Search This Blog

Friday, September 12, 2014

DAILY DEVOTIONALS: 9.12.14

Rejoice with TremblingJohn Piper
A Meditation on Psalms 2:11-12
Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
"Serve the Lord with fear . . .
This command does not cancel out Psalm 100:2: "Serve the Lord with gladness." Serving the Lord with fear and serving the Lord with gladness do not contradict each other. The next phrase will make that plain ("rejoice with trembling"). There is real fear and real joy. The reason there is real fear is that there is real danger. Our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). Yes, the elect are safe in Christ. But examine yourself, Paul says, "to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you-unless, of course, you fail the test?" (2 Corinthians 13:5). "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Confidence in Christ is not careless. Our security is rooted in God's daily keeping, not our past decisions. "[He] is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory" (Jude 1:24). Part of how he keeps us is by awakening the vigilance to rest daily in Christ and not in ourselves.
. . . and rejoice with trembling.
Fear does not rob us of our joy for two reasons. One is that it drives us to Christ where there is safety. The other is that even when we get there the part of fear that Christ relieves is the hope-destroying part. But he leaves another part-the part we want to feel forever. There is an awe or wonder or trembling in the presence of grandeur that we want to feel as long as we are sure it will not destroy us. This trembling does not compete with joy; it is part of joy. People go to terrifying movies because they know the monster cannot get into the theater. They want to be scared as long as they are safe. For some reason it feels good. This is an echo of the truth that they were made for God. There is something profoundly satisfying about being "frightened" when we cannot be hurt. It is the best when the trembling comes from the grandeur of holiness.
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way . . .
God is jealous for his Son. "You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God" (Exodus 34:14). His anger is kindled when the affection designed for him is given to another. Of course there is a Judas kiss. That is not what he has in mind here. The kiss here is the kiss of adoration and submission-perhaps a kiss on the feet as we bow before him. There is no playing games with God. If we love another more, we will perish. He will be our highest treasure, or he will be our enemy. The safest place in the universe is at the feet of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. If we choose to turn from him for another treasure, his wrath will be against us.
. . . for his wrath is quickly kindled.
The word quickly may not be the best here. The word can mean quickly in the sense of suddenly. Repeatedly in the Bible God is said to be "merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6). Not "quick to anger" but "slow to anger". Therefore I am inclined to think Psalms 2:12 means "His wrath can break out suddenly." In other words don't trifle with him in his patience because suddenly it may run out and you be overtaken in wrath. If you go on kissing his creation and not his Son, suddenly you will find the fangs of a serpent in your lip. Don't presume upon the patience of God.
Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
The only safe place from the wrath of God is in God. Everywhere outside of his care is dangerous. He is the only hiding place from his own wrath. If you see him as frightening and try to run away and hide, you will not find a place to hide. There is none. Outside of God's care there is only wrath. But there is a refuge from the wrath of God, namely, God. The safest place from the wrath of God-the only safe place-is God. Come to God. Take refuge in God. Hide in the shadow of his wings. This is where we live and serve with joyful trembling. It is terrible and it is wonderful. It is like the eye of a hurricane-terror all around, and totally beautiful and calm. Here there is sweet fellowship. Here is quiet, loving communion. Here we speak to him as to a friend. Here he ministers to our deepest needs. I invite you to come.
God Will Give You Everything You Need
HOLLEY GERTH
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." Psalm 23:1-3a (NIV)
The women sit in a circle around the table. Some are young moms who have just dropped their children off in the nursery. Others are retired grandmas transitioning to a new season. Every age and stage of life is represented. Together we're getting ready to begin a weekly study.
Before we start, the leader says, "Let's go around the group and everyone share how they're feeling this morning in one word."
The universal answer: tired.
That happened years ago, and yet I often think of the answer those women gave that morning. I remember it when I get together with a group of friends and we talk about our busy schedules. I recall it when looking at social media updates. I ponder it while watching TV when I see the hectic pace our world asks us to keep.
We are tired. And when life brings challenges, the little bit of margin we may have is quickly taken up. We find ourselves weary and then wonder why it's so hard to enjoy our lives.
Although we love our independence, the truth is we need someone to watch out for us, to tenderly care for us, and make sure we get our rest. In other words, we're like sheep in need of a shepherd.
Without the care of a shepherd, sheep would soon get in trouble. If sheep followed other sheep, the flock would be worn out, in danger, and deprived of what's needed to survive.
The same thing happens to us. When we let the world around us define our need for rest, we put our hearts at risk.
The good news is we have a Good Shepherd. His Name is Jesus. He doesn't want to drive us so hard that we fall down from exhaustion. He doesn't want to force us to go through life without nourishment and refreshment. When we are exhausted and feel like we're just "doing what we have to do," He invites us to pause and rest.
The Bible speaks of God as our Shepherd. And as I read Psalm 23, my tired heart longs for such tender care: "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul" (Psalm 23:1-3a).
A full schedule and an empty heart are a sure sign it's time to stop and consider if I'm following other sheep or finding the Shepherd. Usually, I'm following the wrong lead and realize the need to draw closer to the Shepherd again. He's promised I will lack nothing, and I discover that afresh each time I come close.
Our Shepherd knows this about sheep: They're prone to stray. They don't even mean to much of the time. They get distracted by what looks good and can easily take a long walk that wears them out.
If that's happened to you, it's okay to ask the Shepherd to come get you and bring you home. Tell Him your heart is hungry and thirsty. Tell Him you need to lie down (yes, go take a nap!). Tell Him your soul needs to be restored.
You're not going to be in trouble. Shepherds understand sheep. Yours already knows where you are and what you've been through, and it brings Him joy to care for you.
Lord, I'm so grateful I belong to a good and faithful Shepherd like You. Thank You for watching over me and caring for all my needs. You understand me even better than I understand myself. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
I'm Amy, and I Like Getting Gold Stars
AMY CARROLL
"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling." Exodus 15:13 (NIV)
Although my muscles were screaming for mercy, a simple comment from my leader infused me with renewed energy. In mid-lift, my instructor said, "Wow, Amy. I hadn't noticed before, but your shoulders are really strong."
That's all it took. Suddenly, my fatigue diminished and my determination soared. Standing straighter, I completed every rep with my weights instead of skipping some, like I usually do. I tried to hide the grin on my face and coolly acted like my performance was no big deal, even as the satisfaction of a job well done soaked into my heart.
No doubt about it. I'm a gold-star-kind-of-girl. From elementary school to seasons in weight-loss programs, I'd hold out my hand with anticipation as the literal gold stars were passed out. It sounds silly for an adult to be motivated by a seemingly trivial thing, but I've accepted it as part of my wiring. Encouragement is fuel for my tank. It makes me feel loved, stokes my fire and energizes me to go the extra mile.
I believe God created me this way, but it's also the very reason I sometimes lose my way. I start living for the temporary pleasure of affirmation - in people's words, rewards or in the way I'm accepted. Before I know it I can get tangled up in trying to win the approval of others (instead of God) or agonizing over the ways I've disappointed them.
You might think at this point I'm going to say it's wrong to live for pleasure, but I'm not. It's not wrong to live for pleasure. It's only wrong if we're looking for it from the wrong source.
Author and pastor John Piper says it this way, "Our pleasure is the measure of our treasure."
We live in a culture driven to attain pleasure. The world screams at us to find pleasure in vacations, alcohol, "me time," romance and food. Television, movies and music play non-stop messages of pleasure in unrestricted sex, endless parties and illegal substances.
I've tripped over some of these messages and believed the lie that they can permanently satisfy, but none of these sources of temporary pleasure is a treasure. Each one has an instantaneous high, but the backlash is painful and lasting. Even sticky gold stars lose their shine, eventually fading and creating a craving for more.
God has wired each one of us to desire pleasure because He alone is the source of ultimate pleasure. Everything else pales in comparison.
Let's take one aspect of His core nature ... love. Our key verse tells us God's love is unfailing: "In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling" (Exodus 15:13).
Here's what other Scripture verses tell us about God's love, a true treasure that never fades away:
It's abounding. (Exodus 34:6)
It's merciful. (Psalm 25:6)
It's wonderful. (Psalm 31:21)
It's better than life. (Psalm 63:3)
It's faithful. (Psalm 89:24)
It endures forever. (Psalm 118:4)
It's rich. (Psalm 145:8)
It's everlasting. (Jeremiah 31:3)
It's patient. (I Corinthians 13:4)
It's kind. (I Corinthians 13:4)
It's wide and long and high and deep. (Ephesians 3:18)
It surpasses knowledge. (Ephesians 3:19)
God pours out His love on us for our pleasure and takes pleasure in us as we love Him. It's a beautiful cycle of lasting affirmation and the deepest pleasure for which we're all created.
Lord, let my actions aim to please You, not other people. May the pleasure I find in You satisfy my soul. Your view of me surpasses anything else I desire or pursue, so I praise Your Name and rest in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Other People Might Think I'm Crazy
TRACIE MILES
"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
It was a record-setting day, with the temperature reaching three digits. I was on the verge of whining when I saw a frail, exhausted and obviously pregnant woman at the edge of the busy highway, wearing long sleeves and pants that hung from her tiny body.
She was walking with her head down, despair evident in her posture. And despite my initial reaction to keep driving, my heart wouldn't listen.
I sensed God tugging at my heart to help her, but as my hands gripped the steering wheel, excuses gripped my mind. I'm already late to pick up my daughter up from practice. It's dangerous to pick up strangers on the side of the road. Other people might think I'm crazy if I stop to help. Someone else will help her.
But God's voice continued speaking to my heart, reminding me of the passage in Matthew 25:40: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
God's pull to turn around was stronger than my excuses to keep driving, so despite my hesitations, I did it anyway.
I made a U-turn, pulled up slowly beside her and asked if she needed help. She was hours from home and her car had run out of gas. The nearest station was five miles away, and she had no way to get to the gas, physically or financially. I realized both she and her unborn child were in danger lost - in every sense of the word.
The truth is, all too often I get busy with life and neglect to see those who may need a helping hand, a warm hug, a shoulder to cry on or a tank of gas. But if I really want to follow Jesus and make an earthly - and possibly eternal - difference in another person's life, I need to care for those Jesus called the "least of these."
This helpless woman was the "least of these" Jesus mentioned in Matthew 25:44-46. In this passage, Jesus told the crowd a story about a king to teach them the importance of caring for those the world dismissed.
Jesus explained when they cared for others, they were also caring for Him. Their actions to love the "least of these" were equivalent to serving the Savior. The faithful ones who showed compassion and exhibited a love for others were the ones to inherit His kingdom.
Unfortunately, society hasn't changed much. In fact, there are more lost and needy people in the world today than ever, and Jesus' instructions to love the least of these are as important today as they were then.
When we exhibit sacrificial empathy, tenderness, kindness and compassion, His light shines through as we extend to others the grace and mercy He's extended to us.
On this particularly hot day, I paused to help a young woman in need. It did seem like a risky decision; I was late in picking up my daughter. And when I had arrived at her practice with a total stranger in the passenger seat, some people did think I was a little crazy. But God's greater purpose is always worth the sacrifice.
How different might the world be today, if we allowed God's whispers to drown out opinions of naysayers, or voices in our minds telling us not to help those in need? Or when God calls us out of our comfort zones, if we'd put aside our inhibitions and commit to being His hands and feet?
After returning this sweet lady back to her car with a tank full of gas, she waved at me with a big, thankful smile and quietly uttered the words, "God bless you."
But in my heart, I knew He already had.
Lord, give me Your eyes to see those in need and Your heart to reach to out to them. Bless me with the ability to serve You by serving others. Help me develop a heart like Yours. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Parents Responsibility
Luke 3:22
As we saw yesterday, words are but a small part of parental communication. Now let's look at two types of messages we should purposefully model for our kids.
First, boys and girls need affirmation that they are loved, accepted, and competent. In today's passage, God the Father spoke those very things to His Son. It is essential that our children gain a sense of security and belonging at home so they won't seek acceptance elsewhere. And the way we care and provide for them will help them grasp the heavenly Father's love.
Second, parents are responsible for presenting the principles needed for living a godly life. One way to do so is by reading Scripture aloud and sharing stories of the Lord's involvement in our lives. But actions must match what we say. For example, we cannot expect children to truly understand the golden rule if we act with selfishness, arrogance, or insensitivity.
Modeling a godly life is oftentimes an intentional pursuit, like reading Scripture or serving as a family on a mission trip. It can also be as simple and unplanned as picking up a piece of trash on a neighbor's lawn. But keep in mind that actions and words aren't always perceived correctly. Check that your children's understanding matches the message you hope to communicate.

Your words and actions are teaching lessons. Do your children know, beyond any doubt, that they're treasured and capable? Are you giving them the tools they need to follow Christ? Remember, God doesn't expect perfection. He will guide the willing heart-and cover missteps with His grace.
Our Needs
Philippians 4:19
Jim saved for a long time to take an Alaskan cruise. At last he was on board with two carefully packed suitcases. The first evening, when he heard "Dinner is served" announced over the loudspeaker, he took peanut butter crackers from his suitcase and sat at the table in his small cabin. Every day at mealtime, he repeated the ritual. It wasn't that Jim didn't like the ship's tasty banquets. He simply didn't know that his meals were included in the price of the ticket. For two weeks he enjoyed beautiful scenery off the decks but ate dry, stale food in his cabin.
This sad story is a metaphor for how some believers live the Christian life. God has promised to meet every need of His children-His riches are included in the price Christ paid for their salvation (Eph. 1:18). Yet many folks are trying to live out of their own resources. They don't know that the wealth of God's love, power, and provision is on their menu.
A believer's relationship with the Lord is one of complete unity. Jesus is our life. His Spirit lives through us. Therefore, everything that is available to Him is also available to the brothers and sisters in Christ-all power, strength, and endurance, as well as whatever is required to fulfill physical and emotional needs.
Jim didn't know he had the right to satisfy his hunger in an extravagant way. Learn from this exaggerated example. Read your Bible to learn what riches you are entitled to through faith. God offers believers everything required for living well and wisely. Trust Him for all your needs.
The Messages Parents Send
1 Samuel 20:30-34
When someone asks, "What do you do?" the reply frequently includes a job title. But anyone who is raising or interacting with children has a role far more important than ordinary career duties.
Parents are communicators. Yet unlike conference speakers, moms and dads don't get to preplan their entire message. Everything we do and say-especially that which happens "off the cuff"-teaches our kids. Think about your childhood days. What did your parents do that illustrated their priorities, beliefs, and passions?
Even without speaking, we send messages by our body language, interests, kindnesses, absence or presence, silence . . .  Add words to the mix, and we have a recipe for remarkable impact, whether positive or negative.
Inevitably, our children will be greatly affected by what we communicate and how they interpret it. Be conscious of the way each young one processes information-sometimes our intended message becomes skewed by their understanding. What an incredible responsibility we've been given. No wonder wise parents rely on God's help.
Only troubled parents-like the angry, jealous King Saul in today's passage-would ever set out to hurt their children. But in our busyness, or from past woundedness, we might just be sending damaging messages.

What are you communicating to your kids? Ask yourself: What do my actions point to as priorities in my life? Do my children sense a hunger in my heart for God's direction, counsel, and sustenance? Above all, would they know how to have a thriving relationship with Jesus Christ by watching my life?
The Burden of Inadequacy
Deuteronomy 1:19-36
Standing on the edge of the Promised Land, the Israelites were overcome by fear. The size and strength of the enemy contrasted sharply with their own weakness and inability. Because we're human, everyone at times will experience inadequacy and the uncomfortable feelings that accompany it. The issue you and I face is not whether we are sufficient for a task, but how we will respond when a challenge is beyond our capabilities.
Like the children of Israel, we can give in to fear and then focus on the expectation of certain failure. As the obstacle grows in our minds, our feet run in the opposite direction, away from the challenge and toward safety. However, turning away from the task that God has given us will lead us not to security but into bondage. By allowing fear to control our choices, we'll become chained to feelings of inadequacy, which will shape our future decisions and, ultimately, our destinies.
As a result of their refusal to trust the Lord and move forward to conquer the land, the Israelites were consigned to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. The men who did not believe God's promise never saw the land that He wanted to give them. Opportunities are always lost when we let fear overrule our faith.
When God calls you to a task beyond your abilities, instead of giving in to your feelings, choose to rely on what you know about Him and His promises. By moving forward in faith despite your inadequacy, you will discover the Lord's faithfulness. He always empowers us for the works He assigns.
 What Is God's Will?
LYSA TERKEURST
"You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept." Matthew 5:14 (MSG)
I used to think it was crucial for me to know God's will. If I knew His grand plan for at least this season of my life, then I could direct all my decisions to fall in line.
Is it His will for me to stay in this job or change to that one?
Is it His will for me to send my kids to that school or make another choice?
Is it His will for me to teach that Bible study, serve on that committee or go on that mission trip?
I ponder and pray. I ask friends. I read the Bible. I look for confirmations that point in one direction or the other.
I assume there is one correct choice and in order to stay in God's will I must figure out that exact choice.
That's a lot of pressure for a simple girl like me. After all, I'm choosing between one good thing and another good thing. So I fret and wonder, which of these things is God's will?
But what if I'm wrong?
What if God's will is more simple than that?
It's great to ask friends and look for confirmations. But what if God is more concerned with us looking for Him than looking for answers?
We want big directional signs from God. God just wants us to pay attention.
Yes, pay attention to Him and ask Him what is our Best Yes in the midst of all the choices.
This summer, my husband got a call from one of the managers at his restaurant. It had been a busy day with lots of customers coming and going. But at one point a guy came up to this manager and handed her a card. He told her, "This is for your staff." And with an emotional catch in his throat, he said, "I just wanted to make sure they knew."
The customer then turned and left as the manager tucked the card into her apron pocket.
A little while later, she had time to open the card.
It was a note directed to the staff thanking them. It wasn't for their service or for the food. It was for their smiles.
He explained in the letter that he'd made plans to take his life that day. But their gift of simple conversations with simple smiles gave him the gift of hope.
As my husband told me the story and read me the customer's letter, I cried.
Something stirred deep inside of me.
I got this overwhelming feeling that this was a beautiful picture of how God's will works. He intersects our lives with people who need His hope and whispers to us, "You have the hope they need ... give it to them."
Maybe it's to offer them a little of our time. Maybe it's to share a little of our story. Or maybe, like with this customer, it's to simply offer a smile. And when we listen, a shift happens. It's like the world splits open with each of our simple acts of obedience to God and His light breaks apart the world's darkness. This is a Best Yes. This is us paying attention.
In our key verse, Matthew 5:14, we're instructed to be the light to those around us, "You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept." God wants us to let our light shine. This is His will. This is His plan. This is His instruction.
And when we get in the habit of obeying His instruction today, we'll develop a keen awareness of His direction for tomorrow.
The more we pay attention to these moment-by-moment instructions by God, the more our thinking starts to line up with God. Our mind gets in a new rhythm of seeing what He wants us to see, so that we can do what He wants us to do.
Dear Lord, I want to be a light for You today. Show me specifically whom I can give Your hope to. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
God Honors Our Commitment to Him
 
Daniel and his friends faced the same dilemma we do--how to live a holy life in a godless culture. At one time, our society readily accepted Christian values and standards, but that era is quickly passing. Our challenge today is to live under God's authority while remaining in submission to the law of the land. At times we are forced to choose between the two, but if we'll seek the Lord's guidance before marching defiantly forward, He may open an alternative approach for us.
 
Had Daniel bluntly declared, "I won't eat this food!" he wouldn't have lasted long, and we wouldn't have the book of Daniel in the Bible. But the Lord gave him the wisdom to humbly seek permission from the person who was in a position of authority over him. God honored his commitment and provided a way for him to live righteously in a pagan world.
 
We tend to hold up Daniel and his three friends as extraordinary people who lived amazing lives. But have you ever wondered what the Lord could do in the life of an ordinary person like you? The determining factor is not the greatness of the individual but, rather, his commitment to a God who can do remarkable things in a life fully devoted to Him. That's the kind of people our Lord is looking for.
 
Although we don't know all that God could do in our lives if we'd radically commit ourselves to Him, the thought of missing out on His plans should be enough to motivate us to obey. You don't want to arrive in heaven and discover you forfeited blessings because you weren't fully devoted to Him.
 
Great Is the Lord
"For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens." (1 Chronicles 16:25-26)
 
This testimony is in the heart of a great hymn of thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16:7-36) composed by David when the Ark of the Lord was brought back to Jerusalem. It is a testimony of the unique greatness of the God of Israel, with recurring expressions of gratitude for His deliverances and blessings.
 
This God of Israel was no mere tribal-god or nature-god, such as Dagon, the fish-god of the Philistines from whose hands the Ark had been delivered. All such "gods" of the peoples of the earth-whether wooden images in a shrine, astrological emblems in the heavens, or mental constructs of evolutionary humanistic philosophers-are nothing but idols (that is, literally, "good for nothing," "vanities").
 
It is Jehovah God who is not only in the heavens but who made the heavens! It is their Creator who one day will "let the sea roar" and "the fields rejoice," when "the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth" (vv. 32-33).
 
As Creator and Savior, all His people are exhorted also to "shew forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations" (vv. 23-24). Because of His power, the world itself "shall be stable [that is, 'permanently established'], that it be not moved" (v. 30). This "God of our salvation" (v. 35), and the wonderful heavens and earth He created, will be forever. The psalm ends with the exhortation: "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. . . . Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever" (vv. 34-36).
 
Now, if Israel needed such an exhortation, our modern science-worshiping world needs it still more urgently. HMM
 
 
 
The Power of the Gospel
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)
 
In this verse we are told that God's power resides in the gospel-and indeed, that the purpose of this power is the salvation of both Jew and Greek. This passage is intended to incorporate spreading the gospel to all humanity, which is specifically commanded by the Lord Jesus: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).
 
Evidently, the event that takes place when one is twice-born is nothing less than a supernatural "creation" by the Creator Himself (Ephesians 4:24)! There is no need for salesmanship or psychology or finesse or technique; the dunamis (power) of the living God is transmitted, applied, and exercised as the gospel is spoken and a person listens.
  • Ephesians 2:8: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
  • Romans 10:17: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
  • John 6:63: "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
  • 1 Peter 1:23: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
  • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."
To be successful (not to mention obedient) to the Lord's command, we must most surely use the "power" of God that has been made available to us in the Scriptures! HMM III
 
Christ: Our Example
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." (1 Peter 2:21)
 
Some have tried to pattern their lives after that of Jesus simply by asking in every situation, "What would Jesus do?" But in the context of our text, the primary "example" which He left us was nothing less than His own sacrificial death!
 
Note the context: "For this is thankworthy [same word as 'grace'], if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully . . . if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, yet take it patiently, this is acceptable [also the same word as 'grace'] with God" (1 Peter 2:19-20).
 
To follow Christ's example, therefore, is to be willing to endure unjustified suffering-even defamation and persecution-with grace and patience.
 
But that is not all; we must also do it in silence! "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not" (1 Peter 2:23). "As a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth" (Isaiah 53:7).
 
It is a natural reaction to want to strike back at one who has slandered or injured us, especially if such an act was an insulting response to kindness. But such a "natural" reaction was not Christ's reaction. He could have called "twelve legions of angels" (Matthew 26:53) to His defense, but He chose to suffer in silence.
 
And why would He do such a thing? First, if He had not done so, we would have been lost in our sins forever. He "bare our sins in his own body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24).
 
Second, He left us an example, that we "should follow his steps." He was not just silent in His sufferings; "He suffered for us!" If we would really be like Him, we must be willing to suffer quietly on behalf of others, even when they are the ones who deserve it. This is acceptable with God! HMM
 
Joy in Believing
"Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." (1 Peter 1:8)
 
After His resurrection, the Lord acknowledged the legitimate need for evidence of such a mighty miracle, honoring the request of Thomas to see for himself that He had, indeed, returned from the grave. Nevertheless, Thomas could and should have believed the evidence from the other disciples,when they testified of the empty tomb and the previous appearances of Christ. Consequently, the Lord Jesus gave a mild but loving rebuke to His doubting disciple. "Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (John 20:29).
 
It is not that the Lord wants us to be credulous, believing something with no basis except blind faith. Today we have an abundance of solid evidence, more even than the disciples themselves had, and there is no excuse not to believe. Nevertheless, we must believe; "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it" (Romans 8:24-25).
 
We cannot yet see Him with our eyes, as Thomas did, but we see Him with our hearts, and that is enough. As we read of Him in the Word, we see Him on the cross, taking "our sins in his own body" (1 Peter 2:24) and it breaks our hearts. Then we read of the empty tomb and the linen clothes, and are like John, who "saw, and believed" (John 20:8). Then we "rejoice with joy" (literally, "exult with exceeding gladness"), which cannot be told vocally any more than He can be seen visually. One day soon we shall really see Him in His glory, and "when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). HMM
 
Crown of Glory
"She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee." (Proverbs 4:9)
 
There are five specific "crowns" mentioned in the New Testament as rewards for faithful service, presumably to be rewarded by Christ at His judgment seat (1 Corinthians 3:14). These are the "incorruptible" crown (1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Corinthians 5:10); the "crown of righteousness" (2 Timothy 4:8); the "crown of rejoicing" (1 Thessalonians 2:19); "the crown of life" (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10); and lastly the "crown of glory" (1 Peter 5:4).
 
Although the crown of glory is mentioned only once in the New Testament, the phrase occurs four times in the Old Testament, each providing special insight into its character and scope. The first is Proverbs 4:9: "[Wisdom] shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee."
 
The other three are, in order, as follows:
 
"The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness" (Proverbs 16:31).
 
"In that day shall the LORD of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people" (Isaiah 28:5).
 
"Thou [probably a reference to the new Jerusalem] shalt also be a crown of glory in the land of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God" (Isaiah 62:3).
 
The one New Testament reference, in 1 Peter 5:4, is a wonderful promise to the faithful shepherds of each "little flock" (Luke 12:32) of believers: "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."
 
We do not know exactly what these crowns will be composed of, but when we see the Lord we shall lay each of them before His throne (Revelation 4:10). HMM
 
Completing a Good Work
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)
 
In his introductory comments to the Philippian church, Paul reminds them of his thankfulness for them (v. 3), his prayer for them (v. 4), and as we see in our text, his confidence in God's continuing work in their lives.
 
This "good work" is not the sort of work which men and women are able to accomplish. Paul identifies this as God's work, as yet not completed-that is, the transforming work of grace. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure" (2:13).
 
The work of grace takes several forms: It includes the redemption of our lost souls, having been fully accomplished by Christ on Calvary. It also includes our ultimate sanctification, transforming our character from that of a redeemed sinner to one of Christ-likeness. He is working toward this goal on a daily basis and will finish the task in His presence. But the work of grace also includes our service for Him-not our work, but His, which He does through us. He grants us, through His grace, the distinct privilege of participating in His work here on Earth.
 
Paul writes that the ultimate completion of this "good work" of grace awaits "the day of Jesus Christ." In a similar prayer for the Corinthian believers, he writes of their "waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:7-8).
 
Meanwhile, we can rest in His faithfulness, fully convinced of His intention and ability to complete His work. "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands" (Psalm 138:8). JDM
 
4 Habits of a Healthy Heart
LISA ALLEN
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
We were leaving the hospital with our first-born child. We had our amply packed diaper bag, infant car seat and the new parent's must-have guide, What to Expect When You're Expecting. Yet fear interrupted my joyful anticipation as I thought: Are they really just going to let us walk out of here with her? We don't know ANYTHING about being parents.
We had taken classes to prepare us for labor and delivery, so we were almost ready for 36 hours of labor (thank the Lord for medication). But no breathing exercises or epidurals provided me with what I'd need for a lifetime of being a mom.
Where was the crash course to help me navigate the challenges of potty training, temper tantrums, first dates, late curfews and disappointing choices?
I learned parenting requires on-the-job training. We start with what we already know, and then learn what we can along the way. Naturally, it's far easier said than done with the heart of a mother. Rather than approaching parenting with a rational perspective, my mother's heart can flip from hope to panic in an instant.
I imagine a future graduation day where my little cherub graduates with honors, facing abundant college choices leading to the perfect career path. Then within seconds I panic over the thought this same child might struggle with peer acceptance, social awkwardness and academic challenges, leading to horrible, life-altering choices.
Whew! Parenting is exhausting.
So how do we equip ourselves for everything we need as moms? We make sure our needs are met first by the One who knows us best.
Over the years, and through many ups and downs, I've learned four spiritual habits to help maintain a strong, healthy mother's heart.
1. Develop a HEART for GOD - Make time each day to dig into His Word. As I spend time with God and meditate on His truth, I gain godly perspectives on parenting dilemmas, choices and challenges. He prepares us each day for all we face - dirty diapers, temper tantrums, you name it.
2. Stay HEART to HEART - Develop healthy community as you journey through motherhood. Surround yourself with godly women who believe in you as a mom and help you find the best in your kids. Consider joining a Bible study or a playgroup to foster this type of community.
3. Let God OPEN the EYES of YOUR HEART - As we spend time with God each day, we see our children the way HE sees them. We begin to see glimpses of their passions, gifts and talents. God helps our children develop their gifts and gives us unique insights into their strengths and weaknesses, which can help our kids develop those gifts.
4. Maintain your UNIQUE HEART - Learn to take care of yourself to make sure your identity is not exclusively found in your children. This includes making time to nurture your marriage and also invest in your own passions. Are you a good leader? Lead a Bible study or your school's PTA. Looking to develop your interests? Take a class online. Have a heart for others? Organize a food drive, collect winter coats or serve with a local charity. Part of maintaining a healthy heart is finding ways to invest in and express our gifts.
It's important to guard and maintain our hearts because as mothers, our hearts can grow weary. Our key verse today reminds us maintaining healthy hearts helps us love our children well: "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
That little baby is now on a young lady on her own. And although my role as a mother has changed, I still need to practice the same healthy heart habits - maybe even more than when my biggest problems were broken toys.
Father, give me strength as a mom to trust You with my children. Forgive me for trying to have my hopes and dreams fulfilled through them. Give me Your eyes to see each gift, talent and dream You have placed within them. Thank You in advance for the wisdom You allow to guide my mother's heart through each and every year ahead. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Trust and Obey
 
One of my favorite songs is "Trust and Obey" because it sums up God's purpose for our lives. When we practice these two commands, a beautiful cycle begins. Trusting the Lord makes obedience easier, and obedience produces ever-increasing trust. Can you recall facing a challenge that was difficult or perplexing? If so, you know how important these two commands are.
 
When the Lord calls you to a task that seems unreasonable, you have two options. You can obey Him even though you don't understand what will happen, or you can become fearful and attempt to find a way out. Joshua chose the first option. Because he trusted the Lord, he disregarded all his military experience and adopted God's bizarre battle plan. Over the years, he had learned that the Lord is trustworthy.
 
The way we respond to God's challenging assignments reveals our level of commitment. We may feel as if we're right in step with Him--until He proposes a change of direction. That's when our resistance kicks in, and with it, the realization we aren't as close to Him as we thought. At that point, our decision determines whether the Lord will be able to use us as He desires. Because Joshua never lost his commitment, he continued to serve the Lord for the remainder of his life.
 
At times obedience is a struggle, as your mind runs through all the reasons God's path is illogical. Fear dominates and your will battles to comply when everything within is screaming to run the other way. But obedience is always the best choice, because the Lord is trustworthy and wise.
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY PROPHECY WEBSITES...............................
 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

DEBATE VIDEOS and more......