The Importance of Giving Thanks - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. - Daniel 6:10
As an older man, Daniel the prophet had become an adviser to Darius, the king of Babylon. Darius valued Daniel's counsel, but Daniel had some competition. There were other advisers to the king. They didn't believe in Daniel's God, and they didn't like the fact that the king favored Daniel. They wanted to get rid of him.
The problem, for them at least, was there were no skeletons in Daniel's closet, no sin for them to uncover. They knew the only way they could trip up Daniel was to catch him doing something in regard to his God. So they got the king to unwittingly sign a degree that no one could pray to anyone except the king himself.
When Daniel heard about it, he went to his house, opened up the windows as he always did, and got down on his knees and prayed. Even more, he gave thanks to God.
It's important to give thanks to God. I think it's great when people pray over their food at home and even in public places. When you're in a restaurant, bow your head and thank the Lord for your meal. It is a great witness to other people.
Even before we have the answer we may be hoping for, we are to give thanks to God. And then what happens? Philippians 4:7 tells us: "Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" (NLT).
If you put everything in God's hands, trust Him, and rejoice, even before you know the outcome, peace will guard your heart. It is the peace that passes all human understanding. And it is a peace that God can give you, no matter what you're facing right now.
Pray Instead - by Greg Laurie -
In many of yesterday’s churches, certain leaders would gather while the pastor was preaching to pray for power and clarity in his words, and for responsive listeners and souls changed for eternity. Even a spiritually mature preacher can accomplish nothing of lasting worth without empowerment of the Holy Spirit: “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
As God’s Word is preached in purity and with spiritual power, we can expect His blessings. The hymn writer used manna, the miraculous provision of food for the Israelites in the wilderness, to symbolize God’s answer to the church’s prayers. How we long for such manna, this all-sustaining provision for every need, this solution to every problem in the ministry, and the fruit that is borne of our labors. How our churches need to return to dependence on intercessory prayer, not on people and programs, for lasting fruit.
The “weeping Mary” is either the mourning sister of Lazarus (John 11) or Mary Magdalene, who met her risen Lord outside the tomb (John 20:11-15). All the tears were very real. Heartache and tears should drive us to prayer, to the One who can answer, fill, and heal.
We are told that if we pray “according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him” (1 John 5:15). But even if we don’t know His will in a particular situation, we can still pray, for “the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
So, brothers and sisters, pray. JDM
Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. - Philippians 4:6
I was on the road the other day and saw a car up ahead with student driver signs on both sides, on the roof, and on the back. I gave wide berth to that car, because I knew they didn't know what they were doing yet. And sure enough, as they were driving along, they stopped for no apparent reason. I give student drivers a lot of space because they're still figuring it out.
But after we've been driving awhile, we may find ourselves eating a burrito, talking on the phone, and adjusting the radio, all at the same time. I don't recommend this, of course. But the idea is that driving comes naturally to us because we've taught ourselves to do it. It becomes a conditioned reflex.
Then there are natural reflexes. If we touch something hot, we immediately pull back. We don't have to teach this, even to a toddler. They know that when they touch something hot, it hurts.
When it comes to worry, we need to develop a conditioned reflex. We need to turn our worries into prayers. When something alarming or threatening comes our way, our natural reflex is to panic. The conditioned reflex-the biblical response, I might add-is to pray.
The apostle Paul wrote, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done" (Philippians 4:6 NLT). Notice that he tells us to pray about everything-not just the big, scary things. Everything.
God is interested in big things. God is interested in little things. And sometimes little things turn into big things rather quickly, don't they? Little problems can suddenly become big problems. God is interested in whatever concerns you. So the next time you're tempted to worry, pray instead.
Brethren, We Have Met to Worship
“We do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” (Colossians 1:9)
The first verse of a moving hymn titled “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship” reads:
“We do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” (Colossians 1:9)
The first verse of a moving hymn titled “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship” reads:
Brethren, we have met to worship
And adore the Lord our God;
Will you pray with all your power,
While we try to preach the Word?
All is vain unless the Spirit
Of the Holy One comes down;
Brethren, pray, and holy manna
Will be showered all around.
And adore the Lord our God;
Will you pray with all your power,
While we try to preach the Word?
All is vain unless the Spirit
Of the Holy One comes down;
Brethren, pray, and holy manna
Will be showered all around.
In many of yesterday’s churches, certain leaders would gather while the pastor was preaching to pray for power and clarity in his words, and for responsive listeners and souls changed for eternity. Even a spiritually mature preacher can accomplish nothing of lasting worth without empowerment of the Holy Spirit: “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost” (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
As God’s Word is preached in purity and with spiritual power, we can expect His blessings. The hymn writer used manna, the miraculous provision of food for the Israelites in the wilderness, to symbolize God’s answer to the church’s prayers. How we long for such manna, this all-sustaining provision for every need, this solution to every problem in the ministry, and the fruit that is borne of our labors. How our churches need to return to dependence on intercessory prayer, not on people and programs, for lasting fruit.
Tell Them About the Savior
“Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?” (Exodus 2:7)
In Exodus, Pharaoh ordered the execution of all newborn male Israelites. Moses was spared as his sister intervened, and she later became his helper as he led their people to freedom. Throughout the Bible, godly women played important roles. In “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship,” such women are enjoined to pray for sinners and testify of His power to save.
“Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, Shall I go and call to thee a nurse of the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for thee?” (Exodus 2:7)
In Exodus, Pharaoh ordered the execution of all newborn male Israelites. Moses was spared as his sister intervened, and she later became his helper as he led their people to freedom. Throughout the Bible, godly women played important roles. In “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship,” such women are enjoined to pray for sinners and testify of His power to save.
Sisters will you join and help us?
Moses’ sister aided him;
Will you help the trembling mourners
Who are struggling hard with sin?
Tell them all about the Savior,
Tell them that He will be found;
Sisters, pray, and holy manna
Will be showered all around.
Moses’ sister aided him;
Will you help the trembling mourners
Who are struggling hard with sin?
Tell them all about the Savior,
Tell them that He will be found;
Sisters, pray, and holy manna
Will be showered all around.
In the beginning, “God created man in his own image . . . male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27). Evidently it takes the characteristics of both male and female to adequately reflect His image. Godly women are often the most effective in many situations in ministering to individual needs. In our hauntingly beautiful study hymn, such women are called to help trembling sinners convicted of and struggling with sin.
Women often are the most powerful in prayer. Lasting fruit is borne in ladies’ Bible studies and in children’s Bible lessons taught by godly women. Many rescue missions, mission fields, and counseling rooms are primarily staffed by ladies unashamed of the gospel. Thankfully, God has chosen to shower “manna all around” through the ministry of godly Christian women. JDM
Women often are the most powerful in prayer. Lasting fruit is borne in ladies’ Bible studies and in children’s Bible lessons taught by godly women. Many rescue missions, mission fields, and counseling rooms are primarily staffed by ladies unashamed of the gospel. Thankfully, God has chosen to shower “manna all around” through the ministry of godly Christian women. JDM
Pray, Oh Pray
“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas . . . and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:29-30)
The well-known account of the Philippian jailer is mentioned in the hymn “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship.” Paul and Silas were wrongly imprisoned for the gospel’s sake, yet they “prayed, and sang praises unto God” (Acts 16:25). God answered their prayer, and the jailer turned to them for rescue. This was the start of ministry on the European continent.
“Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas . . . and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:29-30)
The well-known account of the Philippian jailer is mentioned in the hymn “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship.” Paul and Silas were wrongly imprisoned for the gospel’s sake, yet they “prayed, and sang praises unto God” (Acts 16:25). God answered their prayer, and the jailer turned to them for rescue. This was the start of ministry on the European continent.
Is there here a trembling jailer,
Seeking grace, and filled with tears?
Is there here a weeping Mary,
Pouring forth a flood of tears?
Brethren, join your cries to help them;
Sisters, let your prayers abound;
Pray, Oh pray that holy manna
May be scattered all around.
Seeking grace, and filled with tears?
Is there here a weeping Mary,
Pouring forth a flood of tears?
Brethren, join your cries to help them;
Sisters, let your prayers abound;
Pray, Oh pray that holy manna
May be scattered all around.
The “weeping Mary” is either the mourning sister of Lazarus (John 11) or Mary Magdalene, who met her risen Lord outside the tomb (John 20:11-15). All the tears were very real. Heartache and tears should drive us to prayer, to the One who can answer, fill, and heal.
We are told that if we pray “according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him” (1 John 5:15). But even if we don’t know His will in a particular situation, we can still pray, for “the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
So, brothers and sisters, pray. JDM
Grace Comes After Youby Max Lucado God’s grace! It has a wildness about it. A white-water, rip-tide, turn-you-upside-downess about it. Grace comes after you!
Some years ago I underwent a heart procedure. I asked the surgeon,
“You’re burning the interior of my heart, right?”
“Correct.”
“You intend to kill the misbehaving cells, yes?”
“That’s my plan.”
“As long as you’re in there, could you take your little blowtorch to some of my greed, selfishness, superiority, and guilt?”
He smiled, “Sorry, that’s out of my pay grade!”
But it’s not out of God’s! We’d be wrong to think this change happens overnight. We’d be equally wrong to assume change never happens at all. It may come in fits and spurts—but it comes!
Titus 2:11 says, “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared.”
You just never know when grace will seep in. Could you use some?
From GRACE
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, Gen. 1:26). 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.
Acquiring Wisdom
Proverbs 4:20-27
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.
Manna at the Banquet Table
�Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.� (Mark 12:30-31)
The hymn �Brethren, We Have Met to Worship� is summarized in the moving lines of its final verse.
The Christian�s blessings include daily �manna� (provision and blessing) from God and the promise of life with Christ throughout eternity. Our union with Him is compared to a marriage, commencing with a sumptuous wedding feast: �Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints� (Revelation 19:7-8). �Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing� (2 Timothy 4:8).
When He comes and claims His bride�the ones for whom He sacrificed His precious blood�He will usher us all into His banquet room. Then �he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them� (Luke 12:37). JDM
Some years ago I underwent a heart procedure. I asked the surgeon,
“You’re burning the interior of my heart, right?”
“Correct.”
“You intend to kill the misbehaving cells, yes?”
“That’s my plan.”
“As long as you’re in there, could you take your little blowtorch to some of my greed, selfishness, superiority, and guilt?”
He smiled, “Sorry, that’s out of my pay grade!”
Titus 2:11 says, “The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared.”
You just never know when grace will seep in. Could you use some?
From GRACE
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 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.
Acquiring Wisdom
Proverbs 4:20-27
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.
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.
Manna at the Banquet Table
�Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.� (Mark 12:30-31)
The hymn �Brethren, We Have Met to Worship� is summarized in the moving lines of its final verse.
Let us love our God supremely,
Let us love each other, too;
Let us love and pray for sinners,
Till our God makes all things new.
Then He�ll call us home to heaven,
At His table we�ll sit down;
Christ will gird Himself, and serve us
With sweet manna all around.
Let us love each other, too;
Let us love and pray for sinners,
Till our God makes all things new.
Then He�ll call us home to heaven,
At His table we�ll sit down;
Christ will gird Himself, and serve us
With sweet manna all around.
The Christian�s blessings include daily �manna� (provision and blessing) from God and the promise of life with Christ throughout eternity. Our union with Him is compared to a marriage, commencing with a sumptuous wedding feast: �Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints� (Revelation 19:7-8). �Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing� (2 Timothy 4:8).
When He comes and claims His bride�the ones for whom He sacrificed His precious blood�He will usher us all into His banquet room. Then �he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them� (Luke 12:37). JDM
The Everlasting Mercy of God
�O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.� (Psalm 136:1)
God�s mercy is a monumental theme in Scripture. The English word appears some 341 times in the Bible. The four Hebrew and three Greek words appear a total of 454 times and are also translated by �kindness,� �lovingkindness,� �goodness,� �favor,� �compassion,� and �pity.� Of the 66 books of the Bible, only 16 do not use one of the words for mercy. Even though �mercy� is an important concept, it is somewhat difficult to prescribe a definition for it, especially since �grace� is occasionally coupled with it.
In the first reference where �mercy� is used, Lot has just been expelled from Sodom by the angels of judgment. In spite of the command by the angels that Lot and his daughters �escape to the mountain,� Lot begs: �Oh, not so, my Lord: Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life, . . . this city is near . . . Oh, let me escape thither� (Genesis 19:17-20). And later, the New Testament saints are told to �come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need� (Hebrews 4:16). In these and other such passages, the two terms appear to address similar subjects.
However similar they may appear to be, these words are not synonyms. �Grace� is most often associated with the sovereign dispensation of totally undeserved favor, and it is specifically connected to salvation. �Mercy� is more often connected to the withholding of judgment: �For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment� (James 2:13).
Set aside some time today to read and meditate on this psalm. You will find the day less wearisome if you do. HMM III
�O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.� (Psalm 136:1)
God�s mercy is a monumental theme in Scripture. The English word appears some 341 times in the Bible. The four Hebrew and three Greek words appear a total of 454 times and are also translated by �kindness,� �lovingkindness,� �goodness,� �favor,� �compassion,� and �pity.� Of the 66 books of the Bible, only 16 do not use one of the words for mercy. Even though �mercy� is an important concept, it is somewhat difficult to prescribe a definition for it, especially since �grace� is occasionally coupled with it.
In the first reference where �mercy� is used, Lot has just been expelled from Sodom by the angels of judgment. In spite of the command by the angels that Lot and his daughters �escape to the mountain,� Lot begs: �Oh, not so, my Lord: Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life, . . . this city is near . . . Oh, let me escape thither� (Genesis 19:17-20). And later, the New Testament saints are told to �come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need� (Hebrews 4:16). In these and other such passages, the two terms appear to address similar subjects.
However similar they may appear to be, these words are not synonyms. �Grace� is most often associated with the sovereign dispensation of totally undeserved favor, and it is specifically connected to salvation. �Mercy� is more often connected to the withholding of judgment: �For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment� (James 2:13).
Set aside some time today to read and meditate on this psalm. You will find the day less wearisome if you do. HMM III
Seeking Guidance Psalms 25:4-5
When you're facing a decision, whether big or small, it is important to wait upon God for His direction and timing. And though it may sound paradoxical, there are three ways that we can take an active role in the process while we wait.
First, we should examine our heart, asking the Holy Spirit to expose any wrongs. If He brings something to light, it is important to take care of that sin immediately--by confessing, repenting, and doing whatever's needed to correct the situation. At times we push this task aside because the impending decision seems like our main concern. Yet we cannot hear from God or receive His full blessing until we deal with transgression.
Second, when seeking direction, we should listen patiently and attentively for the Lord to give the go-ahead. It can be difficult to wait, especially when emotions or logic lead us to favor one choice.
Third, the answer to our prayer at times requires our involvement. For instance, when people tell me they're out of work and trusting God to provide, I always want to know if they are actively looking for a job. Some are not; they are simply praying. We have responsibility not only to present God with requests and seek His guidance but also to be active in the process. Waiting on God is not an excuse to be lazy.
Prayer is a beautiful privilege that the heavenly Father gives to His children. He desires to lead us into a life of abundance. We should take an active part in seeking His will and listening for His voice. As we follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, we will experience all that the Lord has for us.
The Promise of His Presence - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
When you're facing a decision, whether big or small, it is important to wait upon God for His direction and timing. And though it may sound paradoxical, there are three ways that we can take an active role in the process while we wait.
First, we should examine our heart, asking the Holy Spirit to expose any wrongs. If He brings something to light, it is important to take care of that sin immediately--by confessing, repenting, and doing whatever's needed to correct the situation. At times we push this task aside because the impending decision seems like our main concern. Yet we cannot hear from God or receive His full blessing until we deal with transgression.
Third, the answer to our prayer at times requires our involvement. For instance, when people tell me they're out of work and trusting God to provide, I always want to know if they are actively looking for a job. Some are not; they are simply praying. We have responsibility not only to present God with requests and seek His guidance but also to be active in the process. Waiting on God is not an excuse to be lazy.
Prayer is a beautiful privilege that the heavenly Father gives to His children. He desires to lead us into a life of abundance. We should take an active part in seeking His will and listening for His voice. As we follow the Holy Spirit's guidance, we will experience all that the Lord has for us.
The Promise of His Presence - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. - Matthew 28:20
Studies have found that 85 percent of the things that we worry about never happen. But what about the other 15 percent? What about the fear or worry that actually does happen? In fact, not only does it happen, but something even worse than you were considering happens. What then?
Then the Lord will be with you in your time of difficulty. God has not promised that we will live in a pain-free world. He told us that in this world we will have tribulation.
In 2008, our son Christopher left us and went to Heaven. You never get over this. I remember talking to a couple who have been married ten years longer than Cathe and I have, and they lost their son more than 30 years ago. They told me that you never get over it, because you don't expect your children to die before you. It's out of the natural order.
It's frightening to talk about, but we need to face facts. Loved ones will die. Hardship will come into our lives. Some people live relatively pain-free lives, but the rest of us don't. We live in the land of the dying, but we're headed to the land of the living.
Yes, death will come. But we have this promise from Jesus: "Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look-I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave" (Revelation 1:17-18 NLT).
I'm so glad that He holds the keys. If I had the keys, they would've been lost for years now. I lose every set of keys, all the time. But Jesus never loses the keys. He is saying, "Don't be afraid. I'll be there for you."
Think About What You Think About - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. - Philippians 4:8
When you sit down to eat, you have to think about how the food will affect you. For instance, I love spicy food. But I have to think about when I eat it. If it's eight or nine o'clock at night, there's no way I'll eat spicy food, because I know it will disturb my sleep. So I have to make other choices.
In the same way, we have to think about what we think about. Philippians 4:8 tell us, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things" (Philippians 4:8 NKJV).
If you want personal peace, it involves the heart and the mind. Isaiah 26:3 says of the Lord, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You" (NKJV).
We need to ask ourselves, "This show I am going to watch on television-what kind of effect will it have on me?" "This movie that I'm about to go to-what effect will it have on me?" "This music I am going listen to-what effect will it have on me?"
If you want personal peace, it comes down to right thinking and right praying. And it comes down to guarding what you put into your mind, because when you stop and consider it, most temptations you have faced have come first to your mind. The mind is command central. With it we reach to the past through memories and to the future through imagination.
We want to learn how to think biblically, not emotionally. Apply the Scriptures to everything that you're facing in life.
God in a Real Worldby Max Lucado God calls us in a real world. He doesn�t communicate by performing tricks. He�s not a genie, a magician, a good luck charm, or the man upstairs. He is the Creator of the universe who is right here in the thick of our day-to-day world.
And God speaks in our world. We just have to learn to hear him. Listen for him amidst the ordinary. Do you need affirmation of his care? Let the daily sunrise proclaim his loyalty. Could you use an example of his power? Spend an evening reading how your body works. Are you wondering if his Word is reliable? Make a list of the fulfilled prophecies in the Bible and promises in your life.
Don�t they say only two things in life are certain: death and taxes? Knowing God, he may speak through something as common as the second to give you the answer for the first!
Pray for the Lost
�But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.� (Revelation 21:8)
Intercessory prayer in church must not be for other believers only, but also for unbelievers. Many attendees mistakenly consider themselves true Christians, and others are merely curious. Both are doomed for a Christless and hopeless eternity. �And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment� (Hebrews 9:27). There is still an opportunity to reach them, as the hymn �Brethren, We Have Met to Worship� reminds us.
Our hearts should especially be broken for loved ones who face eternity without Christ as Savior. What can be done? Pray. God answers the prayer of His children. We are assured that �the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much� (James 5:16).
What would this serving of manna be worth to you to see a wayward family member or neighbor repent of their sin and come back to fellowship with God? To see your fractured church healed of the disunity caused by wolves disguised as sheep? Surely this manna would be sweet indeed. Surely it is worth an hour of intercessory prayer. JDM
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
When plans are frustrated or life just seems to fall apart in some way, people often wonder, Has God deserted me? Why hasn't He answered my prayers? The Bible offers encouragement for such times by assuring us of the Father's faithfulness: "Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments" (Deut 7:9).
Five attributes of God make this possible. First, He is omniscient, which means He knows everything, including our every need, thought, frailty, desire, and life situation in the past, present, and future. Next, the Lord is omnipotent, or all-powerful, so nothing is too hard for Him (Jer. 32:17). Then, He is omnipresent--since He exists everywhere at once, He is never beyond reach.
In addition, our heavenly Father cannot lie. Everything that He says is true and reliable. And lastly, God is unchanging. Our circumstances and the world around us may seem to be in a constant state of flux, and the Lord may even modify the way He chooses to interact with mankind in different generations. But His character is always the same. So when Scripture tells us that God is faithful, we can rest confidently upon that promise.
Circumstances can be painful. But even when situations seem overwhelming, believers can trust that our sovereign Lord knows all, is in control, and lovingly works everything for His children's good. We can rest confidently knowing that the unchanging God of all creation is taking care of us.
And God speaks in our world. We just have to learn to hear him. Listen for him amidst the ordinary. Do you need affirmation of his care? Let the daily sunrise proclaim his loyalty. Could you use an example of his power? Spend an evening reading how your body works. Are you wondering if his Word is reliable? Make a list of the fulfilled prophecies in the Bible and promises in your life.
Don�t they say only two things in life are certain: death and taxes? Knowing God, he may speak through something as common as the second to give you the answer for the first!
Pray for the Lost
�But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.� (Revelation 21:8)
Intercessory prayer in church must not be for other believers only, but also for unbelievers. Many attendees mistakenly consider themselves true Christians, and others are merely curious. Both are doomed for a Christless and hopeless eternity. �And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment� (Hebrews 9:27). There is still an opportunity to reach them, as the hymn �Brethren, We Have Met to Worship� reminds us.
Brethren, see poor sinners round you
Slumb�ring on the brink of woe;
Death is coming, hell is moving,
Can you bear to let them go?
See our fathers and our mothers
And our children sinking down;
Brethren, pray, and holy manna
Will be showered all around.
Slumb�ring on the brink of woe;
Death is coming, hell is moving,
Can you bear to let them go?
See our fathers and our mothers
And our children sinking down;
Brethren, pray, and holy manna
Will be showered all around.
Our hearts should especially be broken for loved ones who face eternity without Christ as Savior. What can be done? Pray. God answers the prayer of His children. We are assured that �the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much� (James 5:16).
What would this serving of manna be worth to you to see a wayward family member or neighbor repent of their sin and come back to fellowship with God? To see your fractured church healed of the disunity caused by wolves disguised as sheep? Surely this manna would be sweet indeed. Surely it is worth an hour of intercessory prayer. JDM
Worship and Praise
�I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.� (Psalm 138:2)
Praise and worship are widely taught in Scripture but are seldom used to describe the same actions. �Worship� describes an attitude of obeisance and reverence (usually by bowing or prostrating) during a formal act of sacrifice or some other structured observance. �Praise,� especially this word used in Psalm 138, emphasizes joyous thanksgiving, recognizing God�s specific blessing or God�s worthiness in character, power, deed, or authority.
There are only two events recorded in Scripture where the people of God both �worshipped� and �praised� at the same time. The first was at the dedication of the great temple of Solomon. When the prayer of dedication was finished, the fire of God�s glory descended on the temple and entered the Holy of Holies. That awesome event drove everyone to their knees �with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and [they] worshipped, and praised the LORD� (2 Chronicles 7:3).
The other occurred right after Ezra led a remnant back from Babylon. As the people heard the Word read to them for the first time in many decades, they became so convicted of their disobedience that they began to cry and confess their sin. They stood for about three hours and �confessed [same word as �praise�], and worshipped the LORD their God� (Nehemiah 9:3).
In neither case did the people jump up and down, clap, or otherwise demonstrate exuberance. They were so overwhelmed at the presence of God that they fell down on their faces! Then they poured out their heart in intimate worship and praise for His lovingkindness, His truth, His name, His being, and His attributes, because God has magnified His Word above all His Name. HMM III
Resting in the Faithfulness of God�I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.� (Psalm 138:2)
Praise and worship are widely taught in Scripture but are seldom used to describe the same actions. �Worship� describes an attitude of obeisance and reverence (usually by bowing or prostrating) during a formal act of sacrifice or some other structured observance. �Praise,� especially this word used in Psalm 138, emphasizes joyous thanksgiving, recognizing God�s specific blessing or God�s worthiness in character, power, deed, or authority.
There are only two events recorded in Scripture where the people of God both �worshipped� and �praised� at the same time. The first was at the dedication of the great temple of Solomon. When the prayer of dedication was finished, the fire of God�s glory descended on the temple and entered the Holy of Holies. That awesome event drove everyone to their knees �with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and [they] worshipped, and praised the LORD� (2 Chronicles 7:3).
The other occurred right after Ezra led a remnant back from Babylon. As the people heard the Word read to them for the first time in many decades, they became so convicted of their disobedience that they began to cry and confess their sin. They stood for about three hours and �confessed [same word as �praise�], and worshipped the LORD their God� (Nehemiah 9:3).
In neither case did the people jump up and down, clap, or otherwise demonstrate exuberance. They were so overwhelmed at the presence of God that they fell down on their faces! Then they poured out their heart in intimate worship and praise for His lovingkindness, His truth, His name, His being, and His attributes, because God has magnified His Word above all His Name. HMM III
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
When plans are frustrated or life just seems to fall apart in some way, people often wonder, Has God deserted me? Why hasn't He answered my prayers? The Bible offers encouragement for such times by assuring us of the Father's faithfulness: "Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments" (Deut 7:9).
Five attributes of God make this possible. First, He is omniscient, which means He knows everything, including our every need, thought, frailty, desire, and life situation in the past, present, and future. Next, the Lord is omnipotent, or all-powerful, so nothing is too hard for Him (Jer. 32:17). Then, He is omnipresent--since He exists everywhere at once, He is never beyond reach.
In addition, our heavenly Father cannot lie. Everything that He says is true and reliable. And lastly, God is unchanging. Our circumstances and the world around us may seem to be in a constant state of flux, and the Lord may even modify the way He chooses to interact with mankind in different generations. But His character is always the same. So when Scripture tells us that God is faithful, we can rest confidently upon that promise.
Circumstances can be painful. But even when situations seem overwhelming, believers can trust that our sovereign Lord knows all, is in control, and lovingly works everything for His children's good. We can rest confidently knowing that the unchanging God of all creation is taking care of us.
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