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“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.”
Ps 39:4 NLT
Next time you drive through a tunnel and come out on the other side, remind yourself that’s how death will be for every redeemed child of God. You say “good night” on earth, and hear “good morning” in heaven. Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross explained that most of us go through the following stages when we face the prospect of dying: (1) Shock stage: “O, my God!” (2) Denial stage: “It can’t be true!” (3) Anger stage: “Why me?” (4) Bargaining stage: “Spare me, God, and I will do something for You.” (5) Depression stage: “It’s all over. I have nothing to look forward to.” (6) Testing stage: “What can I do to make my remaining days worthwhile?” (7) Acceptance stage: “It doesn’t make sense to fight the inevitable.” The truth is, the moment we were born we all began to run out of time. It’s just that in the wonder and excitement of childhood and adolescence, and the busyness and stresses of mid-life, we don’t think about it much. We’re like the hypochondriac who put the words on his tombstone: ”I expected this, but not just yet!” But as we age and realize that we’ve less time ahead of us than behind us, we begin to pray with the Psalmist: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps 90:12 NKJV). Someone asked Charles Spurgeon, “Do you have dying grace?” He replied, “Not today, but I will when I’m dying!” And the grace that has saved and sustained you thus far, will be with you as you transition from your lesser life into your greater one.
Who tells you the truth?
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”
Pr 27:6 NLT
When it comes to seeing ourselves clearly, we all have blind spots. So we need people who’ll tell us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. When someone really loves you, they’ll feel compelled to point out the shortcomings in your life, the sinfulness, and areas that need improvement. You may be tempted to dismiss them, but you need to get beyond the sting of their words and listen for the truth in their message. The writer of Proverbs tells us, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” The truth sometimes hurts. But you must have faith that the encouragers in your life really have your best interests at heart. If you’re ever to experience a sense of accomplishment in this life you need someone you can trust; someone who sees where you are, and where the path you’re on is leading. If you want to really know yourself and how you come across to others, you need a trustworthy mirror committed to reflecting the truth back at you instead of what you want to hear. And if you find yourself resenting the very input you need, think about these Scriptures: “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice” (Pr 12:15 NIV). “Pride…breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice” (Pr 13:10 NIV). “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Pr 15:22 NIV). So here’s the question: Who tells you the truth? That person is your real friend!
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and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
-Ephesians 4:24
“They dug through the clay roof above [Jesus’] head.”
Mk 2:4 TLB
When the four people carrying their paralyzed friend arrived at the house where Jesus was preaching, the crowd was so big that they couldn’t get to Him. So they’d a choice to make: give up, or persist and find a way through. That’s when they decided to climb up and dig “through the clay roof above [Jesus’] head.” When they finally broke through and Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” (v. 11 NLT). And what happened next is notable: “The man jumped up, grabbed his mat, and walked out through the stunned onlookers. They were all amazed and praised God, exclaiming, ‘We’ve never seen anything like this before!” (v. 12 NLT). Whatever “roof” is separating you or the person you love from Jesus, it must be removed. Tear it off! Don’t let anything stand in your way! Jesus can give anyone healing, a fresh start, a good job, a strong marriage, healthy kids, or an effective ministry—if they are willing to dig for it. These people were radical in their approach. They didn’t just have faith—they had faith in action! They had come to see Jesus and they refused to be denied. As they dug through the clay roof they believed they were only a few feet away from a miracle, and they weren’t about to be put off. Knowing that is what kept them going. So no matter what you have to do today, let nothing stop you from getting to Jesus. You’re closer to a breakthrough than you realize, so keep digging and don’t stop until you get there!
“Four men arrived carrying a paralyzed man on a mat.”
Mk 2:3 NLT
It took four people to get this man to Jesus, and fortunately they weren’t the kind who gave up easily. They refused to let the crowd stand in their way. They even “raised the roof” to get him to Jesus. So if you want to minister to people: (1) You must be aware of their need. They may look like they’ve “got it all together,” yet inwardly be lying on a stretcher. When they’re alone they cry out, “God, unless you help me I’m finished.” They’re hurting, desperate, and powerless, and they know it. (2) You mustn’t let them down. Committing to bring somebody to Jesus means picking them up, refusing to let them down, and carrying them the whole way. It means comforting, encouraging, and holding them securely until He touches them. (3) You must allow Jesus to do it His way. Often hurting people don’t know what they need—but Jesus does. So once you get them there, back off and let Him work. When we’ve been in church a while we tend to look for outward signs of change. But Jesus recognized that this man’s first need was for forgiveness: “My child, your sins are forgiven” (v. 5 NLT). After that He addressed the man’s second need: “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!” (v. 11 NLT). Don’t dismiss God’s tendency to work in ways that don’t make sense to you. He knows what He’s doing, and He never does anything by half-measures. Once He starts working on somebody, He’ll “keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish” (Php 1:6 TM).
Does God Love You When You Make Mistakes?
Have you ever wondered if you are good enough for God to love you? Unfortunately, many people believe God loves them only as long as they don't make mistakes.
Perhaps it was this outlook that caused the psalmist to ask, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:4 AMP). Yet the Bible tells us that we are God's creation, the work of His hands-and that He loves each one of us unconditionally.
Let's face it: Jesus didn't die for you because you were great and wonderful; He died for you because He loves you. Romans 5:8-9 confirms this truth by telling us that He died for us while we were still sinners.
God loved you enough to give His only begotten Son, not only to die for your sins, but also to cover your daily mistakes. He loves you enough to get you through each day in power and victory.
God loves you, and He wants you to believe it and receive it all the time...even when you make mistakes.
Prayer Starter: Lord, Your love is incredible. You love me even when it doesn't make sense to me. When I make mistakes, You are still with me. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, my mistakes are covered. I receive Your love today.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
-Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
-Jeremiah 29:11
those the Lord has rescued will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
-Isaiah 35:10
Choose to “live in peace”
“Live in peace…and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.”
2Co 13:11 AMP
When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach, He told them to go into each city, find a suitable house in which to stay, and say, “Peace be unto you.” If they were accepted they were to stay there and minister. If not, they were to leave and shake the dust of that place off their feet (See Mt 10:11-15). Why did Jesus say that? Because instead of staying where you’re tolerated, you need to go where you’re appreciated. You shouldn’t waste your time on people who don’t want to be helped. If you remain where there is strife you can’t be effective. Strife grieves the Holy Spirit. When peace leaves, the Holy Spirit leaves, and He’s the one who does the real work. Question: When you picture Jesus ministering to others, how do you see Him? Certainly not with the stressed-out, hurry-up attitude we often have. Don’t you get an image of Him ministering in a quiet, tranquil peace? That’s a trait you need to develop too. As ambassadors of Christ we need to become more like our Master in dealing with others. Paul writes, “Live in peace, and [then] the God of love [Who is the Source of affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward men] and the Author and Promoter of peace will be with you.” When you resort to force, argument, intimidation, anger, and coercion, you’re on your own. But when you demonstrate affection, goodwill, love, and benevolence toward people, God has promised to be with you. So the word for you today is—choose to “live in peace.”
Listen to God’s voice
“Your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
Isa 30:21 NIV
One of England’s finest preachers decided because of his wife’s failing health not to go to America and speak at an important conference. Although he’d purchased his ticket, the ship sailed without him, and J. Stuart Holden missed a golden opportunity in the prime of his preaching career. A devoted husband, he gave himself to caring for his wife and tried not think of what he was missing on the other side of the Atlantic. The truth is we’re too easily disappointed when our plans fall through; too easily discouraged when “great career opportunities” are missed, and our complaining proves that we don’t know God like we say we do. Delay is often the protective hand of our heavenly Father. It certainly was for Holden, who resolved never again to question God’s timing. Why? Because the unused ticket he held reserved his passage on the new “unsinkable” luxury liner—RMS Titanic. There’s so much talk in the church today about self-help, that God’s providence and guidance is seldom mentioned. But the bottom line is: We don’t decideGod’s plan for our lives—we discover it. Much of the time we don’t understand how He leads us, and it’s only in retrospect that we see His hand at work. Paul wrote, “When I go to Spain, I hope to visit you” (Ro 15:24 NIV). But he never made it; instead he ended up in prison. But it was from there that he wrote the Epistles. So here’s the question: If you really believe God is directing your steps—why are you questioning, doubting, and complaining?
You can live a victorious Christian life
“Don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”
Ro 13:14 NLT
If you’re serious about living a victorious Christian life you must do three things: (1) Burn the bridges to your old lifestyle. Any bridge you refuse to burn gives Satan an invitation and re-entry point into your life. The new believers at Ephesus did something radical; they brought out all their books on witchcraft and pornography and burned them in public. They weren’t namby-pamby or willy-nilly; they were committed! They lived by the words, “Don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” (2) Establish prayer as a top priority. Prayer puts a shield of divine protection around you; don’t start your day without it. Jesus said, “Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation” (Mt 26:41 TM). Unless you acknowledge your vulnerability for sin, you won’t pray against it and you’ll end up experiencing defeat. The most effective weapon the Enemy has against you—is you. Your old nature must be crucified daily, and prayer is how you do it. (3) Fill your mind with God’s Word. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4). Three different times in the wilderness Satan tried to get Jesus to submit to temptation, and each time Jesus responded, “It is written” (See vv. 4, 7, 10). After the third attempt Satan gave up and left Him alone. Why? Because he can’t prevail against you when you know God’s Word and stand on it. So have your “It is written” armor ready. Build yourself up on the Word of God before the attack comes.
Receiving the Power of God Through Prayer
Prayer is so powerful because it joins the hearts of people on earth with the heart of God in heaven. When we pray, we connect with God, and He affects our daily lives beyond our comprehension.
I believe prayer is one of the greatest powers available in the entire universe. That may seem like a bold statement, but it's true!
Prayer opens the door for God to work. It is the activity that you and I can engage in on earth when we need the power of heaven to come into our lives and bring wisdom, direction, encouragement or a miraculous breakthrough. Prayer connects us to the power of God, and that is why it is a greater force than anything else we can ever imagine. Even Jesus needed to pray and receive this power when He was on earth.
Only God's power can bring peace, instill joy, grant wisdom, impart a sense of value and purpose to a person who doesn't know what to do in life, and work every kind of miracle.
Do you want to see that power work in your life? Then make prayer a priority.
Prayer Starter: Lord, the power of prayer is absolutely astounding. I want to connect with You and see You work in my life, so I make a commitment now to remain in a constant state of prayer with You.
You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
-Psalm 91:8
They triumphed over him
by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death.
-Revelation 12:11
“Although you have been forsaken and hated,
with no one traveling through,
I will make you the everlasting pride
and the joy of all generations.
-Isaiah 60:15
“I wish…”
“Love one another as I have loved you.”
Jn 15:12 NKJV
A Christian counselor writes: “A sixth grade teacher shared with me the results of a creative writing project assigned to her class. She asked the kids to complete a series of sentences that began with the phrase, ‘I wish…’ The teacher expected her students to write about their desires for bicycles, toys, animals, and trips to theme parks, etc. Instead, twenty of the thirty students made reference to the breakup of their families or conflict at home: ‘I wish my parents wouldn’t fight.’ ‘I wish my father would come back.’ ‘I wish I could get straight A’s, so my dad would love me.’ ‘I wish my mother didn’t have a boyfriend.’ ‘I wish I had one mom and one dad, so the kids wouldn’t make fun of me. I’ve three moms and three dads, and they botch up my life.’ ‘I wish I had an M-1 rifle so I could shoot those who make fun of me.’ It’s hardly front-page news that the family is in trouble today, but it continues to distress me to see little children like these struggling at a time when simply growing up is a major undertaking. Millions of their peers are caught in the same snare. Every aspect of their young lives is influenced by family instability during their developmental years. Without gaining access to professional counseling, many of these kids will drag their problems into future relationships. Then the pattern of disintegration will repeat itself in the next generation. Returning to the responses given by these sixth grade students, I wonder how your children would complete a sentence that began with the words, ‘I wish…’”
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Mat 22:37-39: "Jesus {Lit. He} told him, «You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' {Deut 6:5} This is the greatest and most important {Or first} commandment. The second is exactly like it: «You must love your neighbor as yourself.' {Lev 19:18}"
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By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.
-Hebrews 11:4
Ask God for a vision
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”
Heb 12:2
A vision is a picture of what “can be” rather than “what is.” Your vision may be to bring health where there is sickness—like the vision Albert Schweitzer had for Africa. Or of education where there’s ignorance—like the one that motivated Gilbert Tennent to help establish Princeton University. It may be a vision of freedom where there’s oppression—like the one that made William Wilberforce give up a life of privilege to eradicate slavery. Or your vision may be smaller and simpler—like being the first one in your family to graduate from college, or becoming a great parent to your child even though you never had one. Or breaking a bad habit before it breaks you…or overcoming your fear of technology and learning to use an iPad…or spending your retirement years impacting the world around you instead of sitting in a rocking chair waiting to die. Thoreau said, “If you’ve built castles in the air…put foundations under them.” But having a vision isn’t enough; there has to be a commitment to act on it. That’s called a mission—and it requires setting specific, measurable steps to achieve it. Those steps are called goals; they establish a plan for accomplishing your mission and thus fulfilling your vision. You’ll generally have one vision, but many goals. And each goal you reach brings you a step closer to fulfilling your vision. And here’s the reallygood news: When your vision comes from God, He’ll give you the strength, wisdom, connections, relationships, and resources to make it happen because He’s “the author and finisher of our faith.”
Don’t be a gossip
“A talebearer reveals secrets.”
Pr 11:13 NKJV
When you gossip you’re like a loose cannon. Stop and try to imagine that. When a cannon is anchored and aimed in the right direction it can win the battle. But when it’s not it can destroy everything in its path. And that’s what gossip does: “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” The word “talebearer” comes from the Hebrew word rakal, which means “to go about”; it’s likely derived from an old word meaning “merchant.” So a talebearer is someone who goes around peddling gossip! The story is told of a mother who was preparing dinner one evening when her little boy came running into the kitchen. “What has Mama’s little darling been doing all day?” she asked. “I’ve been playing mailman,” he replied. “Mailman?” the mother wondered aloud. “How could you do that when you’ve no letters?” He said, “Oh, I had a whole bunch of letters.” Alarmed, she said, “What letters?” Her son replied, “I found them all tied up with ribbon in an old trunk in the attic, and I put one in every mailbox on the street.” Even when you don’t intend harm, your words can start a chain reaction that devastates people’s lives and drives wedges. That’s why the Bible says, “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends” (Pr 16:28 NKJV). Unless you’re sure that what you’re sharing in confidence will remain in confidence and result in good, don’t share it at all. And if you feel like you must talk to somebody, talk to the One who can do something about it—God!
Soul prosperity
“I pray that…your soul prospers.”
3Jn v. 2 NKJV
John wrote, “I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” For your soul to prosper you must: (1) Question your doubts and not your faith. We spend too much time dwelling on our misgivings, and experiencing faith as an occasional flash in the pan. God’s promises are for “believers,” so start believing what He says. (2) Not be a “Lone Ranger.” It’s no coincidence that the Old Testament tells the story of God’s “people,” and the Epistles were addressed to “congregations.” We grow as we relate—not isolate! (3) Guard your thought life. Practice mind management! When your “thinking is controlled by the sinful self, there is death. But if [it’s] controlled by the Spirit, there is life and peace” (Ro 8:6 NCV). (4) Fall asleep and wake up immersed in gratitude. It’ll transform your day. “In everything give thanks” (1Th 5:18 NKJV). (5) Get rid of anything that distracts you from God. Toss the junk reading material, and if need be—throw in the TV! (6) Always err on the side of mercy. Philip Yancey writes, “I marvel at the humility of a God who descends to live inside His flawed creatures, but do I show that same attitude toward people of whom I disapprove?” (7) Be specific, and not revert to generalities when discussing your faith. Paul wasn’t “ashamed of the gospel” (Ro 1:16), and neither should you be. (8) Be gracious to those who irk you. Remember, God chose them too! Sometimes it’s easier to be gracious to nonbelievers than to uptight, judgmental Christians. But that just makes you a different kind of judgmental! (9) Forgive those who hurt you. Harboring hatred hinders healing; instead, bring your hurts to God.
When I pray, I talk to God, but when I read the Bible, God is talking to me.
-DL Moody
Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”
-Isaiah 35:3-4
“I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase and the trees of the field yield their fruit.”
(Leviticus 26:4, AMP)
“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.”
(Isaiah 61:7, NIV)
Be faithful
“She is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
Mal 2:14 NKJV
As the culture around us becomes more permissive, the idea of faithfulness in marriage is being challenged. The entertainment industry promotes the idea that infidelity is a marvelous game for two. But they don’t tell you the downside. When it has run its course, it brings pain and disillusionment. And not only for the two people involved, but for those who love them, depend on them, and look to them for an example. It’s time for some straight talk about the covenant of marriage. After the thrill of the chase and the cooling of passion, you get back to cooking, cleaning, and earning a living. Yes, the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, but it still has to be mowed. When you’re dating you get to see the best aspects of someone, but when you marry them you get to live with their flaws, frailties, and irritants, much like those in the former husband or wife. And guess what? Married life begins to feel confining. Then what does the individual do when he or she is beginning to feel trapped? Hopscotch from one life to another in a vain search for something indescribable—something they never seem to find. What’s the answer? Instead of looking for the right person, seek to grow and mature and become the right person. Often the qualities you’re looking for in someone new lie undiscovered and unappreciated under the surface in the person you’re married to. These qualities are like seeds: If you water them, nurture and protect them, they will grow into something beautiful you can enjoy.
Choose Christ
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”
Jn 3:36 NIV
No matter how many bad choices you may have made in the past, you can be redeemed by one good choice—the choice to surrender your life to Christ and follow Him. One author writes: “Ever wonder why there were two crosses next to Christ? Or why Jesus was in the center? Those two crosses symbolize one of God’s greatest gifts—the gift of choice. The two criminals have much in common: convicted by the same system, condemned to the same death, surrounded by the same crowd, and equally close to the same Christ. In fact, they began with the same sarcasm; each said cruel things to Jesus. But one of them changed. He said, “‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise’” (Lk 23:42-43 NIV). We rejoice that this thief could change, but we dare not forget the one who didn’t. There are times when God sends thunder to scare us. There are times when God sends blessings to lure us. But there are times when God sends nothing but silence, as He honors us with the freedom to choose where we will spend eternity. We have never been given a greater privilege than that of choice. Think about the thief who repented. Though we know little about him, we know this: In the end, all his bad choices were redeemed by a solitary good choice. He chose Christ!” And you can make that choice today too. “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.”