Inspirationals For You : September 2013

Friday 27 September 2013

Be Still and Know

by Darren Hewer

“Be still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

The classic hymn “It Is Well” begins with these famous lyrics:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Have you heard the story of the man who wrote it? The author, Horatio G. Stafford, was a lawyer whose first major test of his faith came in 1871 when the Great Chicago Fire ruined him financially, destroying most of his real estate investments. Two years later, when his family had finally pieced their lives back together, he decided to take his wife and four daughters on a vacation. However, at the last minute, Stafford was called back on business, so his wife and children went ahead on the ship. A short time later, the ship sank, killing all four of his daughters; only his wife survived. After hearing the tragic news and setting out to travel to meet his grieving wife, Stafford penned the classic hymn.

How was Stafford able to write “It is well, it is well with my soul” despite the tragedy he experienced? And how can we remain faithful to God’s truth even in desperate times when we feel far from Him? The few short words of God in Psalm 46:10 will help us understand.

First God says to “be still.” In other words, don’t panic!
Sure, you may be thinking, that’s easy enough to say, but quite tough to do when it feels like your world has been turned upside down.
That’s why God told us to “know that I am God.”

Note carefully what God did NOT say. He did not say “Be still, and FEEL that I am God.” He said “Be still, and KNOW that I am God.” Regardless of how we may feel, if we know that God is there, and that His Word is true, we will be able to have confidence in Him and praise Him, regardless of our temporary feelings.

This doesn’t mean that feelings should be ignored or marginalized. But it does suggest that feelings are fleeting and uncertain, while God’s promises are everlasting and certain. Therefore we must try to pray and trust based on what we know in times of tragedy rather than primarily on how we feel.

If today you are feeling “peace, like a river”, thank God and increase in knowledge so that you will prepare yourself for times of trouble.

And if you are instead at a time “when sorrows like sea billows roll” don’t focus on your temporary feelings, but focus instead on the knowledge that God loves you, Jesus died for you, and, like Paul said as he suffered in prison, “I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.” 1Timothy 1:12, (NLT)

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Question: What knowledge (truths about or promises from God) do you, or will you, cling to in your darkest hour?

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Name Your Fear

by Marilyn Ehle

“I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4

The large, old house creaks with every rush of the night wind. Furnaces come on with a whoosh that sends cold shivers up the spine. We wonder if we locked all the doors and windows. We recall unproven but frightening reports of suspected prowlers.

Fear. Darkness, unfamiliar sounds, safety concerns combine to make us uneasy at the least, immobilized at the extreme. And yet it is rarely such physical, identifiable circumstances that cause most of our fears. More often it is the nagging anxieties that increasingly cripple our spiritual and emotional wholeness. We hem in our children for their protection – “it’s a dangerous world,” we say, yet are our fences also in response to the fear that we may somehow lose a child and grief would be unbearable? We relentlessly climb the career ladder to provide financial security, but could one of our reasons for such aggressiveness be that we fear losing our identity if we fail at the job?

Closely examining our fears can be uncomfortable – “even deeply disturbing” but often it is only when we discover the base reason for the fear and openly name it before God that we can discover his antidote. Knowing and claiming promises such as ‘children are a gift from the Lord,’ or ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love’ can be a giant step toward releasing us from fear.

Lord, I don’t like admitting my real fears because that is such a glimpse into my inadequacies and lack of trust. But I know that you are trustworthy and want me to grow in my faith. I do believe; help my unbelief. Amen

God’s Perfect Love Drives Out Fear

by Rick Warren

“Those who make a practice of sin are straight from the Devil, the pioneer in the practice of sin. The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil’s ways.” (1 John 3:8 MSG)

Jesus defeated death, and that means he also defeated the devil. Do you know that’s why he came to Earth? The Bible says in 1 John 3:8 that “the Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil’s ways.”

What is the devil’s work? It’s messing up your heart. Filling it with worry. Filling it with guilt. Filling it with resentment. Filling it with anger. Filling it with fear. Filling it with confusion. It’s whispering in your ear that you’re worthless and helpless and hopeless and aimless.

Where else do you think that stuff comes from? It’s not from God. Satan uses these things to keep us enslaved. The biggest tool he uses to mess with our lives is fear.

But fear doesn’t come from God. In 1 John 4:18 the Bible says, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” (NIV). In fact, the Bible says, “God is love.” So when you’re afraid, that’s not from God — because there is no fear in love, and God is love.

As a pastor, I’ve learned that the number one fear for most of us is the fear of death. Satan will use that fear to manipulate us. But Jesus defeated death; he’s destroyed the devil’s work. And so, when we grieve a death, we grieve with hope.

We grieve because we miss those we’ve lost. We grieve, but we know that if they believed in Jesus, we will see them again in Heaven. They are waiting there in that place where we were all designed to go in the first place.

In Hebrews 2:14-15 the Bible says, “Since all of these sons and daughters have flesh and blood, Jesus took on flesh and blood to be like them. He did this so that by dying he would destroy the one who had power over death (that is, the devil). In this way he would free those who were slaves all their lives because they were afraid of dying” (GW).

Talk It Over
• What are your fears?
• How can you fill your life with more of God’s perfect love so that there is no room for fear?

GOSPEL REBUKE

GOSPEL REBUKE

Galatians 2:14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, ‘You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?' (NIVUK)

Peter was inconsistent. He had stopped living according to Jewish customs because he rightly believed that God accepted him because he trusted in Jesus alone for his salvation. But he was forcing Gentiles (non-Jews) to be circumcised and obey the Jewish food laws. He was wrong. But that was not just a private error in his personal life; it affected many other people and got in the way of the simplicity of the gospel.

Private sin should be dealt with personally and out of the public gaze; but when error infects other people, a public rebuke is necessary. Was Paul brave or foolhardy in challenging Peter in that way? Neither! Paul was simply being faithful to the truth of the gospel and pointed out Peter’s inconsistency to cause others to see that Peter had not set the right example. Those who followed him were foolish too.

Often the more thought-provoking rebukes come in the form of a question. Jesus used that method of teaching. It is also a wonderfully direct tool to encourage our friends and colleagues to consider the inconsistencies in their lifestyles, especially if they claim to follow Jesus. Truly wise people will challenge people to think by asking them questions. When the integrity of the gospel is at stake, it is important to help people to understand the implications of their behaviour so that they can repent and be restored. So instead of arguing with people and telling them what you think, why not ask them about the consistency of their lives? It is a fair question even in public, and will help others to think as well.

Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for stirring my own heart with questions about the authenticity of my faith. Thank You for those people who have helped me by asking such questions. I am sorry for being careless about the relationship between what I believe and what I do. Please help me to be consistent in my faith and actions, and perhaps I can help others by asking kind but searching questions. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Like a Sweet Perfume

by Dr. Bill Bright

“But thanks be to God! For through what Christ has done, He has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go He uses us to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume” 2 Corinthians 2:14

We can certainly learn a lesson from the apostle Paul. He frequently begins a chapter or a verse with a note of praise. To say that he had a thankful spirit would be understating the case. That perhaps is the key to victory in every area of our lives, to begin with thanksgiving.

It is God who leads us to triumph over principalities and powers. And in leading us to triumph, He is then able to use us to tell others of His love and forgiveness through the Lord Jesus. As we rest in His victory and in His command, with its promise of “Lo, I am with you always,” we spread the gospel like a sweet perfume.

In your own home and in your own neighborhood, perhaps, are those who need the sweet perfume of the gospel, that heavenly aroma that comes first from God, then through us as His servants, and finally in the message itself: the good news of sins forgiven and a heavenly home assured.

Around the world, literally, I personally have seen multitudes of men and women, old and young, become new creatures in Christ. The aroma indeed is one of sweet perfume, for tangled lives have become untangled to the glory of God, and joy abounds in hearts and lives where only sadness and despair had been known.

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Today’s Action Point: “Dear Lord, help me to bear a heavenly aroma as I share the sweet perfume of the gospel with others.”

Full

by Suzanne Benner

“They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 6:5)

“Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” (Acts 6:8)

What fills up your being? The book of Acts gives us a compelling description of Stephen. I long to be characterized as he was.

Consider what these qualities would mean in a person’s life:

Full of faith – Faith in God is not wishful thinking or hoping that all our personal desires will be fulfilled. Faith believes that God created us, loved us, redeemed us and is in the process of transforming us.

Full of the Holy Spirit –A life full of the Spirit is in tune with God’s desires and purposes and follows His leading rather than demanding her own way or seeking her own wants or needs.

Full of God’s grace –Patient and generous, she gives herself in service to others without expecting anything in return.

Full of God’s power –Able to withstand the attacks of Satan and the world, her foundation cannot be shaken because it is rooted in Jesus Christ our Rock and our Redeemer.

How do you define faith? What do you most want to be full of and why?

Father we want to be full of You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Fill us with faith. Fill us with Your grace. Fill us with Your power. Amen

Are you walking a Holy Spirit Filled life?

Get Rid of Guilt

By Katherine Kehler

“We were the ones who strayed away like sheep! We, who left God’s paths to follow our own, yet God laid on Him (Jesus) the guilt and sins of every one of us!” Isaiah 53:5

I have read results of a survey finding that most people live with a constant feeling of guilt. We feel guilty because we eat too much, because we don’t exercise enough, because we don’t spend enough time with our kids, spouse, relatives or friends, because we spend too much money or aren’t good enough providers for our family. And even though we can’t squeeze one more thing into our already frenzied schedule, we feel guilty because we are not doing enough.

Recently, I had lunch with an extremely gifted person who told me she felt guilty because she was not doing more of the things her friend was doing. I have learned that there are two kinds of guilt: real guilt and false guilt. My friend was feeling false guilt, and this is what I told her:
“God has given you many wonderful gifts and an amazing network of people. People love you. You are so good at what you do. I couldn’t possibly do those things. If you didn’t do what you did, those things would go left undone. You are just where the Lord wants you to be.”

The enemy of our souls is the ‘accuser’, and he will try to put these feelings of ‘not good enough’ into our minds and hearts. Usually he puts this vague feeling of guilt in us, but nothing really specific. Don’t listen to him.

There is, however, a kind of guilt that is real. Sometimes we have sinful attitudes and do and say sinful things. It may be speaking angry words, swearing, gossiping, jealousy, flirting with someone other than your spouse, having an affair or eating or drinking too much. The Holy Spirit will convict us of these specific sins and we need to admit and confess them. Then, as 1 John 1:9 says, He will forgive and cleanse you and take away your guilt.

We need not walk with feelings of guilt. Christ has set us free from guilt and sin. Let’s walk in the freedom of forgiveness.

“Dear Father, would you please enable me to recognize if the guilt I feel is from your Holy Spirit convicting me of sin, or if is the enemy falsely accusing me. Thank you! Amen”

Guiltless in God’s Eyes

by Charles Spurgeon

“I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:38-39

Believers in Christ are justified, meaning we’re pardoned of our sin. God’s grace, received through faith, does not produce this fruit over time, but right now! Justification is the result of faith, and it is given to a person in the moment when they choose Christ and to follow Him with their heart, soul, strength, and mind.

All those who put their trust in Christ who have died stand before His throne entirely justified. And so will we when we put our trust in Him. The thief on the cross was justified the moment that he put his faith in Jesus. And Paul, after earning many gray hairs through years of constant service, was not any more justified than the thief who had performed no service at all.

We are today accepted by God, today freed from the guilt of sin, today acquitted before the throne of God. There are some grapes which we will not be able to gather until we enter heaven, but God’s acceptance is the ladder which He has lowered down, letting us into the vineyard. We are pardoned! Even now are our sins are remembered no longer. (Hebrews 8:12) Even now we stand in the sight of God accepted, as though we were never guilty: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

There is not a sin written in the Book of God, even now, against any one of His people. There is no speck, spot, wrinkle, or any such thing on any believer in the sight of the Judge of all the Earth. Let this privilege awaken us to our duty, and every day for as long as we live let us praise, worship, and serve wholeheartedly our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Question: Since when we put our faith (trust) in God He remembers our sin no longer, how should we as believers react when we do sin now?

God is a Redeemer

By Roy Lessin

“Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.” Isaiah 54: 5 (NKJV)

God is a Redeemer;
He bought us with a great price,
He rescues and breaks the chains of bondage,
He finds us and brings us home.

God is a Restorer;
He returns what was destroyed and
replaces what was stolen.
He removes the stain of sin,
and brings beauty out of the ruins of our lives.

God is a Renewer;
He rekindles the flame
which flickers in the heart grown cold.
He takes away the old things
and makes all things new.

God is a Reviver;
He brings back to life
the things that were dead. He strengthens
the weak, and makes the broken whole again.

God is a Refresher;
He sends the cooling wind on a summer’s day,
brings rivers to the desert place,
and sends seasons of refreshing to the soul.

What’s Next

by Vonette Bright

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm 143:8

Jana Alcorn knelt beside her son’s bed.

Night-time prayer had been special for Jordan and his dad.

But Jana’s husband Bill had died. A huge void was left. The oncologist explained that Bill had cancer as a result of his exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam. He lived only twelve weeks after the diagnosis.

As representatives for Christ, Bill and Jana had helped others facing that same threat. Now, words seemed ineffective and comfortless for her.

But as Jana looked at her son, God spoke to her heart. Her purpose now was to raise Jordan to be a godly man. Friend, God says - “Trust Me”

Jana admits she’s still learning that lesson. But God is restoring her joy for living and giving her strength in the task of raising a godly son.

Yes, trust God through the valley of the shadow of death. Don’t Throw in the Towel!

Focus

by Gail Rodgers

“For you are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God. Teach me Your way, Lord, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:10 & 11)

Undivided. Fully committed. The dictionary definition of undivided is “whole, exclusive, not partial”. Do you find it a challenge on a busy morning to keep your heart focused with awe on your great God and all He is? Is His faithfulness front and center in your heart and mind as you step out into your day? So often our hearts tend toward being divided in our focus and in our faithfulness and we easily forget that His great faithfulness and His lavish love only has our very best interest at heart.

I love how God can be counted on to remind me throughout my day that He is going ahead of me in every task. His mercy and goodness will follow me as I follow Him
(Psalm 23).

Following Him wholeheartedly through the day is not another chore on the “to do” list. As we pray the words of this verse, “teach me Your way, O Lord”, He comes and reveals His faithfulness as we walk. In turn, our hearts are moved toward fuller devotion to our great and marvelous God. And we are filled with awe.

O Lord, “Teach me Your way that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may stand in awe of Your name.” Amen.

Look at Jesus, Not the Waves

by Jon Walker

“… Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!” Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?” Matthew 14:29-31 (MSG)

The call of discipleship is to follow after Jesus, even onto the water. In a sense, Jesus beckons, “Come closer to me. Be my disciple and learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I am the only way, so I require you to focus exclusively on me in your obedience.”

Then, to underscore the need for this single-minded obedience, the Bible tells us that Peter became distracted. As he sees the wind whipping across the waves, Peter takes his focus off Jesus and he begins to sink into the water. His obedience is now double-minded – and he provides a profound object lesson in what happens when we try to serve two masters.

Here is the way of little faith: We want to walk on water; yet, we insist on being able to focus on whatever we want — sometimes Jesus, sometimes the wind and waves; sometimes Jesus, sometimes our careers and casual pursuits; sometimes Jesus; sometimes “the sin that so easily entangles” (Hebrews 12:1 NIV).

When we choose to focus on our cares and worries, we elevate our anxieties to the same status as the promises of Jesus. But, which is more important, which should demand our greater attention – the ability of Jesus to care for us or the concerns we have about our circumstances?

And so, rather than obeying the commands of Jesus, we demand he tolerate our distractions and double-mindedness. We live within a mythology that says we can somehow follow after Jesus, yet pick and choose what commandments we will obey — and when we’ll obey.

But, if we want to walk on the water with Jesus, we must hear his directing us, ‘Don’t look at the waves; look at Me.‘

THE GOSPEL DOES NOT LICENSE SIN

THE GOSPEL DOES NOT LICENSE SIN

Galatians 2:17-18 But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a law-breaker. (NIVUK)

Paul’s religious critics did not understand why religious observance was not enough to win favour with God. They thought Paul was saying that free salvation through faith in Christ meant that God is not bothered by our sin; they claimed that the gospel promoted sinning. Surely, they argued, if Christ is pleased to forgive sin then He will be pleased when people sin more! If that was true, then He is a promoter of sin, and a law-breaker Himself!

Why should Jesus Christ, who suffered so intensely because of our sin, want to encourage it any more? In Romans 6:1-2, Paul wrote about that false teaching: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning, so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” What is an appropriate response to the suffering of Christ: to deliberately sin more? No! That would show that we had no gratitude or love towards our Saviour. The only right response is to repent, repudiating all that is wrong, and live in a way which will please Him.

The idea, that ‘God does not mind sin’ can creep into Christian minds, even if it is not explicitly taught. It is one of Satan’s tools to disable God’s people, making them ineffective as agents of light in a world of darkness. Sometimes the Evil One stirs a leader to teach that God does not mind what we do because He loves us and wants us to be happy. They are wrong. God is far more zealous for our moral purity than we often imagine. A real friendship is two-way: Christ suffered for us and we live to please Him. When that link is broken, there is little functional relationship. So let us be sure that we live right and teach the truth while humbly trusting in the grace of Christ.

Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for saving me as I put my trust in Jesus Christ and His death for me. However I am sorry that I do not always show You how grateful I am, and sometimes believe that You are indifferent to my sin. Please forgive me; help me to keep resisting temptation and be alert to the need to live a holy life so that my relationship with You may grow and become spiritually productive and glorify You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Take a Step

by Max Lucado

Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. My translation of the first few verses of Matthew chapter 5 say, “Blessed are the dirt-poor, nothing-to-give, trapped-in-a-corner, destitute, diseased,” and Jesus said, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

God says the more hopeless your circumstance, the more likely your salvation. The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers. Healing begins when we depend on Him. God’s help is near and always available, but it’s only given to those who seek it. Compared to God’s part, our part is minuscule but necessary.

Ask forgiveness. Call a counselor. Confess. Call mom. Visit a doctor. Feed a hungry person. Pray. Teach. Go. Do something that demonstrates faith. For faith with no effort is no faith at all. God will respond. He has never rejected a genuine gesture of faith. Never!

Lessons from a One-Legged Sandpiper

by Bethany Hayes

Recently, while sitting by the gulf in Northwest Florida, I watched as three sandpipers scurried by. There was something special about one of them. He had one leg and one little stump.

One leg or two, he could still soar. But to walk through the everyday ins and outs of life, to live with an unchangeable circumstance day after day, to survive one-legged in a two-legged world, took courage and determination. For him, living life was an effort foreign to the others.

None of these things stopped this little sandpiper. He hopped alongside the others, determined to survive in this two-legged world. His was a one-legged life, but he made it work.

When he hopped by, I almost missed him. I almost missed his silent courage and seemingly effortless determination. I almost missed this tiny reminder that obstacles can be overcome and hurdles produce courage.

Sometimes, life seems like a one-legged journey in a two-legged world: off-balance, too much effort, a hindered hop from one hurdle to another.

But life doesn’t have to stop just because it’s hard.

This one-legged sandpiper kept going.

Is there anything stopping us?

Hebrews 12:1b-2a–”Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” (NKJV)

Lord, Thank You for the hurdles of life; the hard things day by day that keep us turned Your direction. Help us not to cave into our circumstances, but to see them as opportunities to run the race with an endurance that only comes from keeping our eyes fixed on You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

A Short Supply of Love

by Gail Rodgers

“And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

It’s easy to call to mind those who challenge our patience and love. How do we love those at work or at church who are spreading rumors or that neighbor who just seems to want to make life miserable for everyone around?

The springs of love are within God. Love does not naturally exist in our own hearts when faced with things that grate on us. God tells us exactly what is required of us. Our responsibility is simply to walk humbly with our God. We need to allow Him to keep our hearts soft with mercy while striving for fairness. This will make a difference in the situations where people seem so irritating.

His Holy Spirit gives us the patience and the ability to be kind and to look for fairness in our dealings. It doesn’t suggest a “door mat” response yet it holds out hope when mercy and fairness, from God’s heart, fill ours and helps us deal patiently with some of the hard people in life. How could you show love to some of the hard people in your life?

Father in Heaven, You have called me to love the world around me. It’s not an easy thing to do. Thank you that You not only spell out how but You also offer the resource of Your mercy and Your wisdom to bring balance to circumstances that seem so out of balance. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit today and let Your love flow through me so others see You through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Thought: Is there someone who needs your patience or forgiveness today? Look for an opportunity to show God’s love to someone today.

Love Just One

by Francis Frangipane

The Upward Call
It is sad, but many Christians muddy along, hoping for nothing loftier than a short reprieve from sin and self-condemnation. Should the lowliness of our sinful state have veto power over the enormity of God’s promises? May it never be! For Scripture assures us that our call, even as lowly as we feel sometimes, is an upward climb that relies upon faith in God’s abilities and Christ’s redemption. We are not harnessed to our flaws and weaknesses; rather, in spirit-to-Spirit fusion we are united to the resurrection power of Heaven! Our call is not merely to attend church but to walk with God, whose eternal goal has predestined us to be “conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans8:29).

Yes, let us deeply repent for our sins and learn to walk humbly with our God, but let us not assume faith must depart so humility may arise. No, our adoption as sons and daughters has made us joint heirs with Christ. You see, everything concerning our salvation and the gifts of God in our lives comes to us not as something we attain by works but as an inheritance we receive by faith.

“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16-17).

Therefore let us set our hopes high upon the promises of God. Though we fall, the Lord will lift us (Proverbs24:16; Micah 7:7-8). God’s grace will not wilt because we’re weak. In ever-increasing degrees He will work in us conformity to Christ the Redeemer. Let us take faith: God will help us.

The Voice of Love
Let me take our statements of faith further and make our quest for discernment as practical as possible. If we seek to know Christ’s motives we will soon perceive His thoughts, for thoughts exist to fulfill motives. Christ’s motive for coming to mankind is to reveal the Father’s love. If we obtain His motive, we will increasingly hear His thoughts.

Thus, as we seek true discernment, let us make our steps practical by turning our focus upon Christ’s love. Indeed, God’s Word tells us that “faith work[s] through love” (Galatians 5:6). Our discernment is made more sure as we rest our heads upon Christ’s breast and listen to His heart.

Yet I also acknowledge that, for some, to love as Christ has loved us remains an ideal too far to reach. Therefore let’s start small and bring this task close to home. Rather than attempting to love everyone, let us reduce our challenge and determine to love just one person. Now I do not mean stop loving family or those you already love. I mean add just one person and love that individual in a greater way.

This person may be a lost neighbor or a backslidden friend; he or she might be a sick acquaintance or an elderly person from church or a child in pain. The Lord will lead you and help you reduce your goal to genuinely loving just one soul.

Come to this experiment without seeking to correct him or her, unless they themselves ask for advice. Pray daily for the individual. And as you listen to the voice of God’s love, something inside you will flower and open naturally toward higher realms of discernment. Inspired by God, impulses and ideas born of love will increase in your relationship with others as well, and the knowledge and insights you gain from loving just one will become a natural part of your personality in loving many.

Yes, discernment will grow as you love just one.

THE EVIL CURSE OF UNBELIEF

THE EVIL CURSE OF UNBELIEF

Galatians 3:1-3 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? (NIVUK)

Some in the Galatian church had believed a lie. False teachers had told them that they could not be in God’s favour by saying that they believed; they had to be religiously good. That was untrue. Even Jesus welcomed criminals and immoral people and as they believed Him, they were welcomed into His kingdom.

But their faithlessness operated as an evil curse. Having believed the lie they were then living under the lie. It was as though they were being controlled by some evil being. They knew that Jesus, who was dead, became alive again. There were enough eye witnesses to confirm the evidence. They knew something of the Holy Spirit’s power in their lives which they had never experienced before. The old way of legalism never produced the liberty in the Spirit. It was as though the powers of evil were trying to rob God’s people of their peace and joy. And they were!

Satan delights in stealing the blessings of God from Christians. He does operate a curse wherever He is allowed to terrorise the believers: the cure being tied to trying to be good when we know that we cannot reach God’s standard. And yet, so many who have begun their walk with Jesus joyfully are sucked back into religious legalism. False teachers abound. Our own flesh still makes us want to be spiritually self-sufficient. But the truth is that we are either totally dependent on the grace of Christ alone, or we have no purpose in this world or hope of heaven to come. Do not let the Evil One manipulate you into thinking that you don’t need Jesus. You do need Him for everything!

Prayer: Dear Lord God. Thank You for saving me, not because of the good things I do but because I am trusting in Jesus alone to remove all my sin and give me a new start every day. Forgive me when I think that I can earn Your favour. Help me to resist false teachers, friends and even my own fleshly nature as Satan accuses me and urges me to despair of my sin and try to help myself. I know that only Your grace can save me. Please bring me back to that simple faith. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Broken Heart? The Lord is Close

by Rick Warren

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

Everybody has had their heart broken in some way — maybe by disappointment, fear, shame, rejection, or ridicule. I would say to you, as your friend, I’m sorry. I really am. I care about the hurt that you have gone through, because God cares about it. He’s hurt with you. What was God doing when you were weeping? He was weeping, too.

In fact, it is in your pain that God is closest to you, whether you realize it or not.

The Bible says in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (NIV). How does he do that? He saves us by giving us a heart transplant. It’s his specialty, in fact.

God says, “For the heart that’s guilty, I’ll give you a heart that’s forgiven. For the heart that’s resentful, I’ll give you a heart that’s full of peace. For the heart that’s anxious, I’ll give you heart that’s confident. For the heart that’s lonely, I’ll give you a heart full of love. That heart that has been bitter and angry? I’ll give you a heart that is forgiving and loving and generous instead. Let me do a heart transplant in you. I will set you free.”

Why do we need freedom? Because we’re all enslaved. We’re a slave to the expectations of other people. We’re slaves to past memories. We’re slaves to future fears. We’re slaves to current pressure. We’re slaves to the opinions of society, and on and on and on.

But all you have to do is open your heart to Jesus Christ and give him 100 percent of your heart. Say, like David in Psalm 119:32, “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”

You have no idea what God wants to do with your life. Stop limiting God! Open your heart to him, and let him transplant it for his own.

Thoughts:
- When are the times you have felt closest to God?
- What were the circumstances surrounding those times?

Give Thanks in ALL Circumstances?

by Muriel Larson

“Give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Carol’s parents were divorced and she never knew her father. The hurt festered in her heart.

As a teacher she enjoyed a particular gifted boy in her class. One day Mark said, “I won’t be in school tomorrow. I have to go to my grandmother’s. My parents are getting a divorce,” he started to cry.

Carol touched his arm. “Mark, I know how much this hurts you. My parents were divorced and I never even knew my father. You have had yours with you for 11 years, and I’m sure he loves you and will keep in touch with you. This doesn’t mean you won’t have a happy life. God has a purpose for you and even though this has happened with your parents, you can someday have a happy marriage, just as I now have.”

Suddenly, Carol realized she was thankful she could use her experience to comfort Mark. As she bowed her head and thanked God for the blessing He could bring from this unhappy dimension of her childhood, the resentment and pain she had carried for years began to dissolve and relinquish their hold. Tears of joy ran down her face. God truly redeems our lives.

Thank you, Father God, that You redeem our lives from the pit and crown us with love and compassion. (Psalm 103:4) Amen.

Action Step: Start a conversation with someone today who is in a difficult experience. Share your story of how God has worked in your life.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

by Darren Hewer

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Have you ever noticed how often thanksgiving and prayer are mentioned together in the Bible? In the same breath that Paul encourages us to “pray continually,” and also says we should “give thanks in all circumstances”. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17) Author Paul E. Miller, in his book A Praying Life(pg. 89-90), collected over a dozen verses where the apostle Paul explicitly connects thanksgiving and prayer. Here is a sample:

”Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

”We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayer.” 2 Timothy 1:3

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers.” Philemon 1:4

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

Prayer itself sometimes will be a struggle, as Paul admits when he explains how Epaphras has been struggling in prayer for their friends in Colossi. (Colossians 4:12) However, by always praying with thanksgiving, we can remain encouraged by remembering what God has done and what He promises He will continue to do. By matching prayer of thanksgiving with prayer of intercession, we will not be weighed down by the prayer needs of others (or ourselves) but instead will balance these needs with the assurance of how God has already provided and will continue to provide for us. In this way, we can, as Paul also encourages, “be joyful always.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

Even when we are praying for help in the midst of deep distress and struggle, give thanks to the God who has sustained and will sustain us always!

Questions: What are you thankful for today? What would you like to ask God for, in a spirit of thanksgiving?

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH AND NOT WORKS

JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH AND NOT WORKS

Galatians 3:6-9 So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. (NIVUK)

It is hard for religious people, or anybody who tries to live a good life, to believe that God is not impressed by their lifestyle. Surely, they say, if they try hard to be good, then God will reward them with blessings and heaven. Where they are right, is in assuming that God loves what is good; where they are wrong, is that God hates what is bad. The problem is not how to do some things that please God, but how to remove all those things that offend God. No religious law is able to make anybody good or take away the curse of a sinful past.

Abraham was not all good. Read his story and discover how he disobeyed God by moving away from the Promised Land to get food, he lied to preserve his life, and he committed adultery to secure his future. And his son Isaac followed a similar pattern of ungodly behaviour. Yet they were declared to be righteous – why? Righteousness was granted to them because they did believe God’s Word at the critical points in their life and believed that He would atone for their sin. And so He covered over their sin. They were not justified by their behaviour but by their faith.

In the same way, people of any culture and background can become ‘children of Abraham’ and ‘children of God’; welcomed by God if they believe in Jesus. We do not have to have a Jewish background in order to be children of God because all those who put their faith in Jesus are welcomed by Father God. Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56). Abraham had faith to believe that God would bring salvation, and although he never met Jesus, he saw Him. The same is true for every true child of God. Trust Jesus today to take away your sins and give you His new life

Prayer: Gracious God. I am so glad that You have forgiven my sins when I believed in Jesus. But I am sorry that I do not value my relationship with You as I should; sometimes slipping back into a religious legalism which make me proud and makes You sad. Please give me fresh eyes to see the importance of trusting in Jesus and to spread that good news to my friends and colleagues. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

All Who Win Souls Are Wise

by Dr. Bill Bright

“Godly men are growing a tree that bears life-giving fruit, and all who win souls are wise.” Proverbs 11:30

I have never led anyone to Christ, and I never shall.

However, I have had the privilege of praying with thousands of people who have received Christ as a result of my witness.

When a person receives Christ, it is the work of the Holy Spirit. That is why I cannot boast over much fruit or be discouraged over little fruit. The responsibility for fruit belongs to the Holy Spirit who works in and through the believer, producing fruit and changing the lives of those who respond favorably to our witness.

The power of our Lord Jesus Christ is available to all who trust and obey Him. We need to “understand how incredibly great His power is to help those who believe Him.” The Lord Jesus commissioned the disciples to go into all the world and preach the gospel, with the promise that He would always be with them.

Who do you know who needs to hear the gospel? How can you begin to communicate it to them?

Action Step: Pray for someone in your life who does not yet know Jesus. Ask God for an opportunity to help him or her move one step closer to Jesus

The Unchained Word

by Marilyn Ehle

“God’s word is not chained.” 2 Timothy 2:9

Albania, once the most restrictive of East Bloc countries, heavily wrapped in the chains of Communism, today is the site of a growing Christian Church. In 1949, many people believed China would be forever closed to the freeing gospel of Christ, but Li Baiguang, a prominent Christian and legal scholar in Beijing recently said, “In 20 to 30 years China will have several hundred million believers.”

Although the ministry of the Apostle Paul seemed to be over “he was imprisoned by the Emperor Nero, chained like a criminal” he could say with complete assurance that “God’s word is not chained.” Another writer of scripture describes the word of God as alive, active, sharp and penetrating.

As we simply believe and confidently speak the “word and words” of God, we can be sure that he will bless and bring results: “The word that goes forth -will not return empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).God’s Word cannot be chained!

May the knowledge that Your word is alive and eternal and will bring forth the results You have in mind, give me courage to faithfully share that word. Thank you for having purposes far greater than I could ever imagine.

Personal Revival

by Katherine Kehler

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test my thoughts. Point out anything in me that makes you sad, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Confession of sin is necessary for fellowship with God and revival among God’s people. The root meaning of the word “confess” is “to say the same as.” Confession, then, is agreeing with God about your sin.

If you click on the Related Article below, you will find a series of questions to help you think through areas of your life that need cleansing. As you read these questions and are convicted of sin, confess at once to God. Then you can claim His cleansing and forgiveness.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9

Be sure to name your sin to God. You could say, “Lord, I have not put You first in my plans” or “I have neglected Your Word and prayer” or “I was impatient with my spouse this morning.” Do not make the least excuse for sin of any kind in your life. Proverbs 28:13 says, “He (or she) who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

You may wish to write down the specific sins that come to mind as you read the questions. Then when you are finished confessing, tear the paper into bits and throw it away as a reminder that God does indeed cleanse you from “all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9b). Embrace the promise of Psalm 102:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

Personal revival begins today – if you desire. Begin your personal revival today.

Father, You are holy and want us to live holy lives. As You know, Lord, we so often rationalize actions and attitudes. I ask, Father, that each person who reads this devotional will take the time to go through the questions and allow You to point out anything that displeases You, then confess it and allow You to fill them with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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