most religiously biased people you’ll ever meet. In a vision, God showed Peter a sheet being let down from heaven; it was filled with all kinds of food Jews are forbidden to eat. Peter protested, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean” (v. 14 NKJV). And since Peter was slow to understand, the sheet was let down three times. Finally a voice from heaven said, “What God has cleansed you must not call common” (v. 15 NKJV). As a result, Peter went to Cornelius’s house and preached the gospel. And before he could issue an invitation, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were present, confirming that this was God’s will. At that point Peter declared, “God has shown me that he doesn’t think anyone is unclean or unfit.” Let God show you that too!
Small Things Matter
“Who has despised the day of small things?” Zec 4:10 NKJV
When God gave Gideon victory over the Midianites, He used an army of just three hundred to defeat an enemy that was hundreds of thousands strong (See Jdg 7). That wasn’t because there weren’t more soldiers available; it was because God wanted to demonstrate His power in “the day of small things.” Jesus could have chosen any number of followers, but He handpicked twelve to reach the world with the gospel. One day He fed five thousand people with five bread rolls and two small fish from a child’s lunchbox. He compared God’s kingdom to a mustard seed—the smallest there is, yet it grows into a massive tree. He also likened His kingdom to yeast that’s barely discernible, yet it can raise an entire batch of dough. Then He went on to say, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Lk 16:10 NIV). So if you’re asking God to make you bigger instead of better, you may be disappointed. All the prayers in the world won’t pressure Him into giving you what you are not ready to handle. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Most people would succeed in small things if they weren’t troubled with blind ambition.” Your drive to be bigger can give you ulcers, keep you awake at night, and stop you from enjoying the blessings God has already given you. Better may be harder to measure and not as glamorous, but the inner stability that comes from gradual success is more valuable and lasting. So if you’re “in the day of small things,” rejoice and be confident that God has bigger and better things in mind for you.
Confessions Of A Secret Sinner (5)
“The Lord looks at the heart.” 1Sa 16:7 NLT
Pastor and author John MacArthur says: “Jesus’ exposition of the law is a devastating blow against the lie that image is everything. Secret sin is especially abhorrent because: (1) God sees the heart. In fact, if we realized He’s the only audience we’d be less inclined to write it off. It’s folly to mitigate sin by keeping it private…it’s double-folly to think you’re better than others because you sin privately…and it’s the height of folly to conceal it. ‘He who covers his sins will not prosper’ (Pr 28:13 NKJV). (2) Sinful thoughts originate from the same source as sinful deeds. When Jesus said hatred carries the same guilt as murder, and that lust is the essence of adultery, He wasn’t saying there’s no difference in degree…He was saying that a lustful person has no right to feel superior to a fornicator. The fact that somebody thinks such thoughts proves they’re capable of immoral acts, and someone who hates his brother already has murder lurking in his heart. (3) Hypocrisy compounds hidden sin. Why? Because it means covering it up. Jesus called hypocrisy ‘the leaven of the Pharisees’ (Lk 12:1) because it compounds itself like leaven. It sears your conscience and paves the way for other character-damaging sins…When somebody tries to tell you appearances are everything—don’t buy it! Your secret life is a litmus test of your character: ‘As he thinks within himself, so he is’ (Pr 23:7 NAS). If you want to know who you really are, look at your private life. Then gaze into the mirror of God’s Word and let Him disclose and correct the thoughts and intents of your heart.”
Confessions Of A Secret Sinner (3)
“You’ll use the old rubble…to…rebuild the foundations.” Isa 58:12 TM
Lie number two: God won’t use you now. Julie Ann Barnhill continues: “Women long to have their lives count for something more eternal than their jean size, or updated qualifications on a résumé. Yet many times we judge ourselves by these superficial standards. Think of all the times you’ve gazed in a mirror and despised the woman staring back at you; times you’ve bought into the lie that because of your failures God can’t use you. I’m living proof that He can and does use us despite our past mistakes. David said when ‘I confessed my sins…you forgave my guilt’ (Ps 32:5 NCV). The worst sins in Scripture can never drive a wedge between you and Christ’s love, if you confess them and seek forgiveness. God’s truths can dispel the Enemy’s deceit. Take hold of this promise: ‘I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places…You’ll use the old rubble…to…rebuild the foundations’ (Isa 58:11-12 TM). Lie number three: When people find out what you’ve done, they’ll never love, understand, or forgive you. Some you considered friends may leave…It happened to me…Friends dropped me when they learned the depth of my messes. And I once dropped a friend after learning some uncomfortable details about her life. Friends come and go, but a true friend sticks by you like family (See Pr 17:17). I wasn’t faithful to my friend, but Jesus always is. Time and again He promised never to leave us. Even ‘if we give up on him, he does not give up—for there’s no way he can be false to himself’’” (2Ti 2:13 TM).
Confessions Of A Secret Sinner (1)
“You can’t hide behind a religious mask…sooner or later the mask will slip.” Lk 12:2 TM
Inspirational speaker and author Julie Ann Barnhill writes: “I tend to be a stealthy sinner—a cloistered screw-up. Most of my life I’ve managed to fly under the radar…to keep 99.9 percent of such things hidden. As someone who attended church and appeared to manage a happy family, I avoided glaring attention to the shadow-side of my life—but at great cost. Lying about my spending led to financial problems in my marriage. Covetousness robbed me of friendships and contentment. The teenage anger that sent me reeling in fits of self-mutilation, exploded years later in outbursts of abusive anger towards my children. And when alcohol beckoned during periods of loneliness and depression, I heeded its call. Maybe you’re thinking, ‘So, you’ve told us a few secrets from your life—they don’t compare to mine.’ Seeing who has the most horrifying secret isn’t the point; we need to embrace the truth that we aren’t alone in our secret places…Confession for confession’s sake easily turns into tabloid moments like daytime talk shows. It’s not enough to spill the beans. Genuine confession leads to radical forgiveness that’s only available through Christ. It covers whatever we’ve done, no matter how bad it is. Jesus knows our secrets and they can never stop Him from loving us. They can, however, create a barrier between us and the shame-free life He desires for us. We confess our sins so we can find redemption, rescue, and eternal life. We share our secret places with trusted friends so we might know the reality of divine healing through flesh-and-blood relationships with those we love.”
Why Go To Church?
“Christ loved the church.” Eph 5:25 NIV
The story’s told of a mother who woke her son one Sunday morning and said, “Get up—you’re late for church!” He replied, “I don’t want to go. I’ve no friends there, the music’s awful, and the sermons are boring!” The woman replied, “You’ve got to go—you’re the pastor!” Seriously, why should you go to church? Because “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish” (vv. 25-27 NIV). Pastor and President Emeritus of Taylor University Dr. Jay Kesler gives us five reasons for going to church: (1) It’s the only organization that still deals with issues like salvation, death, judgment, grace, purpose, heaven, and hell. (2) It adds value and dignity to human life. We live in a secular culture that contributes to our sense of inner worthlessness. The church counteracts this negative message by preaching God’s love and acceptance. (3) It provides a moral and spiritual compass. Society has revised, resisted, and rejected absolutes, embracing relativism, but the church stands on the timeless bedrock of God’s Word. (4) It’s where you find compassion, healing, and community. There—we’re all on par. There—God’s Spirit is working to knit us together as believers, guaranteeing us all “equal access to the Father” (Eph 2:18 TM). (5) Unlike other institutions, it has motivated the most lasting, unselfish, essential, courageous endeavors on earth. Things like missions, schools, hospitals, food pantries, rehab centers, and orphanages. Why go to church? Because Jesus loves the church—and so should you.
Overcoming Your Fears (3)
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Heb 13:6 NIV
Let’s look at two more common fears: (1) Fear of not being good enough. It’s not about being as good as others; it’s about being yourself! Stop comparing yourself to other people and instead spend your time discovering your God-given strengths. You were born for a purpose, and that purpose may be unlike anything you’ve ever encountered. (2) Fear of not being accepted. This is one of the greatest sources of loneliness in society today. And the Internet hasn’t solved the problem because deep down we all long for intimacy, not information. You’d be surprised at how many people go home to an empty apartment, eat dinner for one, watch television, and climb into bed alone. Even when we’re surrounded by a crowd we still feel isolated—like an island in the middle of the sea. But, in truth, it doesn’t have to be that way—particularly if you’re a member of God’s redeemed family. The key to being accepted is to reach out and accept other members of your family. When you allow them into your private world, you’ll find they welcome you into theirs. Take a look at your life today. Nobody’s looking, and the person who’ll benefit most from it is you! Insecure people can be the most difficult to reach because they’re desperate to hide what they perceive as inadequacies and failures. If you need the help of a professional counselor, doctor, or pastor, reach out and get it! You owe it to yourself! Rise up today and say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid of rejection, or of not being good enough.”
Overcoming Your Fears (1)
“You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.” Job 11:18 NIV
Famous people throughout history have suffered from phobias. Napoleon was crippled by ailurophobia, an irrational fear of cats. Queen Elizabeth I was terrorized by anthophobia, an abnormal fear of flowers (she particularly feared roses). Billionaire Howard Hughes was practically incapacitated by mysophobia, a pathological fear of germs. Edgar Allen Poe and Harry Houdini suffered from claustrophobia. Even the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, grappled with agoraphobia, a fear of crowds and public places. The trouble is that many of us deny dealing with any kind of overwhelming fear, and rarely consider it a serious problem. But the fact remains that our fears hinder us on our journey toward change, and unless we face them we’ll never reach our God-given potential. Maybe you don’t view the thing that’s bothering you as a fear at all. It could be a feeling or situation you habitually avoid, or leave to others to handle. Whatever it is, the only way to overcome it is to call it what it is, confront it, draw on God’s strength, and make a decision to change. And today He offers you His strength to do it. Here’s a promise you can stand on: “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and…rest in safety.” Where does that promise originate? The Bible—God’s infallible Word! And here’s another “fear not” promise: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa 41:10 NKJV).
Righteous Anger (2)
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” Isa 5:20 NKJV D
id you know that God Himself gets angry? The Bible says, “The Lord became angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice” (1Ki 11:9 NKJV). Often change begins with righteous anger. Aristotle once said: “Anybody can become angry; that’s easy. But to be angry with the right person…to the right degree…at the right time…for the right purpose, and in the right way…that’s not easy.” But it is possible! A person who always gets angry is a fool, but a person who never gets angry is lacking in moral courage. Henry Ward Beecher said: “A man who doesn’t know how to be angry, doesn’t know how to be good. A man who doesn’t know how to be shaken to his heart’s core with indignation over things evil, is either a fungus or a wicked man.” Here are four things that we ought to get angry over: (1) A sex-crazed, profanity-filled movie and television industry that’s polluting the minds of young and old alike. (2) Cowardly politicians who do what’s politically expedient instead of what’s morally right. (3) Injustice done to others because of the color of their skin or their economic status. (4) Your children when they openly defy you. However, a word of warning: “Don’t go to bed angry” (Eph 4:26 CEV). So, clearly explain the rules of the house, consistently enforce those rules, but make sure that your child knows you love them and have only their best interest at heart. They may not understand it at the time, but they will appreciate it later.
Learn To Meditate
“On his law he meditates day and night.” Ps 1:2 NIV
Butterflies cover more ground, but bees gather more honey. That’s because the butterfly just flies over the flowers, whereas the bee lands on each one and stays there long enough to extract the nectar. That’s the difference between merely reading your Bible for a few hurried minutes, and taking time to meditate on what you’re reading. Meditation isn’t something difficult and mysterious that only scholars and “spiritual” people do. It’s just thinking deeply and continuously about a passage of Scripture, memorizing it, letting it take root, and “owning it” until it becomes a life force operating within you each day. The point isn’t how much Scripture you memorize, it’s what happens to you in the process. Meditating on God’s Word clarifies your understanding and corrects your conduct. It enriches your thinking and equips you by making you think different thoughts than if you were watching TV, for example, or texting, or talking on your cell phone, or shopping at the mall. The Psalmist writes: “The Law of the Lord makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. These people succeed in everything they do” (vv. 2-3 CEV). Meditating on God’s Word is the cure for moral and spiritual weakness; for a life with no focus; for a lack of intimacy with God; for chronically weak faith that causes you to fail and keep missing God’s best. So open your Bible, read it, and pray, “Lord, what are You saying to me?” Then meditate on His answer.
A Prayer For Self-Control
“It is God’s will that you should…avoid sexual immorality.” 1Th 4:3 NIV
When God created Adam and Eve, He told them to “multiply and replenish the earth” (See Gen 1:28). That helps explain why sex is one of our strongest drives. But it can also propel you into making decisions that mess up your life and destroy your relationships. The Bible says: “It is God’s will that you should…avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen” (1Th 4:3-5 NIV). Why did God say this? Because when there’s physical intimacy without true commitment, somebody’s going to get hurt. You need to heed what God says on this issue. And you need to do it now, before you get into situations where you’re tempted to compromise your character, because by then it’s too late. We all struggle with our sexuality, particularly in a culture where “sex sells.” Sex is such an integral part of us, and guilt about it has a way of making us feel separated from God like nothing else can. In order to determine your values and establish some ground rules, you need to pray: “Lord, I’m not going to allow my impulses to dictate to me, or sin to separate me from You. I choose to keep Your standards, to rely on Your Spirit to give me strength day by day. And if I do sin, to seek Your forgiveness, get back up, and move closer to You.” That’s a prayer God will answer!
Be A Shamgar (3)
“Shamgar…saved Israel.” Jdg 3:31 NIV
If Shamgar had focused on the fact that he was going up against six hundred Philistines, he would probably have given up before he even started. Understand this: Satan will try to discourage and defeat you by making you feel overwhelmed by the problem. That’s when you need to counterpunch, by breaking down your goals into smaller steps. You may not be able to overcome your addiction, anxiety, or anorexia for the rest of your life, but with God’s help you can win the battle today. Don’t worry about next week or next year. Live in day-tight compartments. Can you resist temptation for twenty-four hours? Can you win the battle for one day? You know you can. And so does the Enemy. So take it one day at a time. We spend far too much energy focusing on the very thing we can’t control—the outcome. You say, “What if I fall back into my bad habit? What if my romantic efforts aren’t reciprocated? What if I don’t hit my target weight or get my dream job?” Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Mt 6:34 TLB). The manna the Israelites received in the wilderness arrived daily, not weekly or monthly. Why? Because God wanted them to live in total dependence on Him. God’s grace, not your own works, is the key to victory. The word for you today is: “His compassion never ends. It is only the Lord’s mercies that have kept us from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his lovingkindness begins afresh each day…therefore I will hope in him” (La 3:22-24 TLB).
The Answer’s On The Way!
“Shunem, where [there] was a great woman.” 2Ki 4:8
The Bible refers to this woman as “a great woman.” That’s because she had a “great” strategy for her life! She prepared a bedroom in her house for Elisha the prophet to use when he passed through town. As a result she got her heart’s desire: a baby boy. And later when her son died suddenly, God used Elisha to raise him from the dead. Notice three things in this woman’s story: (1) She made room for God. (2) Her dream came to pass. (3) When her dream died, God brought it back to life (See vv. 36-37). When her son died, the neighbors probably told her, “It’s over. Go ahead and bury him.” But she refused to accept the opinions of unbelieving people or discuss her situation with those who were unqualified to help. Be careful who you open up to in a crisis! Make sure they know God, and that their words line up with His. This woman believed that if God started it, He could finish it. If He made it, He could fix it. The Bible tells us Elisha stretched out his body on top of the dead boy, and he got warm. But this boy needed more than warmth—he needed life. So Elisha stretched out on top of him again, and he became fully alive. There’s a lesson here for you. No matter how bad things look, stay on top of the situation by believing God. Walk the floor and pray all night if you have to, but keep standing on His Word. Your dream may not yet be fully alive, but it’s getting warm. Things are improving…God is moving…the answer’s on the way!
Spiritual Growth (3)
“The word of God…effectively works in you.” 1Th 2:13 NKJV
Spiritually speaking, you may not be as far along as you’d like to be, but thank God you’re still on the road. At one time you were a stranger to God’s grace, but now you belong to “the household of God” (Eph 2:19). Paul writes, “You received the word…which…effectively works in you who believe.” As long as you keep reading and believing God’s Word, it will keep working in you. Plus, you mature a lot faster when you learn to relax and start living by what God’s Word says about you, not how you feel. How you see yourself affects your spiritual progress profoundly. Until your self-concept lines up with what God says about you in Scripture, you’ll keep seeing yourself as unqualified and unworthy—and that will hinder your spiritual growth. When God told Jeremiah He’d called him as a prophet to the nations, Jeremiah informed God he was too young, wasn’t a good speaker, and didn’t have enough experience, etc. How did God respond? “Before I formed you…I knew [and] approved of you” (Jer 1:5 AMPC). So stop worrying about being rejected when you don’t perform perfectly. The world operates like that, but not God. Plus, if you were as perfect as you’d like to be, you wouldn’t need His grace. Like Jacob’s limp, sometimes God leaves things in us to remind us how much we need Him each day. So enjoy where you are right now and stop comparing yourself with other people. Don’t worry if they are farther along than you. They went through exactly the same places to get to where they are today.
Spiritual Growth (1)
“In due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Gal 6:9 NKJV
A high-rise construction worker slipped and fell from a scaffold forty floors up. As he was plummeting past the twentieth-floor window, a woman in an office shouted out, “How are you doing?” The man replied, “So far, so good!” Seriously, some days spiritual growth feels like two steps forward and three steps back. It doesn’t come easily; that’s why Paul encourages us not to lose heart. Generally speaking, you don’t notice yourself getting older physically until you see an earlier photo, then it hits you. And it’s the same with spiritual growth; it’s hard to gauge how far you’ve come until you look back and see where you were before Jesus turned your life around. The Bible says, “As the Spirit…works within us, we become more…like him” (2Co 3:18 TLB). But growing up involves growing pains! So when you get discouraged, remind yourself that you’re on a spiritual journey, you’re making progress in spite of your problems, and that the Devil will always look for ways to remind you how far you still have to go. Don’t listen to him! Jesus said, “Everything he says is a lie” (Jn 8:44 CEV). If you get discouraged and give up, Satan wins. The Bible says, “Capture…rebellious thoughts…teach them to obey Christ” (2Co 10:5 NLT). Learn to live beyond your feelings, to dig down inside to where God’s Spirit lives. And take heart: It may not always look like it, but each day you’re maturing and growing stronger in Christ. So don’t even think about quitting.
Practice Humility
“Clothe yourselves with humility.” 1Pe 5:5 NAS
The Bible says: “Clothe yourselves with humility…for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble…humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you (vv. 5-7 NAS). Let’s break this Scripture down into four parts: (1) “Clothe yourselves with humility.” In this context the word clothe refers to a white scarf or apron that was typically worn by servants. Does that mean you have to conform to everybody’s wishes? No; if you do that everybody else may like you but you won’t like yourself. Just be who God called you to be, and be willing to serve others as the opportunity arises. (2) “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less and putting others first. (3) “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.” Throughout Scripture “the mighty hand of God” symbolizes two things: God’s hand of discipline and His hand of deliverance, and you need both. So submit to His discipline and you’ll experience His deliverance. (4) “Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” Here Peter addresses one of our core human concerns: that if we don’t look out for ourselves nobody else will. But if we really believe God “cares” for us we needn’t worry about serving our own interest. We’re free to focus on the needs of others, confident that God will spare nothing when it comes to meeting our needs.
Use Your Common Sense
“God blesses everyone who has…common sense.” Pr 3:13 CEV
The key to success lies in doing the right thing at the right time. Theologian Tryon Edwards said, “Have a time and place for everything, and do everything in its time and place…you’ll not only accomplish more, but have far more leisure than those who are always hurrying.” If you’re tired of living with constant stress, Theology professor Dr. Howard Hendricks draws our attention to four major sources: (1) Saying yes to far too many things. Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer once said, “Much of our spiritual activity is little more than a cheap anesthetic to deaden the pain of an empty life.” All our “going and doing” fails to address our core emptiness. (2) Not stopping to recharge our batteries. We dutifully pull out our day planner and fill the spaces between activities. But let’s not fool ourselves; avoiding overlapping activities isn’t planning. As a result, we’re a stressed-out, short-tempered crowd, commuting between poorly planned activities that add little to our spiritual well-being. (3) Failure to enjoy what we accomplish. “A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul” (Pr 13:19 NKJV). With always too much to do, we dash off to the next obligation, often without finishing the previous one or taking time to stand back and savor a job well done. No wonder we worry that our existence seems meaningless. (4) Owing more than we can repay. Next time you’re faced with a credit purchase—wait! Don’t necessarily say no. Just present your so-called “need” to God and see what He says about it. If you’re serious about developing your spiritual life, use your common sense and put these four principles to work
Confessions Of A Secret Sinner (4)
“You forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” Ps 32:5 NLT
David said, “I confessed all my sins to you…And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.” Julie Ann Barnhill writes: “If you’re tired of pretending you have it all together, it’s time to act. For too long Christian women in particular have believed they’re the only ones dealing with shameful issues, agonizing regrets, and skeletons in their closet. Once we open up to God, ourselves, and others, we experience exhilarating freedom and peace. A woman wrote to me: ‘I had an abortion when I was eighteen. Nobody knows. For years I marked the date on my calendar and grieved for the child nobody knew about, and the young woman who bore the guilt alone. No more! Now I know I’m not alone, and for the first time in my life I truly believe God is bigger than my secret—and He’s willing to forgive.’ Secrets only hold power when they’re hidden. Once they’re revealed in the light of God’s love they lose their control. However, there are some things to consider before opening up to someone: (1) If that person repeats things others have shared in confidence, guess who’s up next for discussion? (2) Beware of someone who’s apt to offer unsolicited advice, then take offense when it’s ignored. (3) Stay away from somebody who tries to ‘fix’ you, and tells you not to worry about your secrets. Instead, look for someone who: (a) has good sense and knows when to ‘back off’ and/or move forward when you’re upset; (b) is up-front about their own struggles; (c) is quick to listen and slow to speak; (d) undergirds their words and counsel with scriptural truths.”
Confessions Of A Secret Sinner (2)
“You can’t whitewash your sins and get by.” Pr 28:13 TM
Julie Ann Barnhill continues: “The ‘father of lies’ (Jn 8:44 NIV) wants us to believe there are things we’ve done that can make God’s love for us end. And on occasion I’ve swallowed three of his favorite lies. Lie number one: You’re the only person who ever did that. Few things can send me down the road of condemnation and guilt like anger issues…While outwardly I came across as ‘together,’ I knew the verbal and physical boundaries I crossed behind closed doors. I confessed to friends, hoping to hear I wasn’t alone. But there was dead silence, and the Enemy whispered, ‘I told you nobody else had done those things. You’re beyond help.’ I believed this until God drew me back to Bible truths I learned and believed since childhood. (a) If I confess my wrongs, He’ll forgive me time after time. (b) If I allow Him, He’ll change my thought patterns and strengthen me to do what’s right. (c) And even if I fail, Jesus remains faithful; it’s impossible for Him not to…Three years later…before a packed audience, I told hundreds of mothers where I’d been, and assured them they weren’t the only ones who’d said, done, and thought whatever they were currently beating themselves up about. Women lined up to speak to me. Some stood quietly with their heads bowed. Others fought to maintain their composure as the Enemy’s lies were exposed and defeated…I never grow tired of hearing another [person] say, ‘Thanks for being honest!’ The Lord has shown me I’m not the only one who’s done the things I’ve done.” Now that’s real freedom!
Nurture Your Children
“Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Eph 6:4
We keep being shocked by stories of children killing teachers and other children in school, and then turning the gun on themselves. Two boys, aged twelve and thirteen, beat a man to death outside a convenience store just for the pleasure of watching him die. Another boy shot a man sitting in a car at a stop sign. When asked why, he replied, “Because he looked at me.” What is causing this? Easy access to guns? Hours spent watching violent videos? Those may be factors. But after extensive research, scientists are concluding that violent behavior is often related to early childhood abuse and neglect. When a baby spends three days or more in dirty diapers, or when children are burned, beaten, or ignored, their blood is filled with stress hormones—cortisol and adrenaline among others. These hormones bombard and damage the brains of those children. So for the rest of their lives they will not think and feel what others do. They actually lose the capacity to empathize with those who suffer. The same research has concluded that babies and young children are incredibly vulnerable between birth and three years of age. If their families don’t protect them, love and care for them, society will pay a terrible price for it in years to come. The Bible uses the word “nurture.” It means to love, protect, encourage, compliment, and try to bring out the best in your child.
Pray For Them!
“Remember…those who are mistreated.” Heb 13:3 NIV
The Bible tells us, “Keep on loving each other as brothers” (v. 1 NIV). Then it gets specific: “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” On April 18, 2007, three Christians in Turkey were killed for their beliefs. Necati Aydin was one of them. He was a thirty-five-year-old pastor in the city of Malatya, and Max Lucado tells his story: “By the time Necati reached the office, his two colleagues had already received visitors; five young men who’d expressed an interest in the Christian faith. But the inquisitors brought more than questions. They brought guns, bread knives, ropes, and towels. The attackers brandished their weapons and told Necati to pray the Islamic prayer of conversion: ‘There is no God except Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.’ When Necati refused, the torture began. For an agonizing hour the assailants bound, interrogated, and cut Christians. Finally, with the police pounding on the door, they sliced the throats of their victims. The last word heard from the office was the cry of an unswerving Christian: ‘Messiah! Messiah!’ Such stories have a way of silencing us. This morning’s traffic jam is no longer worth the mention…Such stories make us ask ourselves: ‘Would I make the sacrifice? Would I cry out, Messiah! Messiah? Would I give up my life?’” When we complain about frivolous things, you have to wonder. The Bible says you’re to pray for your fellow Christians around the world who are suffering “as if [you yourself] were suffering.”
Overcoming Your Fears (2)
“He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Ps 112:7 NIV
Let’s take a look at some of our most common fears and how we can overcome them. Fear of failure. This is the most common fear of all, and it keeps us from fulfilling any vision God may give us. If you look closely at the actual consequences of failure, chances are you’ll laugh at the power it wields. Not only are your mistakes survivable, they’re teaching tools that sharpen and make you a better person. So what if you make a mistake during your presentation? Nobody’s going to shoot you, right? So what if you miss the mark on the project, or make a mistake in your calculations? We all want to be perfect, but the fact is we’re all flawed. In reality, your irrational fear of failure and your refusal to embrace mistakes create far more errors in the long run. When people refuse to accept the possibility of making a mistake, often they’re reluctant to have someone else check their work or review the project they’re working on. Consequently they end up making more poor choices and mistakes, which in turn feeds their existing insecurities. The path to success is through multiple failures. Failing doesn’t make you a failure, quitting does; not learning from it does; refusing to get back up when you fall does. The Psalmist says, “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Using the gifts God has given you, step out and take a risk based on faith, trusting Him for success. If you do, “You will have good success” (Jos 1:8 NKJV).
Teach Your Child God’s Word
“From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures.” 2Ti 3:15 NIV
There’s a story about a woman who came to her pastor and said, “How early should I start the spiritual training of my child?” The pastor asked, “How old is the child?” She answered, “Five.” He replied, “Lady, get busy—you’re already five years late!” Psychologists confirm that your child’s capacity and hunger for knowledge begins at infancy. So while they are in the listening stage, you should be in the teaching stage. Take every opportunity to read the Bible to them. Use everyday experiences to teach them what God’s Word has to say about the Golden Rule, how to be polite, how to forgive, and how to confess and repent of sin. Never underestimate God’s ability to develop spiritual character and teach spiritual truths to your children, even at a very early age. While their heart is still young and tender, introduce them to Jesus. Some of the greatest Christians in history were saved at an early age. Jonathan Edwards, whose ministry shook New England for God, was saved at the age of eight. Charles Spurgeon, “the prince of preachers,” was saved at the age of twelve. Matthew Henry, the great Bible commentator, was saved at the age of eleven. Timothy was an apostle by the time he was seventeen. Paul writes, “From infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Yes, your child can understand the basic truths about salvation—and they can come to know Christ at an early age.
Righteous Anger (1)
“Be angry, and do not sin.” Eph 4:26 NKJV
There’s a right way and a wrong way to handle your anger. Moses handled his anger the wrong way and it cost him the Promised Land. Jesus handled His anger the right way, and those who took advantage of the poor were exposed and thrown out of the temple. The Scripture, “Be angry, and do not sin,” means instead of just complaining about the problem, you’re supposed to do something about it. Instead of walking around on a slow burn and keeping those around you on pins and needles, get to the core of your anger and express it the right way. Pastor and author Dr. Jack Hyles wrote about how his child was assigned to read a book in school—one that was filled with foul language and questionable situations. The more Dr. Hyles perused the book, the angrier he got. Eventually he marched up to the principal’s office and politely but firmly said, “My son is not going to read this book: he’ll be assigned a different book to read, and he will not be marked down because of it.” The principal, taken aback and attempting to argue with Dr. Hyles, said, “But…” Dr Hyles interrupted and said softly but sternly, “No ifs, ands, or buts about it. He will not be forced to read this book, and he will be assigned another one. Is that clear?” The principal replied, “All right, Dr. Hyles, but I don’t understand the fuss. After all, the language in that book is no worse than what’s written on the bathroom walls.” Dr. Hyles smiled and said, “Yes, and when that becomes required reading—I’ll be back!”
The Rewards Of Generosity
“Be generous, and someday you will be rewarded.” Ecc 11:1 CEV
The Dead Sea has such high mineral concentrations that even non-swimmers can stay afloat in it. The only problem is the smell. Because it has no outlets, any fresh water that comes in quickly becomes contaminated. There’s an important biblical principle at work here: “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed” (Pr 11:25 NLT). God never intended you to be a reservoir that just takes in, but a river of blessing that flows out to others. The Bible says: “A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (2Co 9:6-8 NLT). So if you need a job, volunteer at a soup kitchen while you’re looking for work. If you’re praying for an increase in your business, pour your best into someone else’s business and ask God to prosper them. Solomon writes, “Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later. Divide your gifts among many, for in the days ahead you yourself may need much help” (Ecc 11:1-2 TLB). Even if you don’t have a specific need right now, sow a seed of kindness anyway. God knows what the future holds, and one day when you need it most, it will come back to you as a harvest.
Be Open To Advice
‘The wise listen to advice.’ Proverbs 12:15 NIV
When you ‘don’t know what you don’t know’, you’re vulnerable to making mistakes. You may know a lot, but you don’t know all there is to know. So, you should always seek and be open to good input. Professional golfers play with a caddy. And the caddy is more than just a carrier of clubs; he or she is there for support and valuable advice. Tommy Bolt was one of the greatest golfers of all time. But he had a major flaw: a terrible temper. One year when he was playing in a tournament in Southern California, he was still angry because of a bad round he’d had the day before. So, he told his caddy only to say, ‘Yes, Mr Bolt,’ or ‘No, Mr Bolt,’ if he was asked a question. Otherwise he was to keep quiet. Bolt hit his first tee shot and it appeared to come to rest behind a tree. When he reached the spot, he asked his caddy, ‘Do you think I should hit a five-iron?’ The caddy, obeying orders, simply replied, ‘No, Mr Bolt.’ Bolt hit the five-iron anyway, and made an unbelievable shot that landed on the green a few feet from the hole. He turned to his caddy and proudly said, ‘What do you think about that shot?’ As the caddy picked up the bag and headed towards the green, he simply said, ‘That wasn’t your ball, Mr Bolt.’ If you don’t want to finish up making mistakes you will regret, be open to advice―and follow it. The Bible says, ‘The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.’
Be A Shamgar (2)
“In the days of Shamgar.” Jdg 5:6 NIV
When Shamgar picked up his oxgoad and slew six hundred Philistines, he made a decision that if he was going to go down, he was going to go down fighting (See Jdg 3:31). And that’s the key to deliverance, whether it’s from the Philistines, or pride, or prejudice, or pornography, or any other stubborn problem in your life. You’ve got to go on the offensive. There comes a point when you say, “Enough is enough.” You know you cannot continue down the path you are on because it’s a dead end relationally, physically, or spiritually. It may not kill you, but it will eat you alive. You know you cannot keep doing what you’ve always done. Not if you want to get into shape, or get out of debt. Not if you want to recapture the romance, or reach the goal. Not if you want to leave a legacy worth living up to. And the good news is this: You are only one decision away from a totally different life. But you’ve got to grab your oxgoad and go for it. Cut up that credit card. Apply for the graduate program. Take the mission trip. Set up the counseling appointment. William A. Lawrence wrote, “On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who, at the dawn of victory, sat down to wait, and waiting—died!” Stop being a procrastinator. Stop being a perfectionist. Spiritual growth is about progress, not perfection. When it comes to going after your goals, your greatest adversary is inertia. We have a tendency to keep doing what we’ve always done, hoping that somehow things will change. They won’t, so be a Shamgar and take action!