Cover or Expose?
LYNN COWELL
The most obvious source of godly wisdom is the Bible. You cannot think of a question or life circumstance about which God's Word is silent. His principles for right character, conduct, and conversation apply to every situation and decision confronting human beings.
We're all able to recall times when we didn't respond wisely. Those incidents can be traced back to one of two possibilities-either we didn't know a certain biblical principle or we knew the principle that applied but chose to ignore or violate it. To ensure that we' are familiar with God's standards and the importance of following them, we've got to dig into His Word.
For example, suppose that you walk into the office and a coworker verbally assaults you with undeserved blame for a costly mistake. Your flesh and the world would have you respond in kind with anger and malice. But Luke 6:27-29 offers a different approach, that might go something like this: "Is there anything else? Thank you for telling me how you feel" (spoken gently).
Knowledge comes from learning biblical principles; wisdom has to do with applying them. The Lord cautions us to keep His Word in our heart and in our heads so that we will heed His instructions (Ps. 119:11; Prov. 8:33).
Wisdom is acquired as we pursue the Christian life-absorbing Scripture, doing what it says, and observing the result, which is for our good even when consequences appear less than favorable. Special classes aren't required; God simply wants obedient hearts and a willing spirit.
Expressions of Praise
Psalms 34:1-3
Glorifying the Lord is not limited to worshipping in church. In fact, praise ought to permeate the believer's life.
One obvious way that we praise the Lord is with our voice. We can either speak or sing our worship. Psalm writers put adoration into words and set their love to music. True worship also flows from the mouths of believers who are focused upon God's attributes. They desire to honor Him because of who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised for the future.
Genuine worship allows the Lord to fill our hearts and minds with His presence. But praising the Lord with wrong motives is an empty act. For example, if we're lifting our hands and singing loud only because doing so feels good, then what we're after is an emotional high. That kind of selfish "praise" falls far short of heaven.
Our God is praised when we serve Him. People are created for the purpose of bringing glory and honor to His name. Therefore, nothing should limit our willingness to work for the King, particularly when we have a chance to share Him with others. Christ is honored when His followers speak boldly about His grace and His work-believers' testimonies are an amazing form of praise that magnifies God's name.
Jesus Christ is worth more than any treasure this world offers. Loving Him and understanding what He's done for you should be all the motivation you need to praise Him with your life. Don't just sing; serve His kingdom and share the gospel. Help to make God's throne room ring with worship.
The Holy Spirit: An Absolute
Luke 24:36-49
Salvation occurs when we trust Jesus as our Savior--He forgives us, transforms us, and sees us as righteous. In that moment, we are redeemed, and though we continue to struggle with sin, it is a defeated foe. Then as time goes on, our service, gifts, and love for Him should naturally become greater.
Unfortunately, a lot of Christians sit in church week after week, going through the motions yet lacking passion and failing to grow. How is such a thing possible? Tragically, many believers are unaware of the essential ministry of God's Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a member of the Trinity and co-equal with God the Father and God the Son. The opening chapter of Scripture tells us that He existed before the formation of the earth and in fact participated in creation (Gen. 1:2, 26). Today, He has the critical role of helping and counseling all believers.
The Holy Spirit is a gift to every child of God. His presence within us isn't something we have to earn or acquire. Rather, it is a marvelous privilege--by indwelling our hearts, He can guide and strengthen, steering each believer away from danger and into truth (John 16:7-8). Scripture tells us that Jesus came so we could experience a full life (10:10). This is possible only when we listen to His Spirit and obey.
Are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised? He wasn't talking about happy circumstances but rather the joy and contentment possible through a relationship with Him. If you're lacking in this area, consider your understanding of the Holy Spirit, and pray to be in tune with His promptings.
Controlling Our Appetites
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
What words would you use to describe our society? Materialistic, sensual, impatient, indulgent, undisciplined--these are just a few. We're also a "have it now" culture. Satan specializes in presenting us with opportunities for instant gratification while promising us that indulging our appetites will bring us the satisfaction we seek.
Human appetites, in themselves, are not sinful. In fact, they're God-given. However, because of our fleshly weaknesses, they need to be controlled. When our appetites rule us, we're in trouble. Paul likened the Christian life to that of athletes who are so focused on winning the race that they exercise self-control in every area of their lives.
That's exactly how we're called to live, yet we lack the motivation, determination, and power to do so in our own strength. For this reason, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit within us. If we yield our lives to Him and step out in obedience to His promptings, we'll have the strength to say no when fleshly desires feel overpowering (Gal. 5:16).
Another key to success is keeping our focus on the eternal instead of the temporal. Many decisions that seem mundane are in fact spiritually significant. Are you indulging an appetite that could result in the sacrifice of an imperishable reward in heaven?
When the Enemy tempts us, he always tries to keep our attention on our desire and the pleasure of indulgence rather than on the eternal rewards and blessings we're forfeiting. Just remind yourself how quickly immediate gratification wanes and how long eternity lasts.
The Lure of Momentary Pleasure
Genesis 25:29-34
You probably read the story of Jacob and Esau today and thought, I can't believe Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. How foolish! But let's think beyond birthrights and soup. Is there anything of true value that you are trading for something of lesser worth? In other words, what is your "bowl of soup"?
Have you pursued wealth and a career at the expense of family? Maybe your busy schedule has kept you from spending time with God in His Word each day. Some people become involved in extramarital affairs, trading the well-being of their family for the satisfaction of lustful desires. Others sacrifice their health by consuming harmful or addictive substances, or even by overindulging in food. The list of ways we make foolish, shortsighted choices is endless.
Some of the decisions we make today could rob us of the blessings God wants to give us. When you yield to temptation in a moment of weakness, you're actually sacrificing your future for momentary pleasure. We can't afford to live thoughtlessly, basing our decisions on immediate desires or feelings. Since the principle of sowing and reaping cannot be reversed, we need to carefully consider what we are planting. The harvest will come, and we'll reap what we have sown--and more than we've sown.
Are you contemplating anything that could have serious long-term ramifications if you yield to the yearning? A wise person evaluates choices by looking ahead to see what negative consequences could follow a course of action. Don't let "a bowl of soup" hinder God's wonderful plans for you.
The Indwelling Trinity
"To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:19)
One of the great doctrines of Christianity is the doctrine of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, who lives in the heart of each believer who trusts in Christ for salvation. "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19).
At the same time, God is one God, so all three persons of the Godhead must, through the Spirit, likewise indwell the believer. Note Paul's prayer for the believers in the Ephesian church (Ephesians 3:14-19).
"That he would grant you . . . to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" (Ephesians 3:16). This request acknowledges the indwelling Spirit. Christ also prayed for this: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter . . . the Spirit of truth . . . for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you" (John 14:16-17).
"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith" (Ephesians 3:17), that we might "know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge" (v. 19). Here is the indwelling Son. This is also revealed in Galatians 2:20 ("Christ liveth in me") and Colossians 1:27 ("Christ in you, the hope of glory").
"That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Ephesians 3:19). This can only refer to the indwelling Father, as well as the entire tri-unity of the Godhead. Can this indwelling be ours? Note also that the entire prayer was addressed in the first place to "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:14). This, likewise, is a reflection of Christ's promise: "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (John 14:23). "Filled with all the fulness of God!" What a wonderful privilege-and responsibility-is ours. HMM
LYNN COWELL
"Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father naked and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father's naked body. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked." Genesis 9:22-23 (NIV)
"This day is not getting off to a very good start. She's already being rude," my friend informed me.
It seemed the day ahead would present some challenges. One of our group members was having another rough day . and when she had a rough day, we all had a rough day.
I stopped for a moment to pray. I prayed for the woman. I prayed for both of our days. (It appeared we both needed it!) Then, I headed into a meeting, and purposed to forget the comment and move forward.
I know my friend was looking out for me by offering a warning, but when we find ourselves privy to information we didn't ask for, we're always given an opportunity .
Cover or expose?
In today's key verses, Noah's sons are in a similar situation. After the flood, Noah planted a vineyard. One day, while he enjoyed the fruit of his garden, he became drunk. In his stupor, he fell asleep naked in his tent. Ham, Noah's son, walked into his father's tent, I'm sure very surprised at what he found.
Stepping outside the tent, he let his brothers, Shem and Japheth, in on his discovery. The younger two responded to their father's embarrassing situation by putting a cloak on their shoulders, walking backward into the tent and covering their father.
Noah's sons had options on how to respond, and they took very different approaches.
Ham chose to expose. He took the opportunity to highlight his father's fault.
To be fair, Ham didn't intend to step into this uncomfortable scene. The Bible doesn't say he was looking for dirt on his dad. We can't assume anything other than Ham was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
In contrast, Shem and Japheth heard and covered. They weren't looking to be told or to hear of their father's unwise decision either. What made the difference, though, was how they responded.
They took action to protect their patriarch. We don't read any words they said. No dialog of defense for their dad. They simply chose honor. They chose love.
God commands us to love others, and love makes choices for the good of others.
We, too, can find ourselves with the knowledge that someone has made a poor choice. Temptation nudges us to tell another. Like the brothers, it might be a family member, or it could be someone you barely know. No matter who the hurting person is, God calls us to practice protecting.
Practice taking the information to God first. Not to a friend or a favorite social media outlet. And if you feel God directing you, approach the person in a loving manner and protect them by speaking truth. Whatever the response, let it be in love and covered in prayer.
Ask God right now to give them the wisdom they need.
Father, (insert name) needs Your wisdom. Would You step in and help her find her way to what is best, and honoring to You? In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves ." Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
A few months ago, I had to have a semi-hard conversation with a friend. I say semi-hard because this friend and I have the kind of relationship where we can say what we need to say and move on. But still, it wasn't fun.
She was struggling because someone had started a business similar to hers. And this other person had a good following, a respectable reputation and decent potential to have a thriving business.
And my friend admittedly felt threatened.
But she didn't just feel threatened, she started acting threatened.
A sense of panic rushed over her as she verbally weighed all the possibilities of what could happen with this new business scenario. For several days I watched her wrestle through a roller coaster of jealous emotions.
Each time she would say something about this new business owner, I would take a deep breath as my stomach twisted and turned. I knew I needed to say something, but I didn't want to hurt her already fragile spirit.
So one afternoon, while we were on the phone discussing this other business, I gently walked her through all the reasons why her business was awesome. I reassured her I was with her, but then, I said something really hard: "You gotta let her be her and you be you. You are both called and chosen to do this assignment. Not either-or. But this anxiety you feel . it has the potential to ruin you."
I don't think it's what she wanted me to say in that moment, but it's what she needed me to say.
I know, because I needed someone to say it to me years ago when I walked through a similar situation. I let being threatened by someone else's success ruin days and weeks of my life. And it took what seemed like forever to get over it.
Here's the thing friends, I know what "she's" doing looks really awesome. And "she" makes it look effortless. And maybe "she" can do it better. But "she" is also called, chosen and set apart by God for a purpose.
And so are you.
One thing I've come to understand about God is He's got enough purpose and potential to go around. And His purpose isn't a battlefield for competition; it's a safe haven of calling.
The secret to doing something confidently (yet humbly) for God?
Be with Jesus.
Humility is the by-product of His presence flowing in our lives.
When we are in His presence, He gives us the confidence to believe we are created to do something great with our lives. His presence whispers assurance over our souls when we feel vulnerable.
And His presence gives us the ability to cheer on that girl next to us, no matter how threatened we feel.
I need our key verse today, Philippians 2:3, to help me remember how much value God places on being humble with the gifts and talents He's given me. My gifts are not to make myself better than the girl next to me. And because of this verse, I'm reminded to value what she's doing, even more than what I'm doing.
This is hard to do. It takes guts to release your insecurities to God and confidently be yourself while watching someone else live out your dream. But it's more than possible. Great favor and blessing flows from being a cheerleader for God's women.
My friend and I are both still working through this struggle each day. Neither one of us has perfected humble-confidence. But we are both trying our best to put our insecurities to the side each day and run fiercely towards the process of godly success.
God, thank You for creating me with unique gifts and talents. Help me embrace the place where I am with confidence and assurance. Forgive me when I look to the girl next to me with a spirit of competition and envy. I trust You have enough purpose and plans to go around. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
"And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5 (NASB)
I turned off the ignition and eyed the grocery store entrance. People came and went with Sunday night dinner fixings, while I tried to encourage myself out of my seat. I paused, closed my eyes and considered camping out in the parking lot. It wouldn't matter, I reasoned. Except for the small detail of my sweet family waiting at home for something special from the kitchen. They would probably appreciate some sort of effort from me in that department.
I'll admit it; I was disappointed.
We'd moved to a new city a few weeks before and by then, the newness had worn off. Running errands was no longer an adventure. It was simply one more thing on my to-do list. Conveniently, Miss Disappointment had shown up in the past week with her best friend named Loneliness. On this particular day, I argued with both of them.
To top it off, my newborn baby girl was getting really good at crying and not sleeping. I, on the other hand, was crying because I wanted to sleep and thought a nap in my van seemed like a good idea. Thinking better of it, I had a little pity party for myself instead and was about to start singing the Nobody Likes Me, Everybody Hates Me song, but then I realized what I needed to do.
I prayed.
Lord, I'm trying, but I just can't take this anymore. I need to know You are here, and I really need someone to say my name.
My prayer may sound silly to you, but it was important to this small-town girl now living in the big city without one friend to call her own. It had been weeks since anyone said my name out loud. Tears began to trickle out of the corners of my eyes. I figured I knew better than to give them a place to fall. I stuffed every last one down into the secret places of my heart, walked into the store, grabbed a cart and tried to remember what was on my list, which of course I'd left at home.
I spotted the two bubbly girls immediately. They were laughing and carrying on and I was jealous and annoyed at the same time. When I passed by them, they were clearly enjoying an inside joke. Longing filled my heart. Loneliness was now laughing at me, but as I reached for a jar of spaghetti sauce, I heard one of them say, "Is your name Stacey?"
I froze, wondered if I had imagined it, and said, "Yes."
As it turned out, one of the girls was a long-lost friend from college. We hugged and chatted briefly. The tears I had pushed back were edging near the surface, so I made my small purchase and hurried to the van. I burst into uncontrollable sobs of joy as the door shut behind me and said, "Lord, only You could do that. Thank You."
I drove back home to my family a different woman. Known and noticed, I realized God saw me and was with me wherever I went.
Hope showed up in the sweetest way in the aisle of my local grocery store, because hope is not a wish or a sprinkle of fairy dust. Hope is a person who loves me and you and all the particulars of our everyday, weary lives. He was the One who spoke my name that day.
We may find ourselves disappointed with life, a lack of friends and fussy children, because - let's face it - life is hard. But as our key verse reminds us, true hope does not disappoint because God has poured out His love within our hearts through the Person of the Holy Spirit. This is His hope-filled promise to us, and He never disappoints.
Lord, thank You for being our true source of hope. I pray You will add to our hope, joy and peace, as we believe in You and Your powerful promise today. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Acquiring Wisdom
Proverbs 4:20-27The most obvious source of godly wisdom is the Bible. You cannot think of a question or life circumstance about which God's Word is silent. His principles for right character, conduct, and conversation apply to every situation and decision confronting human beings.
We're all able to recall times when we didn't respond wisely. Those incidents can be traced back to one of two possibilities-either we didn't know a certain biblical principle or we knew the principle that applied but chose to ignore or violate it. To ensure that we' are familiar with God's standards and the importance of following them, we've got to dig into His Word.
For example, suppose that you walk into the office and a coworker verbally assaults you with undeserved blame for a costly mistake. Your flesh and the world would have you respond in kind with anger and malice. But Luke 6:27-29 offers a different approach, that might go something like this: "Is there anything else? Thank you for telling me how you feel" (spoken gently).
Knowledge comes from learning biblical principles; wisdom has to do with applying them. The Lord cautions us to keep His Word in our heart and in our heads so that we will heed His instructions (Ps. 119:11; Prov. 8:33).
Wisdom is acquired as we pursue the Christian life-absorbing Scripture, doing what it says, and observing the result, which is for our good even when consequences appear less than favorable. Special classes aren't required; God simply wants obedient hearts and a willing spirit.
Expressions of Praise
Psalms 34:1-3
Glorifying the Lord is not limited to worshipping in church. In fact, praise ought to permeate the believer's life.
One obvious way that we praise the Lord is with our voice. We can either speak or sing our worship. Psalm writers put adoration into words and set their love to music. True worship also flows from the mouths of believers who are focused upon God's attributes. They desire to honor Him because of who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised for the future.
Genuine worship allows the Lord to fill our hearts and minds with His presence. But praising the Lord with wrong motives is an empty act. For example, if we're lifting our hands and singing loud only because doing so feels good, then what we're after is an emotional high. That kind of selfish "praise" falls far short of heaven.
Our God is praised when we serve Him. People are created for the purpose of bringing glory and honor to His name. Therefore, nothing should limit our willingness to work for the King, particularly when we have a chance to share Him with others. Christ is honored when His followers speak boldly about His grace and His work-believers' testimonies are an amazing form of praise that magnifies God's name.
Jesus Christ is worth more than any treasure this world offers. Loving Him and understanding what He's done for you should be all the motivation you need to praise Him with your life. Don't just sing; serve His kingdom and share the gospel. Help to make God's throne room ring with worship.
The Holy Spirit: An Absolute
Luke 24:36-49
Salvation occurs when we trust Jesus as our Savior--He forgives us, transforms us, and sees us as righteous. In that moment, we are redeemed, and though we continue to struggle with sin, it is a defeated foe. Then as time goes on, our service, gifts, and love for Him should naturally become greater.
Unfortunately, a lot of Christians sit in church week after week, going through the motions yet lacking passion and failing to grow. How is such a thing possible? Tragically, many believers are unaware of the essential ministry of God's Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is a member of the Trinity and co-equal with God the Father and God the Son. The opening chapter of Scripture tells us that He existed before the formation of the earth and in fact participated in creation (Gen. 1:2, 26). Today, He has the critical role of helping and counseling all believers.
The Holy Spirit is a gift to every child of God. His presence within us isn't something we have to earn or acquire. Rather, it is a marvelous privilege--by indwelling our hearts, He can guide and strengthen, steering each believer away from danger and into truth (John 16:7-8). Scripture tells us that Jesus came so we could experience a full life (10:10). This is possible only when we listen to His Spirit and obey.
Are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised? He wasn't talking about happy circumstances but rather the joy and contentment possible through a relationship with Him. If you're lacking in this area, consider your understanding of the Holy Spirit, and pray to be in tune with His promptings.
Controlling Our Appetites
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
What words would you use to describe our society? Materialistic, sensual, impatient, indulgent, undisciplined--these are just a few. We're also a "have it now" culture. Satan specializes in presenting us with opportunities for instant gratification while promising us that indulging our appetites will bring us the satisfaction we seek.
Human appetites, in themselves, are not sinful. In fact, they're God-given. However, because of our fleshly weaknesses, they need to be controlled. When our appetites rule us, we're in trouble. Paul likened the Christian life to that of athletes who are so focused on winning the race that they exercise self-control in every area of their lives.
That's exactly how we're called to live, yet we lack the motivation, determination, and power to do so in our own strength. For this reason, we need to rely on the Holy Spirit within us. If we yield our lives to Him and step out in obedience to His promptings, we'll have the strength to say no when fleshly desires feel overpowering (Gal. 5:16).
Another key to success is keeping our focus on the eternal instead of the temporal. Many decisions that seem mundane are in fact spiritually significant. Are you indulging an appetite that could result in the sacrifice of an imperishable reward in heaven?
When the Enemy tempts us, he always tries to keep our attention on our desire and the pleasure of indulgence rather than on the eternal rewards and blessings we're forfeiting. Just remind yourself how quickly immediate gratification wanes and how long eternity lasts.
The Lure of Momentary Pleasure
Genesis 25:29-34
You probably read the story of Jacob and Esau today and thought, I can't believe Esau sold his birthright for a bowl of soup. How foolish! But let's think beyond birthrights and soup. Is there anything of true value that you are trading for something of lesser worth? In other words, what is your "bowl of soup"?
Have you pursued wealth and a career at the expense of family? Maybe your busy schedule has kept you from spending time with God in His Word each day. Some people become involved in extramarital affairs, trading the well-being of their family for the satisfaction of lustful desires. Others sacrifice their health by consuming harmful or addictive substances, or even by overindulging in food. The list of ways we make foolish, shortsighted choices is endless.
Some of the decisions we make today could rob us of the blessings God wants to give us. When you yield to temptation in a moment of weakness, you're actually sacrificing your future for momentary pleasure. We can't afford to live thoughtlessly, basing our decisions on immediate desires or feelings. Since the principle of sowing and reaping cannot be reversed, we need to carefully consider what we are planting. The harvest will come, and we'll reap what we have sown--and more than we've sown.
Are you contemplating anything that could have serious long-term ramifications if you yield to the yearning? A wise person evaluates choices by looking ahead to see what negative consequences could follow a course of action. Don't let "a bowl of soup" hinder God's wonderful plans for you.
The Indwelling Trinity
"To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." (Ephesians 3:19)
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY ALL NEW PROPHECY AND CREATION DESIGN WEBSITES. THERE IS A LOT TO SEE AND DO..........
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.