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DR. JAMES DOBSON ON PARENTING (3)
“Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Eph 6:4 NIV
When asked, “How do you suggest parents handle their children’s activities on web sites like Facebook and Twitter?” Dr. Dobson gave this advice: “Parents have to know what technology their kids are using. Sexting is a terrible thing. (“Sexting” is the new term for children exposing themselves to one another online, thinking they are safe because they are in the sanctuary of their own home.) Pornography is pervasive, and parents need to keep up with changes in technology and protect their kids. That’s a tough assignment, because kids are ahead of them. Parents often have extremely demanding careers and when they come home they have nothing left to give, so the culture will often take your kids to hell.” One night a father and his daughter were out on a lake when their small boat was caught in a storm. As he rowed, Dad kept saying to his daughter, “Can you see the shore? Can you see the shore?” After a terrifying hour the little girl pointed over her dad’s shoulder and said, “Yes, I see the light. Momma said if we were out after dark she would hang a light in the window.” When they finally got home a tearful mother hugged her husband and daughter, and thanked God for their safe return. Looking at her, the little girl said, “Momma, you never had to worry. We steered by your light!” Parent, your children are being caught in life’s storms. They are rowing in the dark with no sense of direction. Live for God, and give them a light they can steer by!
June 18, 2013 | -
DR. JAMES DOBSON ON PARENTING (2)
“Talk about them when you sit…when you walk…when you lie down …when you get up.” Dt 6:7 NIV
When asked, “How do you teach your daughter about healthy self-esteem while not training her to be self-focused?” Dr. Dobson gave this answer: “Girls in their adolescent and middle school years are going through puberty, and that brings about acne and gangly bodies. Those girls look at role models like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan. If they dare to be a little overweight—not even fat, but slightly overweight—they hear about it all day long. It tears into the heart and worth of a girl who just wants to be a princess, who wants to be loved by somebody. If the father in this situation doesn’t affirm her, love her, tell her she’s pretty, put his arm around her and give her attention, she often looks for it elsewhere. The only thing she has to bargain with is her sexuality, and she thinks she’ll be loved if she gives certain gifts of her sexuality. We know where that leads: he gets what he wants and dumps her, and she doesn’t get what she wants, which is love.” Dad, if you’ve been AWOL, come back to your children, particularly your daughters. Your home is a classroom. What you teach them there, they will take with them into the rest of their lives. If your life is out of order today, repent, get right with God and start paying attention to what really matters. You can’t undo the past, but with God’s help you can give your children the future they deserve. But it must become one of your highest priorities.
June 17, 2013 | -
DR. JAMES DOBSON ON PARENTING (1)
“Impress them on your children.” Dt 6:6-7 NIV
In an interview with Christianity Today, Dr. James Dobson said: “The culture has totally changed. Girls today are growing up too fast; the influences of the entertainment industry have changed everything. Girls are experiencing things their mothers and grandmothers never experienced. The age of compression thrusts girls into adolescent experience far too early, gets them thinking about sexuality at an early age and creates pressure. We are dealing with evidences of emotional turmoil, including eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia; 90 percent of those with eating disorders are girls, some of them as young as five. Recently a clothing manufacturer finally took this product off the shelves: bikinis with padded bras for seven-year-olds! You also have cutting, piercing, and sexual aggression among elementary school age kids and early involvement in drugs and alcohol. Girls have now reached parity with boys in binge drinking, and there’s a high level of violence among girls. One out of three boys and girls is either a victim or a perpetrator of bullying. We’ve seen news recently about girls who hang themselves after being taunted. There has never been an easy time to raise kids, but it’s harder today.” Parent, if living in your dream home and climbing the ladder of success means losing your children, you’ll regret it. You’ve only one chance to get it right. “These commandments that I give you today…Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (vv. 6-7 NIV).
June 16, 2013 | -
“PROMISES, PROMISES!” (2)
“No…Scripture is…of one’s own interpretation.” 2Pe 1:20 NAS
Here are two more principles for discerning which promises in Scripture are for you: (1) Try to understand the context. No Scripture stands in isolation, but should be read in conjunction with every other Scripture on the same topic. If you isolate “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Php 4:13 NKJV), believing “all things” includes leaping from a twelfth-story window, don’t blame God’s Word for your unexpected demise! You should also have read the context which says, “I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all [these] things through Christ who strengthens me” (vv. 12-13 NKJV). This Scripture doesn’t mean you can do anything you want, but that God will enable you to get through anything you encounter while doing His will. (2) Test Scripture by Scripture, not by your own desires. “No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation.” Some Bible promises are universal in application, and some are personal. The personal ones apply to the intended hearer; the universal ones apply to all believers. Know which is which. If you think the Scripture, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Ac 16:31), guarantees your entire household’s salvation, you might be disappointed and think that God failed. No, that was a personal promise made and fulfilled to the Philippian jailer. A universal word for you and your family is, “In fact, God…wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost” (2Pe 3:9 CEV). He wants your entire family to be saved!
June 15, 2013 | -
“PROMISES, PROMISES!” (1)
“When you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Heb 10:36 NIV
Many of us remember singing in church, “Every promise in the Book is mine!” Exciting words—but are they entirely true? If you’ve prayed for the fulfillment of a Bible promise that didn’t materialize, you may have wondered, felt disillusioned, or even stopped trusting. What’s true is that every promise in the Book intended for you, is yours! God is committed to keeping every promise He has made (See Mt 24:35). So how can you know which Bible promises are yours? Here are some scriptural guidelines to help you: (1) Be sure you understand the promise. God is committed to His Word, not to your interpretation of it. When Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (Jn 2:19 NKJV), His audience completely misunderstood Him, thinking He meant the literal temple when He meant His body. (2) Walk in the Spirit, not the flesh. Walking in the Spirit, Peter received divine understanding of Christ’s deity. When Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father” (See Mt 16:13-18). Soon afterwards, walking in the flesh, the same man totally misunderstood Jesus and was severely rebuked by Jesus (See vv. 21-23). Why? Because “The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God…nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1Co 2:14 NKJV). So submit your thoughts to God; pray for His guidance, and in due time you’ll get the insight you need.
June 14, 2013 | -
RESPONDING TO FAILURE
“A righteous person may fall…but he gets up again.” Pr 24:16 GWT
You can tell a lot about somebody by how they respond to life. Everybody gets knocked down, but how fast you get up again is what counts. Verla Gillmor says: “Failure teaches us things we can’t learn any other way…Treat it as a visitor allowed to deliver unpleasant news, but don’t let it take up residence. Remember, all failures aren’t equal. For example, when a beautiful, talented young woman is first-runner-up in the Miss America Pageant, we say she failed. Yet some people would give their right arm to be named the second most attractive female in a national competition. It’s a matter of perspective… [examine] your failures and weigh them according to their importance in the overall scheme of things…I once received a ‘D’ in college…it’s ridiculous, but that sticks in my mind like a pebble in my shoe. Why do I fixate on that and not the fact that it happened the semester I carried nineteen credit hours, worked part-time, got engaged, and spent six weeks in the college health center with mononucleosis? When I put the experience in context, it loses its power to undermine my confidence. Failure teaches us what’s important. I’ve a friend who was downsized out of a job…It caught her by surprise because she was good at her work. ‘I tended to be full of pride,’ she says. ‘I got away with it because I was so successful. Losing my job…humbled me. With pride you have no permission to fail. It’s a heavy yoke…and I don’t wear it any more. I feel lighter in my spirit without the burden of having to be perfect.’”
June 13, 2013 | -
WORKING IN THE KINGDOM (3)
“The father [or mother] of a righteous man has great joy.” Pr 23:24 NIV
The hardest work is sometimes the most overlooked work. A husband came home from work one day and the house was an absolute mess. Clothes were strewn all over the floor, dirty dishes filled the sink, the kids were crying, the beds were unmade, the bathrooms smelled bad and the TV set was blaring. When he asked his wife what was going on she replied, “You know how you ask me every night what I did all day? Well, today I didn’t do it.” If you’re a stay-at-home mom or dad, God considers your work to be important. It’s more important to the future than just about any other profession—because you’re determining the quality of the next generation. Martin Luther said, “What you do in your house is worth as much as if you did it up in heaven for our Lord.” One day God will say, “Well done,” to parents who cared for children—bathing them, feeding them, cleaning up after them—when they were tired and thought nobody was looking. Somebody is looking. Somebody is keeping track. It is worth it! You are the one who makes your work significant—not the other way round. When you discover the gifts God has given you and the passions He has placed within you, and put them to work in the service of values you deeply believe in—you are “working for God” in the truest sense. So each day ask God to make your work go well. And try to identify the larger picture in your work that makes it a “calling.”
June 12, 2013 | -
WORKING IN THE KINGDOM (2)
“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given.” Mt 25:29 NLT
Your value on the job is determined by the value you add to the job. When a Christian goes to work each day God holds them accountable for adding, enhancing and improving things in their workplace. Jesus told the story of three men who were each given money. One was given five bags of it, another two, and another one. The first two “went and traded with them, and gained” (v. 16 NAS). They showed skill, initiative, and made 100 percent profit. So they were commended by their master. But the third man just punched the clock, called in sick, didn’t train, try, dare, or do. So his job review didn’t go too well. And Jesus said something that ought to make us all sit up and take notice: “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.” That means if your attitude and work ethic are poor, you’re in trouble with God. So, let’s stop and think about your job. If Jesus were your supervisor, would you do your work any differently? How would you answer the phone, type documents, treat your employees, or teach your pupils if Jesus were checking your work? As a citizen of God’s kingdom you need to periodically review your attitude on the job, solicit feedback on how you can grow, demonstrate love and grace to those you work with, make your company profitable, and enjoy the work you do.
June 11, 2013 | -
WORKING IN THE KINGDOM (1)
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Mk 10:43 NIV
Disneyland is referred to as “the Magic Kingdom.” For those who work there, one value is emphasized above all others. It’s what puts the “magic” into that kingdom. What is it? Servanthood! Employees are told that when you walk through those gates, you serve. You treat every encounter with people as if they were your personal guest. If they need directions, you escort them. If they ask a question you’ve heard a hundred times, you answer it as if you’d never heard it before. There’s a ride called the Jungle Cruise, and the most common question asked about it is, “How long is this ride?” So the staff is given a prepared, standard answer: “The Jungle Cruise is an exciting adventure ride that lasts ten minutes.” But one employee had been asked it once too often, so when a couple asked, “How long is the Jungle Cruise?” he said, “Three days.” The couple got out of line, went back to the Disney Hotel, packed their suitcases, checked out, and came back to the line at the Jungle Cruise. The next day, that Disneyland employee was gone, and a new employee was saying, “The Jungle Cruise is an exciting adventure ride that lasts ten minutes.” When you represent God’s kingdom you’re supposed to go out of your way to facilitate people, love them and meet their needs. Why? Because Jesus, Who is the king in this kingdom, said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mt 20:28 NIV).
June 10, 2013 | -
GET RID OF THE “CLUTTER”
“Let the Spirit renew your…attitudes.” Eph 4:23 NLT
When you sell a house it feels great to get rid of stuff you’ve accumulated. You wonder why you lived so long with it weighing you down. It’s the same with mental and emotional clutter. Jon Gordon says, “We fill our minds with thoughts that hold us back, habits that limit us, distractions that derail us, negative people who drain us, fear that paralyzes us, time-zappers that sabotage our productivity. We spend so much time and energy on things that don’t matter—we fail to focus on what does matter. We fill up with so many things that generate negative energy, there’s no room for positive energy in our lives.” Paul writes, “Throw off your…former way of life…let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes” (vv. 22-23 NLT). The clutter you need to lose includes: believing that you’re alone, trying to please everybody, feeling insecure, putting yourself down, needing everybody to like you, jumping to negative conclusions before you know the facts, thinking you’re always right, recalling all the times you messed up, wanting to know how it all turns out, needing to have all the answers, worrying that if you let go of the memorabilia you’ll lose the memories, agonizing that you’re not rich enough, good enough or smart enough, surrounding yourself with people who remember the bad times and not the good, making energy-sucking comparisons, viewing life like a movie instead of participating, believing that your best days are over, waiting at all times for the right moment, fearing you will look foolish, focusing on negative type-casting…and anything else you don’t want to pass on to your kids. How can you get rid of the clutter? “Let the Spirit renew your…attitudes.”
June 9, 2013 | -
WHERE’S YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY?
“Riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.” Pr 27:24 NIV
One mega-insurance company advertises itself as “the Rock,” claiming to be the foundation of your financial security. Remember when we trusted such slogans? Not anymore; it’s not the same world. Financial uncertainty characterizes today’s world of failing banks, crumbling investment giants, shrinking multinational corporations, swelling lines of the under-employed and unemployed, plus an epidemic of fear plaguing the hearts of the presently-employed. For the young, the joy of graduation has become the stress of college debts and a shrinking job market. Many older folks are trading in their retirement dreams for a new twenty-first century reality: “work till you drop.” In such times, where can we turn? To politicians? To government? To the next get-rich-quick guru? The Bible says, “Riches do not endure forever, and a crown (human government) is not secure for all generations.” What’s the answer? Turn to the only reliable source of security: God! There’s no financial crisis in His kingdom! Israel hungered and thirsted and He sent them fresh manna and water from the rock. He assigned ravens to feed Elijah, multiplied oil and flour to sustain a destitute widow’s family, fed thousands from a boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish. And He asks us: “Is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jer 32:27 NAS). No! So: (1) trust God to provide for you; (2) do what He tells you to do; (3) believe that God “will.” “The lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field. You will have plenty…to feed you and your family” (Pr 27:26-27 NIV).
June 8, 2013 | -
YOU CAN CARRY GOD’S PRESENCE WITH YOU (3)
“So he is first in everything.” Col 1:18 NLT
The ark of the covenant is mentioned in Scripture about 185 times, so it must be important. Every bit of activity in the outer court and inner court of the tabernacle was for one purpose, to lead you into the Holy of Holies where God’s presence was. Old Testament symbols, such as the ark, are a picture of New Testament realities. In this regard, the ark, which was the most important piece of furniture in the tabernacle, is a picture of the Christ we love and serve. He is Lord. He is supreme. There’s no one like Him. And He alone is worthy of all praise! Paul writes: “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before everything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself” (vv. 15-20 NLT). If your faith is “me-centered,” you’ll get nowhere with God. But when your faith is “Christ-centered,” then everything Christ has becomes available to you!
June 7, 2013 | -
YOU CAN CARRY GOD’S PRESENCE WITH YOU (2)
“I am the Lord your God…who directs you.” Isa 48:17 NIV
The ark of the covenant represented three things to the people of Israel. And these are three things you need in your life. Let’s look carefully at each:
June 6, 2013 |
(1) Victory. When Israel went into battle they must have looked strange to their enemies, because the priests who carried the ark of the covenant went ahead of the army. Indeed, when their enemies saw it they may have laughed and said, “What’s that all about? What’s the big deal with the box?” But after they had been humbled by defeat they realized they weren’t fighting man, but God. And when you are in right standing with God He will go before you and fight your battles. And the great thing is, God has never lost a battle. (2) Guidance. When the Israelites needed direction, God spoke to them in the place where the ark rested in the tabernacle. And they discovered what you will discover: when you seek God’s guidance and listen to Him, you won’t get it wrong. His guidance system is infallible: “I am the Lord your God…who directs you in the way you should go.” (3) Prosperity. Prosperity simply means, “Having enough to do the will of God.” And that’s how much God wants you to have, no more and no less. When the ark rested for a three-month span in the house of a man called Obed-Edom, all that he had was blessed and multiplied (See 2Sa 6:10-12). Could you use more victory, more guidance, and more prosperity? Spend time in God’s presence, and then carry it with you wherever you go. -
YOU CAN CARRY GOD’S PRESENCE WITH YOU (1)
“The poles…are not to be removed.” Ex 25:15 NIV
The ark of the covenant represented the presence of God in the midst of His people. When the Philistines captured it, they were smitten with tumors. When they placed it in their temple, their god Dagon fell to the ground (See 1Sa 5). The moral of this story is—don’t mess around with the things of God! Even if you are not prepared to serve God, at least be wise and reverence Him.
June 5, 2013 |
When Israel conquered the Philistines, David decided to bring the ark, the symbol of God’s presence, back home to Jerusalem. Now, when God designed that ark He put rings on the side of it, and poles through those rings, saying it must only be carried on the shoulders of special priests. But somebody thought up “a better way,” so they put it on a new cart pulled by an ox. And that’s when everything went wrong. When the ark started to slip off the cart, a well-meaning bystander decided to steady it. And he died for it! You say, “That’s pretty extreme.” There’s a lesson here for those who want to package God’s presence, market it, and “take it on the road.” Who is qualified to carry God’s presence? Only believer-priests who have been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, are washed by the Word at the laver, who fellowship with God at His table, who worship Him at the altar of incense, and who walk in the light of truth represented by the seven-branched lampstand. Away with newfangled carts! “The Lord added to the church” (Ac 2:47 NKJV). If we are going to carry God’s presence and build His church, we’ve got to do it His way. -
PATRIA POTESTAS
“You received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing son-ship].” Ro 8:15 NKJV
Paul’s audience would have understood his use of Roman adoption law when teaching the benefits we receive as redeemed members of God’s family. A Roman father held absolute right and control, legally entitled patria potestas, over his children at any age. Roman adoption was a two-step process that transferred children from one patria potestas to another. (1) Emancipation. This step included a symbolic sale where the natural father twice “sold” and “bought back” his child, and a third where he didn’t buy them back, ending his paternal rights. (2) Vindication. Here the adoptive father presented his case for adoption to a Roman magistrate, who legally transferred the child to his patria potestas. Likewise, we have been transferred from Satan’s grip to our heavenly Father’s blessed patria potestas! The benefits of Roman adoption were Paul’s chief focus in Romans chapter eight: (a) The adopted person lost all rights in their old family, but gained a new father and all the rights of a legitimate member of their new family. (b) They became an heir to their new father’s estate. When there were other siblings, they became joint-heirs together. (c) All their debts were completely cancelled, legal records of their history were expunged; the past had no effect on their new life. (d) Seven citizens witnessed all legal adoptions. If the adoptee’s legitimacy was ever challenged, each witness could testify to their legitimate standing. Thank God, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (v. 16 NIV). No less than the Holy Spirit Himself validates your membership in God’s family!
June 4, 2013 | -
WHAT’S A PARENT TO DO?
“But his sons did not walk in his ways.” 1Sa 8:3 NIV
At times every parent despairs over their child’s decisions and actions. “I did my best to raise them right; did I fail as a parent?” Failure is a fact of life—and of parenting—and nobody does it perfectly! Parents assume a heavier load of guilt than they deserve. Consider some Bible examples of real-world parenting: Isaac had, at best, a 50 percent success rate with his sons, Jacob and Esau. Aaron struck out completely with Nadab and Abihu. Manoah’s boy Samson didn’t win the “son-of-the-year award”! And Samuel, a recognized moral and spiritual giant, watched his sons reject his example and teaching and pursue lives of bribery and shame. Since Adam, kids “doing their own thing” have broken their parents’ hearts! So what’s a parent to do? (1) Realize you’re not responsible for their decisions. They make their own choices. Condemning yourself just discourages you, and it undermines your ability to be the parent they need. The Bible says, “Salvation is of the Lord” (Jnh 2:9). He saves and delivers—not you. (2) Pray for them and give them to God. Anxiety and frustration will only make you the kind of parent they don’t enjoy being around, and who can’t enjoy them. You’re not built to carry such a load; your heavenly Father is, and He wants to carry it for you! (See 1Pe 5:7). (3) Remember that God loves them more than you do! He gave His only child to save yours. He knows their heart, and how to reach it and turn it toward Him (See Jer 17:9-10). So give your child to Him!
June 3, 2013 | -
TAKE THE PLUNGE (2)
“Underneath are the everlasting arms.” Dt 33:27 NKJV
Picture this: a father and his two small children are at play. He’s in the pool, and he invites them to run and jump into his arms. One does, the other doesn’t. The one who doesn’t, watches gleefully, applauds, and jumps up and down. But when her dad invites her to do the same she shakes her head and backs away. Is that you? Living on the edge of the pool, never taking the plunge, happy to experience life vicariously through others? Preferring to take no risk, rather than any risk? For fear of the worst, you never enjoy the best. You say, “But I’m not sure what I’m jumping into!” Read this: “Underneath are the everlasting arms.” Foolishness is closing your eyes and jumping before you know there’s even water in the pool, or that your father has said, “Come, I’ll catch you.” Faith is knowing that the only way to conquer your fear of the water is to take the leap, because the One who is calling you has been there for you from the moment you became His child. Nothing is more important to Him than your safety, the development of your faith, and your total success in life. God told Joshua, “Arise, go over this Jordan…to the land which I am giving [you] …Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Jos 1:2, 7 NKJV). Note the words, “Arise, go, be strong.” In other words, take the plunge!
June 2, 2013 | -
TAKE THE PLUNGE (1)
“The prudent [wise] considers well his steps.” Pr 14:15 NKJV
After you’ve prayed, planned and prepared, there comes a point where you’ve got to take the plunge. Is it scary? Absolutely! There are two kinds of people. Those who leap before they look; they are driven by impulse. Then there are those who look, and look, and look but never leap; they are controlled by fear. Which are you? To get to the Promised Land, Israel had to cross the River Jordan at flood tide. It must have made the strongest heart skip a beat. God had promised that when the feet of the priests carrying the ark stepped into the water it would roll back. Can you imagine their thoughts? “Couldn’t we wait until the tide goes down? Why do I have to go first? What if the waters don’t roll back and I drown?” The step between prudence and paranoia is short and steep. Prudence wears a seatbelt; paranoia avoids cars altogether. Prudence washes with soap; paranoia avoids human contact altogether. Prudence saves for old age; paranoia clings to every penny. Prudence prepares and plans; paranoia panics. Prudence calculates the risk and takes the plunge; paranoia never enters the water. To reach your God-ordained destiny you must quit holding back, obey God and step into the water. The moment you do, doors will begin to open and resources will be released where there now seems to be only shortage. God will provide the means, the method, and the manpower. So stand on His promise: “I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you” (Isa 43:4-5 NKJV).
June 1, 2013 | -
How to Graduate with Highest Honors (3)
“I press on to…receive the heavenly prize.” Php 3:14 NLT
By living a focused life. Great achievers stay focused on their goal. They are so single-minded that they are often considered fanatics. They filter out the extraneous and hone in on their target like a laser, while all around them others live lives cluttered with much-talked-about projects that never get off the ground. Paul’s calling was his life’s obsession. “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God …is calling” (vv. 13-14 NLT). It so preoccupied him that all other interests paled into insignificance. He permitted nothing and no one to sidetrack him from winning. He wrote: “Fight the good fight of the faith” (1Ti 6:12 NIV). He knew it wasn’t enough to be strong in faith, you must also be strong in “fight.” Sometimes fear, criticism and past failure dictate our direction and we drift aimlessly through our days. The future encroaches on us, looking more like the past. We “oil the wheels that squeak the loudest,” hoping for life to favor us. But it doesn’t work! Graduation with highest honors takes: (1) Focus. And focus doesn’t just happen, you must direct it. (2) Single focus. “I focus on this one thing.” (3) Forgetting past failures. (4) Intense anticipation of future success. “Looking forward to what lies ahead.” (5) A full-court press. “I press on to reach the end of the race.” Take these steps, and you too will graduate with highest honors.
May 31, 2013 | -
How to Graduate with Highest Honors (2)
“That…day…God will reveal who his children really are.” Ro 8:19 NLT
By living a sacrificial life. Salvation is free, but graduation with highest honors costs dearly: “I have suffered the loss of all things” (Php 3:8). Paul once had a comfortable life, then everything changed. He was beaten almost to death eight times. He faced danger at the hand of friend and foe. He endured nakedness, sleeplessness, starvation and thirst (See 2Co 11:23-29). Did he get discouraged? Yes. Did he give up? No. “I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake” (2Co 12:10 NAS). Did he pray for relief? Sure. Three times he asked the Lord to alleviate his suffering. When God replied, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness” (v. 9 NLT), he learned to “take pleasure in…insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles” (v. 10 NLT), leaning on God for strength. Where did he find such joy? Through “the infinite value of knowing Christ” (Php 3:8 NLT). Intimacy with Christ was his consuming passion. Though conscious of his problems, he stayed consecrated to his Lord. “For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” (v. 8 NLT). Paul decided that whatever the cost, graduation with highest honors was worth it. “To share [Christ’s] glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later” on that “future day… God will reveal who his children really are” (Ro 8:17-19 NLT). Live today with that picture foremost in your mind.
May 30, 2013 | -
How to Graduate with Highest Honors (1)
“There is in store for me the crown.” 2Ti 4:8 NIV
Do you remember the feeling you had when your name was called to receive your high school or college diploma and you heard the words, “Congratulations on your graduation.” You did it! All your effort paid off. Your accomplishment had finally been acknowledged. Now, multiply that feeling a thousand times over! Picture yourself entering the presence of the One who will award you the crown of righteousness while the saints of all the ages look on. Paul anticipated graduating with highest honors: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown” (vv. 7-8 NIV). For the next few days let’s talk about how you can graduate this life with highest honors.
May 29, 2013 |
By living an unselfish life. There’s no greater obstacle to the life God designed you to live, than selfishness. Ego and self-promotion pollute our souls and destroy our relationships. Paul understood the need to dethrone ego. “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20 NIV). This reflected: (a) A change of values. Paul once lived to persecute Christians; now he says, “For to me to live is Christ” (Php 1:21). (b) A change of ambition. The old Paul, whose goal was to be a recognized champion of religion, says, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” (Php 3:7 NIV). (c) A change of mind. The brilliant philosopher, Pharisee and lawyer renounces his self-seeking ways and writes, “Think the same way that Christ Jesus thought” (Php 2:5 CEV). -
When You’re in a Storm
“The boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves.” Mt 14:24 NKJV
Talk about a person caught in a storm! Jeremiah could tell you the height of the waves and the speed of the wind. He realized how fast he was sinking, so he shifted his gaze. “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him’” (Lam 3:21-24 RSV). When Jeremiah turned his eyes away from the waves to look to God, he started to recite a quintet of promises: (1) “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.” (2) “His mercies never come to an end.” (3) “They are new every morning.” (4) “Great is your faithfulness.” (5) “The Lord is my portion.” The storm didn’t cease, but Jeremiah’s discouragement did. Paul talks about “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:19 NKJV). Great hymns are a great help. They help you to get your eyes on the One who walks on the water and calms the storm. “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be. Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”
May 28, 2013 | -
Who’s on Board with You?
“I believe God will do exactly what he told me.” Ac 27:25 TM
Robert Schuller was on a cruise ship in the Coral Sea when the captain announced they were about to navigate a very narrow and dangerous crevice. They needed at least thirty feet of water to get through and avoid running aground. Just then a small motorboat approached and on deck was a captain from Australia. As he boarded the big ship, the crew saluted and stepped aside to let him take the helm. This man specialized in maneuvering big ships through small spaces, and because of his expertise they made it through without a problem. There’s an important lesson here. Before you get caught in life’s storms make sure Jesus is at the helm, and that you know who your traveling companions are. In the midst of a gale that threatened to sink their ship, Paul stood up and announced, “Take heart. I believe God will do exactly what he told me.” Paul had confidence because he knew who the real Captain was that day. He never doubted for a moment that God would honor His promise to save him, and everyone on board. When you go through storms that shake your faith you need people who know what the Word of God says; people who believe that God will “do exactly” what He said no matter how bad the circumstances look. Such friends are few and far between, and they’re precious. If you have one or two of them in your life today you’re blessed. So thank God for them.
May 27, 2013 | -
Finding Comfort in Troubled Times
“But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us.” 2Co 7:6 NIV
You say, “Surely Paul was too spiritually mature to feel downcast?” Apparently not! The chief apostle and leader of the church experienced discouragement, stress, restlessness, and even fears. “When we arrived in Macedonia province, we couldn’t settle down. The fights in the church and the fears in our hearts kept us on pins and needles. We couldn’t relax because we didn’t know how it would turn out” (vv. 5-6 TM). So, where do we turn for strength in our times of trouble? Consider some ways God sends us comfort and encouragement: (1) He comforts us by His presence. “Now may…God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing” (2Th 2:16-17 NLT). It’s God’s nature to be with us, to give us comfort when we’re mourning (See Mt 5:4); brokenhearted (See Ps 147:3); overwhelmed (See Ps 145:14); worried (See Is 41:10); sick (See Ps 41:3). But we must acknowledge His presence and accept His comfort! (2) He comforts us by His Word. “Remember what you said to me, your servant—I hang on to these words for dear life! These words hold me up in bad times; yes, your promises rejuvenate me” (Ps 119:49-50 TM). (3) He comforts us through our prayers. “The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength” (Ps 138:3 TM). (4) He comforts us through godly friends. Paul writes: “God…comforted us by the coming of Titus.” Today, look for those who bring comfort, and practice comforting others.
May 26, 2013 | -
Knowing When to Emerge
“[Like] a child without wisdom; when the time arrives, he [or she] does not come to the opening of the womb.” Hos 13:13 NIV
Timing is an integral part of God’s plan for your life. You need to know what to do, and when to do it. If you wait too long you’ll miss your window of God-given opportunity. One author points out that as believers we experience two births: a natural and a spiritual birth. She writes: “For some…spiritual birth happens in childhood. Others, like me, have to work to get there with a combination of effort and…the stripping down of layers of independence. Regardless of how we get to the spiritual labor/delivery room, at our appointed time—unlike a natural birth…we must be willing to be reborn. We can’t remain in darkness and isolation. ‘When the time arrives [to] come to the opening of the womb’ and be pushed into the world as a new creation, you must be willing to emerge. We all know people who attend every seminar and read every self-help book. They’re always getting ready to emerge, but never quite make it. You may even be one of them. Perhaps God has given you a vision but you’ve hidden it away for so long waiting for the right time, it has become stale. Visions have a shelf life. They are for ‘an appointed [fixed, chosen, prearranged] time’” (Hab 2:3 NIV). Maurice Chevalier said, “If you wait for the perfect moment when all is safe and assured…mountains will not be climbed, races won, or lasting happiness achieved.” Bottom line: you can sit on the sidelines—or get involved in the game. So, what will it be?
May 25, 2013 | -
Persist in Prayer
“This, then, is how you should pray.” Mt 6:9 NIV
If prayer came naturally, God wouldn’t have to remind us so often to do it. A consistent prayer life requires crucifying our selfish nature. But when prayer doesn’t seem rewarding, we’re apt to abandon it. So how can you pray and get results? (1) Before you ask, adore! Any prayer that begins with asking can become self-centered and shallow. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Ps 100:4 NIV). When God’s love, goodness and faithfulness are your starting point, you’re lifted out of yourself, your spirit is prepared to “connect” with God, the content of your prayer becomes more scriptural, and you get results. In the Lord’s Prayer Jesus directs our attention first to God’s name, then His kingdom, then His will. After that, we ask for “our daily bread.” Thanksgiving doesn’t condition God to bless you—it conditions you to receive His blessing. (2) When you pray, persist! God’s not an automated teller. You are supposed to stay engaged with Him until He decides to answer you. This involves an attitude of faith, persistence and patience. Jesus gave us a parable about a woman who kept pleading with a hardhearted judge to grant her petition. When she finally wore him down, he gave her what she asked. Jesus had only one purpose for the parable: “To show them that they should always pray and not give up” (Lk 18:1 NIV). The point is not that persistence forces God’s cooperation, it’s that God wants you to pray and not quit. When you persist God will answer, “and quickly!” (v. 8 NIV).
May 24, 2013 | -
God Will Take Care of You!
“The Lord…has given rest to his people.” 1Ki 8:56 NIV
Live for today, and put tomorrow into God’s hands. Begin to eliminate the words “what if” from your vocabulary. God will always be one step ahead of you. “The Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Dt 31:8 NKJV). The reason God is called the “Alpha and Omega” in Scripture is because He not only initiates the starting point of your spiritual journey, He has arranged every step of it according with His will. He says to you: “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope…when you pray, I will listen…I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes” (Jer 29:11-14 NLT). If you’re fearful of the future, check with the past. “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people…according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised” (1Ki 8:56 NKJV). You will never conquer your worries entirely, for worries, just like weaknesses and character flaws, draw you closer to God and keep you dependent on Him.
May 23, 2013 |
For forty years in the wilderness the Israelites never missed a meal. God delivered it to the door of each of their tents daily. And He will provide for you too. “Not so in haste, my heart! Have faith in God, and wait; although he lingers long, he never comes too late.” -
Law and Order (2)
“Love your children by disciplining them.” Pr 13:24 TM
Children who are a joy to live with don’t get that way by living in a lawless home. Ever see the movie Bonnie and Clyde? The big story behind Bonnie is the mother who raised her. She thought everything Bonnie did was “cute.” She actually eulogized her: “As the flowers are made brighter by the sunshine and dew; this world is made brighter by folks like you!” But Bonnie wasn’t so cute when she went on a murderous rampage. Giving your child structure makes them feel cared for and secure. So here are two guidelines: (1) Explain the rules clearly. Punishing a child over a rule they don’t understand just makes them resentful. The fewer your rules the better—just make them understandable, doable, and observable. “Preaching” and moralizing only creates resistance. (2) Enforce the rules consistently. What brings a smile today shouldn’t bring a slap tomorrow. Inconsistency weakens your authority and breeds disobedience in them. Here are some things to shun: (a) Avoid comparing. No child should be expected to be just like another. (b) Avoid hurtful labels like “You’re stupid, lazy, bad, a waste of time,” etc. Describe their actions; don’t demolish their self-worth. (c) Avoid idle threats. Enforce the rule, or drop it. (d) Avoid bribes; they just breed manipulation and diminish the importance of rules. (e) Avoid making fun of their weaknesses. (f) Don’t fear saying “No!” Their future success and happiness depend on learning to deal with it. (g) Admit your failures. However, though you “blow it” occasionally, you’re still responsible to require they follow your laws, not your lapses!
May 22, 2013 | -
Law and Order (1)
“Discipline your children; you’ll be glad you did—they’ll turn out delightful to live with.” Pr 29:17 TM
We’re producing a generation of kids who are allowed to rear themselves with the aid of television, violent videos, and the Internet (which can be a minefield!). Often both parents work, leaving one child to supervise another. As a result they become a law unto themselves. “A child left to himself disgraces his [parents]” (Pr 29:15 NIV). Most of us are loving parents, but our children need discipline and rules to live by. Love has a backbone; it’s called law and order. Without it, love is just license. “A refusal to correct is a refusal to love” (Pr 13:24 TM). Remember the cute cartoon where Dad, strap in hand, makes disobedient Dennis “assume the position”? He says, “This is going to hurt me more than you.” Dennis responds, “Don’t feel obligated to hurt yourself on my behalf.” Enforcing law and order isn’t easy. But the alternative is a betrayal of our children and our God-given responsibility! Failure to enforce law and order to gain short-term popularity with our kids always ends up costing us their long-term respect. Expecting younger kids to figure out what’s right and wrong is a burden they shouldn’t have to bear; their neurological and moral equipment isn’t sufficiently developed yet for such responsibility. The Bible says, “Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough-minded discipline” (Pr 22:15 TM). Your children learn to make good decisions from the rewards and consequences of dealing with law and order at home. So don’t fail them!
May 21, 2013 | -
The Answer to Your Worries
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Pr 18:21 NKJV
Your words either work for you or against you. The Bible says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” The old saying, “You’ll eat your words,” is more than a meaningless cliché, it’s the truth! Jeremiah the prophet writes, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart” (Jer 15:16 NKJV). The Psalmist writes, “They cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses (worries). He sent His word and healed them” (Ps 107:19-20 NKJV). God’s Word is the medicine that heals worry. So what God has to say about the issue must be what you have to say about it too; otherwise you’re contradicting Him and disconnecting yourself from the source of all blessing. If you’re wise, you will surround yourself with like-minded people who speak God’s Word into your life, and limit your time with those who have no interest in it. If you want to grow the right kind of fruit, you must have the right climate. And the words you speak (and listen to) determine the climate of your life, the direction in which it goes, and the results you get. There is no “secret” to success. The Bible says that when you learn to “meditate day and night” in God’s Word, you “will prosper in all you do” (See Ps 1:1-3). So the answer to your worries is in God’s Word!
May 20, 2013 | -
Step Out in Faith!
“Why should we sit here waiting to die?” 2Ki 7:3 NLT
Unless you’re willing to take risks you won’t succeed in life. Yes, there’s a time for playing it safe. But when caution becomes a lifestyle, you get bogged down in mediocrity and failure while life passes you by. When you finish praying, searching the Scriptures and listening to godly counsel—you’ve got to step out in faith.
May 19, 2013 |
Four lepers sat outside the famine-stricken city of Samaria. They considered their situation. “We’re starving to death. There’s food in the city. Enemy soldiers are in the city. We can play it safe, sit here and die. Or go into the city and see whether they feed us or kill us!” They knew their worst option was playing it safe and doing nothing. So what happened? They were saved by taking a step of faith. Now, your risks may be less dramatic, but unless you take them you’ll never fulfill your God-given assignment in life. The Bible says, “Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them” (Ecc 10:8-9 NIV). By trying to avoid falls, bites, injuries, danger, etc., you miss out on life’s opportunities. Walking by faith means: (1) Accepting worthwhile risks. You’ve got to go out on a limb, for that’s where the fruit is. (2) Preparing wisely for your risks. God rewards excellence. “Using a dull axe requires great strength, so sharpen the blade…That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed” (v. 10 NLT). So go ahead, step out in faith! -
When You Feel Down (2)
“Let us not grow weary while doing good.” Gal 6:9 NKJV
Fatigue: Remember the old saying, “You can’t burn the candle at both ends”? Today we’ve gone from candle power to atomic power, and few of us pay heed to that old saying anymore. We want bigger homes, fancier cars and more exotic vacations, etc. So we start earlier, work harder, and finish later. Then we stagger home and fall asleep in front of the television, worn out and feeling guilty about spending so little time with our family. We forget that God designed us to need one work-free day a week for rest and spiritual renewal (See Ex 20:8-11). As a result, fatigue saps our creative energy, distorts our outlook, diminishes our joy, erodes our confidence and drains us spiritually. Elijah is a great example of this. Single-handedly he defeated the prophets of Baal (See 1Ki 18). In answer to his prayer, God sent fire from heaven that consumed the altar and turned Israel back to God. It was a spectacular victory, yet on the heels of it he got so down that he actually asked God to take his life. Now that’s a major league downer! So what did God do? Like any good doctor, He diagnosed the man’s problem and prescribed three things: proper diet, adequate rest, and a good assistant: Elisha. Many of us who love what we work at, tend to get out of balance. We have no boundaries so we risk burning out. We “grow weary while doing good.” What’s the answer? “He restores my soul” (Ps 23:3 NKJV). The word “restores” has two parts: “rest” and “store.” Relax physically, and replenish spiritually. That’s what to do when you feel down!
May 18, 2013 | -
When You Feel Down (1)
“We will stand in your presence…cry out to you…and you will hear us and save us.” 2Ch 20:9 NIV
A parishioner asked his pastor, “Do you ever feel down?” “Sure,” he responded. “What do you do about it?” the parishioner said. “I get up again. Being down isn’t my problem—staying down is. I’m either up, or I’m getting up. I’ve learned not to park in between.” Although feeling down is universal, sociologists warn us to guard against its two most common causes: fear and fatigue. Let’s look at them:
May 17, 2013 |
Fear: When Edomite armies marched against Israel’s king, fear gripped him and his nation. Feeling powerless, they feared losing their God-given land and possessions. If the stress of the last few years has left you feeling fearful, do what Israel’s king did. He turned to God and prayed: “Whenever we are faced with any calamity…we can…stand in your presence…We can cry out to you…and you will hear us and rescue us” (v. 9 NLT). Don’t let fear cause you to abandon your hope and your vision. Instead, stand in God’s presence, cry out to Him, and watch Him rescue you. Throughout the Old Testament God reminded Israel of His track record of goodness. He wanted them to remember it and take courage. But sometimes fear would cloud their memory and they’d begin to doubt. Sound familiar? So He told them, “Do not be…discouraged…the battle is not yours, but [mine]” (v. 15 NIV). In other words, “You don’t have to defeat the foe, that’s My job. I’m in charge; trust Me to work it out.” So remember Who’s in control of your circumstances today. Stand in His presence; believe His promise! -
Put Your Faith into Action!
“If you know these things…do them.” Jn 13:17 NKJV
The Bible says, “Faith without works is dead” (Jas 2:20). Certain prayers only get answered when you take action. When the woman with the issue of blood took the initiative, pressed through the crowd and touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, He told her, “You took a risk of faith…now you’re well” (Mt 9:22 TM). And on another occasion we read, “As He entered a certain village, there met Him ten…lepers…they lifted up their voices and said, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ So…He said to them, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests’” (Lk 17:12-14 NKJV). According to Jewish law, an unclean person discovered in the vicinity of the temple could be stoned to death. So by following Jesus’ instructions these guys were literally putting their lives on the line. But they did it, and “as they went they were cleansed” (v. 14 NKJV). Jesus said, “If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Your decisions and actions are based on what you believe. One teacher writes: “Anybody can believe sitting in church, or when all is right in their life. But when you get outside, you find out what you’ve really got. Healing power was obviously available, and these men believed Jesus could heal them. That’s why they came to him in the first place. They didn’t doubt His ability…The key was, as soon as they did what Jesus told them they were healed.” So the word for you today is: Put your faith into action.
May 16, 2013 | -
Evict Your worries
“The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.” Heb 13:6 NIV
Worry is a squatter; you must evict it. In certain situations if a house lies empty long enough, whoever likes can move in and occupy it. Worry does that too. It roams around looking for an empty mind, then moves in. Has worry taken up residence in your mind today? Is it there when you wake in the morning and go to bed at night? As a follower of Christ you have the authority to serve worry an eviction notice and it must leave. The only thing that enables it to stay is your ignorance of that truth. When your mind is occupied with God’s Word, worry sees a “no vacancy” sign and moves on. Paul writes: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2Co 10:3-5 NKJV). The weapons God has given you to fight with are greater than the fears you face. But you must know your weapons, keep them in good repair, and be able to use them. “Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts: ‘Because you speak this word, behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire, and [your worries] wood, and it shall devour them’” (Jer 5:14 NKJV). When you believe God’s Word with all your heart and begin to speak it in the face of your worries, “It shall devour them.”
May 15, 2013 | -
The Healthy Edge of Competition
“Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1Co 9:24 NIV
We say things like, “It’s a rat race out there, and the rats are winning,” “Nice guys finish last,” “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing!” Such sentiments characterize our culture, driving workaholic lifestyles that destroy health, fracture family life, and eliminate the spiritual discipline required to have a growing relationship with God. So what should we do? Avoid all competition? Opt out of the race? Retire and watch the world go by? No, those are not options for a follower of Christ. So: (1) Beware of competitiveness that leads to jealousy. Cain’s competitiveness toward his brother Abel led him to murder (See Ge 4:1-8). He tried to put his brother down in order to lift himself up. King Saul tried to kill David when the crowd sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands” (1Sa 18:6-11 NKJV). Those words caused jealousy to grow like a cancer in him. (2) Understand that by seeking to excel in your calling, you exalt Christ. Paul writes: “You’ve…seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard…for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally” (1Co 9:24-25 TM). No second-rate effort, no settling for mediocre outcomes. “I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me. I’m staying alert and in top condition” (1Co 9:26 TM). Getting ahead of others isn’t what it’s about; it’s about maximizing all you do for God’s glory! “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Col 3:23 NIV).
May 14, 2013 | -
You Can Overcome Bitterness
“Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others.” Eph 4:31 CEV
A man who had been bitten by a rattlesnake was rushed to the hospital. When he asked the doctor, “Is it life-threatening?” the doctor said, “The bite isn’t, but the poison is.” The “bites” you suffer at the hands of others are painful and upsetting, but they’re not lethal. What happens to you normally doesn’t destroy you, but what happens in you afterwards can. Like venom, bitterness first poisons your mind, then your relationships. It causes you to replay the hurt until it controls you, stealing the future God planned for you. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can overcome bitterness. God says, “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others.” And what God commands, He will give you the grace to do. When Peter asked Jesus, “Should I forgive my brother seven times?” Jesus said, “No, you must forgive him seventy times seven” (See Mt 18:21-22). In other words, “Forgive, and keep on forgiving until it no longer bothers you.” What causes bitterness? Anger that’s allowed to take residence in your thought-life. God’s purpose for anger is to motivate you to tap into His power for solving problems; otherwise they become permanent. Solving the problem resolves and relieves your anger. But anger can become long-term bitterness when you fixate on “who did it to me,” making you hostile, critical, blaming and punitive. You say, “Can I really stop my anger?” Yes, with God’s help you can control your reactions and behaviors, and starve your anger to death. “The fruit of the Spirit is…self-control” (Gal 5:22-23 NIV).
May 13, 2013 | -
Thanks, Mom!
“The most precious treasure a man can find.” Pr 31:10 CEV
Erma Bombeck wrote: “When God was creating mothers, on His sixth day of overtime the angel said, ‘You’re fiddling around a lot on this one.’ God replied, ‘Have you seen the specs on this order? She’s to have 18,000 replaceable moving parts, run on black coffee and leftovers, have a kiss that cures anything from broken legs to disappointed love affairs…and six pairs of hands!’ ‘Six pairs of hands? No way!’ the angel said. God said, ‘And the challenging bit is the three pairs of eyes mothers need. One pair that sees through doors, another in back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t be able to see, another in front for looking at a child who’s goofed and saying, ‘I understand, and I love you,’ without speaking.’ The angel said, ‘Lord, take a break. Tomorrow…’ ‘I can’t,’ God said. ‘I’m close to creating something so like Myself. Already she can heal herself when she’s sick, feed a family on a pound of hamburger, and get a nine-year-old to stand under a shower!’ Touching her, the angel said, ‘She’s too soft!’ ‘But so tough!’ God replied. ‘You can’t imagine what this mother can endure.’ ‘Can it think?’ asked the angel. ‘Not only think, it reasons and compromises,’ God said. Running his finger across the mother’s cheek, the angel said, ‘There’s a leak!’ ‘It’s not a leak,’ God said. ‘It’s a tear.’ ‘What’s it for?’ asked the angel. ‘It’s for joy, sadness, pain, disappointment, loneliness and pride.’ The angel declared, ‘Lord, You’re a Genius!’” Just a columnist’s fictional story, but well worth pondering. Thanks, Mom!
May 12, 2013 | -
How to Raise a Timothy
“Your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice.” 2 Ti 1:5 NIV
Leaving your mark on your children isn’t optional, but leaving a godly mark on them is. The seeds you sow today will continue to grow in them lifelong, and in your grandchildren too. Paul saw in Timothy the potential harvest he’d produce for Christ. He saw, too, that the fruit originated with the root: a mother and grandmother who were sold out to Christ. What an encouragement for widowed, divorced, single mothers and those without believing husbands. These two women raised a servant of God without the help of a Christian father. And Mother, God can enable you to do likewise!
May 11, 2013 |
What does it take to raise a Timothy? Two things: (1) It takes a role model. Paul spoke of Timothy’s “sincere (Greek: un-hypocritical) faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and…now lives in you.” The faith they imparted “first lived in” each of them. If it’s to live in our kids, they must first see it living in us. In a world where phonies sometimes masquerade as Christians, genuine faith stands out like a beacon against the night sky. Our children have a built-in “phony-baloney detector” that picks up on counterfeits and rejects them. But the genuine article will draw them like a magnet. (2) It takes teaching God’s Word. Timothy’s mother and grandmother planted the Scriptures in the receptive soil of his young heart before the surrounding culture could get to him. Paul reminded him, “How from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures” (2Ti 3:15 NIV). That’s how to raise a Timothy. -
You Owe It to Them
“Here am I, and the children the Lord has given me.” Isa 8:18 NIV
You may not be able to give your children everything you’d like to, or everything they want, but here are four things you owe them: (1) Connect with them. The story’s told of a couple who decided to buy a new playpen for a friend, on the arrival of her sixth child. A year later the friend wrote back saying, “Thank you for the pen. It’s wonderful—I sit in it every afternoon and read, and the children can’t get near me.” Seriously, what do you really know about your child? Their struggles, their heroes, their music, their friends, their fears, their dreams? If your answer is “not much,” start making changes right away! (2) Listen to them. If some of us paid as much attention to our garden as we did to our children, we’d be living in a weed patch. You’ll never understand your child until you take time to listen to what they’re saying—and what they’re not saying. (3) Believe in them. As a child, the great Caruso was told by a music teacher that he had no talent at all. Parent, make sure your voice is the loudest. Build their confidence; give them the faith and the self-worth required to overcome the obstacles they’ll face in life. (4) Let them see God in you. Three kids were discussing their fathers. One said, “My father knows the mayor.” Another said, “My father knows the governor.” Confidently the third said, “That’s nothing; my father knows God!” Dad, Mom, do you know God? If you don’t, commit your life to Him today.
May 10, 2013 | -
The Blame Game (3)
“You can’t get forgiveness…without…forgiving others.” Mt 6:15 TM
Blaming creates enemies. The person you are blaming will ignore you, compile numerous proofs of their innocence, and resent you. And their friends will defend them and become your enemies. Even your own friends will get fed up with your complaining and distance you. Your “root of bitterness” will spread, causing “many [to be] defiled,” and making things worse (Heb 12:15 NKJV). Blaming rubs off. Blamers beget blamers. Your family gets pulled in, so they suffer too. “Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious—don’t get infected” (Pr 22:24-25 TM). Stop it, you’re passing on your misery and dysfunction to those who love you! Blaming is addictive. The justification we feel in blaming hooks us for the long run. It manipulates our anger, making us feel okay about shifting responsibility. It gets progressively easier to complain rather than to resolve the problem. Like any addiction, it has to be fed more and more to achieve its reward. Sooner than you think, you’ll become a skilled, confirmed “blame-aholic.” Blaming sabotages forgiveness. You can’t forgive someone while you’re judging and resenting them. And while you’re squandering your time and energy blaming them, you forfeit your right to receive God’s forgiveness. “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Mt 6:15 NIV). It’s time to give up the blame game, own responsibility for your life, and take back your God-given power to respond to things according to His Word!
May 9, 2013 | -
The Blame Game (2)
“The woman you put here…gave me some…and I ate it.” Ge 3:12 NIV
Blaming came naturally to Adam and Eve, the father and mother of the human race. After all, who could fault them? God did! Their blaming was a result of how sin had changed them. Their relationship to themselves, each other, their environment, and even God, was radically changed by their irresponsibility. And since God can do nothing with people who won’t take responsibility for their decisions, He dismissed them from Paradise. What a price to pay! Here are two good reasons for giving up the blame game:
May 8, 2013 |
(1) It makes you a victim. When you make someone else responsible for your circumstances, you put the power to change things in their hands. That means nothing will change unless they decide to change it. You make them master of your fate. Only by accepting personal responsibility can you retain the power to change your circumstances. (2) It makes you miserable. You say, “But they hurt me.” Yes, and by harboring resentment you are hurting yourself over and over. The Bible says, “Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time” (Heb 12:14-15 TM). Before you know it your entire outlook gets distorted. “Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite …Esau later regretted that…and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears” (vv. 16-17 TM). Forgive, take back your life, and get out of the blame game! -
The Blame Game (1)
“I am innocent…It is your responsibility!” Mt 27:24 NIV
More and more, we are becoming a blame-oriented culture. Today our misfortunes are deemed to be somebody else’s fault. “I’m this way because of them. They did it to me.” And it didn’t begin with us. It goes all the way back to Adam in the Garden of Eden when he told God, “The woman…You gave…me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate” (Ge 3:12 NKJV). It’s in our DNA! We say the breakdown in our marriage was our partner’s fault, or we drink too much because somebody drives us to it, or we’re sick because of the fast-food industry; let’s sue them! Shifting responsibility may alleviate momentary guilt, but it’s a deadly game with no winners. In sentencing Christ to die, Pilate said, ”I am innocent of this man’s blood…It is your responsibility!” He thought by dumping the blame onto the Jews he would avoid upsetting either his wife or his critics, and prove himself innocent. But the buck stopped at his desk! Understand this: God holds you responsible for your decisions and actions (See Ro 2:6). And your failure to make the right decision, or take the right action, also earns you His guilty verdict. Paul writes, “You cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant” (Gal 6:7 NLT). Others may be guilty of offending you, and that’s their harvest to reap. But your harvest depends on your reactions. Accepting responsibility before God is how you alleviate your guilt, discouragement and stress.
May 7, 2013 | -
Deal with the Rooster
“There is…no condemnation.” Ro 8:1 NKJV
Booker T. Washington tells a wonderful story about his mother. Every morning of his young life, he, along with all the plantation slaves, was awakened by the crow of a rooster. Long before daybreak the unwelcome noise would fill the shanties, reminding Washington and his fellow workers to crawl out of bed and leave for the cotton fields. That rooster’s crow came to symbolize a life of long days and backbreaking labor. But then came the Emancipation Proclamation. Abraham Lincoln pronounced freedom for all slaves. The first morning afterward, young Booker was awakened by the rooster again. Only this time his mother was chasing it around the barnyard with an axe. That day the Washington family fried and ate their alarm clock for lunch. Their first act of freedom was to silence the reminder of their slavery. Are any roosters stealing your sleep? You might need to sharpen the blade. The great news of the gospel is, yes, His grace is real, and so is your freedom! “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Forget your sins for God’s sake, because when you keep bringing them up you bother Him! Does that sound too strong for you? Then read what God says about your sins: “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins” (Isa 43:25 NKJV). God has buried your sins in the “depths of the sea” and posted a sign beside it which reads, “No fishing in these waters” (See Micah 7:19).
May 6, 2013 | -
Keep Your Vision Alive!
“We grope…feeling our way like men without eyes.” Isa 59:10 NIV
The Pilgrim Fathers who founded America landed at Plymouth Rock full of vision. The first year they established a town, the next year they elected a town council. In their third year the town council proposed building a road five miles out into the wilderness for westward expansion. But the townspeople criticized it as a waste of public funds. Amazing! Once they had been able to see across oceans to new worlds, now they couldn’t see five miles down the road. What happened? They failed to keep their vision alive. How can you keep that from happening to you?
May 5, 2013 |
(1) Keep your vision before you at all times. “Write the vision and make it plain…that he may run who reads it” (Hab 2:2 NKJV). Your vision is the road map for your life. So write it down, read it regularly and keep it before you at all times. (2) Make sure the vision is yours, not somebody else’s. In the name of being “sensible,” or “practical,” many of us ignore our God-given desires. We undertake a career to please our parents, our spouses, or others. That may make you dutiful, but it won’t make you successful. You cannot fulfill a vision that is not your own! (3) Believe in yourself even when others don’t. You may succeed if nobody else believes in you, but you will never succeed if you don’t believe in yourself. No matter how old you are, always stay young at heart. Pearl S. Buck said, “The young do not know enough to be prudent, therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it generation after generation.” -
Hindrances to Prayer (2)
“You do not have, because you do not ask.” Jas 4:2 NIV
Here are two more hindrances to answered prayer: (1) Failure to pray. It’s estimated that out of the 667 prayers for specific things mentioned in the Bible, there are 454 specific answers. That means the Bible is a book of prayers—and answers. Our problem is, we spend a lot of time talking about prayer and fail to get down to the business of praying. Charles Trumbull said, “Prayer releases the energies of God.” The goal of prayer is not to overcome God’s reluctance, but to believe Him and take hold of His willingness. His Word says: “You do not have, because you do not ask.” C. E. Cowman wrote: “No praying man or woman accomplishes so much with so little expenditure of time, as when he or she is praying.” Until you learn to pray in faith and wait on God for the answer, you’ll get nowhere. (2) Failure to care. When the Israelites complained that God wasn’t answering their prayers He told them, “Stop oppressing those who work for you and treat them fairly …share your food with the hungry…Clothe those who are cold and don’t hide from [those] who need your help. If you do these things…the Lord will answer” (Isa 58:6-9 TLB). Sin and unbelief are not the only things that hinder your prayers; self-centered living will! A little girl prayed for several weeks asking God for a certain thing. Finally in frustration she said, “By the way, Lord, I’ve mentioned this to You several times before.” If that’s your situation, stop thinking about your own needs and focus on the needs of others.
May 4, 2013 | -
Hindrances to Prayer (1)
“So that nothing will hinder your prayers.” 1Pe 3:7 NIV
Here are two hindrances to answered prayer: (1) Unconfessed sin. “Your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear” (Isa 59:2 NIV). As a believer, God expects you to walk in obedience. “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic 6:8 NIV). Notice, these are “requirements.” If you don’t meet them you’re wasting your time praying, unless it’s a prayer of repentance. You must seek God’s forgiveness, then He will hear your prayers. (2) Unresolved conflict. “Husbands…be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect…so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” There’s no point praying if you are always fighting with one another. “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness” (1Jn 2:9 NIV). God will answer when you come out into the light, deal with the thing that drove you apart, and attempt to mend the relationship. Now, sometimes it isn’t possible to make amends. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Ro 12:18 NIV). Sometimes the other person would rather keep the issue alive than accept your apology. When that happens look into your heart. Do you really want restoration, or would you rather “blame place” and let things fester? If your attempts have been wholehearted and honest, God won’t let a broken relationship stand in the way of your prayers. But if your attempts have been half-hearted and self-serving, try again—this time for real.
May 3, 2013 | -
Stop Doubting Your Salvation
“Perfect love casts out fear.” 1Jn 4:18 NKJV
Are you trying your best to serve the Lord, yet you sometimes doubt your salvation? Though you’re unaware of any particular sin in your life, you still feel unworthy to stand in God’s presence, confident of His acceptance. Read this Scripture. Better yet, write it down and carry it with you: “Perfect love casts out fear.” Now, if God loved you with an imperfect love you’d have cause to worry. Man’s love, which is imperfect, keeps a list of sins and consults it often. But not God’s love. The moment you place your trust in Christ He views you as “righteous” and fully accepted from that point on. His love casts out your fear because it casts out your sin. Do you remember these words from John’s epistle? “If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1Jn 3:20 NKJV). That means it’s possible to be forgiven, yet feel unforgiven. So when you feel unforgiven, doubt your feelings instead of doubting God. Don’t give your emotions a vote. Go back to Scripture. God’s Word outranks all self-criticism and self-doubt. As Paul told Titus: “God’s readiness to give and forgive is now public. Salvation’s available for everyone!…Tell them all this. Build up their courage” (Tit 2:11,15 TM). Are you trusting in Christ as your Savior? Then begin to love boldly and live robustly. Nothing fosters courage like a clear grasp of grace. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jn 1:9 NKJV). Note the words, “All unrighteousness.” Having received God’s forgiveness, live forgiven!
May 2, 2013 | -
Let God Restore You
“I…lifted my eyes to heaven, and…I was restored.” Da 4:34-36 NKJV
When King Nebuchadnezzar repented, his “understanding…reason…honor and splendor returned…and…[he] was restored.” But when we have an image to maintain we’re reluctant to ask for help in case people think less of us. One author writes: “To fall is bad enough, but to fall and not cry out for help is worse…Some people are so full of pride and self-sufficiency they think, ‘If I can’t get up myself, I won’t let anyone help me.’ Stop being so proud; that’s what caused you to fall in the first place! The Bible says: ‘Those who walk in pride [God] is able to put down’ (Da 4:37 NKJV). Pride is dangerous; it forces you to lie needlessly in a helpless state for days—and sometimes years. If you’d asked for help immediately, you could have gotten up and gone on with your life.” Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is…death” (NKJV). Have you ever tried to rescue an injured animal? It doesn’t know your only desire is to help; it just knows it’s in pain, and as a result it strikes out at the person who least deserves it. This is especially true when you’ve been wounded by someone close to you and didn’t see it coming. You can hurt so much that you stop trusting everybody, including God. You stop praying and reading the Bible, you avoid those who want to help, and you refuse to let anybody pray for you. The Bible says, “Do not harden your hearts” (Heb 3:15 NKJV). Today, acknowledge that you’ve fallen and let God restore you.
May 1, 2013 | -
Confidence Before God
“Your sins are forgiven.” Mt 9:2 NAS
Jesus said to a quadriplegic lying on a cot, “Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.” Perhaps you’re asking, “What sins could a quadriplegic commit?” There are three ways to sin: (1) Commission: the things we do. (2) Omission: the good we fail to do. (3) Disposition: our wrong attitudes. Why didn’t Jesus just say, “Arise, take up your bed and walk?” Because when you know that your sins are forgiven you have the confidence to ask God for what you need, and the courage to rise up in faith and do what He tells you. Knowing his sins were forgiven enabled this man to do what everybody thought was impossible. There’s an important lesson here. After Adam sinned he hid from God. When God said to him, “Where are you?” he replied, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid” (Ge 3:9-10 NKJV). How can you know when something is wrong for you? When it causes you to hide from God! When it makes you avoid prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship with God’s people. The Bible condemns sins such as stealing and lusting, but what about other things that are not so clearly spelled out in Scripture? To know whether something is right or wrong for you, you need only ask one question: “How will this affect my confidence before God?” You’ll never go wrong asking that question. “If our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (1Jn 3:21-22 NKJV).
April 30, 2013 |
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