BUT GOD … THE TURNING POINT

“We were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace you are saved.” Ephesians 2:3-5

There are two little words that act like hinges on a door … “BUT GOD.” They have a profound affect on the passage. They either alter what is said before, or present a transforming work of God’s grace in the verses that follow, that supersedes what is written before. Let’s take a look at a very important passage where this is very evident.

Paul reveals our despicable condition in sin in Eph. 2:1-6 … “As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following the desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. (Then we come to those two profound words) … ‘BUT GOD’ … because of his great love for us, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions … it is by grace you have been saved.”

BUT GOD … are the transforming words that bring us into our new creative relationship with God. What a radical change takes place when God becomes the indispensable power that takes us from our sinful condition and makes us “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” … accepted in the family of God! “BUT GOD” … is the ‘spiritual hinge’ that opens unto us the mighty grace of God that radically changes our life through the Atonement of Christ.


It is the “Turning Point” in which our life turns from the superficial illusion of this world and enthrones Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It is then, we find the longing of our lives met with the Sufficiency of a Loving God, full of grace and truth … “able to do exceeding abundantly more than we can ask or even think.” [Eph. 3:20] This blessed Redemption of Christ is not an experience, it is the ‘great act of God’ which He has performed in our lives through Jesus Christ.

What is the result of one who meets God at this “Turning Point” in their life? Jesus said, “Whosoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” [John 7:38] Our lives change from self-seeking to letting HIM pour His life through us … from self-independence to “learning to lean” utterly upon Him. Jesus Christ becomes the “Source of our Strength,” the “focus” of our life, and the “joy” of our hearts.

Our Spiritual Journey soon becomes a reckless abandonment to Christ. We no longer seek self-realization and self-gratification, but have a consuming thirst to “Know Jesus Christ.” This was Paul’s goal … “I count all things but loss … that I may KNOW HIM … and be found in Him.” [Phil. 3:7-14] As we “grow in grace” we begin to see Jesus in every circumstance we encounter. The essential focus of our life is our personal relationship to Jesus Christ … “That I may Know Him” … not joy, not peace, not power, not even blessing … but HIMSELF, MY LORD AND MY SAVIOR!

“BUT GOD” … the great eternal “Turning Point” in my life! How Glorious!


From: Literature Ministries International

Now This Is Love

"My Joy . . . Your Joy"

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full — John 15:11

What was the joy that Jesus had? Joy should not be confused with happiness. In fact, it is an insult to Jesus Christ to use the word happiness in connection with Him. The joy of Jesus was His absolute self-surrender and self-sacrifice to His Father— the joy of doing that which the Father sent Him to do— ". . . who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross . . ." ( Hebrews 12:2 ). "I delight to do Your will, O my God . . ." ( Psalm 40:8 ). Jesus prayed that our joy might continue fulfilling itself until it becomes the same joy as His. Have I allowed Jesus Christ to introduce His joy to me?

Living a full and overflowing life does not rest in bodily health, in circumstances, nor even in seeing God’s work succeed, but in the perfect understanding of God, and in the same fellowship and oneness with Him that Jesus Himself enjoyed. But the first thing that will hinder this joy is the subtle irritability caused by giving too much thought to our circumstances. Jesus said, ". . . the cares of this world, . . . choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful" ( Mark 4:19 ). And before we even realize what has happened, we are caught up in our cares. All that God has done for us is merely the threshold— He wants us to come to the place where we will be His witnesses and proclaim who Jesus is.

Have the right relationship with God, finding your joy there, and out of you "will flow rivers of living water" ( John 7:38 ). Be a fountain through which Jesus can pour His "living water." Stop being hypocritical and proud, aware only of yourself, and live "your life . . . hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3 ). A person who has the right relationship with God lives a life as natural as breathing wherever he goes. The lives that have been the greatest blessing to you are the lives of those people who themselves were unaware of having been a blessing.


From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest

Responding to Difficulty

2 Corinthians 4:8

Adversity is never enjoyable, but thankfully, believers are assured that God has a reason for allowing difficulty. And your response to the trial will determine whether it leaves you broken or strengthened.

Romans 5:3-5 states, “We exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint . . . ” In order to respond correctly and benefit the way this verse describes, let’s consider how the Lord works in suffering.

First, He controls the burdens so they aren’t too heavy to bear. He limits them because His goal is not to destroy you but to build your character. Second, He designs the difficulty according to your personality, character, and areas that need growth. Therefore, trials are tailor-made in order to grow you to be more like Christ. Third, difficulties are progressive. As God matures you, the intensity may seem to increase. This is similar to weight training: at the beginning, an athlete trains with light barbells, but as his muscles become stronger, he chooses heavier weights. Similarly, as your walk with Christ progresses, obstacles that once seemed overbearing will impede you less. This is a sign of growth. In fact, a prayer journal is a great way to watch God’s progress in your life.

In the midst of your pain, see your trial as a privilege—God is revealing His ways and refining you. Thank Him for trusting you with this situation. Then, ask how to respond, and walk obediently before Him.


From: Crosswalk - In Touch

THEREFORE … HOW SHOULD WE THEN LIVE?

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

“THEREFORE” … [The pivotal point for Affirmative Action] … honor God with your body.” From the degradation of our “self-life,” to the blessedness of full surrender of body, soul, and spirit of the Christ-life … live to the glory of God! Only God can effect that in our life. Only HE can transform our hearts, minds, attitude, and the whole of our life, to “focus and be consumed” with being “filled to overflowing with the love of God.”

What do others see when they look at your life? What is the “supreme purpose” of your life? Why am I here? … For what am I living? … Is my life counting for anything, or anybody, outside of myself? Paul answers these questions for himself. He declares his freedom in Christ … his rights and privileges as an Apostle … then reveals the “intensity of his perseverance.”

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone … I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.” [1 Cor. 9:19-23] Was this the work of Paul? No, this was the work of God’s grace that changed the complete direction of Paul’s life! His life was now devoted to GOD … then OTHERS … that he might be used of God to impact them with God’s Love. When I thought through this, I had to ask myself … “Is my life like that?” Oh God, make it so! Glorify YOURSELF through me! Take ALL of me … body, soul, and spirit ... and use it ALL to glorify YOU! Is this your quest?

“THEREFORE” …[The pivotal point of Purpose] .. “I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” [1 Cor. 9: 26-27] Paul moves from a passive Believer to a determined Disciple who “perseveres with purpose!” He brings his body, soul, and spirit under the Lordship of Christ. All of the accolades of man he counted “a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord … I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him.”[Phil. 3:7-10]

“THEREFORE” … [The pivotal point of Ultimate Challenge] … “I urge you brethren, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God … this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is … his good, pleasing and perfect will.” [Rom. 12: 1-2]

Considering all the mercies God has manifested to us … the only reasonable, wise, and acceptable thing we can do, is to present the whole of our being as a “living sacrifice” to God. This will be our dedicated means of worshipping Him in our daily life.

LIVE THE BLESSING ! That is our Privilege, our Opportunity, our Responsibility. Bring your ALL … and offer it to God as a “living sacrifice,” so He may live HIS LIFE through you.

THEREFORE … HOW /SHOULD WE THEN LIVE ?


From: Literature Ministries International

Give Thanks to the Lord

GOD NOTICES

Never fails, does it? Things are not as they seem. And about the time you think they cannot get worse, they do. This was certainly true for Mordecai at a pivotal point in the story of Esther.

When all seems lost, it isn't. Mordecai could have despaired at the situation in Persia. The king was a Gentile. He had no interest in the Jews. Furthermore his closest confidant was Haman, who shamelessly hated the Jews. Esther was in the palace, but when the king found out she was a Jew, her life might be over in an instant. When all seems lost, it isn't.

When no one seems to notice, they do. Remember Mordecai's courageous decision earlier when he heard of a conspiracy between two of the doorkeepers of the palace, who were plotting to kill the king? When Mordecai heard of that conspiracy, he told his adopted daughter Esther about it. And she, being the queen, alerted the king.

Esther had told the king that the information had come from Mordecai, yet no one ever rewarded him for his great act. It seemed as though no one noticed or remembered. So Mordecai went on living his life unnoticed, unrewarded, and unappreciated---until this pivotal night.

I love the first three words of 6:1, "During that night." That's the way it is with God. At the eleventh hour, He steps in and does the unexpected. When no one seems to notice and no one seems to care, He notices and He cares "during that night."

Learn a lesson from Mordecai today, will you? Through all that happens to him, Mordecai never becomes a man of vengeance. He never tries to get back at Haman, even when he has the opportunity, even when he has Haman in a very vulnerable spot. He doesn't kick him in the face when he has a chance to. He doesn't even speak against the man. Let me challenge you to guard your heart as Mordecai did.

For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. (Hebrews 6:10)

I love those words, "God is not unjust so as to forget." When no one else notices, mark it down, God notices. When no one else remembers, God records it so it won't be forgotten.


From: Crosswalk - Charles Swindoll

Usefulness or Relationship?

Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven — Luke 10:20

Jesus Christ is saying here, "Don’t rejoice in your successful service for Me, but rejoice because of your right relationship with Me." The trap you may fall into in Christian work is to rejoice in successful service— rejoicing in the fact that God has used you. Yet you will never be able to measure fully what God will do through you if you have a right-standing relationship with Jesus Christ. If you keep your relationship right with Him, then regardless of your circumstances or whoever you encounter each day, He will continue to pour "rivers of living water" through you ( John 7:38 ). And it is actually by His mercy that He does not let you know it. Once you have the right relationship with God through salvation and sanctification, remember that whatever your circumstances may be, you have been placed in them by God. And God uses the reaction of your life to your circumstances to fulfill His purpose, as long as you continue to "walk in the light as He is in the light" (1 John 1:7 ).

Our tendency today is to put the emphasis on service. Beware of the people who make their request for help on the basis of someone’s usefulness. If you make usefulness the test, then Jesus Christ was the greatest failure who ever lived. For the saint, direction and guidance come from God Himself, not some measure of that saint’s usefulness. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him. All that our Lord gives His attention to in a person’s life is that person’s relationship with God — something of great value to His Father. Jesus is "bringing many sons to glory . . ." ( Hebrews 2:10 ).


From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest

Working to Please God

“Work as if you were serving the LORD, not as if you were serving only men and women.” Ephesians 6:7

What if everyone worked with God in mind? Suppose no one worked to satisfy self or please the bottom line but everyone worked to please God.

Many occupations would instantly cease: drug trafficking, thievery, prostitution, nightclub and casino management. Certain careers, by their nature, cannot please God. These would cease.

Certain behaviors would cease as well. If I’m repairing a car for God, I’m not going to overcharge his children. If I’m painting a wall for God, you think I’m going to use paint thinner?

Imagine if everyone worked for the audience of One. Every nurse, thoughtful. Every officer, careful. Every professor, insightful. Every salesperson, delightful. Every teacher, hopeful. Every lawyer, skillful.

Impossible? Not entirely. All we need is someone to start a worldwide revolution. Might as well be us.


From: Max Lucado

Soar on Wings like Eagles

Dare to Trust (OUR CAPTIVE THOUGHT)

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

How frail, weak, and easily influenced our minds are. We can be persuaded to yield to our fallen nature, subtly attracted to fleshly desires, or to things that appeal to our ego or self-gratification. Paul says, Don’t be carried away by your imagination, don’t let your carnal nature run its course, which seeks to exalt, satisfy, and crave those things that will satisfy SELF. Cast down imaginations, turn from the alluring attractions that have but shallow, superficial, earthly values, and no eternal concern. They are deceiving, disarming, and only detrimental to your spiritual journey.

Paul admonishes the Christians at Philippi…“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK ON THESE THINGS!”

WHY? Because the malicious thoughts planted by Satan, exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. They lead us away from that which God wants to do in our life. They are deceptive. If we entertain these thoughts, we open the door, if only a little, to the infiltration of Satan. Soon the ever-so-small opening becomes the means that leads to our despair, discouragement, and defeat.

You might say, “Well, I can handle my thoughts. I am the master of my ship, no one is going to control my thinking.” Paul says, “Wherefore, let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). The basic attack of Satan is to make us think We can handle whatever we encounter in OUR strength. We must realize, we are up against a foe that is greater, wiser, stronger, and more determined than we are, and his chief end is our defeat and destruction!

We must engage our destructive thoughts, imagination, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and CAST THEM DOWN, turn from them, and control our actions by “bringing into captivity [our authoritative control] every thought to the obedience of Christ.” That’s the positive action we need to take. It’s one thing to shun the evil, but another to stand firmly and steadfastly against it. To be “more than a conqueror” is to use the very weapons that were arrayed against you for your own benefit!

How discerning we need to be in this liberal free-thinking world where man thinks, “If it feels good, just do it.” Man puts SELF on the throne where Christ is destined to reign. We are lulled to sleep so often, not realizing that our heart is "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). From the evil promptings of our heart are thoughts that seek to control our attitude and our attitude controls our actions.

Paul challenges every believer to “make captive these thoughts”…bring them under control by the power of the Holy Spirit. Think on those things that are up-lifting. productive, stimulating, positive, encouraging, and glorifying to God. Seek to have “the mind of Christ” in all of our thoughts, so we will walk in obedience to Him.

May this be the desire of our heart…the focus of our life…the object of our spiritual journey…yielded to HIS control so HE may lead us in the “paths of righteousness for HIS name’s sake.”

“I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies” (Psalm 119:59).


From: Literature Ministries International

Work Hard, Play Hard

It is useless for you to work so hard
from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
for God gives rest to his loved ones. -Psalm 127:2

I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless-like chasing the wind. - Ecclesiastes 1:14

I got my first part-time job when I was seventeen, working for a computer store in the small town where I grew up. The owner of the store was a charismatic man named Scott who was, from my limited teenage perspective, very worldly and well-traveled. He was an intelligent, larger-than-life character with strong opinions about almost everything, so I enjoyed the quiet Saturday afternoons we worked together when we would take a break from the world of computers and he would teach me about how the world really worked. He would typically start his afternoon lesson with a phrase like, "here's something they won't teach you in school" or "let me explain something that almost no one understands".

His favorite lesson, the one I remember most after all these years, was to "work hard and play hard". He explained that most people waste their life by working half-heartedly at menial jobs for eight hours a day and then coming home to nothing more than television and sleep, only to repeat the entire process the next day. Eventually, they wake up and realize they are past the prime of their lives and have not accomplished anything of consequence.

For Scott, this was the epitome of a wasted life. He cautioned me to make every second count and never to waste time on anything that wasn't either hard work or serious leisure. His life consisted of long days with almost no time-off for several months, followed by two weeks in the Caribbean at an all-inclusive resort. Occasionally, he would fly to New York or London or would spend a weekend gambling in Las Vegas, but you would never catch him watching television, going out to a movie or hanging out with friends. For Scott, it was all or nothing. He was either working hard or living the good life. Anything else was waste of time.

His philosophy resonated deep within this impressionable teenager and I vowed that I would live a life just like his. For years, I tried to emulate his style, working long hours, taking one course after another, accepting new contracts until I was inundated, all the while refusing any leisure unless it was expensive and impressive. If I took a break from work, even for a few moments, I could feel internal pressure commanding me back to work. The entire time, I could hear Scott's voice in my head comforting and encouraging me, saying, "No one understands this but us. We are the only ones who are living the good life." Except, I realize now, it was never really Scott's voice, it was the voice of the enemy. It was no life at all.

I don't blame Scott, since he fell into the same trap as I did and he believed the same lies about what life is supposed to be about. Fifteen years later, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I see the "work hard play hard" philosophy for what it really is - a perversion of a deep truth. Every good lie the enemy tells us is effective because it contains some truth, and the truth in Scott's philosophy is that it really is very important that we make our time on earth count. The lie is that a good life has anything to do with fourteen hour work days or luxurious vacations. Living a good life is about service to and relationships with God, our family and our community.

I have seen firsthand how the "work hard, play hard" mentality shatters all kinds of relationships. In practical terms, if you are living your life this way then every second of every day is accounted for. From the moment you wake to the moment you fall asleep, you are working or learning. Everything else is an interruption. When it comes to friends and family, you are inflexible, unavailable and unapproachable. Unless the person is a business associate or is accompanying you on your next vacation, you have no time for them.

How could anyone hope to maintain a marriage or friendship in that environment? How many times do our spouses or children come to us, asking for a little of our time and we send them away because we have important work to do? We tell them that it was not in our plans for today and resent any attempt to alter our agenda. We tell our spouses that we are working hard in order to provide a better life or that we are taking on one more contract to pay for that next getaway. Sure, expensive vacations are nice, but are they really more essential than the occasional dinner with your wife? More valuable than a night out with friends? More precious than holding your new born baby while she sleeps?

Finally, we come to the most devastating aspect of the "work hard, play hard" philosophy - our life in Christ. When we are consumed by that lifestyle, He too becomes just one more interruption and one more obstacle in our way to getting more work accomplished. So many times I told Jesus, "I can't pray right now, I'm studying for my Theology final. I can't read your Word right now, I'm doing some paperwork for the ministry." I never once allowed Jesus to tell me what was important to Him.

In the ultimate act of selfishness and pride, not only do we fail to spend enough time with Him, but we tell Him that our work and leisure are too important to entrust to Him. We are going to control our agenda since we think we can do a better job, all in the hope of living a full and meaningful life.

Truthfully, there can be no full and meaningful life without Christ at the center, nor can we reach our full potential until all things are surrendered to Him. That includes our work and leisure time. I understand the compulsion that drives us to make every second count, but we need to surrender and trust that to God, for He is much more capable of giving meaning to our lives than we ever could ever be. It's extremely important to work hard when it is appropriate to do so, but we must also remain balanced and flexible. We need keep our priorities straight.

If you've struggled with this issue as I have, then take a moment now to invite the Holy Spirit to lead you in overcoming this. Pause and ask Him for guidance whenever you feel pulled in too many directions. Ask for wisdom and clarity whenever you're tempted to tell someone you love that you don't have time for them, especially what that person is Jesus. Finally, let Jesus know that you understand how important it is to find the right balance and that you trust Him completely to help you find the full, meaningful life He intends you to have in Him.


From: Delve Into Jesus

God Always Preserves His Own

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Perhaps today, you are looking at your life and asking, “How did I get here?” Maybe life hasn’t turned out the way you planned. Or maybe you’re enslaved to your past and you wonder, “What do I do now?”

If this describes you or someone you love today, I want to remind you that God always preserves His own. Remember Joseph’s many trials and challenges in the Old Testament? In Genesis 39:2, we read, “The LORD was with Joseph.” Now, remember—Joseph wasn’t preserved from his circumstances. He was preserved in and through his circumstances.

The fact is we can’t change our circumstances. We can’t control what happens to us at all times. But you know what? We can change how we respond to the circumstances of life. And that attitude is what God expects us to work on.

You know, God often allows circumstances and winds to blow against us in order to knock the rough edges off of our lives. Kind of like how sandpaper knocks the rough edges off of wood. God uses the circumstances of our lives in order to polish us and make us more like the Master.

For example, perhaps God had to deal with Joseph’s pride and ego before He could ultimately use him for His glory. So God allowed him to be sold into slavery and sent into Egypt. But remember this: While Joseph left his father back in Canaan, his heavenly Father went with him to Egypt.

If you find yourself in a difficult circumstance that you never imagined or never dreamed of, claim the promise from the Lord found in today’s Scripture: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

When you claim that promise, you can be joyful in any circumstance, knowing that God is protecting you, preserving you, and holding His hand upon you.

YOU CAN’T ALWAYS CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU,
BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS CONTROL HOW YOU RESPOND.


From: Crosswalk Devotionals

False Freedom

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-- what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:12 (NRSV)

GROWING up, I had attended church with a frequency that caused a friend of mine to quip, "I always thought your family lived at church." But I stopped going to church while in college because it was an inconvenience. I wanted to sleep in, but mostly I wanted to exercise my newly found freedom from my parents.

Fellowship with God had given me a continuous flow of energy, sustenance, and hope. Why did I turn my back on it? The lifestyle I chose was typical of many young adults, one that encouraged freedom, independence, and self-reliance. I would have been reluctant to admit it, but with each step toward that way of life I distanced myself from God and suppressed the inner workings of the Holy Spirit. At one of my low points I remember remarking to my parents, "God has forgotten me."

When I returned to church eight years ago, it was like coming home. I felt welcomed, not just by the congregation but by God as well. By human reason, I should have been past the point where God offers forgiveness. Yet God reached down in infinite love and grace and rescued me from the ruin I had made on my own. God gave me a new life, one worth waking up to.


Prayer
O God, thank you for showing us the path to true freedom through the life, death, and resurrection of your son. Amen.


From: UpperRoom - Carol P. Nyborg

When Worship Meets Heaven

The Purpose of Prayer

. . . one of His disciples said to Him, ’Lord, teach us to pray . . .’ — Luke 11:1

Prayer is not a normal part of the life of the natural man. We hear it said that a person’s life will suffer if he doesn’t pray, but I question that. What will suffer is the life of the Son of God in him, which is nourished not by food, but by prayer. When a person is born again from above, the life of the Son of God is born in him, and he can either starve or nourish that life. Prayer is the way that the life of God in us is nourished. Our common ideas regarding prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer simply as a means of getting things for ourselves, but the biblical purpose of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.

"Ask, and you will receive . . ." ( John 16:24 ). We complain before God, and sometimes we are apologetic or indifferent to Him, but we actually ask Him for very few things. Yet a child exhibits a magnificent boldness to ask! Our Lord said, ". . . unless you . . . become as little children . . ." ( Matthew 18:3 ). Ask and God will do. Give Jesus Christ the opportunity and the room to work. The problem is that no one will ever do this until he is at his wits’ end. When a person is at his wits’ end, it no longer seems to be a cowardly thing to pray; in fact, it is the only way he can get in touch with the truth and the reality of God Himself. Be yourself before God and present Him with your problems— the very things that have brought you to your wits’ end. But as long as you think you are self-sufficient, you do not need to ask God for anything.

To say that "prayer changes things" is not as close to the truth as saying, "Prayer changes me and then I change things." God has established things so that prayer, on the basis of redemption, changes the way a person looks at things.

Prayer is not a matter of changing things externally, but one of working miracles in a person’s inner nature.


From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest

Are You Ever Troubled?

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you . . . — John 14:27

There are times in our lives when our peace is based simply on our own ignorance. But when we are awakened to the realities of life, true inner peace is impossible unless it is received from Jesus. When our Lord speaks peace, He creates peace, because the words that He speaks are always "spirit, and they are life" ( John 6:63 ). Have I ever received what Jesus speaks? ". . . My peace I give to you. . ."— a peace that comes from looking into His face and fully understanding and receiving His quiet contentment.

Are you severely troubled right now? Are you afraid and confused by the waves and the turbulence God sovereignly allows to enter your life? Have you left no stone of your faith unturned, yet still not found any well of peace, joy, or comfort? Does your life seem completely barren to you? Then look up and receive the quiet contentment of the Lord Jesus. Reflecting His peace is proof that you are right with God, because you are exhibiting the freedom to turn your mind to Him. If you are not right with God, you can never turn your mind anywhere but on yourself. Allowing anything to hide the face of Jesus Christ from you either causes you to become troubled or gives you a false sense of security.

With regard to the problem that is pressing in on you right now, are you "looking unto Jesus" ( Hebrews 12:2 ) and receiving peace from Him? If so, He will be a gracious blessing of peace exhibited in and through you. But if you only try to worry your way out of the problem, you destroy His effectiveness in you, and you deserve whatever you get. We become troubled because we have not been taking Him into account. When a person confers with Jesus Christ, the confusion stops, because there is no confusion in Him. Lay everything out before Him, and when you are faced with difficulty, bereavement, and sorrow, listen to Him say, "Let not your heart be troubled . . ." ( John 14:27 ).


From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest

Wait Till You See Me When I’m Done (Youth Devotionals)

Philippians 1:6
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

God Finishes the Job

God chose you, called you, declared you not guilty, and is now glorifying you. Sometimes we think that God can’t possibly make us to be like Jesus. But, He can because he is God. He can and he will—It’s a promise.

It’s very interesting to watch a master potter work, especially if you can track the whole process of making a single bowl. First, he prepares the clay, which involves wetting it, beating it, cutting it, and kneading it over and over again. It often takes a total of several hours over two or three days to make the clay just right.

When the clay is ready the potter places it on a wheel that spins it while he presses on it to make the shape emerge. He pushes and pulls and cuts and carves until the shape he has in mind emerges. Then, he sets it on a shelf for a few days to dry before firing it.

The firing process is usually done in two stages. The first stage hardens the clay so it isn’t so fragile while the artist applies the glaze. After the first firing, the potter applies glaze to the bowl. The glaze is very thin clay with chemicals that will change into beautiful colors as they melt. At this point, the piece still looks like some carefully shaped and hardened dirt. The final firing heats the bowl to over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes the bowl very hard and durable. It also reveals the colors and designs the potter applied to the surface. Only after the clay has been beaten, shaped, stretched, and fired can we see the beauty that was in the mind of the potter from the very beginning.

Remember that God is the master potter of your life. He planned, prepared, and organized every part of who you are and what you will experience so that he can reveal the beauty he has in mind. He will keep on working, forgiving, and training you throughout your whole life. He will keep the heat on when it’s needed. But, he’ll also give you times of rest and peace.

The most important facts in all of life are these: God loves you and there is nothing that can keep him from making you perfect and complete. When you stand before him in heaven one day, all the beauty he built into your character will be clearly seen. Don’t be surprised when you realize that you look very much like Jesus, the glorious Son of God.

Today’s Prayer:

Lord God, I praise you that you do have a plan to make me perfect and complete, just like Jesus. I also praise you for being so loving and powerful because that makes me confident that you will complete the job you’re doing on me. Please help me.

From: New Wine Skin - Martha E Menne

Strong Roots

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. - Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)

MY wife and I purchased a ginkgo tree to plant on the grounds of our church. It was young and fragile so we waited for the proper season to plant it. In the early spring we added some root stimulant and water. That spring and summer, the weather was unusually harsh and dry, and the small plant struggled to survive. We watered it often and took care to keep the surrounding ground free of weeds. The next spring, we were delighted to see the leaves sprout. The roots had grown deeper, and the tree was becoming taller and stronger.

This experience with the young tree gave us an insight into rearing children. The Bible's message is to care for and nourish the children in our lives and to show them the way of the Lord. We pull the "weed" called self-centeredness when we demonstrate kindness and generosity to children and in their presence. We pull the "weed" called bigotry when we teach them tolerance and understanding. We strengthen the roots of their faith when we read the Bible to them and attend church with them. In the strong bond of God's family, children connect us to the future community of Christ.

Prayer
Dear Lord, give us the strength and wisdom to guide the children in our lives with loving care and to point them to Jesus Christ. Amen.


From: UpperRoom - Dale Biggs

Living as an Alien (Parenting By Design)

1 Peter 2:11-12: “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (NIV).

Sometimes, we go to great lengths to avoid receiving the “tourist” label when we travel, but it usually doesn’t take long before someone asks us where we’re from. The way we talk, dress and act are clues that identify us with our home.

This passage reminds us that, as Christians, our citizenship is not of this world. Christ calls us to act in a way that reflects our heavenly citizenship, but sometimes we blend in with the culture so well no one would dream of calling us “tourists”.

As Christians, our customs and values should be remarkably different from the world. They should be reflected in our words and actions and displayed in our parenting. Sometimes we’ll feel like aliens. Eyebrows may be raised when we say “no” to inappropriate movies or provocative clothes. Maybe someone will be intrigued by your family’s “unusual” customs and values.

Shouldn’t your family’s lifestyle reflect your citizenship?

From: Crosswalk - Parenting By Design

The Prayer Expert (Invading the Privacy of God)

I've read dozens of books on prayer, and I've learned a few things. But most of what I know about prayer, I've learned from the Prayer Expert. Since Jesus invented it and taught it, who would know more about prayer?

Twenty-three times the Gospels refer to Jesus praying, which means he prayed frequently, often silently and sometimes secretly. He prayed for himself and his mission, and he also prayed for his followers, for the sick, for Jerusalem, for the world, and for those in need. In short, he faithfully practiced the very thing he invented.

Luke's Gospel relates how he taught his followers to pray. It reads: "As He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, "LORD, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." And he said to them, 'When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven...'" (Lk 11:1-2a, NKJV).

The model that follows is what we call the Lord's Prayer. The disciples may have meant they wanted Jesus to teach them a formulaic prayer. John the Baptist apparently gave his followers a model, and so did other religious leaders. In modern denominations, some congregations pray the Lord's Prayer at virtually every service. Others don't feel the need to repeat it literally, but take it as an example of the kind of praying we're to do.

What's noteworthy is that the disciples went to the Prayer Expert. After all, they had followed him, observed him in action, and decided they liked what they saw.

It's often helpful to consult the expert. When I first realized I needed a computer in 1983, I didn't know anything about them. So Paul Price, an early hacker-expert, helped me get started. Within a few days, he taught me everything I needed to know. Since then, whenever I've decided to upgrade, I've gone to an expert for advice and instruction.

When it comes to prayer, there is really only one Expert, and whatever we know about prayer (if it's accurate information) comes from him.

After all the years of praying seriously, I still don't think of myself as an expert. I'm still learning. I'm not trying to devise the perfect seven words that unlock the whole universe. I'm trying to learn more about God, about me, and about how to open myself in prayer.

My attitude toward prayer has changed drastically over the years. Back in the early days after my conversion, if anyone had asked, I would have told them that prayer was simply talking with God. In fact, I think I said that a few times. Yet as I look back, I realize those early attempts were mostly begging sessions. I worked hard at convincing God to hear me and give me what I asked for. Without realizing it, I was trying to sell God on responding to me.

That's not where I am now. Asking is still a big part of prayer, but I've also learned other aspects, such as fellowship and praise.

I still wonder about how to pray specifically for particular needs. For instance, I have two good friends that I'll call Mike and John. I don't know how to pray for Mike. At age thirty-five, he's still trying to resolve identity issues that he talked about seven years ago. I don't like the catchall, "God, bless Mike," and I don't want to recite a list of ten things I think Mike needs right now. So how do I pray?

John, an ordained minister and former pastor, is one of the neediest people I know. If anyone yearns to be loved and valued for himself, that's John. How do I pray for him? Should I enumerate his needs one by one? Do I pick out one and stay with it until God answers before I move on to the second? How do I know which is most important?

I've committed myself to pray for both of these men daily. Mike knows that; I'm not sure John does. I'm not praying so they'll know. I'm praying because I genuinely care about both of them. Even so, I don't know how to pray effectively for them.

It's also frustrating that, after years of holding them up to God, I can't see any change. I wonder how many times I've paused in praying for those two men and said, "God, I just don't know how to pray." I'm not aware of their real needs-I see only outward behavior and character flaws.

How, Lord? How do I pray?

A few mornings ago, I walked through the woods with Mike on my mind. I had spoken to him on the phone the night before for nearly twenty minutes. I tried to focus my prayers for him but felt confused. I paused to lean against a black oak. "God, I don't have the slightest idea how to pray for Mike. Show me."

For several seconds, silence surrounded me. Then I heard myself saying, "Lord, won't you wrap your arms around Mike so that he'll know he's loved? Today, make him aware that you're with him and that you care deeply."

Simple stuff. Nothing profound or brilliant. But it came from my heart-something the Prayer Expert has taught me.

I could cite a variety of examples of what I've learned from the Prayer Expert. I'm still not sure I get it right, and I have a lot more to learn. It's like the lessons Paul Price gave me when I operated my first computer. I made mistakes even after he explained what I was supposed to do. But I kept at it. Now I can handle increasingly sophisticated computers. Even so, I know very little.

The best lesson I learned was to go to the expert when I have a problem.

The expert knows.

And the Prayer Expert not only knows how, but patiently works with me and teaches me. The Prayer Expert loves me and cares about my growth.

When Jesus had finished praying, one of his disciples said to him, "LORD, teach us to pray, just as John taught his followers to pray." So Jesus told them, "Pray in this way...." --LUKE 11:1-2a, CEV

From: Crosswalk

Sacrifice and Friendship

I have called you friends . . . — John 15:15

We will never know the joy of self-sacrifice until we surrender in every detail of our lives. Yet self-surrender is the most difficult thing for us to do. We make it conditional by saying, "I’ll surrender if . . . !" Or we approach it by saying, "I suppose I have to devote my life to God." We will never find the joy of self-sacrifice in either of these ways.

But as soon as we do totally surrender, abandoning ourselves to Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives us a taste of His joy. The ultimate goal of self-sacrifice is to lay down our lives for our Friend (see John 15:13-14 ). When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, our greatest desire is to lay down our lives for Jesus. Yet the thought of self-sacrifice never even crosses our minds, because sacrifice is the Holy Spirit’s ultimate expression of love.

Our Lord is our example of a life of self-sacrifice, and He perfectly exemplified Psalm 40:8, "I delight to do Your will, O my God . . . ." He endured tremendous personal sacrifice, yet with overflowing joy. Have I ever yielded myself in absolute submission to Jesus Christ? If He is not the One to whom I am looking for direction and guidance, then there is no benefit in my sacrifice. But when my sacrifice is made with my eyes focused on Him, slowly but surely His molding influence becomes evident in my life (see Hebrews 12:1-2 ).

Beware of letting your natural desires hinder your walk in love before God. One of the cruelest ways to kill natural love is through the rejection that results from having built the love on natural desires. But the one true desire of a saint is the Lord Jesus. Love for God is not something sentimental or emotional— for a saint to love as God loves is the most practical thing imaginable.

"I have called you friends. . . ." Our friendship with Jesus is based on the new life He created in us, which has no resemblance or attraction to our old life but only to the life of God. It is a life that is completely humble, pure, and devoted to God.

From: RBC (My Utmost For His Highest)

Sufficient Grace

The Lord said to Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSV)

I give thanks for God's divine grace and endless, everlasting love. I have seen God as a divine healer since I learned my status of being HIV-positive. When my husband died, and while many people around me were dying, it was devastating to live alone with the stigma of being HIV-positive. I was coping badly, day in and day out, but I sensed God reaching out to me. Gradually, I am learning to live day by day while relying on God.

I believe that God trusted me in this situation to be _a role model just as Job was. I have never been bed-_ridden as many others are. I have discovered that God's grace really is sufficient for me. I pray continually, "Let your will be done in my life and within me." What is most important is doing God's will.

Prayer
Loving God, help us to want your will above all else. When we seek you, open our eyes to find you. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."

From: Upper Room (Thandekile Mofokeng)

God Planned You as a Master Creation (Youth Devotionals)

Psalm 139:13-15
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.

“Created by God”

Today we will begin to consider some scripture passages to discover just how wonderful, unique, and important you are. Nearly everyone dislikes something about his physique or her personality. Tall people wish they were shorter. Short people would give anything to be taller. Math whiz kids envy those who can read anything and figure out what it means. Athletes sometimes hate not being able to do as well in school as other kids do. It doesn’t really seem to matter what set of strengths God gave us, we can always find someone we would rather be like.

Today’s scripture tells us that God made each individual person on earth exactly the way he wanted them to be. He has a job for each of us to do that requires the precise set of strengths and weaknesses he programmed into us.

The talents and positive personality traits God gave us make it possible for us do particular things. Those who love grammar and reading often become writers. Those who have better-than-average physical strength or coordination can take on jobs like building things or hiking to isolated villages to share the gospel. We all appreciate the talents of pianists, guitar players and singers who can lead us in worship.

But what about our weaknesses? Shy people make incredible listeners. Those who struggle with reading may become engineers or businessmen. The athletically challenged frequently compensate by organizing events and encouraging others. God has another important purpose for giving us some weak points. He wants to be sure that we can sympathize with our friends who also have difficulties. Because we become stronger and more compassionate as the result of our struggles, we can help others do the same.

We must remember that God’s is reflected in everything He makes. He is absolutely and perfectly good. So, anything he creates has to be awesome. He made you exactly the way you are to do something that only you can do. What a concept!
David, who wrote this Psalm, was the youngest in his family. His dad and brothers didn’t think he was even important enough to call away from the sheep when Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel. But, God knew David would make a great king. After all, God created him for that purpose way before he was born. David had times when he wondered if God could ever use him, but he kept on obeying the Lord. As a result, he became one of the greatest heroes in the Bible. There are no unimportant jobs and no worthless people in God’s eyes. God created you for a job in his kingdom that is just as important as the one David did.

Today’s Prayer:

My God and my Creator, I thank you for making me different from every other human being. Thank you that your goodness and wisdom are expressed in the way you mixed up my DNA. Help me accept myself as your wonderful creation and find the role you have for me to play in your plans, today and always. Amen.


From: New Wine Skin

Best Bible Translations

Contemporary English Version (CEV), is a completely new translation published by the American Bible Society in 1995. Originally intended as a children's translation, it uses a very simple, contemporary style. It is independent of traditional translations and freer of "biblical" terms. This is an especially good translation for people who speak English as a second language.

English Standard Version (ESV) is an "essentially new literal translation" follows the tradition of the King James, American Standard Version, and Revised Standard Version. Published in 2001 by Crossway, it was developed by a translation team of more than 100 scholars, with the goal of being very accurate (word for word), and yet very readable.

Good News Bible (Today's English Version) (TEV), completed in 1976, was translated by Robert G. Bratcher with six other scholars. This very free, though very accurate, translation avoids the use of traditional biblical vocabulary and communicates especially well with youth and the unchurched. Also published by the American Bible Society.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) is another new word-for-word translation that strives to be both literally accurate and readable. It is not as literal as the ESV or NASB, but is more so than the NIV. The Holman published by Broadman & Holman in 2003, is the product of nearly 100 scholars.

The Living Bible (LB), completed in 1971, is Kenneth N. Taylor's paraphrase of the American Standard Version. Easy to read and once immensely popular, it is often criticized for adding too much commentary to the biblical text. Published by Tyndale House, although apparently no longer available from them.

The Message (Msg) - Eugene Peterson completed this paraphrase of the entire Bible in 2002. Peterson takes great liberties with words in his attempt to effectively communicate both the original thoughts and tone of the Scripture. The result is a very earthy, informal language. Published by NavPress.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) - completed in 1971, was produced by 54 conservative Protestant scholars sponsored by the Lockman Foundation. This version is very literal in vocabulary and word order, although the resulting English is quite wooden. It often is preferred by those who want an English version that reflects the grammar of the original. An Update was published in 1995 which seeks to use more modern English while preserving the literal nature of the translation.

New International Version (NIV), completed in 1978, was the product of 115 evangelical scholars. Within a decade it became the best-selling English version. It combines contemporary, literary English with traditional biblical vocabulary. The NIV is copyrighted by the International Bible Society.

New King James Version (NKJV), released in 1982, involved 119 contributors. It updates the vocabulary and grammar of the King James Version, while preserving the classic style and beauty. Although it uses the same Hebrew and Greek texts as the original, it indicates where other manuscripts differ. Published by Thomas Nelson.

New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) of 1985 revised and updated the text and notes of the Jerusalem Bible of 1966. This version, translated by two Catholic scholars, is an elegant, literary rendering (perhaps the most poetic since the KJV). The notes reflect a modern, liberal perspective.

New Living Translation (NLT), published in 1996, is the product of 90 Bible scholars from around the world, from various theological backgrounds and denominations. This is a very readable translation, while remaining more faithful to the original texts than the Living Bible (see above). Also published by Tyndale.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) - published in 1989 by the National Council of Churches, revises the Revised Standard Version of 1952. While following the literal tradition of the RSV, the NRSV eliminates much of the archaic language. One distinctive is the use of gender inclusive pronouns to replace male pronouns when the original writers meant both men and women. The NRSV does not change masculine pronouns referring to God, however.

Revised English Bible (REB), completed in 1989, is a thorough revision of the New English Bible. Like the original, it was translated by a committee of British scholars, representing all the major Christian traditions in the United Kingdom. The more archaic language was omitted and a more conservative approach was taken toward some of the difficult passages. Many readers find it to be an excellent translation for personal reading and study, though its British idioms make it less popular in the U.S.

A New Testament of Note
Special mention also should be made of an important New Testament paraphrase. A paraphrase translates the thoughts of the original text, not the words. In 1958 J. B. Phillips completed The New Testament in Modern English. Phillips had a special knack of rendering difficult and long sentences into very understandable English. He even translates well some of the Greek puns and word plays that usually are lost. It can be very helpful to have a copy of Phillips nearby, especially when studying the epistles of Paul.

For Children
Several translations especially for children have been published in recent years, in addition to the CEV mentioned above. The International Children's Bible was completed in 1985 by 21 evangelical scholars. It is written on a high third-grade level. An adult edition, known as the New Century Version, also is available. Published by Thomas Nelson/Word.

From: First Presbyterian Church

Born According to Plan

Ephesians 1:4-5

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.

Chosen and Adopted

Yesterday we learned that God designed you as a wonderful and unique person for a job that only you can do. He could do that because he knew his plan for you before he had even created the world. The scripture above makes it very clear that you are not an accident. He had your life all mapped out way before you were born. One vital stop on the highway of your life is the day you become his adopted child by accepting his offer to forgive your sins and save you for all eternity.

The word “predestined” means that God planned everything out and made sure you got saved so you could be his daughter or son. I never quite understood this concept until I learned what God did for my friend Margaret. I met Margaret at a Christian homeless shelter. She had suffered some of the worst tragedies we could imagine. She had been terribly abused as a child. As a teenager she used drugs and alcohol. After she was grown, she spent years and years living in poverty and unhappy relationships until she finally lost everything. She went to the shelter so she wouldn’t have to live in her car.

Soon after she arrived, Margaret accepted Jesus as her Savior. She immediately enrolled in the yearlong disciples’ Bible study program. In time, she shared her story. One day, it dawned on me that nearly every one of the women in the class had gone to church and read the Bible as children. They knew about Jesus and often prayed to him when things went wrong. God worked behind the scenes to move them here and there. He kept them alive until they came to the shelter and heard about Jesus.

Fortunately, God’s plan for most of us doesn’t include what Margaret suffered. Instead, he gave us Christian parents who love us dearly and tell us about Jesus from the time we’re born. They take us to church and share the plan of salvation with us. And one day, it all makes sense and we pray to receive Jesus as Savior. We ask him to forgive us for all the bad, mean, dishonest things we’ve done. He gives us a new heart and makes us pure enough to go to heaven when we die. At the very moment we ask him to save us, we are adopted into God’s family—all according to plan, right on time, and without fail.

Today’s Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for planning for my salvation. Thank you that before I was even born, you knew you would adopt me into your family. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to hear about Jesus and the faith to accept him as my savior. Please help me be a good son/daughter to you, one that will make you proud. Amen.


From: New Wine Skin - Martha E Menne

Where Is Your Treasure Stored?

Zooming Out

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

MY dad brings his camera along wherever he goes. For him, even a walk around the neighborhood can turn into an opportunity for a photo shoot. As years have gone by and our family has welcomed in-laws, children, and grandchildren, Dad has zoomed out his camera lens more and more so that we all fit in the picture.

Watching Dad has taught me something important. To help us maintain perspective on our circumstances, my wife and I apply the concept of zooming out. When money is tight, a loved one is ill, or a conflict arises, we take a few minutes to shift from our limited viewpoint to God's more long-term outlook. This is a practical way to increase joy and to decrease fear.

Focusing on close-up shots of any problem can be overwhelming. God does not want us to live in fear. Rather, God wants us to experience the abundant life possible for us. When we feel consumed by a situation, we can "zoom out."

Prayer

Help us, Father, to see our everyday lives as you do, to trust your love for us, and to experience joy. Amen.


From: UpperRoom - Kevin Heffernan

The Spiritual Search

What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? — Matthew 7:9

The illustration of prayer that our Lord used here is one of a good child who is asking for something good. We talk about prayer as if God hears us regardless of what our relationship is to Him (see Matthew 5:45 ). Never say that it is not God’s will to give you what you ask. Don’t faint and give up, but find out the reason you have not received; increase the intensity of your search and examine the evidence. Is your relationship right with your spouse, your children, and your fellow students? Are you a "good child" in those relationships? Do you have to say to the Lord, "I have been irritable and cross, but I still want spiritual blessings"? You cannot receive and will have to do without them until you have the attitude of a "good child."

We mistake defiance for devotion, arguing with God instead of surrendering. We refuse to look at the evidence that clearly indicates where we are wrong. Have I been asking God to give me money for something I want, while refusing to pay someone what I owe him? Have I been asking God for liberty while I am withholding it from someone who belongs to me? Have I refused to forgive someone, and have I been unkind to that person? Have I been living as God’s child among my relatives and friends? (see Matthew 7:12 ).

I am a child of God only by being born again, and as His child I am good only as I "walk in the light" ( 1 John 1:7 ). For most of us, prayer simply becomes some trivial religious expression, a matter of mystical and emotional fellowship with God. We are all good at producing spiritual fog that blinds our sight. But if we will search out and examine the evidence, we will see very clearly what is wrong— a friendship, an unpaid debt, or an improper attitude. There is no use praying unless we are living as children of God. Then Jesus says, regarding His children, "Everyone who asks receives . . ." ( Matthew 7:8 ).


From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest

Love and Seek True Wisdom

"I love them that love Me; and those that seek Me early shall find Me" (Proverbs 8:17).

Wisdom loves her lovers and seeks her seekers. He is already wise who seeks to be wise, and he has almost found wisdom who diligently seeks her. What is true of wisdom in general is specially true of wisdom embodied in our LORD Jesus. Him we are to love and to seek, and in return we shall enjoy His love and find Himself. Our business is to seek Jesus early in life. Happy are the young whose morning is spent with Jesus! It is never too soon to seek the LORD Jesus. Early seekers make certain finders. We should seek Him early by diligence. Thriving tradesmen are early risers, and thriving saints seek Jesus eagerly. Those who find Jesus to their enrichment give their hearts to seeking Him. We must seek Him first, and thus earliest. Above all things Jesus. Jesus first and nothing else even as a bad second. The blessing is that He will be found. He reveals Himself more and more clearly to our search.... Happy men who seek One who, when He is found, remains with them forever, a treasure growingly precious to their hearts and understandings.

LORD Jesus, l have found Thee; be found of me to an unutterable degree of joyous satisfaction.

From: Crosswalk - Faith's Checkbook

Taking Up the Cross: Going to Your Death

Matthew 16:24 (NKJV) Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”

Jesus had a way of making things simple. The phrase “take up his cross” had instant and vivid meaning to those who were listening to him that day. Over the next few days let’s see what is involved in "taking up your cross" and following Jesus.

Folks in that day were acutely aware of what a cross was and what it meant. It was a very public spectacle, and a common means of execution. Crucifixion was a horrible, excruciating way to die. Taking up a cross meant certain death. There was no mistaking it. Your life was over the moment the cross became your destiny.

In the same way, Jesus is leaving no doubt for the hearers of His words that once we choose to follow Him, it will cost us everything. It will cost us our plans, our resources, our time, our devotion and our desires. The cross takes all. No reserves.

* 1 Corinthians 15:31 (NKJV) I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
o We take up our cross once to determine our eternal destination but we take it up anew each day as a choice to serve God with each sunrise; to deny ourselves in favor of doing the will of the Lord.

* John 11:26 (NKJV) And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?
o We die to our self, but in Christ we live eternally. The Christian life is always an irony: we pick up an instrument of death (the cross) and it brings us eternal life. We give up our lives but gain immortal reward. We sacrifice all, but receive everything.

The whole life of a Christian should be nothing but praises and thanks to God; we should neither eat nor sleep, but eat to God and sleep to God and work to God and talk to God, do all to His glory and praise. (Richard Sibbes)

The cross means DEATH to SELF. Are you willing to pay the price? You have no choice if you want to follow Jesus:

Matthew 10:38-39 (NKJV) And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

Do you understand and realize that the cross means death to "self"? Are you willing to make that sacrifice?

Lord, let us learn the true nature of following You: taking up a cross that will cost us ALL. Instill in us today a true understanding of this sacrifice and a willingness to pay the price. Be with us each day as we choose again to deny ourselves, and follow You. Amen.

James 1:22 - But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (NKJV)

1. What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?
2. What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?
3. What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?


From: Taking Up The Cross

Take Every Thought Captive

Today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions.
Today’s jealousy is tomorrow’s temper tantrum.
Today’s bigotry is tomorrow’s hate crime.
Today’s anger is tomorrow’s abuse.
Today’s lust is tomorrow’s adultery.
Today’s greed is tomorrow’s embezzlement.
Today’s guilt is tomorrow’s fear.

Could that be why Paul writes, “Love … keeps no record of wrongs” (1 Cor. 13:5 NIV)?

Some folks don’t know we have an option.

Paul says we do: “We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5).

Do you hear some battlefield jargon in that passage—“capture every thought,” “make it give up” and “obey Christ”? You get the impression that we are the soldiers and the thoughts are the enemies.

It was for Jesus. Remember the thoughts that came his way courtesy of the mouth of Peter? Jesus had just prophesied his death, burial, and resurrection, but Peter couldn’t bear the thought of it. “Peter took Jesus aside and told him not to talk like that.… Jesus said to Peter, ‘Go away from me, Satan! You are not helping me! You don’t care about the things of God, but only about the things people think are important’” (Matt. 16:22–23).
See the decisiveness of Jesus?

What if you did that? What if you took every thought captive? What if you took the counsel of Solomon: “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life” (Prov. 4:23).

You are not a victim of your thoughts. You have a vote. You have a voice. You can exercise thought prevention. You can also exercise thought permission.

Change the thoughts, and you change the person. If today’s thoughts are tomorrow’s actions, what happens when we fill our minds with thoughts of God’s love? Will standing beneath the downpour of his grace change the way we feel about others?

Paul says absolutely! It’s not enough to keep the bad stuff out. We’ve got to let the good stuff in. It’s not enough to keep no list of wrongs. We have to cultivate a list of blessings. The same verb Paul uses for keeps in the phrase “keeps no list of wrongs” is used for think in Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (RSV). Thinking conveys the idea of pondering—studying and focusing, allowing what is viewed to have an impact on us.

Rather than store up the sour, store up the sweet.


By: Max Lucado

Deeper Water

[Jesus] said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."
-Luke 5:4 (NIV)

JESUS' suggestion to the men who were to become his disciples was much more than a favor done to repay them for the use of their boat or a hint about catching fish after an otherwise unproductive day. The fishermen were tired, aching for rest. Can't you just imagine them saying, "Go out again? And into deep water?" The miracle that day wasn't only the glut of fish they caught; it was also the willingness of Peter and the others to heed Jesus' command. Their readiness foreshadowed the devotion to him that would characterize the rest of their lives.

When we Christians concern ourselves only with the contentment we find in our own salvation, we are like unproductive anglers fishing too near the bank. To truly follow Jesus may require us to launch out into "deeper water," to get in over our heads. Whether by an act of kindness, a word of witness, or a whispered prayer, our lives and actions each day can model the active Christianity to which we, like those first disciples, have been called.


From: Richard L. Mabry (RBC)

Come To Me

READ:
Come to Me . . . Matthew 11:28

God intends for us to live a well-rounded life in Christ Jesus, but there are times when that life is attacked from the outside. Then we tend to fall back into self-examination, a habit that we thought was gone. Self-awareness is the first thing that will upset the completeness of our life in God, and self-awareness continually produces a sense of struggling and turmoil in our lives. Self-awareness is not sin, and it can be produced by nervous emotions or by suddenly being dropped into a totally new set of circumstances. Yet it is never God’s will that we should be anything less than absolutely complete in Him. Anything that disturbs our rest in Him must be rectified at once, and it is not rectified by being ignored but only by coming to Jesus Christ. If we will come to Him, asking Him to produce Christ-awareness in us, He will always do it, until we fully learn to abide in Him.

Never allow anything that divides or destroys the oneness of your life with Christ to remain in your life without facing it. Beware of allowing the influence of your friends or your circumstances to divide your life. This only serves to sap your strength and slow your spiritual growth. Beware of anything that can split your oneness with Him, causing you to see yourself as separate from Him. Nothing is as important as staying right spiritually. And the only solution is a very simple one— "Come to Me . . . ." The intellectual, moral, and spiritual depth of our reality as a person is tested and measured by these words. Yet in every detail of our lives where we are found not to be real, we would rather dispute the findings than come to Jesus.


From: RBC

Have You Ever Been Speechless with Sorrow?

READ:
When he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich —Luke 18:23


The rich young ruler went away from Jesus speechless with sorrow, having nothing to say in response to Jesus’ words. He had no doubt about what Jesus had said or what it meant, and it produced in him a sorrow with no words with which to respond. Have you ever been there? Has God’s Word ever come to you, pointing out an area of your life, requiring you to yield it to Him? Maybe He has pointed out certain personal qualities, desires, and interests, or possibly relationships of your heart and mind. If so, then you have often been speechless with sorrow. The Lord will not go after you, and He will not plead with you. But every time He meets you at the place where He has pointed, He will simply repeat His words, saying, "If you really mean what you say, these are the conditions."

"Sell all that you have . . ." ( Luke 18:22 ). In other words, rid yourself before God of everything that might be considered a possession until you are a mere conscious human being standing before Him, and then give God that. That is where the battle is truly fought— in the realm of your will before God. Are you more devoted to your idea of what Jesus wants than to Jesus Himself? If so, you are likely to hear one of His harsh and unyielding statements that will produce sorrow in you. What Jesus says is difficult— it is only easy when it is heard by those who have His nature in them. Beware of allowing anything to soften the hard words of Jesus Christ.

I can be so rich in my own poverty, or in the awareness of the fact that I am nobody, that I will never be a disciple of Jesus. Or I can be so rich in the awareness that I am somebody that I will never be a disciple. Am I willing to be destitute and poor even in my sense of awareness of my destitution and poverty? If not, that is why I become discouraged. Discouragement is disillusioned self-love, and self-love may be love for my devotion to Jesus— not love for Jesus Himself.


From: RBC

Look Up

When my son performs at football half-time shows, I am totally focused on him. Consequently, I don't always see the big picture of the show because I don't want to lose sight of him in the sea of other band members. Of course he cannot always see me, even if he tries. He is focused on his task at the moment and not thinking about me. However, occasionally amidst the roar of the crowd, he looks up and we make eye contact.

Reflecting on this, I thought to myself, Maybe this is similar to how God feels when looking at us. I know God loves me, but quite honestly I find God's unconditional love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and presence in my life mind-boggling and incomprehensible. How can God know me so intimately when there are so many other people in the world? But the Bible assures us that God's eyes are on each of us individually (see Luke 12:6-7), and that God is always with us. (See Heb. 13:5.)

Sometimes when we "look up" from our tasks, we are aware that God is clearly present, and we seem to make eye contact -- as when my son makes eye contact with me. Often, however, like my son looking for me at a crowded football game, we can't see God. Even so we can trust that our Creator is there, seeing us and smiling, proud of us.

Sue Cohen (Texas, U.S.A.)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we are thankful that you always have your eyes on us, always love us, and are always with us even when we are not consciously aware of it. We love you, O God! Amen.


From: UpperRoomDevotionals

Secret Service Christians

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light”.
1 Peter 2:9

For many years we lived in a major capital city with embassies from around the world. Frequently country leaders—presidents, prime ministers or kings—would visit their embassies and the visit was almost always accompanied by a fair amount of pomp and circumstance. And security. We became accustomed to impatiently waiting at intersections while police cars whizzed by with lights flashing and sirens blaring. Then would come a long black limousine—usually with darkened windows—and we knew that within its doors sat the honored leader of her or his country. Following the limousine would be several smaller black cars filled with security personnel.

After a few years we Americans began to chuckle disrespectfully at these men charged with protecting their president. They were certainly serious about their responsibility, devoted to their leader and extremely well trained. But if part of their job was to appear inconspicuous in an effort to blend into the crowds and thus keep their eyes peeled for potential trouble, they failed miserably.

These dedicated men obviously all bought their ill-fitting black suits from the same discount clothing store. Their shirts were white and their ties dark. Their haircuts were militarily precise. They almost always wore black sunglasses. They never smiled. Their very presence warned us to keep away.

In a sense, we are “secret service” Christians. To be sure, our Leader does not need protection, but we are His representatives. I wonder if people see us as we saw those security personnel? Do we appear so “different” that onlookers shy away from relating to us? Do we amuse our neighbors instead of attract them? While never losing our distinctive calling as Christ-followers, we should be able to “infiltrate” the crowds in our efforts to be the aroma of our Savior.

I unfortunately grew up hearing only one version of the verse printed above. In that translation, the words “God’s special (or unique) possession” are translated “a peculiar people.” I thought Christian were to be odd. It is no wonder that I had little opportunity to declare His praises to my friends!

"Father, teach me more about being the kind of Christian who honors you by my attitude and actions, one to whom hungry people are drawn as they were to Jesus’ obvious love and compassion."

From: Today's Thought

The Discipline of the Lord

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him —Hebrews 12:5"

It is very easy to grieve the Spirit of God; we do it by despising the discipline of the Lord, or by becoming discouraged when He rebukes us. If our experience of being set apart from sin and being made holy through the process of sanctification is still very shallow, we tend to mistake the reality of God for something else. And when the Spirit of God gives us a sense of warning or restraint, we are apt to say mistakenly, "Oh, that must be from the devil."

"Do not quench the Spirit" ( 1 Thessalonians 5:19 ), and do not despise Him when He says to you, in effect, "Don’t be blind on this point anymore— you are not as far along spiritually as you thought you were. Until now I have not been able to reveal this to you, but I’m revealing it to you right now." When the Lord disciplines you like that, let Him have His way with you. Allow Him to put you into a right-standing relationship before God.

". . . nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him." We begin to pout, become irritated with God, and then say, "Oh well, I can’t help it. I prayed and things didn’t turn out right anyway. So I’m simply going to give up on everything." Just think what would happen if we acted like this in any other area of our lives!

Am I fully prepared to allow God to grip me by His power and do a work in me that is truly worthy of Himself? Sanctification is not my idea of what I want God to do for me— sanctification is God’s idea of what He wants to do for me. But He has to get me into the state of mind and spirit where I will allow Him to sanctify me completely, whatever the cost (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 ).


From: RBC

Call Upon The Name Of The Lord

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. --Isaiah 40:31

Charles M. Schulz, the creator of “Peanuts,” said much of the inspiration for his comic strip came from his seemingly never-ending stream of bad luck and blunders in childhood.

Like the time a local movie theater promised the first 100 children in line a yummy chocolate bar they could enjoy during the show. Schulz eagerly joined in the queue, already tasting the tantalizing chocolate in his mouth. He waited patiently…only to discover he was number 101 in line!

It’s easy to become discouraged when you eagerly wait for something and have your hopes dashed. The enemy wants nothing more than for you to be discouraged and doubt God at times like these. But oftentimes God uses our disappointments to draw us closer to Him.

When you feel let down, look up to the Father. Praise Him in the midst of your sadness. Psalm 33:18 says “the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.”

Draw closer to Him, and you will find yourself refreshed with a new hope. Don’t let the enemy steal your joy, no matter what you may be going through today!

From CrossWalk Devotionals