Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Apr. 30, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
Love Is Patient and Kind
Love suffers long and is kind.
—1 Corinthians 13:4
Can you imagine the world we would live in if people operated by the principle that says, “Don’t look out for your own needs and interests, but for the needs of others”? Yet we live in a culture that tells us to forget about others and to look out for number-one. But we should remember that God’s love is patient. And as the body of Christ, the love we have should be patient.
Another way to translate the phrase, “Love suffers long” from 1 Corinthians 13 is “Love is long-tempered.” This common New Testament term is used almost exclusively in speaking of being patient with people rather than being patient with circumstances or events. Love’s patience is the ability to be inconvenienced again and again.
The last words of Stephen, the first martyr of the church, were those of patient forgiveness: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (Acts 7:60). As he was dying, he prayed for his murderers rather than for himself. This is the same kind of love Jesus spoke of that turns the other cheek. It is the kind of love that has as its primary concern not its own welfare, but the welfare of others.
And love is kind. Just as patience will take anything from others, kindness will give anything to others. To be kind means to be useful, serving, and gracious. It is active goodwill. Love not only feels generous; it is generous. Love not only desires the welfare of others; love works for it.
However, if you wait for this emotion to come, you may never experience kindness. Remember, love is active. Love is kind. So just be kind, even if you don’t feel kind.
That’s what God’s love is: patient and kind.
For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org.
Monday, April 30, 2007
The Shield
Good Morning! All week long the word “Shield” has kept popping up over and over in my reading.
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
But then I remembered a discussion I had with one of my co-workers about the shield of faith. I decided to do a study on shields, so here is something I found while doing so. Have a GREAT weekend!-------
Lisa
The Shield of Faith
Text: Ephesians 6:16.
Introduction:
We are well acquainted with the Christian's armor as given in Ephesians 6. For successful warfare we must put on the whole armor of God, because". . we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
I want to call your attention to one piece of the armor carried by the Christian-the shield of faith. The shield that Paul had in mind here is not the small, round buckler, but the oblong, door-like shield, measuring 4' x 2 ', curved to the shape of the body and carried by the Greek and Roman soldiers. When joined together, these large shields formed a wall behind which a body of troops could hide themselves from the rain of the enemy's missiles.
These military shields were made of wood, covered on the out- side with thick leather, which not only deadened the shock of the missile, but protected the frame of the shield from the fire-tipped darts used in the artillery of the ancients.
So, faith is the shield of the Christian soldier, defending him from the fierce attacks of the foe from within and without. The shield of faith is able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. This shield cannot be pierced or destroyed by the fiercest fires of hatred or malice. The arrows of the evil one, though flaming with cruelty, are stopped by the shield and extinguished.
By the help of the Lord, I want to strengthen your faith. I want you to go from this building feeling stronger in faith than when you entered.
There are so many things which work to destroy our faith in God. The skepticism and the doubts voiced by an unbelieving world are often used by Satan to shake the faith of the best of God's people.
Again, the unfaithful lives of Christians are often used by the Devil to wreck faith. Therefore, we need to know some very simple but fundamental things about faith and what it can do for us.
I. WHAT IS FAITH?
Simply defined, faith is belief and trust. It is believing God and trusting God. Both elements must be present to make faith.
It was a good answer that was once given by a poor woman to a minister who asked her, "What is faith?" She replied, "I'm ignorant, and I cannot answer well, but I think it is taking God at His Word."
Faith is the foundation of all Christian graces. Dr. Arthur Pink says, "The beginning of faith is faith in the beginning." The Word tells us, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
There is no true faith that does not begin at recognition of God as Creator. We must believe that before we can believe anything else.
After the acceptance of God, we must accept the way for coming to God. This is the blood-sprinkled way. No one can come to God except through Jesus Christ. This must be accepted by faith.
After salvation, it is necessary that we walk and work by faith. Someone may be asking even now, "How can I get faith, and how can my faith be increased?" This answer is given us in Romans 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The beginning, progress and strength of faith are by hearing. God gives faith, but it is by the Word as the instrument.
If we are to have faith, we must hear and believe His Word. It is not hearing the enticing words of man's wisdom, but the Word of God which will increase faith. And how must we hear it? We must hear it as the Word of God. Believe the Word, read the Word, hear the Word is the way for faith to increase. Read His precious promises and rest upon them. There is no other way to get faith but this way.
II. WHAT FAITH DOES NOT DO
There are disappointed and disillusioned Christians all about us because they misinterpreted the working of faith.
As an example, I heard a man say not too long ago, "Since I became a Christian, it seems that everything has gone wrong. We have had sickness and suffering. I have lost my job. We have had much trouble, but through it all God has been good and has helped us."
Notice some things that faith does not do:
A. Does not shield from physical suffering. 2 Cor.11:24-27.
B. Does not shield from loss of earthly possessions. I firmly believe that God does bless those who believe in Him and are honest with Him. I have seen this proven many times. But we do not put our faith in Christ and serve Him simply so that we can prosper in a material way.
Some Christians seem to think that because they believe in God and Christ that they must prosper greatly; and if they lose their earthly possessions, they become rebellious and feel that God has failed. We can find the records of many great Christians who were stripped of every possession; for in it all, God had a definite purpose.
C. Does not guarantee ease. Turn to Hebrews 11, that great chapter of faith, and you will see that those whose names grace God's honor roll suffered much.
Moses, chosen of God, turned from the ease and luxury of Egypt, "choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."
See--Heb. 11:36-38. How did they do this? Through faith in God.
D. Does not shield from grief. We will have grief in life, for death is all about us. Our loved ones will be separated from us. God does not promise anything else, for saints and sinners come to die. He does not say that we can simply have faith and live on in this life. Or that we can have faith and sustain the lives of others.
These are some things that faith does not do. Now, may we turn to the positive side of the matter.
III. WHAT FAITH DOES
A. Faith saves. (Eph. 2:8,9)
Salvation is not by works; it is not by doing, but it is by believing. God has put salvation in such a place that it can be reached by all men.
B. Faith justifies (Rom. 5:1)
When we are justified, we are made right in the sight of God.
C. Faith stabilizes.
In the same passage, Ephesians 6, the apostle speaks again and again of standing, being steadfast in our warfare. It is faith that makes us steadfast when the battle is raging hot. It is faith that gives us the courage to stand when the flesh desires to run.
Compare I Corinthians 16:13; Psalm 125:1 The shield will be sufficient to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.
D. Faith strengthens. (Phil. 4:13). When we have faith in God, no task is too hard. God has the power for our lives, if we will tie on to Him. In ourselves we can do nothing; through Him we can do all things.
E. Faith sings. When I mentioned a moment ago the many hardships that Christians can expect in this life, I did not exaggerate one bit. That is the common portion of man. But I want to emphasize this: though we have physical suffering, loss of possessions, hardships and grief, we can have a song in our hearts in the midst of the darkest night. It was faith that made Paul sing at the midnight hour. They were not singing because they feared the darkness or the hand of the Roman government. They sang because their hearts were full of faith and they knew that God was with them. Take this motto for your life: "Rejoice evermore." Rest on the promises. Rejoice in the Lord.
6. Faith sends us out. It is faith that makes us messengers and witnesses for Christ. What God has done for us, He can do for others. The same Christ who saved me can save any lost one who will come in repentance and faith to Him.
I have faith in the willingness of Christ to save anyone who will receive Him as Saviour. Whether that person be in the heart of Africa or in our own city, His promise is, ". . him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out."
We can have faith in the power of Christ to save to the utter-most. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
In Hebrews 7:25, we read, "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. "It is a joy to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ and to know that He is able to save. I would not want to preach if there were a doubt in my mind regarding His power.
Therefore, it is my faith in the blessed Saviour which sends me into the field to preach and witness. "Above all, taking the shield of faith Friend without Christ, His promises are true. He will save you now, if you will only believe. Not a fiery dart of the wicked has ever pierced the shield of faith. No one has ever been lost who has stood behind that shield. It is yours today for the taking.
Sermon by Dr. Lee RobersonChancellor, TennesseeTemple UniversityPastor Emeritus, Highland Park BaptistChurchChattanooga, TN
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward."
"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.
But then I remembered a discussion I had with one of my co-workers about the shield of faith. I decided to do a study on shields, so here is something I found while doing so. Have a GREAT weekend!-------
Lisa
The Shield of Faith
Text: Ephesians 6:16.
Introduction:
We are well acquainted with the Christian's armor as given in Ephesians 6. For successful warfare we must put on the whole armor of God, because". . we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
I want to call your attention to one piece of the armor carried by the Christian-the shield of faith. The shield that Paul had in mind here is not the small, round buckler, but the oblong, door-like shield, measuring 4' x 2 ', curved to the shape of the body and carried by the Greek and Roman soldiers. When joined together, these large shields formed a wall behind which a body of troops could hide themselves from the rain of the enemy's missiles.
These military shields were made of wood, covered on the out- side with thick leather, which not only deadened the shock of the missile, but protected the frame of the shield from the fire-tipped darts used in the artillery of the ancients.
So, faith is the shield of the Christian soldier, defending him from the fierce attacks of the foe from within and without. The shield of faith is able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. This shield cannot be pierced or destroyed by the fiercest fires of hatred or malice. The arrows of the evil one, though flaming with cruelty, are stopped by the shield and extinguished.
By the help of the Lord, I want to strengthen your faith. I want you to go from this building feeling stronger in faith than when you entered.
There are so many things which work to destroy our faith in God. The skepticism and the doubts voiced by an unbelieving world are often used by Satan to shake the faith of the best of God's people.
Again, the unfaithful lives of Christians are often used by the Devil to wreck faith. Therefore, we need to know some very simple but fundamental things about faith and what it can do for us.
I. WHAT IS FAITH?
Simply defined, faith is belief and trust. It is believing God and trusting God. Both elements must be present to make faith.
It was a good answer that was once given by a poor woman to a minister who asked her, "What is faith?" She replied, "I'm ignorant, and I cannot answer well, but I think it is taking God at His Word."
Faith is the foundation of all Christian graces. Dr. Arthur Pink says, "The beginning of faith is faith in the beginning." The Word tells us, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear."
There is no true faith that does not begin at recognition of God as Creator. We must believe that before we can believe anything else.
After the acceptance of God, we must accept the way for coming to God. This is the blood-sprinkled way. No one can come to God except through Jesus Christ. This must be accepted by faith.
After salvation, it is necessary that we walk and work by faith. Someone may be asking even now, "How can I get faith, and how can my faith be increased?" This answer is given us in Romans 10:17, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The beginning, progress and strength of faith are by hearing. God gives faith, but it is by the Word as the instrument.
If we are to have faith, we must hear and believe His Word. It is not hearing the enticing words of man's wisdom, but the Word of God which will increase faith. And how must we hear it? We must hear it as the Word of God. Believe the Word, read the Word, hear the Word is the way for faith to increase. Read His precious promises and rest upon them. There is no other way to get faith but this way.
II. WHAT FAITH DOES NOT DO
There are disappointed and disillusioned Christians all about us because they misinterpreted the working of faith.
As an example, I heard a man say not too long ago, "Since I became a Christian, it seems that everything has gone wrong. We have had sickness and suffering. I have lost my job. We have had much trouble, but through it all God has been good and has helped us."
Notice some things that faith does not do:
A. Does not shield from physical suffering. 2 Cor.11:24-27.
B. Does not shield from loss of earthly possessions. I firmly believe that God does bless those who believe in Him and are honest with Him. I have seen this proven many times. But we do not put our faith in Christ and serve Him simply so that we can prosper in a material way.
Some Christians seem to think that because they believe in God and Christ that they must prosper greatly; and if they lose their earthly possessions, they become rebellious and feel that God has failed. We can find the records of many great Christians who were stripped of every possession; for in it all, God had a definite purpose.
C. Does not guarantee ease. Turn to Hebrews 11, that great chapter of faith, and you will see that those whose names grace God's honor roll suffered much.
Moses, chosen of God, turned from the ease and luxury of Egypt, "choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season."
See--Heb. 11:36-38. How did they do this? Through faith in God.
D. Does not shield from grief. We will have grief in life, for death is all about us. Our loved ones will be separated from us. God does not promise anything else, for saints and sinners come to die. He does not say that we can simply have faith and live on in this life. Or that we can have faith and sustain the lives of others.
These are some things that faith does not do. Now, may we turn to the positive side of the matter.
III. WHAT FAITH DOES
A. Faith saves. (Eph. 2:8,9)
Salvation is not by works; it is not by doing, but it is by believing. God has put salvation in such a place that it can be reached by all men.
B. Faith justifies (Rom. 5:1)
When we are justified, we are made right in the sight of God.
C. Faith stabilizes.
In the same passage, Ephesians 6, the apostle speaks again and again of standing, being steadfast in our warfare. It is faith that makes us steadfast when the battle is raging hot. It is faith that gives us the courage to stand when the flesh desires to run.
Compare I Corinthians 16:13; Psalm 125:1 The shield will be sufficient to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one.
D. Faith strengthens. (Phil. 4:13). When we have faith in God, no task is too hard. God has the power for our lives, if we will tie on to Him. In ourselves we can do nothing; through Him we can do all things.
E. Faith sings. When I mentioned a moment ago the many hardships that Christians can expect in this life, I did not exaggerate one bit. That is the common portion of man. But I want to emphasize this: though we have physical suffering, loss of possessions, hardships and grief, we can have a song in our hearts in the midst of the darkest night. It was faith that made Paul sing at the midnight hour. They were not singing because they feared the darkness or the hand of the Roman government. They sang because their hearts were full of faith and they knew that God was with them. Take this motto for your life: "Rejoice evermore." Rest on the promises. Rejoice in the Lord.
6. Faith sends us out. It is faith that makes us messengers and witnesses for Christ. What God has done for us, He can do for others. The same Christ who saved me can save any lost one who will come in repentance and faith to Him.
I have faith in the willingness of Christ to save anyone who will receive Him as Saviour. Whether that person be in the heart of Africa or in our own city, His promise is, ". . him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out."
We can have faith in the power of Christ to save to the utter-most. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
In Hebrews 7:25, we read, "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. "It is a joy to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ and to know that He is able to save. I would not want to preach if there were a doubt in my mind regarding His power.
Therefore, it is my faith in the blessed Saviour which sends me into the field to preach and witness. "Above all, taking the shield of faith Friend without Christ, His promises are true. He will save you now, if you will only believe. Not a fiery dart of the wicked has ever pierced the shield of faith. No one has ever been lost who has stood behind that shield. It is yours today for the taking.
Sermon by Dr. Lee RobersonChancellor, TennesseeTemple UniversityPastor Emeritus, Highland Park BaptistChurchChattanooga, TN
Pursuit of God
In Touch - Apr. 27, 2007
In Touch Daily Devotionalby Dr. Charles Stanley
April 27, 2007 – Pursuing God – Psalm 63:1-8
We can deepen our relationship with God through discovering His character and His will for our lives. This is achieved in several ways. Each way, while familiar, represents an important discipline in pursuing the Lord.
Meditation is an excellent way to build our relationship with God. It involves reading a Bible passage several times with the purpose of hearing from the Lord. Then, as we maintain intense concentration, the Holy Spirit communicates through the verses.
Studying the Scriptures allows us to draw from many passages to gain a broader, deeper understanding of God’s character, plans, and promises. We benefit by asking ourselves questions such as, What does this passage reveal about His nature? Or, Is there a divine promise to remember? A command to obey? An example to follow?
Prayer is another key spiritual discipline. It must be the foundation for meditation and study. Encountering God requires both a listening ear and receptive heart.
Recognizing how God operates in our lives and circumstances helps us desire to pursue Him. Dr. Stanley’s grandfather told him how the Lord worked in his own life. That testimony created in Dr. Stanley a deep, unshakeable hunger to seek God. He wanted the Lord to work in his life the way He had in his grandfather’s.
If you want to know if you’re truly seeking God, ask yourself these three questions: First, are you learning more about Him and His desires for your life? Second, do you feel like the day isn’t complete without fellowship with Him? And, third, do you find yourself trusting Him more and leaving behind ungodly habits? If you can answer “yes” to those three questions, then you understand the importance of seeking after the Lord.
In Touch Daily Devotionalby Dr. Charles Stanley
April 27, 2007 – Pursuing God – Psalm 63:1-8
We can deepen our relationship with God through discovering His character and His will for our lives. This is achieved in several ways. Each way, while familiar, represents an important discipline in pursuing the Lord.
Meditation is an excellent way to build our relationship with God. It involves reading a Bible passage several times with the purpose of hearing from the Lord. Then, as we maintain intense concentration, the Holy Spirit communicates through the verses.
Studying the Scriptures allows us to draw from many passages to gain a broader, deeper understanding of God’s character, plans, and promises. We benefit by asking ourselves questions such as, What does this passage reveal about His nature? Or, Is there a divine promise to remember? A command to obey? An example to follow?
Prayer is another key spiritual discipline. It must be the foundation for meditation and study. Encountering God requires both a listening ear and receptive heart.
Recognizing how God operates in our lives and circumstances helps us desire to pursue Him. Dr. Stanley’s grandfather told him how the Lord worked in his own life. That testimony created in Dr. Stanley a deep, unshakeable hunger to seek God. He wanted the Lord to work in his life the way He had in his grandfather’s.
If you want to know if you’re truly seeking God, ask yourself these three questions: First, are you learning more about Him and His desires for your life? Second, do you feel like the day isn’t complete without fellowship with Him? And, third, do you find yourself trusting Him more and leaving behind ungodly habits? If you can answer “yes” to those three questions, then you understand the importance of seeking after the Lord.
Comfort
This morning I woke up to sad news----so here is my personal verse for the day—
“In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul”. Psalm 94:19
The Lord is my comforter. He is your comforter. He knows our anxieties, and our burdens. Will I cast them on Him and lay them at His feet, or will I entertain them myself? Knowing me---I tend to try to manage them myself first, and then give them over. But today---I will cast them at His feet first!
Agape-
L
“In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul”. Psalm 94:19
The Lord is my comforter. He is your comforter. He knows our anxieties, and our burdens. Will I cast them on Him and lay them at His feet, or will I entertain them myself? Knowing me---I tend to try to manage them myself first, and then give them over. But today---I will cast them at His feet first!
Agape-
L
When the Lord Tarries
This TOTALLY blesses me! Agape----Lisa
Marketplace Meditations 4/25
April 25
When the Lord Tarries
Habakkuk 2:3
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
God has a storehouse of blessings that He has reserved for you and me. However, our timing to receive those blessings may not be the same as our Lord's. God has a specific timetable that He requires to accomplish His purposes in the life of the believer. Sometimes that timetable seems excruciatingly cruel and painful, yet it is needful.
When we read that Joseph remained a slave in Egypt and was then placed in prison after being wrongfully accused, it would be easy to second-guess the God of the universe. Oh, how cruel and uncaring, we might think. Joseph thought he was going to be delivered from prison when he interpreted a dream for a court official, but then he was forgotten another two years. Why? An early release would have disrupted God's perfect plan.
God takes time to develop character before anything else. God could not afford to have a prideful 30-year-old managing the resources of an entire region of the world.
We can sometimes delay this timetable if we refuse His correction.
Although it is sometimes difficult to understand, the Lord is just and gracious in His dealings with His children. When He does decide to move on our behalf, we will appreciate the delay and will often understand the reason it was needed. Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! (Is. 30:18)
If you are awaiting the fulfillment of a vision in your life, ask the Lord for His grace to sustain you. It will be worth the wait.
Marketplace Meditations 4/25
April 25
When the Lord Tarries
Habakkuk 2:3
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.
God has a storehouse of blessings that He has reserved for you and me. However, our timing to receive those blessings may not be the same as our Lord's. God has a specific timetable that He requires to accomplish His purposes in the life of the believer. Sometimes that timetable seems excruciatingly cruel and painful, yet it is needful.
When we read that Joseph remained a slave in Egypt and was then placed in prison after being wrongfully accused, it would be easy to second-guess the God of the universe. Oh, how cruel and uncaring, we might think. Joseph thought he was going to be delivered from prison when he interpreted a dream for a court official, but then he was forgotten another two years. Why? An early release would have disrupted God's perfect plan.
God takes time to develop character before anything else. God could not afford to have a prideful 30-year-old managing the resources of an entire region of the world.
We can sometimes delay this timetable if we refuse His correction.
Although it is sometimes difficult to understand, the Lord is just and gracious in His dealings with His children. When He does decide to move on our behalf, we will appreciate the delay and will often understand the reason it was needed. Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him! (Is. 30:18)
If you are awaiting the fulfillment of a vision in your life, ask the Lord for His grace to sustain you. It will be worth the wait.
The Truth Versus the Lie
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
I played competitive volleyball for thirteen years. I was fortunate to play not only in high school and college, but also for the National Team, and professionally, before I finally hung up my sneakers and retired. Most of the time, I was an energetic, passionate and free-spirited player. However, for part of my playing career when I was 18, I was plagued with fear.
If you came to watch a match, you might not have noticed. But if you were on my team, you would see that I simply froze during warm-ups. I could not perform and put the ball where I needed to during certain drills. It was humiliating. Somehow, the anxiety, fear, pressure, and desire to perform well all accumulated in those moments and I simply could not perform. All I could hear in my head was the imagined voice of my coach telling me I was weak, horrible, letting the team down.
It was a lie.
The truth is, God had gifted me with the ability to lead teams and play volleyball well. For every truth, though, there is a lie. Satan comes to steal our joy and keep us from believing the truth. These lies made me believe I would never be good enough, never be as good as, or never amount to anything. They were coupled with unrealistic expectations and a voice that simply said over and over, “You’re awful. There is something wrong with you.”
How often do we do this very thing in our own lives? Instead of resting in the fact that God loves us and made us just the way He wanted to, we get caught up in the lies. The lies say we are bad people. The lies say we cannot be forgiven, that we are unlovable, that we deserve pain, and if I don’t read my Bible enough, God will not be near…
Here is the truth: God made you with purpose. He uniquely crafted you with the exact right amount of skills, talents and abilities. We are to rejoice and be glad in how the Lord makes us. He is our Father and we are His adopted children. He wants to give us good gifts and He delights in us. He loves you unconditionally.
Don’t let the lies of Satan come into your life. Stand firm on the truth – God’s truth
“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy: I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
I played competitive volleyball for thirteen years. I was fortunate to play not only in high school and college, but also for the National Team, and professionally, before I finally hung up my sneakers and retired. Most of the time, I was an energetic, passionate and free-spirited player. However, for part of my playing career when I was 18, I was plagued with fear.
If you came to watch a match, you might not have noticed. But if you were on my team, you would see that I simply froze during warm-ups. I could not perform and put the ball where I needed to during certain drills. It was humiliating. Somehow, the anxiety, fear, pressure, and desire to perform well all accumulated in those moments and I simply could not perform. All I could hear in my head was the imagined voice of my coach telling me I was weak, horrible, letting the team down.
It was a lie.
The truth is, God had gifted me with the ability to lead teams and play volleyball well. For every truth, though, there is a lie. Satan comes to steal our joy and keep us from believing the truth. These lies made me believe I would never be good enough, never be as good as, or never amount to anything. They were coupled with unrealistic expectations and a voice that simply said over and over, “You’re awful. There is something wrong with you.”
How often do we do this very thing in our own lives? Instead of resting in the fact that God loves us and made us just the way He wanted to, we get caught up in the lies. The lies say we are bad people. The lies say we cannot be forgiven, that we are unlovable, that we deserve pain, and if I don’t read my Bible enough, God will not be near…
Here is the truth: God made you with purpose. He uniquely crafted you with the exact right amount of skills, talents and abilities. We are to rejoice and be glad in how the Lord makes us. He is our Father and we are His adopted children. He wants to give us good gifts and He delights in us. He loves you unconditionally.
Don’t let the lies of Satan come into your life. Stand firm on the truth – God’s truth
Go For It
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you. — Luke 6:38, Living Bible
The call to Christ is the call to serve. Sometimes our servanthood is not appreciated; other times we serve when no one notices. Nevertheless, we are called to serve. I found these sayings in a church bulletin one time. Now I keep them close to my heart.
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish motives.Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.Be honest anyway.
The biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.Think big anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.Build anyway.
People really need help but may turn against you if you help them.Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you may get kicked in the teeth.Give the world the best you've got anyway.
For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you. — Luke 6:38, Living Bible
The call to Christ is the call to serve. Sometimes our servanthood is not appreciated; other times we serve when no one notices. Nevertheless, we are called to serve. I found these sayings in a church bulletin one time. Now I keep them close to my heart.
People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish motives.Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.Be honest anyway.
The biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest minds.Think big anyway.
What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.Build anyway.
People really need help but may turn against you if you help them.Help them anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you may get kicked in the teeth.Give the world the best you've got anyway.
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