Our Heavenly Father's Unconditional Love
Romans 5:6-11
Scripture tells us that love is the very essence of who God is (1 John 4:7). So if you don't believe that He loves you unconditionally, you'll never really know Him or have genuine peace about your relationship with Him.
How do you define "love"? It is Jesus unselfishly reaching out to mankind, giving Himself to us and bringing good into our life regardless of whether or not we accept Him. Romans 5:8 tells us that His care and concern are so immeasurable that He laid down His life for us while we were still His enemies. In fact, the Bible says that He first began to express His love toward us before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-5). That means your actions had absolutely nothing to do with His love for you!
Romans 5:6-11
Scripture tells us that love is the very essence of who God is (1 John 4:7). So if you don't believe that He loves you unconditionally, you'll never really know Him or have genuine peace about your relationship with Him.
How do you define "love"? It is Jesus unselfishly reaching out to mankind, giving Himself to us and bringing good into our life regardless of whether or not we accept Him. Romans 5:8 tells us that His care and concern are so immeasurable that He laid down His life for us while we were still His enemies. In fact, the Bible says that He first began to express His love toward us before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:3-5). That means your actions had absolutely nothing to do with His love for you!
God's commitment to us has absolutely no conditions or restrictions and isn't based on whether we love Him back. Nor does He have more love for "good" people who may strike us as more worthy. He loves us even in our sin, even when we don't repent. Does that give us license to disobey? No. It gives us power to live holy lives, walk obediently with Him, and learn to love Him the way He deserves. To follow Him is to receive the love He has been offering all along.
Every single moment, whether awake or asleep, we all live under the canopy of the Lord's wondrous, absolute love for us. But to fully experience that love, you must receive it. Say yes to this amazing gift that God wants to pour out on you. Bask in it, and let it overflow to those around you.
Living Letters - by Greg Laurie -
The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you.-2 Corinthians 3:2
Christians are walking epistles, written by God and read by men. That means we're the only Bible some people ever will read. They'll form an opinion about God based on what they think of us.
Yes, that's a lot of pressure, but we are His representatives. We can't escape the fact that we're examples. All that we determine is whether we're good examples or poor ones. So we are to be examples to those who are watching us.
One thing that seems to permeate our society today is a sense of hopelessness. But as Christians, we have that hope. And we need to deliver it. We need to tell others there is hope in this world. There is purpose. There is meaning.
Writing to the church in Thessalonica, Paul said, "We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God's Good News but our own lives, too" (1 Thessalonians 2:8 NLT). Paul understood that God called him not only to preach the gospel but to live it as well.
What's more, Paul shared the entire gospel, not just part of it. He said, "I have fully presented the Good News of Christ from Jerusalem all the way to Illyricum" (Romans 15:19 NLT).
The problem we have today is that we sometimes edit the gospel. We leave out things that we think will offend people. But if we are going to share the gospel, we need to give the entire gospel.
Any gospel that promises the hope of Heaven without a warning about Hell is not the gospel. And any gospel that offers forgiveness from God without saying that we need to repent of our sins is not the gospel. The essential message of the gospel is Jesus Christ-Jesus Christ and Him crucified. That is the message we need to convey.
Lively Hope
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
This verse contains several enlightening words:
Blessed: The word in Greek means to be well spoken of, or praised. According to: This does not say that we are blessed according to the extent of His mercy, but rather that He was impelled by His “abundant mercy” to save us.
Begotten: A child is begotten of parents and is of the same nature as its parents. We are begotten into God’s family by the work of Christ. Again: There are two possible concepts that are attached to the term “born again”—born “the second time,” or born “from above.” In our text, the term used is literally born “the second time,” but the Father mentioned is God. We are indeed born “the second time,” and that “from above.”
Lively: The word is in the form of a verbal adjective, having all the descriptive power of an adjective and all the active power of a verb. A “lively” hope is more than a hope that is living; it is actively alive. Hope: We hope, not in the sense of desiring something to come to pass, but in the confident assurance of something that certainly shall come to pass. We may “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). We shall follow Christ in life everlasting.
Resurrection: It may seem strange to think we are born again “by the resurrection,” but this was the instrument God used to bring about His purpose. In a real sense, Christ was “born again” with a glorified body when He arose from the dead. Since He is “the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18), many will follow, “that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). JDM
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)
This verse contains several enlightening words:
Blessed: The word in Greek means to be well spoken of, or praised. According to: This does not say that we are blessed according to the extent of His mercy, but rather that He was impelled by His “abundant mercy” to save us.
Begotten: A child is begotten of parents and is of the same nature as its parents. We are begotten into God’s family by the work of Christ. Again: There are two possible concepts that are attached to the term “born again”—born “the second time,” or born “from above.” In our text, the term used is literally born “the second time,” but the Father mentioned is God. We are indeed born “the second time,” and that “from above.”
Lively: The word is in the form of a verbal adjective, having all the descriptive power of an adjective and all the active power of a verb. A “lively” hope is more than a hope that is living; it is actively alive. Hope: We hope, not in the sense of desiring something to come to pass, but in the confident assurance of something that certainly shall come to pass. We may “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). We shall follow Christ in life everlasting.
Resurrection: It may seem strange to think we are born again “by the resurrection,” but this was the instrument God used to bring about His purpose. In a real sense, Christ was “born again” with a glorified body when He arose from the dead. Since He is “the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18), many will follow, “that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29). JDM
Accepting God's Gift of Love 1 John 4:7-12
Many people simply can't believe that the Lord loves them. Others believe that He loves them, but only when they are pleasing Him in some way. Why is it so hard for us to accept His unconditional love?
One reason is that we have a hard time loving others without condition. We might say the words "I love you" to our spouse, children, friends, co-workers, or fellow believers but all too often are calculating in our mind whether or not they've lived up to our standard. We sometimes excuse ourselves from loving certain people because their behavior upsets or annoys us. The fact that we place restrictions on extending favor causes us to wrongly assume that the Lord does likewise.
Another reason is poor self-image. Considering ourselves unworthy, we refuse to accept God's love. You know what? None of us are worthy of the heavenly Father's goodness and mercy—so you can let go of that excuse once and for all. We're not coming to Him based on our worth. Rather, we're coming to Him based on His grace, and our position is secure in Christ. To put yourself down as "beneath His grace" is to trample on His loving, generous gift. God arranged an awesome divine way for us to be reconciled to Him, and His greatest desire is for relationship with each of us.
If you feel unloved or struggle to accept yourself, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of our heavenly Father's love for you—and to sink it deep into your heart. Receive the truth that He reveals. It will be a completely different story about your value as an individual.
When Fear Fills Your Heart - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Daniel the President
“It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.” (Daniel 6:1-2)
Not many people realize that the godly prophet Daniel was the first president of the great Medo-Persian-Babylonian empire!
Of course, Daniel’s office did not correlate directly with that of an American president, being appointive rather than elective, and being subject to the emperor, but he nevertheless had great authority. Many translations use the word “governor” instead of “president”—the original language was Aramaic in this case rather than Hebrew.
In any case, Daniel was a God-fearing Hebrew rather than a Persian or Babylonian, and so soon drew the envy and resentment of the other “presidents” and “princes” of the empire. But the only charge they could make against him (there was no hint of scandal or corruption in his character or activities, unlike certain nominally Christian presidents in our own country) was that he was too “religious,” worshipping openly the true God of creation instead of the nature gods of the pagans. “They could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him” (Daniel 6:4).
It is sadly true that such a testimony could never have been given concerning any American president, not even Washington or Lincoln, as great and praiseworthy as they were. Nevertheless, God would remind us “that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). HMM
Let's Major in Godby Max Lucado
David just showed up this morning. He clocked out of sheep watching to deliver bread and cheese to his brothers on the battle-front. That’s where David hears Goliath defying God...
Read the first words he spoke, not just in the battle, but in the Bible: “David asked the men standing near him, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?’” (1 Sam. 17:26 niv).
David shows up discussing God. The soldiers mentioned nothing about him, the brothers never spoke his name, but David takes one step onto the stage and raises the subject of the living God...
No one else discusses God. David discusses no one else but God...
David sees what others don’t and refuses to see what others do. All eyes, except David’s, fall on the brutal, hate-breathing hulk... The people know his taunts, demands, size, and strut. They have majored in Goliath.
David majors in God. He sees the giant, mind you; he just sees God more so. Look carefully at David’s battle cry: “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel” (1 Sam. 17:45).
No Greater Love
John 15:12-14
Perhaps the most intense love and protective instinct in the experience of mankind is that of parents toward their children. There is little that most mothers or fathers wouldn't do for a baby. If a truck posed a threat to the little one, it wouldn't surprise us if they jumped in front of the moving vehicle without a second thought.
Wouldn't you like to be cared for with this kind of intensity? You are. In fact, the Lord's love toward you is far deeper and more secure than that of even the most caring, tuned-in human parent. And what God did for us is proof. Romans 5:8 says that while we were living in disobedience, He sent His only Son to die on the cross for us.
Think about a father giving up his child for people who choose to rebel against him. What a tremendous sacrifice and cost! Jesus' death took the place of the punishment that we deserved. If we accept this gift and decide to follow God, He no longer sees us as guilty. Rather, He justifies us, makes us righteous, and changes our ultimate destiny: instead of facing everlasting separation from Him, we will enjoy His presence eternally. What's more, almighty God adopts us as His children forever. Our heavenly Father guides, protects, and counsels us as we walk through life—and promises us that we are secure in Him throughout eternity.
How incredible that the Creator of the universe would love you and me in this way! Do you know and experience the security and sweetness of His care? Gratitude and praise should flow from your heart. In turn, love others deeply out of thankfulness for the love that you have received. Learning to Tune In - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
�Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.� (Psalm 76:10)
One of the most amazing anomalies in human life is the oft-repeated testimony to God�s grace and power unwittingly rendered by men who would dethrone Him if they could. Biblical examples are numerous.
Joseph�s brothers hated him and sold him into slavery, but �God meant it unto good . . . to save much people alive� (Genesis 50:20). Haman tried to destroy the Jews in the days of Queen Esther; but instead their leader, Mordecai, was elevated to prime minister, and Haman was hanged upon his own gallows. Daniel�s enemies maneuvered him into the lions� den, but these enemies themselves were later devoured by the animals, and King Darius decreed �that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever� (Daniel 6:26).
In the awful hour of Satan and the powers of darkness, Jesus died on the cross, but �having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it� (Colossians 2:15). �Why did the heathen rage? . . . the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.� Their plans turned to frustration and rage because all they could do was �whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done� (Acts 4:25-26, 28).
Let men be ever so bitter against God and hateful to His people. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church, and the more His enemies rage, the more will God be glorified. The wrath of man can never prevail against the Lord. It will either be restrained in due season or will be turned into praise, for �we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose� (Romans 8:28). HMM
Outside the Comfort Zone - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
�Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.� (1 Peter 4:16)
The word �Christian� occurs only three times in Scripture and seems to have changed in its meaning from first to last. In the first instance, �the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch� (Acts 11:26). The name merely identified them as followers of Christ with no reproach intended.
The second usage was some years later, by which time the term was evidently well known, even among unbelievers. After Paul had witnessed to him, �Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian� (Acts 26:28). A more literal translation that renders the sentence �Do you try in such a short time to make a Christian of me?� indicates an air of superiority or incredulity in Agrippa�s voice. It would take more than a short testimony to make a Christian of him.
As the years went by, the church began to be plagued by persecution. Our text indicates that even the name �Christian� was by then regarded with contempt and reproach. But Peter tells us that there is no shame involved in the name �Christian� or in following Christ. Peter, no doubt, recalled the shame he felt for denying the name of Christ, but he also recalled with thankfulness how that even though the Jewish council had �beaten them� and �commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus� (Acts 5:40), he and the other apostles departed �rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name� (v. 41).
Furthermore, we can �glorify God on this behalf� or �in this name.� This implies more than just praising the name. We can glorify God in what we do�in how we live in that name. We can certainly also bring dishonor to the title �Christian� by our actions. A solemn responsibility is then ours to bring honor and glory to God through our lives. JDM
The Title "Christian"
�Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.� (1 Peter 4:16)
The word �Christian� occurs only three times in Scripture and seems to have changed in its meaning from first to last. In the first instance, �the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch� (Acts 11:26). The name merely identified them as followers of Christ with no reproach intended.
The second usage was some years later, by which time the term was evidently well known, even among unbelievers. After Paul had witnessed to him, �Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian� (Acts 26:28). A more literal translation that renders the sentence �Do you try in such a short time to make a Christian of me?� indicates an air of superiority or incredulity in Agrippa�s voice. It would take more than a short testimony to make a Christian of him.
As the years went by, the church began to be plagued by persecution. Our text indicates that even the name �Christian� was by then regarded with contempt and reproach. But Peter tells us that there is no shame involved in the name �Christian� or in following Christ. Peter, no doubt, recalled the shame he felt for denying the name of Christ, but he also recalled with thankfulness how that even though the Jewish council had �beaten them� and �commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus� (Acts 5:40), he and the other apostles departed �rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name� (v. 41).
Furthermore, we can �glorify God on this behalf� or �in this name.� This implies more than just praising the name. We can glorify God in what we do�in how we live in that name. We can certainly also bring dishonor to the title �Christian� by our actions. A solemn responsibility is then ours to bring honor and glory to God through our lives. JDM
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Luke 24:44-53
The principle we will explore today is basic but so powerful that it determines whether we experience victory in our lives.
You are probably familiar with the book The Little Engine That Could, in which a small engine keeps repeating the words "I think I can." By using sheer willpower, she pulls an entire train over the mountain. That's a nice children's story, but the truth of the Christian life is very different. In the real world, our efforts and determination often fall short. Only by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit can the godly life be achieved.
Throughout the Old Testament, God's Spirit would temporarily come upon saints for a particular work. However, after Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Spirit to dwell permanently within each believer. Consider what this means: If you're a Christian, God is living inside of you, available to help all through life by providing guidance, comfort, and empowerment.
Obedience to Christ is too difficult for anyone relying on his own strength. And discerning what to do in every situation is far too complicated for a fleshly mind. For some reason, though, Christians often try to live life by depending on their own energy and reasoning. Defeat and failure are unavoidable without His power in our lives.
Do you recognize your need for the Lord? Begin each day confessing your dependence upon Him. Ask to be filled with His Spirit so that all you think, do, and say will be an overflow from Him. Then trust Him to work in mighty ways through you. Watch what almighty God can do.
Who Says We Can�t Change?by Max Lucado
Here�s some good news. You aren�t stuck with today�s personality. You aren�t condemned to �grumpydom.� You are tweak-able! So what if you were born a bigot? You don�t have to die one.
Where did we get the idea we can�t change? Where do statements come from such as, �It�s just my nature to worry,� or. . . �I�ll always be pessimistic. I�m just that way.� Or, �I have a bad temper. I can�t help the way I react?� Who says? Would we say, �it�s just my nature to have a broken leg. I can�t do anything about it.� Of course not. If our body malfunctions, we seek help. Shouldn�t we do the same with our hearts? Can�t we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts! He wants us to have a heart like his!
Already Judged
John 3:17-18
As a society, Americans are fond of their rights. We're very protective of our liberties, even when they might bring harm rather than good. That can be true of spiritual matters as well. For example, exercising the "right" to reject God's plan of salvation leaves a person in a condemned condition.
I have heard the following phrase often in my years of ministry: "I don't believe God is going to condemn me to hell." I agree, but not with the comment's intended meaning--that a person is worthy of heaven on the basis of his own merit. You see, it is true that the Lord doesn't condemn people to hell. He allows them to opt for that eternal destination themselves. They have a right to choose.
God says that those who do not believe in Jesus Christ have been judged already (v. 18). In other words, by rejecting--or politely ignoring--their need for a Savior, unbelievers have chosen to remain unsaved and unforgiven. Scripture teaches that there will one day be a judgment, but God has already determined that those who trust in Christ will stand with Him while the rest will be sent away (Matt. 25:34-46). An unrepentant man or woman is not condemned by God but, rather, has chosen to remain in the company of all those condemned by their own free will.
God desires that everyone come to a saving knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9). To that end, He has granted each person the right to decide whether or not to follow in obedience. However, those who reject the Savior are forewarned that they have settled for condemnation.
Responding to God's Love
John 3:16
God has to be true to Himself. People are foolish to entertain the hope that He will ignore justice and sacrifice holiness in order to allow unbelievers into heaven. Living a mostly moral life will not satisfy a righteous Judge.
As much as the Lord loves us and desires to save us from our sins, He cannot deny His holiness by accepting sin in His presence. The Father is pristine perfection--a holy Being who, by His very nature, must condemn all sin. Therefore, it is the height of egotism to think that God will bend both His law and His nature to welcome one whom still bears the stain of wrongdoing.
There is not one person who's good enough to enter heaven on his or her own merit. Every one of us needs Jesus. The stain of sin is washed clean only by the sacrifice of God's holy and blameless Son. Those who believe in Christ are forgiven their wrongs and cloaked in His righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21).
Let me make it very clear that trusting Jesus is far more than giving intellectual assent to His existence--that's something even the Devil acknowledges. A true believer enters into a relationship with the One who loves his soul enough to save him from eternal punishment.
Those who remain tightly wrapped in their mantle of sin cannot hope to sneak into heaven. God's holy nature demands perfection, and since we can't provide this for ourselves, the Lord has given it to all who believe in Him. He has exchanged our filthy rags for a cloak of righteousness (Zech. 3:4).
Pasture of the Soul
When God gave the Ten Commandments and it came to Sabbath rest, His message was clear: If creation didn�t crash when I rested, it won�t crash when you do! You know we need to rest. For a field to bear fruit, it must occasionally lie fallow. And for you to be healthy, you must rest. When David says in the 23rdPsalm, �He makes me to lie down in green pastures,� he�s saying, �My shepherd makes me lie down in his finished work.�
With His own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul. He pried loose the huge boulders of sin. In their place He planted seeds of grace and dug ponds of mercy. Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of the shepherd when the work is completed and he sees his sheep rest in the tender grass? Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of God when we do the same?
Bearing One Another�s Burdens
Galatians 6
If you are looking for a way to carry out Christ�s command to love your neighbor, Paul has a suggestion: bear their burdens. At some point, everyone struggles under the weight of an oppressive situation. Believers have an obligation to get under that load next to their brothers and sisters.
Jesus sets the pattern for burden bearing. He calls to Himself all who are heavy-laden and gives them rest (Matt. 11:28-29). Since God predestines believers to be conformed to Christ�s likeness, we must imitate His care and concern for those who suffer. Acts 4:32 shows that the early church followed His example. To lift the load of poverty, they pooled their resources so that no one was in need.
Paul�s letters make clear his concern for the physical and spiritual welfare of growing churches. He fasted and prayed for them and sent missionaries when he could. He felt it was his responsibility to strengthen them, even though he sustained a personal hardship�his thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:7).
A believer cannot wait until his life is clear of obstacles before reaching out to others, since that day may never come. Even though we have our own needs, we can do all things through Christ�s strength�including sharing someone else�s adversity (2 Cor. 12:9).
When you�re willing to wade into someone else�s troubles to help that person hold up under the weight, two things happen. First, he or she receives desperately needed blessings in the form of aid, support, and love. And second, you fulfill God�s command to love a neighbor as yourself.
The Rough Places Plain
�Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.� (Isaiah 40:4)
This is an amazing promise. In the primeval �very good� creation (Genesis 1:31), there was nothing �crooked� or �rough.� Even the hills and mountains were apparently gentle in slope and relatively low; the rugged mountain ranges and volcanic peaks of the present world date from the upheavals and residual catastrophism of the great Flood (see especially Psalm 104:5-9). God had instructed men and women to literally �fill� the earth (Genesis 1:28), which would indicate that no part of the lands was uninhabitable.
That is not the way it is now. Vast inaccessible mountain ranges, deserts, glaciers, swamplands, etc., abound, all basically as a result of sin and God�s curse on the ground (Genesis 3:17).
But in the coming period of God�s judgments on the rebellious world of mankind, there also will be extensive renovational physical changes accompanying them. For example, there will be such �a great earthquake� that �every mountain and island were moved out of their places� (Revelation 6:12, 14). Then a few years later will follow an even greater global earthquake��so mighty an earthquake, and so great� that �every island fled away, and the mountains were not found� (Revelation 16:18, 20).
�For thus saith the LORD of hosts; . . . I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come� (Haggai 2:6-7). Finally, indeed, �every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together� (Isaiah 40:4-5). HMM
Many people simply can't believe that the Lord loves them. Others believe that He loves them, but only when they are pleasing Him in some way. Why is it so hard for us to accept His unconditional love?
One reason is that we have a hard time loving others without condition. We might say the words "I love you" to our spouse, children, friends, co-workers, or fellow believers but all too often are calculating in our mind whether or not they've lived up to our standard. We sometimes excuse ourselves from loving certain people because their behavior upsets or annoys us. The fact that we place restrictions on extending favor causes us to wrongly assume that the Lord does likewise.
When Fear Fills Your Heart - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.-John 14:1
When children are afraid of the dark, they need someone to reassure them. The best thing to do is turn on the lights so they know there's actually not a monster or other supposed threat to them under the bed. They need the reassuring words of an adult who can help them get a proper perspective.
Like little children, we need the reassuring words of our heavenly Father to help us in times of anxiety. Because no matter where you live, how much money you make, or what you do for a living, you'll never be able to create a trouble-free life.
Job 5:7 says, "People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire" (NLT). Just when you get through that one conflict or difficulty, that one hardship or trial, another one will come. It always will be something.
I don't say that to depress you but to prepare you. Understand, troubles do come. While there are reasons to be troubled, there is a greater reason not to be. Jesus said, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me" (John 14:1 NLT).
Jesus said this to His disciples in the Upper Room, after they learned He would be crucified. Needless to say, they were very stressed. Deep anxiety and fear filled their hearts.
But Jesus was saying, "Look, I haven't brought you this far to abandon you now. I know what I'm doing. So I'm asking you to believe. I'm asking you to trust Me."
When I don't understand what is happening, I fall back on what I do understand: God is our Father who loves us and cares for us.
When a problem you're facing fills your heart with anxiety and worry, remember this: God is bigger than your problem.
Daniel the President
“It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.” (Daniel 6:1-2)
Not many people realize that the godly prophet Daniel was the first president of the great Medo-Persian-Babylonian empire!
Of course, Daniel’s office did not correlate directly with that of an American president, being appointive rather than elective, and being subject to the emperor, but he nevertheless had great authority. Many translations use the word “governor” instead of “president”—the original language was Aramaic in this case rather than Hebrew.
In any case, Daniel was a God-fearing Hebrew rather than a Persian or Babylonian, and so soon drew the envy and resentment of the other “presidents” and “princes” of the empire. But the only charge they could make against him (there was no hint of scandal or corruption in his character or activities, unlike certain nominally Christian presidents in our own country) was that he was too “religious,” worshipping openly the true God of creation instead of the nature gods of the pagans. “They could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him” (Daniel 6:4).
It is sadly true that such a testimony could never have been given concerning any American president, not even Washington or Lincoln, as great and praiseworthy as they were. Nevertheless, God would remind us “that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). HMM
| Scripture Songs “Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.” (Deuteronomy 31:19) The book of Psalms was essentially a song book for Old and New Testament Jews, while other songs are scattered throughout Scripture written by a variety of prophets and leaders. Our text tells us that the Lord commanded Moses and Joshua to write aspects of the Law and details of God’s dealings with the nation, as well as His promise of judgment should they disobey—in a song. This song would serve several functions. First, it would be a memory device. “It shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed” (v. 21). Those who have been around good church music probably know many portions of Scripture set to music, including the grand old hymns of the faith that are frequently conglomerates of many verses around a doctrinal theme. Many of us probably have memorized without trying, and maybe without realizing, many, many Scripture verses. In fact, this may be the very best way to build biblical principles into the lives of our children. The second function of Moses’ song would be to convict those in disobedience (32:7, 47, etc.). As with the people of Israel, our hearts should be receptive to the teachings contained within the songs that we know. Unfortunately, Israel seldom listened, even to those songs they had memorized. Thus, the third and evidently primary function of this song was to “testify against them as a witness” (31:21). Much of this song carefully explains their coming apostasy and inevitable judgment. No doubt many remembered this song and its message with tears as they marched into captivity, unable to charge God with unfaithfulness. JDM |
David just showed up this morning. He clocked out of sheep watching to deliver bread and cheese to his brothers on the battle-front. That’s where David hears Goliath defying God...
Read the first words he spoke, not just in the battle, but in the Bible: “David asked the men standing near him, ‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?’” (1 Sam. 17:26 niv).
David shows up discussing God. The soldiers mentioned nothing about him, the brothers never spoke his name, but David takes one step onto the stage and raises the subject of the living God...
No one else discusses God. David discusses no one else but God...
David sees what others don’t and refuses to see what others do. All eyes, except David’s, fall on the brutal, hate-breathing hulk... The people know his taunts, demands, size, and strut. They have majored in Goliath.
David majors in God. He sees the giant, mind you; he just sees God more so. Look carefully at David’s battle cry: “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel” (1 Sam. 17:45).
No Greater Love
John 15:12-14
Perhaps the most intense love and protective instinct in the experience of mankind is that of parents toward their children. There is little that most mothers or fathers wouldn't do for a baby. If a truck posed a threat to the little one, it wouldn't surprise us if they jumped in front of the moving vehicle without a second thought.
Wouldn't you like to be cared for with this kind of intensity? You are. In fact, the Lord's love toward you is far deeper and more secure than that of even the most caring, tuned-in human parent. And what God did for us is proof. Romans 5:8 says that while we were living in disobedience, He sent His only Son to die on the cross for us.
How incredible that the Creator of the universe would love you and me in this way! Do you know and experience the security and sweetness of His care? Gratitude and praise should flow from your heart. In turn, love others deeply out of thankfulness for the love that you have received. Learning to Tune In - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way.-Psalm 37:23
After more than 40 years of walking with the Lord, I've found that finding God's will often is something that unfolds as I take steps of faith. It's not as though I wake up every morning and God audibly says to me, "Okay, Greg, here's the plan for today. Here's the blueprint. Check it out."
Instead, He just leads me a step at a time. And then His will becomes clear as I start walking in it. The Bible says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way" (Psalm 37:23 NKJV). So we read the Word of God, we pray for direction, and we start taking steps.
Abraham was uniquely called the friend of God. We read in Genesis that God said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?" (Genesis 18:17-18 NKJV).
And Jesus said, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15 NKJV).
God, as your friend, wants to reveal His will to you. Not only that, but God, as your friend, wants to reveal His secrets to you as well. The Bible says, "The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant" (Psalm 25:14 NKJV).
The will of God is not an option for the true Christian. That is because God's will is not an itinerary; it's an attitude.
There are things God wants to unfold and unveil in our lives, but we need to learn to tune in.
The Futile Wrath of Man�Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.� (Psalm 76:10)
One of the most amazing anomalies in human life is the oft-repeated testimony to God�s grace and power unwittingly rendered by men who would dethrone Him if they could. Biblical examples are numerous.
Joseph�s brothers hated him and sold him into slavery, but �God meant it unto good . . . to save much people alive� (Genesis 50:20). Haman tried to destroy the Jews in the days of Queen Esther; but instead their leader, Mordecai, was elevated to prime minister, and Haman was hanged upon his own gallows. Daniel�s enemies maneuvered him into the lions� den, but these enemies themselves were later devoured by the animals, and King Darius decreed �that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever� (Daniel 6:26).
In the awful hour of Satan and the powers of darkness, Jesus died on the cross, but �having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it� (Colossians 2:15). �Why did the heathen rage? . . . the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.� Their plans turned to frustration and rage because all they could do was �whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done� (Acts 4:25-26, 28).
Let men be ever so bitter against God and hateful to His people. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church, and the more His enemies rage, the more will God be glorified. The wrath of man can never prevail against the Lord. It will either be restrained in due season or will be turned into praise, for �we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose� (Romans 8:28). HMM
Outside the Comfort Zone - by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them.-Romans 15:18
Saul of Tarsus, later the apostle Paul, came from a good Jewish home and was very devout. He also was a member of the Sanhedrin, which was somewhat like the Jewish Supreme Court of the day. And he was a former student of the legendary rabbi Gamaliel. He had everything going his way.
So you would think that when he came to believe in Jesus that God would call him to bring the gospel to his fellow Jews. Instead, the Lord changed his name from Saul to Paul and gave him his primary mission of taking the gospel to the Gentiles.
God took Paul out of his comfort zone, calling him to go to people that he probably didn't want to go to. Yet Paul embraced his mission with abandon and great passion. And his greatest joy was that people believed.
Writing to the Christians in Rome, he said, "Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them" (Romans 15:18 NLT).
Paul easily could have boasted about a lot of things, saying, "Hey, I'm Paul, the greatest theologian in all of history." Or, "I've been to Heaven and have come back to earth. I was caught up into the third Heaven and saw glorious things." While these things are true, Paul never said anything to that effect.
Instead, the apostle boasted in the fact that God had allowed him to share the gospel and lead people to Jesus Christ. And he saw them completely changed by Jesus.
Paul understood that his calling was to tell people about Jesus, to seek to lead them to Christ, and to get them on their feet spiritually. And by the way, that is our calling as well.
The Title "Christian"�Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.� (1 Peter 4:16)
The word �Christian� occurs only three times in Scripture and seems to have changed in its meaning from first to last. In the first instance, �the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch� (Acts 11:26). The name merely identified them as followers of Christ with no reproach intended.
The second usage was some years later, by which time the term was evidently well known, even among unbelievers. After Paul had witnessed to him, �Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian� (Acts 26:28). A more literal translation that renders the sentence �Do you try in such a short time to make a Christian of me?� indicates an air of superiority or incredulity in Agrippa�s voice. It would take more than a short testimony to make a Christian of him.
As the years went by, the church began to be plagued by persecution. Our text indicates that even the name �Christian� was by then regarded with contempt and reproach. But Peter tells us that there is no shame involved in the name �Christian� or in following Christ. Peter, no doubt, recalled the shame he felt for denying the name of Christ, but he also recalled with thankfulness how that even though the Jewish council had �beaten them� and �commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus� (Acts 5:40), he and the other apostles departed �rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name� (v. 41).
Furthermore, we can �glorify God on this behalf� or �in this name.� This implies more than just praising the name. We can glorify God in what we do�in how we live in that name. We can certainly also bring dishonor to the title �Christian� by our actions. A solemn responsibility is then ours to bring honor and glory to God through our lives. JDM
The Title "Christian"
�Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.� (1 Peter 4:16)
The word �Christian� occurs only three times in Scripture and seems to have changed in its meaning from first to last. In the first instance, �the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch� (Acts 11:26). The name merely identified them as followers of Christ with no reproach intended.
The second usage was some years later, by which time the term was evidently well known, even among unbelievers. After Paul had witnessed to him, �Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian� (Acts 26:28). A more literal translation that renders the sentence �Do you try in such a short time to make a Christian of me?� indicates an air of superiority or incredulity in Agrippa�s voice. It would take more than a short testimony to make a Christian of him.
As the years went by, the church began to be plagued by persecution. Our text indicates that even the name �Christian� was by then regarded with contempt and reproach. But Peter tells us that there is no shame involved in the name �Christian� or in following Christ. Peter, no doubt, recalled the shame he felt for denying the name of Christ, but he also recalled with thankfulness how that even though the Jewish council had �beaten them� and �commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus� (Acts 5:40), he and the other apostles departed �rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name� (v. 41).
Furthermore, we can �glorify God on this behalf� or �in this name.� This implies more than just praising the name. We can glorify God in what we do�in how we live in that name. We can certainly also bring dishonor to the title �Christian� by our actions. A solemn responsibility is then ours to bring honor and glory to God through our lives. JDM
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Luke 24:44-53
The principle we will explore today is basic but so powerful that it determines whether we experience victory in our lives.
You are probably familiar with the book The Little Engine That Could, in which a small engine keeps repeating the words "I think I can." By using sheer willpower, she pulls an entire train over the mountain. That's a nice children's story, but the truth of the Christian life is very different. In the real world, our efforts and determination often fall short. Only by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit can the godly life be achieved.
Obedience to Christ is too difficult for anyone relying on his own strength. And discerning what to do in every situation is far too complicated for a fleshly mind. For some reason, though, Christians often try to live life by depending on their own energy and reasoning. Defeat and failure are unavoidable without His power in our lives.
Do you recognize your need for the Lord? Begin each day confessing your dependence upon Him. Ask to be filled with His Spirit so that all you think, do, and say will be an overflow from Him. Then trust Him to work in mighty ways through you. Watch what almighty God can do.
Who Says We Can�t Change?by Max Lucado
Here�s some good news. You aren�t stuck with today�s personality. You aren�t condemned to �grumpydom.� You are tweak-able! So what if you were born a bigot? You don�t have to die one.
Where did we get the idea we can�t change? Where do statements come from such as, �It�s just my nature to worry,� or. . . �I�ll always be pessimistic. I�m just that way.� Or, �I have a bad temper. I can�t help the way I react?� Who says? Would we say, �it�s just my nature to have a broken leg. I can�t do anything about it.� Of course not. If our body malfunctions, we seek help. Shouldn�t we do the same with our hearts? Can�t we seek aid for our sour attitudes? Of course we can. Jesus can change our hearts! He wants us to have a heart like his!
Already Judged
John 3:17-18
As a society, Americans are fond of their rights. We're very protective of our liberties, even when they might bring harm rather than good. That can be true of spiritual matters as well. For example, exercising the "right" to reject God's plan of salvation leaves a person in a condemned condition.
I have heard the following phrase often in my years of ministry: "I don't believe God is going to condemn me to hell." I agree, but not with the comment's intended meaning--that a person is worthy of heaven on the basis of his own merit. You see, it is true that the Lord doesn't condemn people to hell. He allows them to opt for that eternal destination themselves. They have a right to choose.
God desires that everyone come to a saving knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9). To that end, He has granted each person the right to decide whether or not to follow in obedience. However, those who reject the Savior are forewarned that they have settled for condemnation.
Responding to God's Love
John 3:16
God has to be true to Himself. People are foolish to entertain the hope that He will ignore justice and sacrifice holiness in order to allow unbelievers into heaven. Living a mostly moral life will not satisfy a righteous Judge.
As much as the Lord loves us and desires to save us from our sins, He cannot deny His holiness by accepting sin in His presence. The Father is pristine perfection--a holy Being who, by His very nature, must condemn all sin. Therefore, it is the height of egotism to think that God will bend both His law and His nature to welcome one whom still bears the stain of wrongdoing.
Let me make it very clear that trusting Jesus is far more than giving intellectual assent to His existence--that's something even the Devil acknowledges. A true believer enters into a relationship with the One who loves his soul enough to save him from eternal punishment.
Those who remain tightly wrapped in their mantle of sin cannot hope to sneak into heaven. God's holy nature demands perfection, and since we can't provide this for ourselves, the Lord has given it to all who believe in Him. He has exchanged our filthy rags for a cloak of righteousness (Zech. 3:4).
Pasture of the Soul
When God gave the Ten Commandments and it came to Sabbath rest, His message was clear: If creation didn�t crash when I rested, it won�t crash when you do! You know we need to rest. For a field to bear fruit, it must occasionally lie fallow. And for you to be healthy, you must rest. When David says in the 23rdPsalm, �He makes me to lie down in green pastures,� he�s saying, �My shepherd makes me lie down in his finished work.�
With His own pierced hands, Jesus created a pasture for the soul. He pried loose the huge boulders of sin. In their place He planted seeds of grace and dug ponds of mercy. Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of the shepherd when the work is completed and he sees his sheep rest in the tender grass? Can you imagine the satisfaction in the heart of God when we do the same?
Bearing One Another�s Burdens
Galatians 6
If you are looking for a way to carry out Christ�s command to love your neighbor, Paul has a suggestion: bear their burdens. At some point, everyone struggles under the weight of an oppressive situation. Believers have an obligation to get under that load next to their brothers and sisters.
Jesus sets the pattern for burden bearing. He calls to Himself all who are heavy-laden and gives them rest (Matt. 11:28-29). Since God predestines believers to be conformed to Christ�s likeness, we must imitate His care and concern for those who suffer. Acts 4:32 shows that the early church followed His example. To lift the load of poverty, they pooled their resources so that no one was in need.
A believer cannot wait until his life is clear of obstacles before reaching out to others, since that day may never come. Even though we have our own needs, we can do all things through Christ�s strength�including sharing someone else�s adversity (2 Cor. 12:9).
When you�re willing to wade into someone else�s troubles to help that person hold up under the weight, two things happen. First, he or she receives desperately needed blessings in the form of aid, support, and love. And second, you fulfill God�s command to love a neighbor as yourself.
The Rough Places Plain
�Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.� (Isaiah 40:4)
This is an amazing promise. In the primeval �very good� creation (Genesis 1:31), there was nothing �crooked� or �rough.� Even the hills and mountains were apparently gentle in slope and relatively low; the rugged mountain ranges and volcanic peaks of the present world date from the upheavals and residual catastrophism of the great Flood (see especially Psalm 104:5-9). God had instructed men and women to literally �fill� the earth (Genesis 1:28), which would indicate that no part of the lands was uninhabitable.
That is not the way it is now. Vast inaccessible mountain ranges, deserts, glaciers, swamplands, etc., abound, all basically as a result of sin and God�s curse on the ground (Genesis 3:17).
But in the coming period of God�s judgments on the rebellious world of mankind, there also will be extensive renovational physical changes accompanying them. For example, there will be such �a great earthquake� that �every mountain and island were moved out of their places� (Revelation 6:12, 14). Then a few years later will follow an even greater global earthquake��so mighty an earthquake, and so great� that �every island fled away, and the mountains were not found� (Revelation 16:18, 20).
�For thus saith the LORD of hosts; . . . I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come� (Haggai 2:6-7). Finally, indeed, �every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together� (Isaiah 40:4-5). HMM
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