Bringing Others to Jesus John 1:35-42
Andrew is the disciple known for bringing people to Jesus. Immediately after meeting the Lord, he introduced his brother Simon to the Messiah. Another time, when a great multitude was hungry, he found a boy with five loaves and two fishes and brought him to Jesus (John 6:8-9). When some Greeks wanted to meet Christ, Andrew and Philip made the introductions (12:20-22). This disciple never lost his enthusiasm for the Savior.
Andrew's own conversion experience motivated him to let others know about the One who'd changed his life (1:36-37). How about you--have you lost the joy of your salvation? If your Christian life has become stale and musty, it's time to remember what Christ has done for you and to ask that He restore your excitement.
In addition, Andrew longed to know the Savior and spend time with Him (vv. 38-39). The disciple's example is a good reminder that sweet fellowship with the Lord isn't supposed to end with devotional times. It should also stimulate a desire to share with others the joy we find in our relationship with Christ.
Finally, Andrew was motivated by his conviction that Jesus was the Messiah (v. 41). He'd found the answer for a lost and hurting world and wanted others to know.
When Andrew answered the call to discipleship, Jesus told him he'd be "catching men" instead of fish (Luke 5:10). Since we, too, are followers of Christ, we have this same assignment. Our styles and opportunities vary, but we're each responsible to develop a lifelong habit of bringing others to Jesus.
How to End Well
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Many people think about the last years of life as an opportunity to just relax. But this does not align with God's purpose for us; He wants us to serve Him all the days of our lives.
Let's look at the apostle Paul's journey and explore what it means to finish well. He spent time pouring into others until the very end of his life. Consider the letters he wrote to Timothy from a prison cell prior to being executed. In every season of life, God calls us to serve others.
And notice how, when writing about his life, the apostle chose words descriptive of a battle. He understood the human struggle against sin as well as the challenges of pain and persecution in the trials we all face--even in doing kingdom work like preaching Christ to a fiercely resistant society.
This godly servant's life was also marked by surrender. His mindset is obvious in these words: "present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (Rom. 12:1). He was not afraid of Nero, nor was he struggling to stay alive. Paul trusted God to determine everything about his life, including where he would go, what he would do, and when he would die. Death did not scare him, because he knew he would dwell with Jesus forever.
God doesn't require our lives to be perfect in order to finish strong. We can live life fully and be ready to meet our Maker by surrendering, walking victoriously with Christ, and serving others. If Jesus called you home today, would you--like Paul--be confident that you lived well until the end?
The Law for Today
“And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?†(Deuteronomy 4:8)
God has never dealt with any nation as closely and fully as He has with Israel, but He nevertheless is directly concerned with every nation as a national entity. He has actually established each nation Himself (Deuteronomy 32:8), even determining the geographical boundaries of each and the time when each would rise and fall (Acts 17:26).
Every nation has a purpose in history, but Israel had the highest calling of all. God personally gave them (through Moses) the finest governmental and legal system any nation ever had (Deuteronomy 4:5-8), and modern governments would therefore do well to emulate these, in so far as possible. In fact, it is amazing that this Mosaic legal code has since served effectively as the basic legal code for all the greatest nations in modern history. This, in itself, is clear testimony to its divine origin and is therefore justification for retaining and implementing it wherever possible, even today.
Sadly, however, modern political and judicial practices are departing further and further from this divine standard. The philosophies of evolution and relativism dominate our schools of law today, and the concept of absolute principles of righteousness and justice, rooted in the nature of God as Creator and in His revelation, are largely being replaced by legislation based on evolving social policies and preferences. Even the Ten Commandments are banned from our schools, despite the fact that they are engraved in the Supreme Court building itself.
It is sobering to consider that God did not even spare His beloved nation Israel when His people departed from His law. Nor will He spare America if our growing rebellion against His Word goes on much longer. HMM
The Sign of Science and Travel
“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.†(Daniel 12:4)
The book of Daniel contains the most detailed description of the end times of any book in the Bible except the book of Revelation. In Daniel’s last chapter, after all the prophecies had been recorded, the condition in our text was given as a sign of their imminent fulfillment at “the time of the end.â€
A more striking summary of our own times could hardly be imagined. The Hebrew word for “run to and fro†is used first in 2 Chronicles 16:9. “The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,†and its sense is “race back and forth.†What a description of our present society, with speeding automobiles all over the land and airplanes filling our skies! In little more than one lifetime, the world “progressed†from horse and buggy to spacecraft, and almost everyone is racing to and fro.
Furthermore, “knowledge†has been “increased†far beyond the wildest imaginations of people in the days of our founding fathers. The Hebrew word could well be understood as what we mean today by “science.â€
It is significant that the foundations of our modern scientific age were laid mostly by great scientists who were creationists (Newton, Boyle, Pascal, Pasteur, Faraday, Maxwell, etc.). In our present generation, however, science has been largely taken over by non-Christian evolutionists, and science has also generated deadly instruments of destruction and pollution that are threatening life’s existence. This rise in “science falsely so called†is also given as a sign of the last days (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Peter 3:3-4; etc.).
In any case, the explosive increase in science (both true and false) and rapid travel in our day is one of the many God-given signs that the return of Christ is near! HMM
Sing and Give Thanks
“Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.†(Psalm 30:4)
When we do remember God’s holiness and then remember how the mighty seraphim in the heavenly temple are continually crying out “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts†(Isaiah 6:3), and then further remember the prophet’s prayer acknowledging to God that: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity†(Habakkuk 1:13), and then still further remember that, as Paul said: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing†(Romans 7:18), we can only marvel at the infinite mercy and grace of God. He has not only forgiven our sins, saved our souls, and promised us eternal life, but “daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation†(Psalm 68:19). What can we do except to perpetually “sing unto the LORD, . . . and give thanks,†as David exhorts us in our text for today.
But how can this be? A God who is too pure and holy even to “look on iniquity,†yet promises unworthy creatures such as us that “goodness and mercy shall follow [us] all the days of [our lives]: and [we] will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever†(Psalm 23:6). How can that be?
This could not be, of course, were it not for the incredible love of God in Christ, who “hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God†(1 Peter 3:18). “The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed†(Isaiah 53:5). “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us†(Romans 5:8).
Therefore: “Be ye thankful. . . . singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him†(Colossians 3:15-17). HMM
In Everything Give Thanks
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herds in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.†(Habakkuk 3:17-18)
It is easy to be happy and cheerful in times of prosperity, when one has all the comforts of an affluent lifestyle and everything seems to be going well. The testing times come, however, when these material comforts are somehow taken away, and one feels defeated and all alone.
Except for God! Whatever else may fail, God “will never leave thee, nor forsake thee†(Hebrews 13:5). Since we still have the Lord (assuming we have trusted Him for forgiveness and salvation through Christ), we can always “rejoice in the LORD, . . . in the God of my salvation.â€
Job, for example, lost all his possessions, then his children, finally his health, and even his wife turned against him. Yet he could say: “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD†(Job 1:21).
God has commanded the Christian: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you†(1 Thessalonians 5:18). Not for everything, but in everything!
This has always been one of the greatest testimonies a Christian can give to an unbeliever—the testimony of a life rejoicing in God’s salvation even in the midst of trouble. This was the example of Christ Himself, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God†(Hebrews 12:2). “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory†(2 Corinthians 4:17). HMM
The Real and the Unreal World
“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and he hath set the world upon them.†(1 Samuel 2:8)
The above text contains the first reference in the Bible to God’s world. The “pillars†upon which it is set are, literally, “firm summits†(not “columnsâ€), speaking of its permanence, “established that it shall not be moved†through the eternal ages when “the LORD reigneth†(Psalm 96:10).
That is the real world, where all who have been “raised up†by the Lord through faith in His Word will “inherit the throne of glory†and reign with Him forever. But that real world has, for a time, become “this present evil world†(Galatians 1:4), often mistakenly represented by its worldly inhabitants as their “real†world. In reality, this present world is very ephemeral, for “the world passeth away†(1 John 2:17).
This present unreal world has become the domain of Satan, “the god of this world†(2 Corinthians 4:4), for “the whole world lieth in wickedness [or ‘the wicked one’]†(1 John 5:19). Consequently, it is essential for believers now living in the world to heed the Lord’s warning: “I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you†(John 15:19).
The “world†includes its inhabitants and the world system they have developed. This present world, because of sin, has become so unreal that it no longer even knows its Creator. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not†(John 1:10). Nevertheless, “God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved†(John 3:17). We can defeat this present evil world and prepare for our eternal service in the real world to come. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith†(1 John 5:4). HMM
Standing Strong and Tall through Prayer
Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah was a man who lived on his knees. Whenever he needed guidance, strength, provision, or protection, his first response was prayer. Because of Nehemiah’s humble dependence, God was able to use him greatly to achieve His purposes.
This principle is still true for believers today. God can use us in the most awesome fashion if we'll seek Him and make ourselves available. He has a calling for each of us and doesn't want us wasting the opportunities He provides.
To follow Nehemiah's example of dependent prayer, we must first recognize God as the sovereign Ruler of the universe (v. 5). Although He's our loving Father and loyal Friend, we must never forget that He is also our high and exalted Creator whose holiness is beyond our comprehension. Never think of the Lord as "the man upstairs" or come into His presence in a frivolous manner.
Because Nehemiah respected the awesome holiness of God, he approached Him with confession, admitting not only his sin, but his father's and Israel's as well (vv. 6-7). We cannot hide, deny, or cherish sin and expect the Lord to hear and answer our prayers. Purity of heart and the power of God are linked. We need the sensitivity to instantly recognize when we've strayed, and the willingness to deal with sin immediately.
The reason Nehemiah stood so tall and strong was not due to his natural abilities, but because he developed a relationship of dependency on the Lord through prayer. The same can be true for you. Don't rush into your day without taking time to enter God's throne room to seek His guidance.
The Value of Obedience
Proverbs 2:1-6
Despite Peter's vast fishing experience, he returned from a night's work with nothing to show for his efforts. It's quite possible that the Lord's request to let the nets down one more time struck him as unreasonable—after all, Peter and his partners were the professionals. Nevertheless, the fisherman complied, and his obedience blessed many.
Scripture demonstrates that divine plans often defy human logic. For instance, who would design a battle strategy that involved only marching and shouting? God told Joshua to conquer Jericho that way, and doing so proved successful (Joshua 6:1-5).
Moses is another example. When he felt unsure about his leadership potential, the Lord gave reassurance in an unusual way—by telling him to throw down his walking stick. When Moses obeyed, God powerfully confirmed His choice of leader (Exodus 4:1-3).
Our Father may ask us to do something that seems illogical—perhaps to accept more responsibility when we were hoping to reduce our workload, to leave a position that He provided just recently, or to take on an assignment for which we feel ill-equipped. His plan might feel unrealistic in view of our age, stage of life, or health concerns. We must press forward in obedience, regardless of how impractical the request may appear.
To grasp the importance of obeying, think about children receiving instructions from parents or teachers. Careful listening is needed for the task to be done safely and properly. Some steps may seem pointless, but the rationale often becomes clear later. Always make obeying God your priority.
The Necessity of Wise Living - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Acts 4:13
Anyone who studies God's ways soon realizes they are quite different from man's. Worldly wisdom says that extraordinary people and abundant resources are needed for great tasks, yet the Lord often chooses the small and insignificant to achieve His purposes on earth.
For example, Christ selected a rather unimpressive group of men as disciples, yet after being filled with the Spirit, they "turned the world upside down." During His ministry on earth, Jesus fed thousands with a child's meager lunch, and He viewed the widow's two small coins as a greater offering than all the other generous donations (John 6:5-12; Luke 21:2-3).
God specializes in using people who aren't naturally qualified to accomplish His tasks. Moses was a verbally impaired 80-year-old shepherd who liberated a nation. After Gideon hid from the enemy, God made him a valiant warrior. David was the overlooked youngest son who killed a giant with a small stone and became Israel's greatest king.
God isn't looking for impressive people; He wants willing ones who will bow the knee in humble submission. Being weak and ordinary doesn't make you useless. Rather, it positions you for a demonstration of divine power in your life. He takes insignificant ones and delights in making them great.
Have you ever considered that your lack of ability, talent, or skill is the ideal setting for a great display of Christ's power and glory? If you are willing to submit to His leading and venture into the scary yet rewarding territory of faith and obedience, He will do great things in and through you.
The Savior of the World
�And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.� (1 John 4:14)
This unique title of the Lord Jesus Christ assures us that when the Father sent His Son away from the glories of heaven down to a world lost in sin, it was not just to be the Messiah of the Jews, or to assume David�s throne as King of Israel, or to punish the wicked Gentile nations.
�For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved� (John 3:17).
In fact, this special title is used only one other time in the Bible, and it was used by Samaritans rather than Jews when they came to know Jesus as He ministered among them for two days. These people were mostly of Gentile background with a mixture of Israeli blood who had become adherents of a quasi-Jewish religion that was also part pagan.
But they were actually looking for a Savior, and their testimony after meeting Jesus was: �Now we believe . . . and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world� (John 4:42). They perceived that He had come to bring salvation to lost sinners in every nation, not just to Israel or Samaria. As He said later, �I came not to judge the world, but to save the world� (John 12:47).
And so He commanded His disciples �that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations� (Luke 24:47). He became to the Father �the propitiation . . . for the sins of the whole world� (1 John 2:2) when He offered up His life as a sacrifice for sins, then died and rose again. We who have believed on Him as our personal Savior are now to be His witnesses �in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth� (Acts 1:8). HMM
The Very Real Spiritual World - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
�For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.� (2 Corinthians 5:1)
The blessings we have in Christ are far too many to number, but it is a blessing even to note just a few of those indicated by the words we have or ye have. First of all, in Christ �we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace� (Ephesians 1:7). As a result, �being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ� (Romans 5:1).
Thus, through such promises, His Word assures us of salvation. �These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life� (1 John 5:13). Further assurance is given by the witness of the Spirit who indwells our bodies when we believe on Christ. �Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father� (Romans 8:15).
There are many other blessings that are ours in Christ. In Him, for example, �we have obtained an inheritance� (Ephesians 1:11), for we are joint-heirs with Him. God has even confirmed His promises, the writer of Hebrews says, by taking an oath in His own name that �we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast� (Hebrews 6:18-19). Indeed, �we have a great high priest� (Hebrews 4:14) ever living to intercede for us at the throne of God.
Finally, in the words of our text, when God calls us home, �we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens,� and then we are �to be present with the Lord� throughout the ages to come (2 Corinthians 5:8). These are a few of the blessings we have in Christ. HMM
Prayer in Times of Inadequacy
Nehemiah 2:1-10
After Nehemiah heard about the desperate condition of the Jews who had returned from exile to Jerusalem, his heart was burdened (Neh. 1:3-4). By getting his attention in this way, the Lord could reveal what He wanted Nehemiah to do. Scripture doesn't spell out the man's reaction on realizing that he was to be a part of the solution, but we can imagine a sense of inadequacy probably engulfed him. How could he possibly help? He wasn't even near Jerusalem, and as a servant of the king, he didn't have the freedom to pack up and leave.
But whenever God puts a burden on our hearts, He will open a door to accomplish His will. In this case, the Lord used Nehemiah's sad expression and desperate prayer to prepare a pagan king to send him on his mission.
How do you respond when you sense the Lord is calling you to a task that seems beyond your abilities? Do you list all the reasons you can't possibly do it? God already knows everything about you and the situation. He's not asking your permission to proceed; rather, He is calling you to move forward with faith and obedience. He didn't make an error in choosing you for the task, but you will make a huge mistake if you refuse to do it.
God will equip you for whatever He calls you to do. Because the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, we have all we need to fulfill the Lord's mission. Instead of letting inadequacy hinder you from obeying, let it drive you to your knees so you can arise with renewed insight and power.
Andrew is the disciple known for bringing people to Jesus. Immediately after meeting the Lord, he introduced his brother Simon to the Messiah. Another time, when a great multitude was hungry, he found a boy with five loaves and two fishes and brought him to Jesus (John 6:8-9). When some Greeks wanted to meet Christ, Andrew and Philip made the introductions (12:20-22). This disciple never lost his enthusiasm for the Savior.
In addition, Andrew longed to know the Savior and spend time with Him (vv. 38-39). The disciple's example is a good reminder that sweet fellowship with the Lord isn't supposed to end with devotional times. It should also stimulate a desire to share with others the joy we find in our relationship with Christ.
Finally, Andrew was motivated by his conviction that Jesus was the Messiah (v. 41). He'd found the answer for a lost and hurting world and wanted others to know.
When Andrew answered the call to discipleship, Jesus told him he'd be "catching men" instead of fish (Luke 5:10). Since we, too, are followers of Christ, we have this same assignment. Our styles and opportunities vary, but we're each responsible to develop a lifelong habit of bringing others to Jesus.
How to End Well
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Many people think about the last years of life as an opportunity to just relax. But this does not align with God's purpose for us; He wants us to serve Him all the days of our lives.
Let's look at the apostle Paul's journey and explore what it means to finish well. He spent time pouring into others until the very end of his life. Consider the letters he wrote to Timothy from a prison cell prior to being executed. In every season of life, God calls us to serve others.
This godly servant's life was also marked by surrender. His mindset is obvious in these words: "present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (Rom. 12:1). He was not afraid of Nero, nor was he struggling to stay alive. Paul trusted God to determine everything about his life, including where he would go, what he would do, and when he would die. Death did not scare him, because he knew he would dwell with Jesus forever.
God doesn't require our lives to be perfect in order to finish strong. We can live life fully and be ready to meet our Maker by surrendering, walking victoriously with Christ, and serving others. If Jesus called you home today, would you--like Paul--be confident that you lived well until the end?
The Law for Today
“And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?†(Deuteronomy 4:8)
God has never dealt with any nation as closely and fully as He has with Israel, but He nevertheless is directly concerned with every nation as a national entity. He has actually established each nation Himself (Deuteronomy 32:8), even determining the geographical boundaries of each and the time when each would rise and fall (Acts 17:26).
Every nation has a purpose in history, but Israel had the highest calling of all. God personally gave them (through Moses) the finest governmental and legal system any nation ever had (Deuteronomy 4:5-8), and modern governments would therefore do well to emulate these, in so far as possible. In fact, it is amazing that this Mosaic legal code has since served effectively as the basic legal code for all the greatest nations in modern history. This, in itself, is clear testimony to its divine origin and is therefore justification for retaining and implementing it wherever possible, even today.
Sadly, however, modern political and judicial practices are departing further and further from this divine standard. The philosophies of evolution and relativism dominate our schools of law today, and the concept of absolute principles of righteousness and justice, rooted in the nature of God as Creator and in His revelation, are largely being replaced by legislation based on evolving social policies and preferences. Even the Ten Commandments are banned from our schools, despite the fact that they are engraved in the Supreme Court building itself.
It is sobering to consider that God did not even spare His beloved nation Israel when His people departed from His law. Nor will He spare America if our growing rebellion against His Word goes on much longer. HMM
The Sign of Science and Travel
“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.†(Daniel 12:4)
The book of Daniel contains the most detailed description of the end times of any book in the Bible except the book of Revelation. In Daniel’s last chapter, after all the prophecies had been recorded, the condition in our text was given as a sign of their imminent fulfillment at “the time of the end.â€
A more striking summary of our own times could hardly be imagined. The Hebrew word for “run to and fro†is used first in 2 Chronicles 16:9. “The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,†and its sense is “race back and forth.†What a description of our present society, with speeding automobiles all over the land and airplanes filling our skies! In little more than one lifetime, the world “progressed†from horse and buggy to spacecraft, and almost everyone is racing to and fro.
Furthermore, “knowledge†has been “increased†far beyond the wildest imaginations of people in the days of our founding fathers. The Hebrew word could well be understood as what we mean today by “science.â€
It is significant that the foundations of our modern scientific age were laid mostly by great scientists who were creationists (Newton, Boyle, Pascal, Pasteur, Faraday, Maxwell, etc.). In our present generation, however, science has been largely taken over by non-Christian evolutionists, and science has also generated deadly instruments of destruction and pollution that are threatening life’s existence. This rise in “science falsely so called†is also given as a sign of the last days (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Peter 3:3-4; etc.).
In any case, the explosive increase in science (both true and false) and rapid travel in our day is one of the many God-given signs that the return of Christ is near! HMM
Sing and Give Thanks
“Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.†(Psalm 30:4)
When we do remember God’s holiness and then remember how the mighty seraphim in the heavenly temple are continually crying out “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts†(Isaiah 6:3), and then further remember the prophet’s prayer acknowledging to God that: “Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity†(Habakkuk 1:13), and then still further remember that, as Paul said: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing†(Romans 7:18), we can only marvel at the infinite mercy and grace of God. He has not only forgiven our sins, saved our souls, and promised us eternal life, but “daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation†(Psalm 68:19). What can we do except to perpetually “sing unto the LORD, . . . and give thanks,†as David exhorts us in our text for today.
But how can this be? A God who is too pure and holy even to “look on iniquity,†yet promises unworthy creatures such as us that “goodness and mercy shall follow [us] all the days of [our lives]: and [we] will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever†(Psalm 23:6). How can that be?
This could not be, of course, were it not for the incredible love of God in Christ, who “hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God†(1 Peter 3:18). “The chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed†(Isaiah 53:5). “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us†(Romans 5:8).
Therefore: “Be ye thankful. . . . singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him†(Colossians 3:15-17). HMM
In Everything Give Thanks
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herds in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.†(Habakkuk 3:17-18)
It is easy to be happy and cheerful in times of prosperity, when one has all the comforts of an affluent lifestyle and everything seems to be going well. The testing times come, however, when these material comforts are somehow taken away, and one feels defeated and all alone.
Except for God! Whatever else may fail, God “will never leave thee, nor forsake thee†(Hebrews 13:5). Since we still have the Lord (assuming we have trusted Him for forgiveness and salvation through Christ), we can always “rejoice in the LORD, . . . in the God of my salvation.â€
Job, for example, lost all his possessions, then his children, finally his health, and even his wife turned against him. Yet he could say: “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD†(Job 1:21).
God has commanded the Christian: “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you†(1 Thessalonians 5:18). Not for everything, but in everything!
This has always been one of the greatest testimonies a Christian can give to an unbeliever—the testimony of a life rejoicing in God’s salvation even in the midst of trouble. This was the example of Christ Himself, “who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God†(Hebrews 12:2). “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory†(2 Corinthians 4:17). HMM
The Real and the Unreal World
“He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and he hath set the world upon them.†(1 Samuel 2:8)
The above text contains the first reference in the Bible to God’s world. The “pillars†upon which it is set are, literally, “firm summits†(not “columnsâ€), speaking of its permanence, “established that it shall not be moved†through the eternal ages when “the LORD reigneth†(Psalm 96:10).
That is the real world, where all who have been “raised up†by the Lord through faith in His Word will “inherit the throne of glory†and reign with Him forever. But that real world has, for a time, become “this present evil world†(Galatians 1:4), often mistakenly represented by its worldly inhabitants as their “real†world. In reality, this present world is very ephemeral, for “the world passeth away†(1 John 2:17).
This present unreal world has become the domain of Satan, “the god of this world†(2 Corinthians 4:4), for “the whole world lieth in wickedness [or ‘the wicked one’]†(1 John 5:19). Consequently, it is essential for believers now living in the world to heed the Lord’s warning: “I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you†(John 15:19).
The “world†includes its inhabitants and the world system they have developed. This present world, because of sin, has become so unreal that it no longer even knows its Creator. “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not†(John 1:10). Nevertheless, “God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved†(John 3:17). We can defeat this present evil world and prepare for our eternal service in the real world to come. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith†(1 John 5:4). HMM
Standing Strong and Tall through Prayer
Nehemiah 1
Nehemiah was a man who lived on his knees. Whenever he needed guidance, strength, provision, or protection, his first response was prayer. Because of Nehemiah’s humble dependence, God was able to use him greatly to achieve His purposes.
This principle is still true for believers today. God can use us in the most awesome fashion if we'll seek Him and make ourselves available. He has a calling for each of us and doesn't want us wasting the opportunities He provides.
Because Nehemiah respected the awesome holiness of God, he approached Him with confession, admitting not only his sin, but his father's and Israel's as well (vv. 6-7). We cannot hide, deny, or cherish sin and expect the Lord to hear and answer our prayers. Purity of heart and the power of God are linked. We need the sensitivity to instantly recognize when we've strayed, and the willingness to deal with sin immediately.
The reason Nehemiah stood so tall and strong was not due to his natural abilities, but because he developed a relationship of dependency on the Lord through prayer. The same can be true for you. Don't rush into your day without taking time to enter God's throne room to seek His guidance.
The Value of Obedience
Proverbs 2:1-6
Despite Peter's vast fishing experience, he returned from a night's work with nothing to show for his efforts. It's quite possible that the Lord's request to let the nets down one more time struck him as unreasonable—after all, Peter and his partners were the professionals. Nevertheless, the fisherman complied, and his obedience blessed many.
Scripture demonstrates that divine plans often defy human logic. For instance, who would design a battle strategy that involved only marching and shouting? God told Joshua to conquer Jericho that way, and doing so proved successful (Joshua 6:1-5).
Our Father may ask us to do something that seems illogical—perhaps to accept more responsibility when we were hoping to reduce our workload, to leave a position that He provided just recently, or to take on an assignment for which we feel ill-equipped. His plan might feel unrealistic in view of our age, stage of life, or health concerns. We must press forward in obedience, regardless of how impractical the request may appear.
To grasp the importance of obeying, think about children receiving instructions from parents or teachers. Careful listening is needed for the task to be done safely and properly. Some steps may seem pointless, but the rationale often becomes clear later. Always make obeying God your priority.
The Necessity of Wise Living - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
That very night Belshazzar, the Babylonian king, was killed. And Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of sixty-two.-Daniel 5:30-31
Every nation has a lifespan. The powerful Persian Empire continued for 208 years. The glory of Greece was eclipsed after 268 years. Mighty Rome ruled for nine centuries. The United States of America is 243 years old and counting.
Ancient Babylon lasted around 86 years. And in the fifth chapter of Daniel, we find the story of its fall.
The Babylonians felt their city and their nation were invincible. After all, they had a complex series of walls-some as high as 300 feet. Water was plentiful, because the mighty river Euphrates ran through the city. And they had stored up enough food to feed their population for the next twenty years.
But at this moment historically, they didn't know the Medo-Persian forces, under the command of Cyrus, were right outside their walls.
King Belshazzar's grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar, had died. Prior to his death he had a dramatic conversion after a period of insanity. Belshazzar, on the other hand, went out of his way to mock God. And that never ends well.
While Belshazzar feasted and drank wine from vessels that were taken from the temple in Jerusalem, a hand appeared and wrote on the palace wall. This is the moment when the banquet hall became a courtroom. And God said to the king, in effect, "Your number is up."
Judgment was at the door, literally. The Bible tells us, "That very night Belshazzar, the Babylonian king, was killed. And Darius the Mede took over the kingdom at the age of sixty-two" (Daniel 5:30 NLT).
There will be a last night for every person, a last night for every nation. There will be a last meal, a last statement, a last breath, and then . . . eternity. We need to live our lives wisely, because we don't know how much time we have.
From Ordinary to GreatActs 4:13
Anyone who studies God's ways soon realizes they are quite different from man's. Worldly wisdom says that extraordinary people and abundant resources are needed for great tasks, yet the Lord often chooses the small and insignificant to achieve His purposes on earth.
God specializes in using people who aren't naturally qualified to accomplish His tasks. Moses was a verbally impaired 80-year-old shepherd who liberated a nation. After Gideon hid from the enemy, God made him a valiant warrior. David was the overlooked youngest son who killed a giant with a small stone and became Israel's greatest king.
God isn't looking for impressive people; He wants willing ones who will bow the knee in humble submission. Being weak and ordinary doesn't make you useless. Rather, it positions you for a demonstration of divine power in your life. He takes insignificant ones and delights in making them great.
Have you ever considered that your lack of ability, talent, or skill is the ideal setting for a great display of Christ's power and glory? If you are willing to submit to His leading and venture into the scary yet rewarding territory of faith and obedience, He will do great things in and through you.
The Savior of the World
�And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.� (1 John 4:14)
This unique title of the Lord Jesus Christ assures us that when the Father sent His Son away from the glories of heaven down to a world lost in sin, it was not just to be the Messiah of the Jews, or to assume David�s throne as King of Israel, or to punish the wicked Gentile nations.
�For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved� (John 3:17).
In fact, this special title is used only one other time in the Bible, and it was used by Samaritans rather than Jews when they came to know Jesus as He ministered among them for two days. These people were mostly of Gentile background with a mixture of Israeli blood who had become adherents of a quasi-Jewish religion that was also part pagan.
But they were actually looking for a Savior, and their testimony after meeting Jesus was: �Now we believe . . . and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world� (John 4:42). They perceived that He had come to bring salvation to lost sinners in every nation, not just to Israel or Samaria. As He said later, �I came not to judge the world, but to save the world� (John 12:47).
And so He commanded His disciples �that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations� (Luke 24:47). He became to the Father �the propitiation . . . for the sins of the whole world� (1 John 2:2) when He offered up His life as a sacrifice for sins, then died and rose again. We who have believed on Him as our personal Savior are now to be His witnesses �in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth� (Acts 1:8). HMM
The Very Real Spiritual World - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
And Elisha prayed, and said, 'LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.' Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.-2 Kings 6:17
There is a supernatural battle going on right now for the soul of our nation. This is larger than a political battle and larger than an ideological battle. This is larger than anything we've ever faced before. It's really a battle for the soul of our country.
I think sometimes as Christians that we forget we're in a spiritual war. We're not wrestling against flesh and blood but against principalities and spiritual powers in high places.
It's a real world, the invisible world of God and Satan. It's the world of angels and demons. And it's just as real as the world we're in right now.
The Bible tells a story of Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the prophet, who woke up to discover they were surrounded by enemy forces. In a panic, he turned to Elisha and said, "What should we do?"
Elisha told him, "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them" (2 Kings 6:16 nkjv). Then Elisha prayed that God would open the servant's eyes, and Gehazi saw the supernatural forces of God all around them.
Just as Elisha prayed for Gehazi, we need to pray that God would open our eyes to see the very real spiritual world all around us. This is not a game. This is the real thing.
And every day in this spiritual battle we're either advancing or retreating. We're either gaining ground or losing ground, not only as the church but also as individuals.
May God help us to think about how this works in our lives. May He open our eyes to see the work of His spirit in our lives and the work that He wants to do.
America still needs a spiritual awakening, and it starts with you and me.
A Habit of Prayer - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
But Peter and the apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than any human authority.'-Acts 5:29
What if a law were passed in the United States of America tomorrow that made it illegal to pray? You could no longer pray in a restaurant when your meal arrives. You could no longer pray in church or even in your home.
Would you obey that law?
I wouldn't, because there are times when the laws of God supersede the laws of man, and that would be one of those times.
The Bible tells us that the prophet Daniel faced that very situation. King Darius signed a new law that made it illegal to pray to anyone but him for thirty days.
Now, Daniel could have said, "I'm long overdue for a vacation. I'm going to leave town for thirty days, and when I get back that law will be expired."
Or, he could have said, "You know, I'm pretty prayed up, so I think I could go without praying for thirty days."
Then again, Daniel could have said, "I can be subtle. I don't have to close my eyes or get on my knees. I'll kind of do it undercover."
But Daniel didn't change a single thing. The Bible tells us, "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 NLT).
It's been said, "Sow a thought, reap an act. Sow an act, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a destiny." This can be good or bad, depending on what kind of a habit it is.
Daniel had a habit of prayer. He was a man of prayer. And we, too, should be people of prayer.
Blessings We Have in Christ�For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.� (2 Corinthians 5:1)
The blessings we have in Christ are far too many to number, but it is a blessing even to note just a few of those indicated by the words we have or ye have. First of all, in Christ �we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace� (Ephesians 1:7). As a result, �being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ� (Romans 5:1).
Thus, through such promises, His Word assures us of salvation. �These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life� (1 John 5:13). Further assurance is given by the witness of the Spirit who indwells our bodies when we believe on Christ. �Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father� (Romans 8:15).
There are many other blessings that are ours in Christ. In Him, for example, �we have obtained an inheritance� (Ephesians 1:11), for we are joint-heirs with Him. God has even confirmed His promises, the writer of Hebrews says, by taking an oath in His own name that �we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast� (Hebrews 6:18-19). Indeed, �we have a great high priest� (Hebrews 4:14) ever living to intercede for us at the throne of God.
Finally, in the words of our text, when God calls us home, �we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens,� and then we are �to be present with the Lord� throughout the ages to come (2 Corinthians 5:8). These are a few of the blessings we have in Christ. HMM
Prayer in Times of Inadequacy
Nehemiah 2:1-10
After Nehemiah heard about the desperate condition of the Jews who had returned from exile to Jerusalem, his heart was burdened (Neh. 1:3-4). By getting his attention in this way, the Lord could reveal what He wanted Nehemiah to do. Scripture doesn't spell out the man's reaction on realizing that he was to be a part of the solution, but we can imagine a sense of inadequacy probably engulfed him. How could he possibly help? He wasn't even near Jerusalem, and as a servant of the king, he didn't have the freedom to pack up and leave.
How do you respond when you sense the Lord is calling you to a task that seems beyond your abilities? Do you list all the reasons you can't possibly do it? God already knows everything about you and the situation. He's not asking your permission to proceed; rather, He is calling you to move forward with faith and obedience. He didn't make an error in choosing you for the task, but you will make a huge mistake if you refuse to do it.
God will equip you for whatever He calls you to do. Because the Holy Spirit dwells within every believer, we have all we need to fulfill the Lord's mission. Instead of letting inadequacy hinder you from obeying, let it drive you to your knees so you can arise with renewed insight and power.
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