Have a great Friday! LL
Living Free - Aug. 31, 2007
Today's Scripture
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. Psalm 62:5-6 NLT
Thoughts for Today
After passing through denial, then anger, bargaining and depression, many people concerned about a loved one with a life-controlling problem reach the point of acceptance.
Acceptance is a welcome place of relief. Now we can finally turn our loved one over to God. To his love and discipline, to his mercy and grace. To his healing power.
Consider this…Turning our struggling loved one over to God does not mean that we no longer care what happens to him, but that we have accepted the reality of the situation and the fact that we can't fix the problem.
This is where we emotionally detach ourselves from our loved ones, even as we continue to love them and trust God's guidance in redesigning our role in their life.
Here we are able to acknowledge that they are themselves responsible for their own behavior.
We accept our powerlessness to change them.
We are finally ready to ...
Let go and let God.
Prayer
Lord, help me come to this point of acceptance. I know I can't fix my loved one's problems. I know he has to take responsibility for his own choices. Help me to let go. Help me to rest in you, knowing that you love this one even more than I and that you alone are able to help him. In Jesus' name...
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
God's Timing
Streams in the Desert - Aug. 30
God's Timing
"And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush…saying…I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt" (Acts 7:30, 32, 34).
That was a long wait in preparation for a great mission. When God delays, He is not inactive. He is getting ready His instruments, He is ripening our powers; and at the Appointed moment we shall arise equal to our task. Even Jesus of Nazareth was thirty years in privacy, growing in wisdom before He began His work. --Dr. Jowett
God is never in a hurry but spends years with those He expects to greatly use. He never thinks the days of preparation too long or too dull.
The hardest ingredient in suffering is often time. A short, sharp pang is easily borne, but when a sorrow drags its weary way through long, monotonous years, and day after day returns with the same dull routine of hopeless agony, the heart loses its strength, and without the grace of God, is sure to sink into the very sullenness of despair. Joseph's was a long trial, and God often has to burn His lessons into the depths of our being by the fires of protracted pain. "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver," but He knows how long, and like a true goldsmith He stops the fires the moment He sees His image in the glowing metal. We may not see now the outcome of the beautiful plan which God is hiding in the shadow of His hand; it yet may be long concealed; but faith may be sure that He is sitting on the throne, calmly waiting the hour when, with adoring rapture, we shall say, "All things have worked together for good." Like Joseph, let us be more careful to learn all the lessons in the school of sorrow than we are anxious for the hour of deliverance. There is a "need-be" for every lesson, and when we are ready, our deliverance will surely come, and we shall find that we could not have stood in our place of higher service without the very things that were taught us in the ordeal. God is educating us for the future, for higher service and nobler blessings; and if we have the qualities that fit us for a throne, nothing can keep us from it when God's time has come. Don't steal tomorrow out of God's hands. Give God time to speak to you and reveal His will. He is never too late; learn to wait. --Selected
"He never comes too late; He knoweth what is best;Vex not thyself in vain; until He cometh--REST."
Do not run impetuously before the Lord; learn to wait His time: the minute-hand as well as the hour-hand must point the exact moment for action.
God's Timing
"And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush…saying…I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt" (Acts 7:30, 32, 34).
That was a long wait in preparation for a great mission. When God delays, He is not inactive. He is getting ready His instruments, He is ripening our powers; and at the Appointed moment we shall arise equal to our task. Even Jesus of Nazareth was thirty years in privacy, growing in wisdom before He began His work. --Dr. Jowett
God is never in a hurry but spends years with those He expects to greatly use. He never thinks the days of preparation too long or too dull.
The hardest ingredient in suffering is often time. A short, sharp pang is easily borne, but when a sorrow drags its weary way through long, monotonous years, and day after day returns with the same dull routine of hopeless agony, the heart loses its strength, and without the grace of God, is sure to sink into the very sullenness of despair. Joseph's was a long trial, and God often has to burn His lessons into the depths of our being by the fires of protracted pain. "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver," but He knows how long, and like a true goldsmith He stops the fires the moment He sees His image in the glowing metal. We may not see now the outcome of the beautiful plan which God is hiding in the shadow of His hand; it yet may be long concealed; but faith may be sure that He is sitting on the throne, calmly waiting the hour when, with adoring rapture, we shall say, "All things have worked together for good." Like Joseph, let us be more careful to learn all the lessons in the school of sorrow than we are anxious for the hour of deliverance. There is a "need-be" for every lesson, and when we are ready, our deliverance will surely come, and we shall find that we could not have stood in our place of higher service without the very things that were taught us in the ordeal. God is educating us for the future, for higher service and nobler blessings; and if we have the qualities that fit us for a throne, nothing can keep us from it when God's time has come. Don't steal tomorrow out of God's hands. Give God time to speak to you and reveal His will. He is never too late; learn to wait. --Selected
"He never comes too late; He knoweth what is best;Vex not thyself in vain; until He cometh--REST."
Do not run impetuously before the Lord; learn to wait His time: the minute-hand as well as the hour-hand must point the exact moment for action.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Living Forward, Understanding Backwards
Marketplace Meditations 8/29
August 29
Living Forward, Understanding Backward
1 Thessalonians 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.
I was in my 20's, I participated in a wilderness training course in a desert and mountain area. For our "final exam," we were blindfolded, placed in the back of a pickup truck, and taken to a remote area. We were dropped off and told to meet back at the camp in three days. We did not know where we were. We had to determine our location with our compasses. It was a frightening experience for four young people who had learned to navigate through the use of a compass only a few days earlier. With our food and water on our backs, we began our trek. It had just snowed that morning, so the way was difficult. We walked through valleys, canyons, snow-covered hills, and forests. In all, we walked more than 60 miles in three days. There were times when we did not think we could go another foot. Exhaustion and frostbitten feet were taking their toll. However, we finally made it to our base camp successfully, and to our surprise, we were the first ones among the other patrols to make it back.
At the conclusion of our journey, we were able to stand on top of a ridge, look behind us and see the beautiful terrain that we had just scaled. The pain of what we had just endured seemed to subside. We could not believe we had actually walked through those valleys and snowcapped hills. There was a sense of accomplishment.
Life is very much like this. It is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road a bit that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life as a result. When you begin to realize some of this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was.
Are you in the midst of a difficult journey that seems almost impossible to continue? Be assured that God is providing grace even now to equip you for that journey. There will be a time when you can say, "Wow, look at what God has done because of what I gained through that valley." Trust Him with the outcome of where you find yourself today.
August 29
Living Forward, Understanding Backward
1 Thessalonians 5:24 The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it.
I was in my 20's, I participated in a wilderness training course in a desert and mountain area. For our "final exam," we were blindfolded, placed in the back of a pickup truck, and taken to a remote area. We were dropped off and told to meet back at the camp in three days. We did not know where we were. We had to determine our location with our compasses. It was a frightening experience for four young people who had learned to navigate through the use of a compass only a few days earlier. With our food and water on our backs, we began our trek. It had just snowed that morning, so the way was difficult. We walked through valleys, canyons, snow-covered hills, and forests. In all, we walked more than 60 miles in three days. There were times when we did not think we could go another foot. Exhaustion and frostbitten feet were taking their toll. However, we finally made it to our base camp successfully, and to our surprise, we were the first ones among the other patrols to make it back.
At the conclusion of our journey, we were able to stand on top of a ridge, look behind us and see the beautiful terrain that we had just scaled. The pain of what we had just endured seemed to subside. We could not believe we had actually walked through those valleys and snowcapped hills. There was a sense of accomplishment.
Life is very much like this. It is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road a bit that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life as a result. When you begin to realize some of this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was.
Are you in the midst of a difficult journey that seems almost impossible to continue? Be assured that God is providing grace even now to equip you for that journey. There will be a time when you can say, "Wow, look at what God has done because of what I gained through that valley." Trust Him with the outcome of where you find yourself today.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Leave the Results to God
Marketplace Meditations 8/28
August 28
Obedience-Based Decisions
Acts 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.
So often we as a society equate numbers with success. The larger the conference, the more successful we deem it. The larger a church, the more we believe that God is blessing. And so on.
I recall planning a conference one time. Registrations were not where I felt they needed to be a few weeks before the date of the event. It wasn't long before I began to get "under the pile" about the level of attendance. My friend, who was organizing this conference with me, called and asked how I was doing. I had to confess where I was. He immediately reminded me of my own teaching in this area. We are all called to be led by the Spirit, not by outcomes. "If God called us to put on this conference, then the outcome is up to Him if we have done our part." He went on to explain how he learned this lesson in a similar way a few years earlier.
He and a friend were led to host a Bible study group. His friend was to speak. It was nine o'clock and they were the only two people there. His friend was discouraged and was ready to leave.
"No," said my friend. "We have done what the Holy Spirit directed." He then stood up and began to welcome people as though there were many in the room. (No one was in the room.) He introduced his friend and they began the meeting. A few minutes later, people began to straggle in. By the time the meeting was over, ten had shown up, and one man in particular was impacted by the meeting.
Being led by the Spirit often means we must not use the world's standard for success as our measuring stick. You never know what an act of obedience will yield at the time. We must leave results to God. Our role is to obey. His role is to bring results from our obedience.
Do you make decisions based on the potential outcome or by the direction of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you overly evaluate the pros and cons without consideration to what the Holy Spirit might be saying deep inside? We are all prone to make decisions based on reasoning alone. Ask God to give you a willingness and ability to hear the Holy Spirit and to obey His promptings.
August 28
Obedience-Based Decisions
Acts 5:32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.
So often we as a society equate numbers with success. The larger the conference, the more successful we deem it. The larger a church, the more we believe that God is blessing. And so on.
I recall planning a conference one time. Registrations were not where I felt they needed to be a few weeks before the date of the event. It wasn't long before I began to get "under the pile" about the level of attendance. My friend, who was organizing this conference with me, called and asked how I was doing. I had to confess where I was. He immediately reminded me of my own teaching in this area. We are all called to be led by the Spirit, not by outcomes. "If God called us to put on this conference, then the outcome is up to Him if we have done our part." He went on to explain how he learned this lesson in a similar way a few years earlier.
He and a friend were led to host a Bible study group. His friend was to speak. It was nine o'clock and they were the only two people there. His friend was discouraged and was ready to leave.
"No," said my friend. "We have done what the Holy Spirit directed." He then stood up and began to welcome people as though there were many in the room. (No one was in the room.) He introduced his friend and they began the meeting. A few minutes later, people began to straggle in. By the time the meeting was over, ten had shown up, and one man in particular was impacted by the meeting.
Being led by the Spirit often means we must not use the world's standard for success as our measuring stick. You never know what an act of obedience will yield at the time. We must leave results to God. Our role is to obey. His role is to bring results from our obedience.
Do you make decisions based on the potential outcome or by the direction of the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you overly evaluate the pros and cons without consideration to what the Holy Spirit might be saying deep inside? We are all prone to make decisions based on reasoning alone. Ask God to give you a willingness and ability to hear the Holy Spirit and to obey His promptings.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Rest
I claim this today! ----Have a wonderful start to your week!--LL
A Woman's Walk - Week of August 19
Rest
by Margaret D. Mitchell
“But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster.” ~I Kings 5:4
There comes a time when God puts our enemies under our feet. Indeed, He gives us a period of rest so that we may concentrate on the work He has set before us. God’s gift of divine rest offers us freedom, peace and protection. And it is ours through salvation and obedience in Jesus Christ.
There is complete trust available in God’s divine rest. So much so that Deuteronomy 25:19 tells us to forget about the enemies who attacked us when we were weary and worn out.
David declared in Psalm 62, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him” (vs. 1). “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him” (vs. 5).
Sometimes, we must take authority over our frantic souls and command them to rest, to come in alignment with the living word of God. Little wonder the word “rest” appears 275 times in the Bible. Consider its many definitions:
Rest is a period of refreshing, a freedom from exertion and anxiety, a stopping place for shelter. To rest means to restore energy, to be supported against something (like the shelter of the Most High), to depend upon someone (like Jesus) for action or as a burden or responsibility, to rely on something (like the Holy Spirit) for proof or explanation, to conclude the presentation of evidence in a case (as in it is finished!).
Divine rest comes after a fulfillment of a promise, or completion, as in the case of King Solomon (I Kings 5:4) and as in the case of the Israelites taking dominion over the Promised Land (Joshua 1:13-15). It allows for restoration, a new beginning. It ushers in God’s glory (Is. 11:10), and it is rewarded to those who are righteous in the Lord and see the journey through.
In Jesus, we can rest secure from all that burdens or threatens us. Indeed, He is our way and our truth. He is our friend. And He assures us that His unfailing love rests upon us, as we put our hope in Him (Psalm 33:22), just as The Father assured Moses that His presence will go with him, and He would give him rest as he journeyed forth in obedience (Exodus 33:14).
If we are prone to over work, the Lord may have to make us lie down and rest like the sheep in the fields (Psalm 23). There was a season least year where the Lord spoke Psalm 23 to me repeatedly through various resources. I finally got the message.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the Lord and His angels work on our behalf to position and align us, others and circumstances for His perfect timing, His perfect will. What we think we should be doing is not always God’s agenda. He has taught me to lay down false responsibilities by praying every day, “Lord, I surrender my agenda to You. Have your way in my day.”
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
If you are in need of divine rest, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any unconfessed sins, and confess them. Then declare Psalm 91:1-2 over yourself, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty” and Isaiah 32:18, “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”
May God’s unfailing love rest upon you, and may you enter into His resting place safe, secure and highly favored until you journey home to have eternal rest with Jesus
A Woman's Walk - Week of August 19
Rest
by Margaret D. Mitchell
“But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster.” ~I Kings 5:4
There comes a time when God puts our enemies under our feet. Indeed, He gives us a period of rest so that we may concentrate on the work He has set before us. God’s gift of divine rest offers us freedom, peace and protection. And it is ours through salvation and obedience in Jesus Christ.
There is complete trust available in God’s divine rest. So much so that Deuteronomy 25:19 tells us to forget about the enemies who attacked us when we were weary and worn out.
David declared in Psalm 62, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him” (vs. 1). “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him” (vs. 5).
Sometimes, we must take authority over our frantic souls and command them to rest, to come in alignment with the living word of God. Little wonder the word “rest” appears 275 times in the Bible. Consider its many definitions:
Rest is a period of refreshing, a freedom from exertion and anxiety, a stopping place for shelter. To rest means to restore energy, to be supported against something (like the shelter of the Most High), to depend upon someone (like Jesus) for action or as a burden or responsibility, to rely on something (like the Holy Spirit) for proof or explanation, to conclude the presentation of evidence in a case (as in it is finished!).
Divine rest comes after a fulfillment of a promise, or completion, as in the case of King Solomon (I Kings 5:4) and as in the case of the Israelites taking dominion over the Promised Land (Joshua 1:13-15). It allows for restoration, a new beginning. It ushers in God’s glory (Is. 11:10), and it is rewarded to those who are righteous in the Lord and see the journey through.
In Jesus, we can rest secure from all that burdens or threatens us. Indeed, He is our way and our truth. He is our friend. And He assures us that His unfailing love rests upon us, as we put our hope in Him (Psalm 33:22), just as The Father assured Moses that His presence will go with him, and He would give him rest as he journeyed forth in obedience (Exodus 33:14).
If we are prone to over work, the Lord may have to make us lie down and rest like the sheep in the fields (Psalm 23). There was a season least year where the Lord spoke Psalm 23 to me repeatedly through various resources. I finally got the message.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that the Lord and His angels work on our behalf to position and align us, others and circumstances for His perfect timing, His perfect will. What we think we should be doing is not always God’s agenda. He has taught me to lay down false responsibilities by praying every day, “Lord, I surrender my agenda to You. Have your way in my day.”
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).
If you are in need of divine rest, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any unconfessed sins, and confess them. Then declare Psalm 91:1-2 over yourself, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the almighty” and Isaiah 32:18, “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”
May God’s unfailing love rest upon you, and may you enter into His resting place safe, secure and highly favored until you journey home to have eternal rest with Jesus
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Christ in Every Room
Moments Together for Couples 8/26
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 26
Christ in Every Room
Luke 10:27 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength and with all your mind.
For several years as a young man I compartmentalized my life, allowing God access to only small portions of it. Then I came across a simple booklet by Robert Boyd Munger called My Heart, Christ's Home that had a profound impact on me. I was challenged to give Jesus Christ full access and authority over every "room" in my heart. Let me challenge you to reflect on His presence in the rooms of your own heart and home.
Allow Christ to rule the room where you keep your ego. This room has a small door, but we all know how large an ego can lurk inside. When Jesus isn't allowed into this room, husbands and wives bicker, we may become too proud to bury the hatchet with offending parents, children are too competitive and selfish, and everyone is too proud to confess sins. Let Jesus replace your ego and be Lord of this room of your life.
Open to Christ the room of expectations. In this room, we keep our expectations of others' behavior. With Christ excluded, this room can become filled with longings and unmet hopes-some of which are unrealistic and perfectionistic, some of which we've never even expressed to our loved ones.
Let Christ into the room of relationships with your parents. Too many adult children have closed off this room from Christ's presence. They have not fully obeyed the Scripture when they married to "leave and cleave"; they're still too dependent. Or they have ignored their parents and been too distant from them. The Scriptures command those who get married to leave their parents (see Gen. 2:24,25), but to love and honor them as well. Closing off this room from Christ results in inappropriate relationships between adult children and their parents.
Is Christ welcome in every room of your heart and home? Is there one of these three rooms that is off limits to Him?
Prayer:
For the kind of openness, vulnerability and commitment it takes to truly invite Jesus to be Lord over every aspect of your daily life.
Discuss: Have you ever given Jesus Christ access to every room in your heart? Does He still have that unhindered access today? Focus on one of the "rooms" above and suggest practical ways Christ can be invited in, and clean it up.
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 26
Christ in Every Room
Luke 10:27 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength and with all your mind.
For several years as a young man I compartmentalized my life, allowing God access to only small portions of it. Then I came across a simple booklet by Robert Boyd Munger called My Heart, Christ's Home that had a profound impact on me. I was challenged to give Jesus Christ full access and authority over every "room" in my heart. Let me challenge you to reflect on His presence in the rooms of your own heart and home.
Allow Christ to rule the room where you keep your ego. This room has a small door, but we all know how large an ego can lurk inside. When Jesus isn't allowed into this room, husbands and wives bicker, we may become too proud to bury the hatchet with offending parents, children are too competitive and selfish, and everyone is too proud to confess sins. Let Jesus replace your ego and be Lord of this room of your life.
Open to Christ the room of expectations. In this room, we keep our expectations of others' behavior. With Christ excluded, this room can become filled with longings and unmet hopes-some of which are unrealistic and perfectionistic, some of which we've never even expressed to our loved ones.
Let Christ into the room of relationships with your parents. Too many adult children have closed off this room from Christ's presence. They have not fully obeyed the Scripture when they married to "leave and cleave"; they're still too dependent. Or they have ignored their parents and been too distant from them. The Scriptures command those who get married to leave their parents (see Gen. 2:24,25), but to love and honor them as well. Closing off this room from Christ results in inappropriate relationships between adult children and their parents.
Is Christ welcome in every room of your heart and home? Is there one of these three rooms that is off limits to Him?
Prayer:
For the kind of openness, vulnerability and commitment it takes to truly invite Jesus to be Lord over every aspect of your daily life.
Discuss: Have you ever given Jesus Christ access to every room in your heart? Does He still have that unhindered access today? Focus on one of the "rooms" above and suggest practical ways Christ can be invited in, and clean it up.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Launching our Arrows (Pt 2)
Moments Together for Couples 8/24
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 24
Launching Our Arrows (Part Two)
Philippians 2:15 Prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.
During the next year, Barbara and I notched the bowstring with another arrow, Benjamin, and prepared for our second release. We spent a lot of time talking to him about the temptations he would encounter at the university. Over breakfast Bible studies we discussed drinking, peer pressure, dating, girls and sex.
Some of these talks began when Benjamin was in fifth and sixth grade. Any good archer will tell you that you don't prepare for hunting season by practicing for a couple of weeks right before it begins.
In August, just days before Benjamin was to leave for college, I set up a surprise breakfast for him. We were joined by three godly men whom Benjamin respected. It was powerful! They encouraged Benjamin to grow in his love for Jesus Christ, to guard his heart and to be faithful to God.
Finally the day came. Arriving on campus, we spent most of the afternoon cleaning our son's room so he could move in.
It was nearly dusk when the first poignant moment came. Benjamin and I went outside the student housing for some fresh air and sat on the tailgate of a truck parked near the door. There we watched a steady stream of young men pass by, most of them drinking.
At this point I was becoming fearful for my son. I wanted to protect my arrow and put it back in the quiver, not release it into this "crooked and perverse generation." I turned to Benjamin and looked him in the eye. "Son, I've got to tell you that watching all these young men get wasted on booze really causes me to question the wisdom of sending you into the midst of all this."
There was only a brief silence and then he returned my gaze. "Dad, this is my mission field," he replied. "It's going to be tough, but if it were easy these guys wouldn't need Jesus Christ. This is what you and Mom have trained me for. God has led me here and He will protect me."
There I sat, rebuked by my 18-year-old son. He was a young man of faith.
Prayer:
That your children will desire to have an impact on their peers for Jesus Christ.
Discuss: How many years do you have before you release your "arrows"? How are you preparing them for spiritual battle?
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 24
Launching Our Arrows (Part Two)
Philippians 2:15 Prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.
During the next year, Barbara and I notched the bowstring with another arrow, Benjamin, and prepared for our second release. We spent a lot of time talking to him about the temptations he would encounter at the university. Over breakfast Bible studies we discussed drinking, peer pressure, dating, girls and sex.
Some of these talks began when Benjamin was in fifth and sixth grade. Any good archer will tell you that you don't prepare for hunting season by practicing for a couple of weeks right before it begins.
In August, just days before Benjamin was to leave for college, I set up a surprise breakfast for him. We were joined by three godly men whom Benjamin respected. It was powerful! They encouraged Benjamin to grow in his love for Jesus Christ, to guard his heart and to be faithful to God.
Finally the day came. Arriving on campus, we spent most of the afternoon cleaning our son's room so he could move in.
It was nearly dusk when the first poignant moment came. Benjamin and I went outside the student housing for some fresh air and sat on the tailgate of a truck parked near the door. There we watched a steady stream of young men pass by, most of them drinking.
At this point I was becoming fearful for my son. I wanted to protect my arrow and put it back in the quiver, not release it into this "crooked and perverse generation." I turned to Benjamin and looked him in the eye. "Son, I've got to tell you that watching all these young men get wasted on booze really causes me to question the wisdom of sending you into the midst of all this."
There was only a brief silence and then he returned my gaze. "Dad, this is my mission field," he replied. "It's going to be tough, but if it were easy these guys wouldn't need Jesus Christ. This is what you and Mom have trained me for. God has led me here and He will protect me."
There I sat, rebuked by my 18-year-old son. He was a young man of faith.
Prayer:
That your children will desire to have an impact on their peers for Jesus Christ.
Discuss: How many years do you have before you release your "arrows"? How are you preparing them for spiritual battle?
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Launching our Arrows
Moments Together for Couples 8/23
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 23
Launching Our Arrows (Part One)
Psalm 127:4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.
I find it interesting that the Scripture describes children as "arrows" because arrows are meant to be released. As we raise our children, Barbara and I know we are responsible to prepare them to live independently.
All of our efforts as parents are made with the knowledge that, eventually, these "arrows" will be flying on their own. We make a conscious effort to give them skills in living and in making godly choices.
There's an important characteristic of an arrow: it is an offensive weapon. God wants every Christian to make an impact in our world for Christ, and He wants us parents to emphasize this vision as we raise our children.
When I drive our kids to school, I pray for them: "Lord, I pray that they will never forget that they are Your representatives at school today. I pray that they will be lights in the midst of the darkness."
Knowing we will release our kids, however, doesn't make it any easier when the time actually comes. The "twang" of our bowstring was first heard in August of 1993 when we took our oldest child, Ashley, to college. I remember the scene well: Barbara, Ashley and I stood in the dorm parking lot, huddled-up, arms entwined, sobbing. I was crying so hard that I couldn't pray; my own daughter had to pray for herself!
As we drove away from the dorm, my "little girl" stood on the sidewalk, waving good-bye. I turned to Barbara and said, "One down and five to go! Can you believe that in a year we've got to do this again with Benjamin?"
I paused for a moment. The tears were drying on my face, but the pain of the loss was fresh. "This hurts too much," I said. "I'm not doing it next year. I'm going to rent a dad for a day to do it for me!"
Prayer:
Thank God for the privilege of having influence on the direction your arrow flies. Ask Him to always keep His target in front of you.
Discuss: Are you preparing to launch your arrows as offensive weapons? What can you begin doing now to give your children a mind-set of helping reach people for Christ?
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 23
Launching Our Arrows (Part One)
Psalm 127:4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.
I find it interesting that the Scripture describes children as "arrows" because arrows are meant to be released. As we raise our children, Barbara and I know we are responsible to prepare them to live independently.
All of our efforts as parents are made with the knowledge that, eventually, these "arrows" will be flying on their own. We make a conscious effort to give them skills in living and in making godly choices.
There's an important characteristic of an arrow: it is an offensive weapon. God wants every Christian to make an impact in our world for Christ, and He wants us parents to emphasize this vision as we raise our children.
When I drive our kids to school, I pray for them: "Lord, I pray that they will never forget that they are Your representatives at school today. I pray that they will be lights in the midst of the darkness."
Knowing we will release our kids, however, doesn't make it any easier when the time actually comes. The "twang" of our bowstring was first heard in August of 1993 when we took our oldest child, Ashley, to college. I remember the scene well: Barbara, Ashley and I stood in the dorm parking lot, huddled-up, arms entwined, sobbing. I was crying so hard that I couldn't pray; my own daughter had to pray for herself!
As we drove away from the dorm, my "little girl" stood on the sidewalk, waving good-bye. I turned to Barbara and said, "One down and five to go! Can you believe that in a year we've got to do this again with Benjamin?"
I paused for a moment. The tears were drying on my face, but the pain of the loss was fresh. "This hurts too much," I said. "I'm not doing it next year. I'm going to rent a dad for a day to do it for me!"
Prayer:
Thank God for the privilege of having influence on the direction your arrow flies. Ask Him to always keep His target in front of you.
Discuss: Are you preparing to launch your arrows as offensive weapons? What can you begin doing now to give your children a mind-set of helping reach people for Christ?
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Tend to Your Riches
Moments Together for Couples 8/22
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 22
Tend to Your Riches
Proverbs 27:23,24 Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever.
In most marriage studies I've seen, couples say their finances cause the most frequent disagreements and arguments. Often the problem is the simple but addictive habit of overspending. Just as a sheep owner must know the condition of his flocks, so many of us do not keep track of the condition of our budgets.
In our society we are surrounded by advertisements trying to convince us that we need a product to be fulfilled or happy-as though mere things are the real source of contentment.
One credit card company wants you to believe you can't leave home without it because you need the privilege of being one of its members. Another credit card commercial suggests that it can bring you the whole world at the flick of a piece of plastic. Analyze these commercials and you soon see they are ploys tempting people to escape from reality through the fantasy of getting whatever they want right now.
Ask the average person if he (or she) believes he is a materialist and he will say, "Of course not." He doesn't purchase things from want but because of need. "The kids needed new shoes, I needed the sport coat, and my wife needed a new dress. Last Christmas we definitely needed the new color TV, and now it's pretty obvious we need a new car."
As we pursue what we think we need, the real needs of our families often go unmet. Much of what we think we need we don't need at all. I've heard Bill Bright exhort staff, "I must warn you, wear the cloak of materialism loosely."
Prayer:
That God will give you a heart to appreciate the material means He has given you, and the discipline to manage your resources responsibly.
Discuss: Are budgeting and spending issues a common source of disharmony in your family? Think about materialism-to what degree does it have a grip on you and your family?
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 22
Tend to Your Riches
Proverbs 27:23,24 Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds; for riches are not forever.
In most marriage studies I've seen, couples say their finances cause the most frequent disagreements and arguments. Often the problem is the simple but addictive habit of overspending. Just as a sheep owner must know the condition of his flocks, so many of us do not keep track of the condition of our budgets.
In our society we are surrounded by advertisements trying to convince us that we need a product to be fulfilled or happy-as though mere things are the real source of contentment.
One credit card company wants you to believe you can't leave home without it because you need the privilege of being one of its members. Another credit card commercial suggests that it can bring you the whole world at the flick of a piece of plastic. Analyze these commercials and you soon see they are ploys tempting people to escape from reality through the fantasy of getting whatever they want right now.
Ask the average person if he (or she) believes he is a materialist and he will say, "Of course not." He doesn't purchase things from want but because of need. "The kids needed new shoes, I needed the sport coat, and my wife needed a new dress. Last Christmas we definitely needed the new color TV, and now it's pretty obvious we need a new car."
As we pursue what we think we need, the real needs of our families often go unmet. Much of what we think we need we don't need at all. I've heard Bill Bright exhort staff, "I must warn you, wear the cloak of materialism loosely."
Prayer:
That God will give you a heart to appreciate the material means He has given you, and the discipline to manage your resources responsibly.
Discuss: Are budgeting and spending issues a common source of disharmony in your family? Think about materialism-to what degree does it have a grip on you and your family?
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
No Silent Partners
This was such a sweet blessing to read! It so illustrates the heart of a woman, and the need for a man to acknowledge what she has to offer and what she needs from her husband. How beautiful!---LL
Moments Together for Couples 8/21
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 21A Fellow Heir
1 Peter 3:7 And grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life.
Today the business world has all kinds of partnerships: silent partners, financial partners, equal partners, controlling partners, minority partners, and more. But in marriage, God intended for us to have only one kind: a fully participating partnership.
The apostle Peter sets forth the concept of mutual partnership as he instructs a man to treat his wife as "a fellow heir of the grace of life." Although her function and role as a woman differs from yours as a man, she has an equal inheritance as a child of God.
You will make your wife a participating partner in your life when you tenderly look her in the eyes and say, "I need you." Why not make this an experiential reality in your marriage by frequently saying:
"I need you to listen as I talk about what's troubling me. And I need your perspective on my problems and your belief in me as a person."
"I need you to help me become the man God created me to be."
"I want you to have total access into my life. I need you to keep me honest in areas of my life in which I could stray from Christ. You may question me or confront me on any issue."
"You are the person I most trust with my life."
"I need you for your advice, judgments and wise counsel on decisions I face, especially at work."
"I need your prayers for a temptation I am facing."
When I become the sole proprietor in our marriage and treat Barbara as a silent partner, we both lose. She loses the opportunities I can give to include her, develop her and make her feel important. And I lose because I tend to make poor decisions when I am isolated from her.
Most wives beam with joy when their husbands let them into the interior of their lives. Wives long to be trusted with their husbands' challenges, emotions and self-doubts.
Prayer:
That God would give you the courage as a man to give your wife even greater access to your life, and that He would use you as a team to be more effective than you would be individually.
Discuss: Discuss this concept of partnership. Does your wife feel she is part of your life? What adjustments can you make to make her your partner?
Moments Together for Couples 8/21
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 21A Fellow Heir
1 Peter 3:7 And grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life.
Today the business world has all kinds of partnerships: silent partners, financial partners, equal partners, controlling partners, minority partners, and more. But in marriage, God intended for us to have only one kind: a fully participating partnership.
The apostle Peter sets forth the concept of mutual partnership as he instructs a man to treat his wife as "a fellow heir of the grace of life." Although her function and role as a woman differs from yours as a man, she has an equal inheritance as a child of God.
You will make your wife a participating partner in your life when you tenderly look her in the eyes and say, "I need you." Why not make this an experiential reality in your marriage by frequently saying:
"I need you to listen as I talk about what's troubling me. And I need your perspective on my problems and your belief in me as a person."
"I need you to help me become the man God created me to be."
"I want you to have total access into my life. I need you to keep me honest in areas of my life in which I could stray from Christ. You may question me or confront me on any issue."
"You are the person I most trust with my life."
"I need you for your advice, judgments and wise counsel on decisions I face, especially at work."
"I need your prayers for a temptation I am facing."
When I become the sole proprietor in our marriage and treat Barbara as a silent partner, we both lose. She loses the opportunities I can give to include her, develop her and make her feel important. And I lose because I tend to make poor decisions when I am isolated from her.
Most wives beam with joy when their husbands let them into the interior of their lives. Wives long to be trusted with their husbands' challenges, emotions and self-doubts.
Prayer:
That God would give you the courage as a man to give your wife even greater access to your life, and that He would use you as a team to be more effective than you would be individually.
Discuss: Discuss this concept of partnership. Does your wife feel she is part of your life? What adjustments can you make to make her your partner?
Monday, August 20, 2007
Being Quiet with our Kids
August 20, 2007
Being Quiet
By Zoë Elmore
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:9-12 (NIV)
Devotion:
Our son came home from school and announced that he would not be attending the college he’d planned but would instead be attending a school in another state. There wasn’t anything we could say or do to change his mind. Wanting to thoroughly investigate this option, we invited the representative from the out-of-state school to our home in order to gather the information necessary to prayerfully advise our son.
With all the facts on the table my husband and I spent much of the next two days in prayer and concluded that it would be in our son’s best interest to return to the college plans already in progress. After a family discussion which consisted of my husband and me trying to put him back on track, Josh stormed out of the room and slammed his bedroom door behind him. For the next twelve months Josh barely looked in our direction and only grunted when he couldn’t answer us with a nod.
I cried out to the Lord for wisdom and guidance, and He whispered, Be quiet and trust me to work in your child’s heart.
I thought, Excuse me, Lord, I’m sure I misunderstood You. You can’t possibly expect me to keep silent on this important matter!?
So I decided to stop reigning down wisdom from the top of “Mom Mountain”. I spent the next twelve months praying through and studying today’s verses. I inserted Josh’s name in each verse and read them many times each day, sometimes to myself and other times out loud. During that year the Lord expanded and multiplied the truths and lessons contained in these verses. I experienced a deepening in my relationship with God while I witnessed a softening in our son’s heart.
Before we knew it, we were moving our son into his college dorm room. Despite the evidence of a softened heart, Josh was clearly still angry with us as we left him that day on the college campus. Months passed and we heard very little from our son. I continued to study and pray through these verses.
One afternoon our son unexpectedly came home and joined me on the back porch. He took my hands in his and with tears streaming down his face said, “Mom, I have to ask your forgiveness for my attitude and behavior this last year. While I’ve been at college, I’ve been part of a college ministry and the Lord has opened my eyes to the glorious relationship I can have with Him. Mom, I can’t thank you enough for praying me through these last few months without preaching to me. You allowed the Lord to show me Himself who He is. I’m so grateful that you and Dad continued to love me when I was so angry. I would have never met the godly people at my school if I had disobeyed you.”
Now that is a stand-in-your-chair-and-praise-God-moment if I’ve ever heard one, and I did just that! When I think about that year of quiet desperation, I’m reminded of the spiritual lessons I learned and how they remain an important step in my pursuit of a deepening relationship with my sweet Jesus. I learned to go to the throne instead of the phone for my peace and comfort.
If you find yourself in a desperate place, I hope you will choose to quiet yourself before the Lord in order to study and pray through His Word. In doing so you will receive knowledge of His will, wisdom and understanding for your spirit, and reassurance in place of your desperation.
Dear Lord, thank You for meeting me and teaching me in my quiet desperation. I praise Your name for the miraculous work You have done in my heart and in the life of my son. Only You can change a heart. You deserve all praise and glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Being Quiet
By Zoë Elmore
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:9-12 (NIV)
Devotion:
Our son came home from school and announced that he would not be attending the college he’d planned but would instead be attending a school in another state. There wasn’t anything we could say or do to change his mind. Wanting to thoroughly investigate this option, we invited the representative from the out-of-state school to our home in order to gather the information necessary to prayerfully advise our son.
With all the facts on the table my husband and I spent much of the next two days in prayer and concluded that it would be in our son’s best interest to return to the college plans already in progress. After a family discussion which consisted of my husband and me trying to put him back on track, Josh stormed out of the room and slammed his bedroom door behind him. For the next twelve months Josh barely looked in our direction and only grunted when he couldn’t answer us with a nod.
I cried out to the Lord for wisdom and guidance, and He whispered, Be quiet and trust me to work in your child’s heart.
I thought, Excuse me, Lord, I’m sure I misunderstood You. You can’t possibly expect me to keep silent on this important matter!?
So I decided to stop reigning down wisdom from the top of “Mom Mountain”. I spent the next twelve months praying through and studying today’s verses. I inserted Josh’s name in each verse and read them many times each day, sometimes to myself and other times out loud. During that year the Lord expanded and multiplied the truths and lessons contained in these verses. I experienced a deepening in my relationship with God while I witnessed a softening in our son’s heart.
Before we knew it, we were moving our son into his college dorm room. Despite the evidence of a softened heart, Josh was clearly still angry with us as we left him that day on the college campus. Months passed and we heard very little from our son. I continued to study and pray through these verses.
One afternoon our son unexpectedly came home and joined me on the back porch. He took my hands in his and with tears streaming down his face said, “Mom, I have to ask your forgiveness for my attitude and behavior this last year. While I’ve been at college, I’ve been part of a college ministry and the Lord has opened my eyes to the glorious relationship I can have with Him. Mom, I can’t thank you enough for praying me through these last few months without preaching to me. You allowed the Lord to show me Himself who He is. I’m so grateful that you and Dad continued to love me when I was so angry. I would have never met the godly people at my school if I had disobeyed you.”
Now that is a stand-in-your-chair-and-praise-God-moment if I’ve ever heard one, and I did just that! When I think about that year of quiet desperation, I’m reminded of the spiritual lessons I learned and how they remain an important step in my pursuit of a deepening relationship with my sweet Jesus. I learned to go to the throne instead of the phone for my peace and comfort.
If you find yourself in a desperate place, I hope you will choose to quiet yourself before the Lord in order to study and pray through His Word. In doing so you will receive knowledge of His will, wisdom and understanding for your spirit, and reassurance in place of your desperation.
Dear Lord, thank You for meeting me and teaching me in my quiet desperation. I praise Your name for the miraculous work You have done in my heart and in the life of my son. Only You can change a heart. You deserve all praise and glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Untangling Life's Knots
Have a great weekend!
UpWords - Week of Aug. 17-23
Week of August 17, 2007
Untangling Life's Knots
by Max Lucado
It’s your best friend’s wedding. “I’ll take care of the reception,” you’d volunteered. You planned the best party possible. You hired the band, rented the hall, catered the meal, decorated the room, and asked your Aunt Bertha to bake the cake.
Now the band is playing and the guests are milling, but Aunt Bertha is nowhere to be seen. Everything is here but the cake. You sneak over to the pay phone and dial her number. She’s been taking a nap. She thought the wedding was next week.
Oh boy! Now what do you do? Talk about a problem! Everything is here but the cake …
Sound familiar?
It might. It’s exactly the dilemma Jesus’ mother, Mary, was facing. Back then, wine was to a wedding what cake is to a wedding today.
What Mary faced was a social problem. No need to call 911, but no way to sweep the embarrassment under the rug, either.
When you think about it, most of the problems we face are of the same caliber. We’re late for a meeting. We leave something at the office. A coworker forgets a report. Mail gets lost. Traffic gets snarled. The waves rocking our lives are not life threatening yet. But they can be. A poor response to a simple problem can light a fuse.
For that reason you might want to note how Mary reacted. Her solution poses a practical plan for untangling life’s knots. “They have no more wine,” she told Jesus (John 2:3). That’s it. That’s all she said. She didn’t go ballistic. She simply assessed the problem and gave it to Christ.
It’s so easy to focus on everything but the solution. Mary didn’t do that. She simply looked at the knot, assessed it, and took it to the right person. “I’ve got one here I can’t untie, Jesus.”
“When all the wine was gone Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine’” (John 2:3).
Please note, she took the problem to Jesus before she took it to anyone else. A friend told me about a tense deacons’ meeting he attended. Apparently there was more agitation than agreement, and after a lengthy discussion, someone suggested, “Why don’t we pray about it?” to which another questioned, “Has it come to that?”
What causes us to think of prayer as the last option rather than the first?
UpWords - Week of Aug. 17-23
Week of August 17, 2007
Untangling Life's Knots
by Max Lucado
It’s your best friend’s wedding. “I’ll take care of the reception,” you’d volunteered. You planned the best party possible. You hired the band, rented the hall, catered the meal, decorated the room, and asked your Aunt Bertha to bake the cake.
Now the band is playing and the guests are milling, but Aunt Bertha is nowhere to be seen. Everything is here but the cake. You sneak over to the pay phone and dial her number. She’s been taking a nap. She thought the wedding was next week.
Oh boy! Now what do you do? Talk about a problem! Everything is here but the cake …
Sound familiar?
It might. It’s exactly the dilemma Jesus’ mother, Mary, was facing. Back then, wine was to a wedding what cake is to a wedding today.
What Mary faced was a social problem. No need to call 911, but no way to sweep the embarrassment under the rug, either.
When you think about it, most of the problems we face are of the same caliber. We’re late for a meeting. We leave something at the office. A coworker forgets a report. Mail gets lost. Traffic gets snarled. The waves rocking our lives are not life threatening yet. But they can be. A poor response to a simple problem can light a fuse.
For that reason you might want to note how Mary reacted. Her solution poses a practical plan for untangling life’s knots. “They have no more wine,” she told Jesus (John 2:3). That’s it. That’s all she said. She didn’t go ballistic. She simply assessed the problem and gave it to Christ.
It’s so easy to focus on everything but the solution. Mary didn’t do that. She simply looked at the knot, assessed it, and took it to the right person. “I’ve got one here I can’t untie, Jesus.”
“When all the wine was gone Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine’” (John 2:3).
Please note, she took the problem to Jesus before she took it to anyone else. A friend told me about a tense deacons’ meeting he attended. Apparently there was more agitation than agreement, and after a lengthy discussion, someone suggested, “Why don’t we pray about it?” to which another questioned, “Has it come to that?”
What causes us to think of prayer as the last option rather than the first?
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Fulfilling Vows
Wow----I am soooo convicted! As I read this, even though it's referring to vows to God, I kept thinking of a few instances when I told someone I'd get something right to them and then for whatever reason, didn't keep that vow. LIke yesterday, someone in another department asked me if I'd received a signed copy of one of our contracts----I said yes and that I'd get them a copy that morning. Well, I moved onto my next project and forgot.
I want to be a person of my word, so I am going to keep this in mind while I work today and in all the other things I do.---LL
Marketplace Meditations 8/16
August 16
Fulfilling Vows
Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.
Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement." Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people.
God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows. Subsequent Scripture verses reveal the following:
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7).
God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives
Are there any unfulfilled vows in your life that may be hindering your projects? Vows show up in many areas of our lives-marriages, businesses, personal friendships. Unfulfilled vows in any one of these could be the reason your work may be hindered.
Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.
I want to be a person of my word, so I am going to keep this in mind while I work today and in all the other things I do.---LL
Marketplace Meditations 8/16
August 16
Fulfilling Vows
Ecclesiastes 5:4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.
Have you ever had a business relationship with someone who made a commitment but later said, "Well, things changed, so I cannot honor our original agreement." Sometimes this may be the case, but often it is simply an opportunity to avoid fulfilling an agreement. God is big on fulfilling vows. God's nature is righteousness and truth. You will always see God honor His Word. He expects the same of His people.
God says there are consequences when we do not fulfill our vows. Subsequent Scripture verses reveal the following:
It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God (Ecclesiastes 5:5-7).
God tells us that He will destroy the work of our hands for failure to fulfill vows. That's pretty strong language. It gives us an indication of how important fulfilling vows is to God. He will not prosper our work if there are unfulfilled vows in our lives
Are there any unfulfilled vows in your life that may be hindering your projects? Vows show up in many areas of our lives-marriages, businesses, personal friendships. Unfulfilled vows in any one of these could be the reason your work may be hindered.
Ask God today if there are any unfulfilled vows in your life. If so, begin today to make them right so that you may be successful in whatever God calls you to do.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Assurance and Anticipation
This week I'm finally starting to live a bit more freely since Tony left. First I was grieiving, then I was looking back, and now I'm looking forward and living now! I don't know where things will take me, but I am excitied for the journey! this devotional was wonderful encouragement for me! Have another great HUMP day!---LL
Enjoying the Future—Today – 1 Corinthians 9:24
In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.
Many believers are in the midst of a crisis of faith. They desperately desire to move forward in their Christian walk. But, instead, they continually feel as if they’re losing ground because of trials and setbacks. How can we move beyond the obstacles and genuinely embrace an active, moving faith?
First, we must understand the importance of assurance. This godly confidence gives us strength to look into the future and see how the Lord’s plans will be beneficial. Assurance calms our fears. It reminds us God is in charge and His purposes will be accomplished; no matter what challenges we face.
Second, we must live a life of anticipation. In other words, if we truly believe the heavenly Father will answer our Spirit-led prayers, then we should act as if we believe it! We need to wait expectantly for His answer and plan accordingly.
For example, let’s say you’re leaving for a wonderful vacation next week. You would no doubt be making preparations for the trip. You’d start to pack, finalize your travel plans, secure time off from work, and check travel magazines or the Internet for interesting tourist attractions. In your mind, you’re already enjoying your vacation, even though you haven’t left yet!
The same thing should be true in your walk of faith. When you trust that God will faithfully and graciously respond to your petitions, you can rejoice. You’ll know He’ll make a way, even before you see the results. This is the power of assurance and anticipation. And it can revolutionize your walk with Him.
Enjoying the Future—Today – 1 Corinthians 9:24
In Touch Daily Devotional
by Dr. Charles Stanley
Welcome to the In Touch Devotional.
Many believers are in the midst of a crisis of faith. They desperately desire to move forward in their Christian walk. But, instead, they continually feel as if they’re losing ground because of trials and setbacks. How can we move beyond the obstacles and genuinely embrace an active, moving faith?
First, we must understand the importance of assurance. This godly confidence gives us strength to look into the future and see how the Lord’s plans will be beneficial. Assurance calms our fears. It reminds us God is in charge and His purposes will be accomplished; no matter what challenges we face.
Second, we must live a life of anticipation. In other words, if we truly believe the heavenly Father will answer our Spirit-led prayers, then we should act as if we believe it! We need to wait expectantly for His answer and plan accordingly.
For example, let’s say you’re leaving for a wonderful vacation next week. You would no doubt be making preparations for the trip. You’d start to pack, finalize your travel plans, secure time off from work, and check travel magazines or the Internet for interesting tourist attractions. In your mind, you’re already enjoying your vacation, even though you haven’t left yet!
The same thing should be true in your walk of faith. When you trust that God will faithfully and graciously respond to your petitions, you can rejoice. You’ll know He’ll make a way, even before you see the results. This is the power of assurance and anticipation. And it can revolutionize your walk with Him.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Healing our Hurts
THE GREAT PHYSICIAN
"I am the Lord,who heals you."Exodus 15:26
From the Father's HeartMy child, rest in Me. I have given you a prescription for healthy living. When you allow your body to stress out and destructive emotions to run rampant, My healing cannot come. I am not only the mender of broken bones and dreams, but I am the restorer of broken hearts and lives. I am the great physician, and I care for all My patients with tenderness and love.
A Grateful Response
Lord, I bring the pains of a wounded heart and the aches of a broken body to You. I feel Your personal presence surrounding me with quiet assurance. Your touch releases my pent-up emotions, and healing flows through me like a fountain. Lord, You are my great physician.
Simple Truth
God's home is where we can hang our hurts.
"I am the Lord,who heals you."Exodus 15:26
From the Father's HeartMy child, rest in Me. I have given you a prescription for healthy living. When you allow your body to stress out and destructive emotions to run rampant, My healing cannot come. I am not only the mender of broken bones and dreams, but I am the restorer of broken hearts and lives. I am the great physician, and I care for all My patients with tenderness and love.
A Grateful Response
Lord, I bring the pains of a wounded heart and the aches of a broken body to You. I feel Your personal presence surrounding me with quiet assurance. Your touch releases my pent-up emotions, and healing flows through me like a fountain. Lord, You are my great physician.
Simple Truth
God's home is where we can hang our hurts.
Monday, August 13, 2007
How to Wait
May 21
How To Wait
"Blessed is he that waiteth" (Dan. 12:12).
It may seem an easy thing to wait, but it is one of the postures which a Christian soldier learns not without years of teaching. Marching and quick-marching are much easier to God's warriors than standing still.
There are hours of perplexity when the most willing spirit, anxiously desirous to serve the Lord, knows not what part to take. Then what shall it do? Vex itself by despair? Fly back in cowardice, turn to the right hand in fear, or rush forward in presumption?
No, but simply wait. Wait in prayer, however. Call upon God and spread the case before Him; tell Him your difficulty, and plead His promise of aid.
Wait in faith. Express your unstaggering confidence in Him. Believe that if He keep you tarrying even till midnight, yet He will come at the right time; the vision shall come, and shall not tarry.
Wait in quiet patience. Never murmur against the second cause, as the children of Israel did against Moses. Accept the case as it is, and put it as it stands, simply and with your whole heart, without any self-will, into the hand of your covenant God, saying, "Now, Lord, not my will, but Thine be done. I know not what to do; I am brought to extremities; but I will wait until Thou shalt cleave the floods, or drive back my foes. I will wait, if Thou keep me many a day, for my heart is fixed upon Thee alone, O God, and my spirit waiteth for Thee in full conviction that Thou wilt yet be my joy and my salvation, my refuge and my strong tower." --Morning by Morning
Wait patiently wait,
God never is late;
Thy budding plans are in Thy Father's holding,
And only wait His grand divine unfolding.
Then wait, wait,Patiently wait.
Trust, hopefully trust,
That God will adjust
Thy tangled life;
and from its dark concealings,
Will bring His will,
in all its bright revealings.
Then trust, trust,
Hopefully trust.
Rest, peacefully rest
On thy Saviour's breast;
Breathe in His ear thy sacred high ambition,
And He will bring it forth in blest fruition.
Then rest, rest,
Peacefully rest! --Mercy A. Gladwin
How To Wait
"Blessed is he that waiteth" (Dan. 12:12).
It may seem an easy thing to wait, but it is one of the postures which a Christian soldier learns not without years of teaching. Marching and quick-marching are much easier to God's warriors than standing still.
There are hours of perplexity when the most willing spirit, anxiously desirous to serve the Lord, knows not what part to take. Then what shall it do? Vex itself by despair? Fly back in cowardice, turn to the right hand in fear, or rush forward in presumption?
No, but simply wait. Wait in prayer, however. Call upon God and spread the case before Him; tell Him your difficulty, and plead His promise of aid.
Wait in faith. Express your unstaggering confidence in Him. Believe that if He keep you tarrying even till midnight, yet He will come at the right time; the vision shall come, and shall not tarry.
Wait in quiet patience. Never murmur against the second cause, as the children of Israel did against Moses. Accept the case as it is, and put it as it stands, simply and with your whole heart, without any self-will, into the hand of your covenant God, saying, "Now, Lord, not my will, but Thine be done. I know not what to do; I am brought to extremities; but I will wait until Thou shalt cleave the floods, or drive back my foes. I will wait, if Thou keep me many a day, for my heart is fixed upon Thee alone, O God, and my spirit waiteth for Thee in full conviction that Thou wilt yet be my joy and my salvation, my refuge and my strong tower." --Morning by Morning
Wait patiently wait,
God never is late;
Thy budding plans are in Thy Father's holding,
And only wait His grand divine unfolding.
Then wait, wait,Patiently wait.
Trust, hopefully trust,
That God will adjust
Thy tangled life;
and from its dark concealings,
Will bring His will,
in all its bright revealings.
Then trust, trust,
Hopefully trust.
Rest, peacefully rest
On thy Saviour's breast;
Breathe in His ear thy sacred high ambition,
And He will bring it forth in blest fruition.
Then rest, rest,
Peacefully rest! --Mercy A. Gladwin
Sunday, August 12, 2007
The Offer of a Second Chance
Wow----receiving forgiveness is a hard one for me. I'm always trying to earn my forgiveness. I'll be chewing on this one for awhile!---LL
In Touch - Aug. 11-12, 2007
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
July 11-12, 2007 – The Offer of a Second Chance – John 8:1-11
Today’s passage is about a woman who was caught in adultery. Some people accuse Jesus of taking this woman’s sin lightly and letting her off too easy. This accusation reveals a bias many of us have about sin and forgiveness. We feel we must do something to be forgiven. The notion that Jesus could simply say, “I don’t condemn you” and let this woman go seems ridiculous in many church circles. Yet it seemed natural to Jesus. What are we missing?
Dr. Stanley says he’d like to see the eye contact between Jesus and the frightened woman in that scene from John 8. She probably scanned the crowd and no doubt saw murder and judgment in the eyes of everyone around her, except for one. After she caught the gaze of the only person who looked back with love and compassion, how must she have felt?
Dr. Stanley imagines Jesus looking directly into her heart and breaking the bonds of sin that held her. Christ might have seen her through the lens of the cross, which He knew was coming. A look of genuine repentance and joyful surprise most likely replaced her anguish, even in the middle of such a frightening ordeal. Jesus heard the prayer of her heart and offered assurance that she was forgiven. As she left, He admonished her to sin no more.
Jesus changes the way we approach God. The judgmental “religious people’s” eyes were on retribution. And the “sinner’s” eyes were on the source of forgiveness. Jesus didn’t let her off too easy. He gave her the same second chance He’s given you and me.
In Touch - Aug. 11-12, 2007
In Touch Daily Devotional by Dr. Charles Stanley
July 11-12, 2007 – The Offer of a Second Chance – John 8:1-11
Today’s passage is about a woman who was caught in adultery. Some people accuse Jesus of taking this woman’s sin lightly and letting her off too easy. This accusation reveals a bias many of us have about sin and forgiveness. We feel we must do something to be forgiven. The notion that Jesus could simply say, “I don’t condemn you” and let this woman go seems ridiculous in many church circles. Yet it seemed natural to Jesus. What are we missing?
Dr. Stanley says he’d like to see the eye contact between Jesus and the frightened woman in that scene from John 8. She probably scanned the crowd and no doubt saw murder and judgment in the eyes of everyone around her, except for one. After she caught the gaze of the only person who looked back with love and compassion, how must she have felt?
Dr. Stanley imagines Jesus looking directly into her heart and breaking the bonds of sin that held her. Christ might have seen her through the lens of the cross, which He knew was coming. A look of genuine repentance and joyful surprise most likely replaced her anguish, even in the middle of such a frightening ordeal. Jesus heard the prayer of her heart and offered assurance that she was forgiven. As she left, He admonished her to sin no more.
Jesus changes the way we approach God. The judgmental “religious people’s” eyes were on retribution. And the “sinner’s” eyes were on the source of forgiveness. Jesus didn’t let her off too easy. He gave her the same second chance He’s given you and me.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Meet Him in the Morning
Streams in the Desert - Aug. 11
Meet Him in the Morning
"Be ready in the morning, and come ...present thyself there to me in the top of the mount. And no man shall come up with thee" (Exod. 34:2-3).
The morning watch is essential. You must not face the day until you have faced God, nor look into the face of others until you have looked into His.
You cannot expect to be victorious, if the day begins only in your own strength.
Face the work of every day with the influence of a few thoughtful, quiet moments with your heart and God. Do not meet other people, even those of your own home, until you have first met the great Guest and honored Companion of your life--Jesus Christ.
Meet Him alone. Meet Him regularly. Meet Him with His open Book of counsel before you; and face the regular and the irregular duties of each day with the influence of His personality definitely controlling your every act.
The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early upon their knees.
Meet Him in the Morning
"Be ready in the morning, and come ...present thyself there to me in the top of the mount. And no man shall come up with thee" (Exod. 34:2-3).
The morning watch is essential. You must not face the day until you have faced God, nor look into the face of others until you have looked into His.
You cannot expect to be victorious, if the day begins only in your own strength.
Face the work of every day with the influence of a few thoughtful, quiet moments with your heart and God. Do not meet other people, even those of your own home, until you have first met the great Guest and honored Companion of your life--Jesus Christ.
Meet Him alone. Meet Him regularly. Meet Him with His open Book of counsel before you; and face the regular and the irregular duties of each day with the influence of His personality definitely controlling your every act.
The men who have done the most for God in this world have been early upon their knees.
- Matthew Henry used to be in his study at four, and remain there till eight; then, after breakfast and family prayer, he used to be there again till noon; after dinner, he resumed his book or pen till four, and spent the rest of the day in visiting his friends.
- Doddridge himself alludes to his "Family Expositor" as an example of the difference of rising between five and seven, which, in forty years, is nearly equivalent to ten years more of life.
- Dr. Adam Clark's "Commentary" was chiefly prepared very early in the morning.
- Barnes' popular and useful "Commentary" has been also the fruit of "early morning hours."
- Simeon's "Sketches" were chiefly worked out between four and eight.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Sowing Words of Praise
As I read this, I was struck by the comment that sowing words of Praise on others helps us take the focus off of ourselves---and I really loved that. I think of how many times someone's praise of me came at just the time I needed encouragement and Oh how it lifted me up! Let's all lift others up with encouragement, blessing, and praise---that is delivered in the love from above! Have a great Friday!--LL
Moments Together for Couples 8/10
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 10 Sowing Words of Praise
Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life.
Everyone loves to be praised, and your mate is no exception. William James wrote: "The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." And Mark Twain said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment."
Praise is valuable because it is a virtue seldom practiced! We seldom praise our employees; we seldom praise our kids, and we seldom praise our mates. Yet, our homes ought to be a haven where praise is liberally applied.
Carefully read this definition of praise: to give value, to lift up, to extol, to magnify, to honor, to commend, to applaud. If you give some creative thought to this definition, you can come up with hundreds of ways to praise your mate. The more you verbally express your appreciation (praise), the more secure your mate will become in his or her self-esteem.
Have you ever asked someone to repeat a compliment? I have. "Oh, you really liked our FamilyLife Marriage Conference? Tell me what meant the most to you." Inwardly, I am saying, "Yes, I need to hear this! Would you tell me one more time so I can relish your comments for a few seconds longer?" Life can seem intolerably heavy at times, and a good, encouraging word can help to lighten the load and lift your mate's spirits.
Arnold Glascow has said, "Praise does wonders for our sense of hearing." It also does wonders for our sense of sight. When you praise another person, you take your eyes off yourself and focus on someone else for a few, brief moments. This positive focus on another person not only helps to put his or her life in perspective, but yours as well.
Prayer:
That God would give you creative ideas on how to praise your mate. And if you haven't ever done it, take a few minutes in prayer and praise God for who He is and what He has done in your lives.
Discuss: When was the last time you made an effort to praise your mate? Praise your mate three times before you go to sleep tonight.
Moments Together for Couples 8/10
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 10 Sowing Words of Praise
Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life.
Everyone loves to be praised, and your mate is no exception. William James wrote: "The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." And Mark Twain said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment."
Praise is valuable because it is a virtue seldom practiced! We seldom praise our employees; we seldom praise our kids, and we seldom praise our mates. Yet, our homes ought to be a haven where praise is liberally applied.
Carefully read this definition of praise: to give value, to lift up, to extol, to magnify, to honor, to commend, to applaud. If you give some creative thought to this definition, you can come up with hundreds of ways to praise your mate. The more you verbally express your appreciation (praise), the more secure your mate will become in his or her self-esteem.
Have you ever asked someone to repeat a compliment? I have. "Oh, you really liked our FamilyLife Marriage Conference? Tell me what meant the most to you." Inwardly, I am saying, "Yes, I need to hear this! Would you tell me one more time so I can relish your comments for a few seconds longer?" Life can seem intolerably heavy at times, and a good, encouraging word can help to lighten the load and lift your mate's spirits.
Arnold Glascow has said, "Praise does wonders for our sense of hearing." It also does wonders for our sense of sight. When you praise another person, you take your eyes off yourself and focus on someone else for a few, brief moments. This positive focus on another person not only helps to put his or her life in perspective, but yours as well.
Prayer:
That God would give you creative ideas on how to praise your mate. And if you haven't ever done it, take a few minutes in prayer and praise God for who He is and what He has done in your lives.
Discuss: When was the last time you made an effort to praise your mate? Praise your mate three times before you go to sleep tonight.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
A Light for My Path
HomeWord - Aug. 9, 2007
A Light for my Path
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
It was summer and three of us camp counselors were leading a group of seventh grade campers on a two-night backpack in the Sierra Mountains. As we finished dinner the first night, we realized one of our camper’s meds had not been packed. It was a critical medication; two of us would need to leave that night and retrieve the medicine.
Flashlights in hand, we took off on our night hike. About an hour and a half into the hike, though, my flashlight’s batteries ran out and it became almost impossible for me to see. We continued, but I had to stay very close to my fellow hiker and peer over his shoulder so I could see where I was stepping, trying to avoid stumbling over roots and walking off the path.
The Bible is the light for the Christian’s path. It shines brightly at our feet and helps us see which way to go, which decision to make, and how to live a life pleasing to God. This world is filled with darkness and evil and the Bible is there to be our guiding light. God’s Word helps us stay on track and keeps us from walking the wrong path or tripping over roots that try to pull us down.
Although we shared the light the rest of the way, it made it much more difficult to rely on his light for me to get down. Perhaps you have found yourself caught in that trap as well. Instead of seeking God for answers and looking to Him and His Word, we only ask our friend for advice. The problem is, sometimes they get it right and sometimes they don’t. First and foremost, we must know what God directs us to do. We will know that when we pray and read our Bible.
The light worked best when pointed at our feet showing us one step at a time. Once we took that first step, we could then easily see where to take the next step. Don’t sit paralyzed waiting for all your answers before you trust the Lord. Once you take a small step of faith towards Him, He can show you the next one. His Word is the lamp at your feet and the light for your path.
A Light for my Path
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105
It was summer and three of us camp counselors were leading a group of seventh grade campers on a two-night backpack in the Sierra Mountains. As we finished dinner the first night, we realized one of our camper’s meds had not been packed. It was a critical medication; two of us would need to leave that night and retrieve the medicine.
Flashlights in hand, we took off on our night hike. About an hour and a half into the hike, though, my flashlight’s batteries ran out and it became almost impossible for me to see. We continued, but I had to stay very close to my fellow hiker and peer over his shoulder so I could see where I was stepping, trying to avoid stumbling over roots and walking off the path.
The Bible is the light for the Christian’s path. It shines brightly at our feet and helps us see which way to go, which decision to make, and how to live a life pleasing to God. This world is filled with darkness and evil and the Bible is there to be our guiding light. God’s Word helps us stay on track and keeps us from walking the wrong path or tripping over roots that try to pull us down.
Although we shared the light the rest of the way, it made it much more difficult to rely on his light for me to get down. Perhaps you have found yourself caught in that trap as well. Instead of seeking God for answers and looking to Him and His Word, we only ask our friend for advice. The problem is, sometimes they get it right and sometimes they don’t. First and foremost, we must know what God directs us to do. We will know that when we pray and read our Bible.
The light worked best when pointed at our feet showing us one step at a time. Once we took that first step, we could then easily see where to take the next step. Don’t sit paralyzed waiting for all your answers before you trust the Lord. Once you take a small step of faith towards Him, He can show you the next one. His Word is the lamp at your feet and the light for your path.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Finding Rest
Week of October 6-12, 2006
Traveling Lightby Max Lucado
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28 NLT).
Rest from the burden of a small god. Why? Because I have found the Lord.
Rest from doing things my way. Why? Because the Lord is my Shepherd.
Rest from endless wants. Why? Because I shall not want.
Rest from weariness. Why? Because he makes me to lie down.
Rest from worry. Why? Because he leads me.
Rest from hopelessness. Why? Because he restores my soul.
Rest from guilt. Why? Because he leads me in the paths of righteousness.
Rest from arrogance. Why? Because of his name’s sake.
Rest from the valley of death. Why? Because he walks me through it.
Rest from the shadow of grief. Why? Because he guides me.
Rest from fear. Why? Because his presence comforts me.
Rest from loneliness. Why? Because he is with me.
Rest from shame. Why? Because he has prepared a place for me in the presence of my enemies.
Rest from my disappointments. Why? Because he anoints me.
Rest from envy. Why? Because my cup overflows.
Rest from doubt. Why? Because he follows me.
Rest from homesickness. Why? Because I will dwell in the house of my Lord forever.
From Traveling Light Copyright 2001, Max Lucado
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Phone Tag
HomeWord - Aug. 7, 2007
Phone Tag
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Psalm 139:1-4
I love phone technology. I’m not talking about the iPhone, I’m talking about caller ID and voice mail. It’s great! If someone calls me and either I don’t want to talk to them, don’t recognize the number, or simply don’t have time to talk, I can silence my ringer and send them straight to voicemail and hear what they have to say later. Then, when I call others back, they can do the same to me. I think my longest game of phone tag lasted almost three months…
Despite my love for technology, I am so thankful that with the Lord, there is no phone tag, no voicemail, and no need for caller ID. When we cry out to the Lord, He knows it is us calling and He is waiting for us to do just that. I love the praise song, “He Knows My Name.” The chorus goes like this: He knows my name, he knows my every thought. He sees each tear that falls and He hears me when I call. God answers every single time. There is no three-month wait, no deciding He doesn’t feel like talking to us, no secretary screening calls, and no deciding He doesn’t have the time. The God of the universe can’t wait for you to call on Him. He answers every time. In fact, He is there waiting for you to call out to Him, wanting to listen and wanting to answer.
For me, there are times I wish God would let my call roll into His voice mail…especially when I need to confess my sins. And, there are a variety of things that hold us back from calling out to Him. Maybe you’re embarrassed because you haven’t been making the right decisions, or perhaps you haven’t talked to Him in a while, or feel like you only call to Him when you need something, or maybe you just aren’t sure where to start.
Know this: He knows your name. He has searched you inside and out and knows everything about you; nothing you say will surprise Him. And what’s even better is that the Bible tells us there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love. Nothing. So you don’t need to worry that He doesn’t love you anymore and doesn’t want to hear from you. He’s waiting
Phone Tag
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. Psalm 139:1-4
I love phone technology. I’m not talking about the iPhone, I’m talking about caller ID and voice mail. It’s great! If someone calls me and either I don’t want to talk to them, don’t recognize the number, or simply don’t have time to talk, I can silence my ringer and send them straight to voicemail and hear what they have to say later. Then, when I call others back, they can do the same to me. I think my longest game of phone tag lasted almost three months…
Despite my love for technology, I am so thankful that with the Lord, there is no phone tag, no voicemail, and no need for caller ID. When we cry out to the Lord, He knows it is us calling and He is waiting for us to do just that. I love the praise song, “He Knows My Name.” The chorus goes like this: He knows my name, he knows my every thought. He sees each tear that falls and He hears me when I call. God answers every single time. There is no three-month wait, no deciding He doesn’t feel like talking to us, no secretary screening calls, and no deciding He doesn’t have the time. The God of the universe can’t wait for you to call on Him. He answers every time. In fact, He is there waiting for you to call out to Him, wanting to listen and wanting to answer.
For me, there are times I wish God would let my call roll into His voice mail…especially when I need to confess my sins. And, there are a variety of things that hold us back from calling out to Him. Maybe you’re embarrassed because you haven’t been making the right decisions, or perhaps you haven’t talked to Him in a while, or feel like you only call to Him when you need something, or maybe you just aren’t sure where to start.
Know this: He knows your name. He has searched you inside and out and knows everything about you; nothing you say will surprise Him. And what’s even better is that the Bible tells us there is nothing that can separate us from God’s love. Nothing. So you don’t need to worry that He doesn’t love you anymore and doesn’t want to hear from you. He’s waiting
Monday, August 6, 2007
Strongholds
I hope you'll pray that God will help you discover any strongholds you might not even know you have!---In the love from above, LL
Marketplace Meditations 8/6
August 6
Hindrances to Christ's Rule
2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
The Bible says when Christ comes to live in your heart, old things are passed away, all things become new (see 2 Cor. 5:17). The Lord has put a new Spirit in us. Previously, I could not understand why so many of us who proclaimed Christ had such little impact on the kingdom of darkness. It seemed to me that our culture should be impacted much more if His children walked in the light as Jesus did. Jesus impacted His culture like no other man.
I saw many businesspeople, who proclaimed Christ, living no differently than a person who had not claimed Him as Lord. These men and women had a form of religion, but little power that reflected Christ's rule in their lives. Then one day God took me through a time of testing that led to a discovery of generational influences that impacted the way I viewed people and circumstances on a subconscious basis. I discovered this was a stronghold that had been implanted many generations earlier. Because the stronghold operated on a subconscious level, it was not easily recognizable. Strongholds keep us from being free to reflect Christ in and through our lives because they require allegiance until they are dealt with. Strongholds can often be so hidden that we would not even identify them as evil. A stronghold of fear, control, rebellion, insecurity, idolatry, pride, or bitterness may be hidden until it is revealed through circumstances.
All strongholds are built in our lives as a result of seeking to meet one or more of seven basic needs God has created in us. Once we believe a lie that God cannot meet a need without our effort, we open our spirit to a stronghold. The more lies we believe, the more we invite these strongholds to take root in our lives.
Are you ineffective in your Christian experience? Are there besetting sins that seem to recur in your life? You may find that satan has built a fortress in your heart that has been there many generations. You must ask God's forgiveness for entertaining this stronghold, and you must renounce it. Then as Christ renews your mind and heart, you will see Christ's power released in your life like never before.
Marketplace Meditations 8/6
August 6
Hindrances to Christ's Rule
2 Corinthians 10:4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
The Bible says when Christ comes to live in your heart, old things are passed away, all things become new (see 2 Cor. 5:17). The Lord has put a new Spirit in us. Previously, I could not understand why so many of us who proclaimed Christ had such little impact on the kingdom of darkness. It seemed to me that our culture should be impacted much more if His children walked in the light as Jesus did. Jesus impacted His culture like no other man.
I saw many businesspeople, who proclaimed Christ, living no differently than a person who had not claimed Him as Lord. These men and women had a form of religion, but little power that reflected Christ's rule in their lives. Then one day God took me through a time of testing that led to a discovery of generational influences that impacted the way I viewed people and circumstances on a subconscious basis. I discovered this was a stronghold that had been implanted many generations earlier. Because the stronghold operated on a subconscious level, it was not easily recognizable. Strongholds keep us from being free to reflect Christ in and through our lives because they require allegiance until they are dealt with. Strongholds can often be so hidden that we would not even identify them as evil. A stronghold of fear, control, rebellion, insecurity, idolatry, pride, or bitterness may be hidden until it is revealed through circumstances.
All strongholds are built in our lives as a result of seeking to meet one or more of seven basic needs God has created in us. Once we believe a lie that God cannot meet a need without our effort, we open our spirit to a stronghold. The more lies we believe, the more we invite these strongholds to take root in our lives.
Are you ineffective in your Christian experience? Are there besetting sins that seem to recur in your life? You may find that satan has built a fortress in your heart that has been there many generations. You must ask God's forgiveness for entertaining this stronghold, and you must renounce it. Then as Christ renews your mind and heart, you will see Christ's power released in your life like never before.
Sunday, August 5, 2007
The Value of Hard Places
August 5
The Value of Hard Places
2 Corinthians 4:12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Being forced into hard places gives us a whole new perspective on life. Things we once valued no longer hold the same value. Small things become big things, and what we once thought big no longer holds such importance.
These hard places allow us to identify with the sufferings of others. It keeps us from having a shallow view of the hardships of others and allows us to truly identify with them. Those who speak of such trials from no experience often judge others who have had such hardship. It is a superficiality of Christian experience that often permeates shallow believers.
Those who have walked in hard places immediately have a kinship with others who have walked there also. They do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience. They know that death has worked a special thing in them. This death leads to life in others because of the hard places God has taken them through.
It is impossible to appreciate any valley experience while you are in it. However, once you have reached the top of the mountain, you are able to appreciate what terrain you have passed through. You marvel at what you were able to walk through. The valley of the shadow of death has yielded more than you ever thought possible. You are able to appreciate the beauty of the experience and lay aside the sorrow and pain it may have produced.
Death works in you for a greater purpose. If you are there today, be assured that God is producing something of much greater value than you will ever know.
The Value of Hard Places
2 Corinthians 4:12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
Being forced into hard places gives us a whole new perspective on life. Things we once valued no longer hold the same value. Small things become big things, and what we once thought big no longer holds such importance.
These hard places allow us to identify with the sufferings of others. It keeps us from having a shallow view of the hardships of others and allows us to truly identify with them. Those who speak of such trials from no experience often judge others who have had such hardship. It is a superficiality of Christian experience that often permeates shallow believers.
Those who have walked in hard places immediately have a kinship with others who have walked there also. They do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience. They know that death has worked a special thing in them. This death leads to life in others because of the hard places God has taken them through.
It is impossible to appreciate any valley experience while you are in it. However, once you have reached the top of the mountain, you are able to appreciate what terrain you have passed through. You marvel at what you were able to walk through. The valley of the shadow of death has yielded more than you ever thought possible. You are able to appreciate the beauty of the experience and lay aside the sorrow and pain it may have produced.
Death works in you for a greater purpose. If you are there today, be assured that God is producing something of much greater value than you will ever know.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
The Great Cover Up
Yikes! This risk taking is t-o-u-g-h!
Moments Together for Couples 8/4
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 4
The Great Cover-Up (Part One)
Genesis 2:25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
Nothing is as easy as talking; nothing is as difficult as communicating. Good communication is a longed-for luxury in all kinds of relationships, but it is especially essential in families. And one of the most basic requirements for good communication-transparency-is hinted at in the Scripture above.
Before the Fall, Adam and Eve were the picture of true transparency. Not only were they uncovered physically; they had nothing to hide emotionally. But after the Fall, "The eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings" (Gen. 3:7).
This is the beginning of "The Great Cover-Up." Many people diligently continue the practice to this day. They spend a great deal of time and energy acquiring fatades and veneers in order to hide their insecurities and fears.
Transparency can be very threatening, especially for men. For example, many men believe that to be so vulnerable that they shed tears openly is a sign of weakness. They have been taught that men are to be strong, self-contained and invincible. Fortunately, this pattern has been changing in recent years.
Paul modeled transparency when he wrote to the Corinthians, "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that you should be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you" (2 Cor. 2:4). Jesus wept over the death of His friend Lazarus (see John 11:35), and lamented His rejection by hard-hearted Jerusalem (see Luke 13:34).
Reversing "The Great Cover-Up" and becoming open and dropping your guard with others can be risky. It requires a high level of trust, and the willingness to accept the other person no matter what his or her transparency reveals. But the rewards of transparency make it worth the risk. True intimacy is enjoyed only by those who are willing to be seen as they really are.
Prayer:
Ask God to enable you to be transparent with Him. Pray that a deeper level of this openness can be incorporated in your marriage and family.
Discuss:
Why does being transparent involve risks? On a scale of one to five, with one at the top, how would you rate the level of transparency in your family? When have you been the most transparent in your marriage?
Moments Together for Couples 8/4
by Dennis and Barbara Rainey
August 4
The Great Cover-Up (Part One)
Genesis 2:25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
Nothing is as easy as talking; nothing is as difficult as communicating. Good communication is a longed-for luxury in all kinds of relationships, but it is especially essential in families. And one of the most basic requirements for good communication-transparency-is hinted at in the Scripture above.
Before the Fall, Adam and Eve were the picture of true transparency. Not only were they uncovered physically; they had nothing to hide emotionally. But after the Fall, "The eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings" (Gen. 3:7).
This is the beginning of "The Great Cover-Up." Many people diligently continue the practice to this day. They spend a great deal of time and energy acquiring fatades and veneers in order to hide their insecurities and fears.
Transparency can be very threatening, especially for men. For example, many men believe that to be so vulnerable that they shed tears openly is a sign of weakness. They have been taught that men are to be strong, self-contained and invincible. Fortunately, this pattern has been changing in recent years.
Paul modeled transparency when he wrote to the Corinthians, "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that you should be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you" (2 Cor. 2:4). Jesus wept over the death of His friend Lazarus (see John 11:35), and lamented His rejection by hard-hearted Jerusalem (see Luke 13:34).
Reversing "The Great Cover-Up" and becoming open and dropping your guard with others can be risky. It requires a high level of trust, and the willingness to accept the other person no matter what his or her transparency reveals. But the rewards of transparency make it worth the risk. True intimacy is enjoyed only by those who are willing to be seen as they really are.
Prayer:
Ask God to enable you to be transparent with Him. Pray that a deeper level of this openness can be incorporated in your marriage and family.
Discuss:
Why does being transparent involve risks? On a scale of one to five, with one at the top, how would you rate the level of transparency in your family? When have you been the most transparent in your marriage?
Friday, August 3, 2007
Heroes wanted
Greg Laurie Daily Devotion - Aug. 3, 2007
Friday, August 3, 2007
Heroes Wanted
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
—Deuteronomy 31:6
The world has never been more advanced technologically, yet we have never been in worse shape spiritually and morally. It can be frightening to wonder what kind of world we are going to face and what kind of world our children and grandchildren will grow up in.
We need courage to live in these days as followers of Jesus Christ. Yet courage seems to be something that is in short supply today. Sometimes we forget what real heroism and real courage really are. We wonder where all the heroes are now.
I believe that anyone today who is a true follower of Jesus Christ and will stand up for what he or she believes is a true hero. It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus, to live an uncompromised life, to do the right thing, and to proclaim the gospel. Those who do that are heroes in my book.
It takes courage for a young Christian to resist peer pressure and remain sexually pure until marriage and then to be faithful in that marriage. It takes courage for a family to stay together and to resist the temptation to cave in at the first sight of a problem or a challenge to the vows they have made to one another. It takes courage today to be honest and not cheat. It takes courage to follow Jesus. It takes a real man and a real woman to be a follower of Christ.
Is this a description of your life right now? Are you someone who fears nothing but sin and desires nothing but God? Have courage. He is with you, and He will not forsake you.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Heroes Wanted
“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
—Deuteronomy 31:6
The world has never been more advanced technologically, yet we have never been in worse shape spiritually and morally. It can be frightening to wonder what kind of world we are going to face and what kind of world our children and grandchildren will grow up in.
We need courage to live in these days as followers of Jesus Christ. Yet courage seems to be something that is in short supply today. Sometimes we forget what real heroism and real courage really are. We wonder where all the heroes are now.
I believe that anyone today who is a true follower of Jesus Christ and will stand up for what he or she believes is a true hero. It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus, to live an uncompromised life, to do the right thing, and to proclaim the gospel. Those who do that are heroes in my book.
It takes courage for a young Christian to resist peer pressure and remain sexually pure until marriage and then to be faithful in that marriage. It takes courage for a family to stay together and to resist the temptation to cave in at the first sight of a problem or a challenge to the vows they have made to one another. It takes courage today to be honest and not cheat. It takes courage to follow Jesus. It takes a real man and a real woman to be a follower of Christ.
Is this a description of your life right now? Are you someone who fears nothing but sin and desires nothing but God? Have courage. He is with you, and He will not forsake you.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Face to Face
It was just the other day that a Christian co-worker and I were discussing this very topic. We were saying how people seem to do everything BUT get together these days---email, instant messaging, texting, voicemail, conference calling----but not the face to face. I was so thankful to read this devotion this morning!----LL
Marketplace Meditations 8/2
August 2
Face to Face
2 John 12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
It is easy to fire off a letter to someone in this age of electronic communication because of its expediency. In business we call this being efficient. However, there are times when nothing but a face-to-face meeting is the appropriate means of communication. We know that verbal skills are a very small portion of communication. Body language, voice tone, and our expressions make up the majority of our overall communication. This cannot be seen through a letter or electronic medium.
Paul knew that being face to face with those he ministered to was important. And for Paul, it meant some major trouble to get from one place to another. It wasn't as simple as getting into a car or hopping onto an airplane. Paul's desire and determination to visit and talk face to face reinforces the importance of one-on-one personal communication.
I once had to confront a businessman about some problems we were having in a business deal. He lived in another town. The negotiations had stalled to some degree. I could have attempted to solve the problem over the phone. But I realized the serious nature of the issues required a face-to-face meeting. I drove two hours to his office and met with him face to face. It meant all the difference. It demonstrated to my friend I was serious enough about solving the problem to take a day to come see him. It also showed I valued him and he was worth the effort. This resulted in him giving greater emphasis to the issue.
Next time a situation arises that requires more focused communication, consider whether the situation requires a personal visit. You may find this will be the key to resolving issues that otherwise might end in a stalemate.
Marketplace Meditations 8/2
August 2
Face to Face
2 John 12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
It is easy to fire off a letter to someone in this age of electronic communication because of its expediency. In business we call this being efficient. However, there are times when nothing but a face-to-face meeting is the appropriate means of communication. We know that verbal skills are a very small portion of communication. Body language, voice tone, and our expressions make up the majority of our overall communication. This cannot be seen through a letter or electronic medium.
Paul knew that being face to face with those he ministered to was important. And for Paul, it meant some major trouble to get from one place to another. It wasn't as simple as getting into a car or hopping onto an airplane. Paul's desire and determination to visit and talk face to face reinforces the importance of one-on-one personal communication.
I once had to confront a businessman about some problems we were having in a business deal. He lived in another town. The negotiations had stalled to some degree. I could have attempted to solve the problem over the phone. But I realized the serious nature of the issues required a face-to-face meeting. I drove two hours to his office and met with him face to face. It meant all the difference. It demonstrated to my friend I was serious enough about solving the problem to take a day to come see him. It also showed I valued him and he was worth the effort. This resulted in him giving greater emphasis to the issue.
Next time a situation arises that requires more focused communication, consider whether the situation requires a personal visit. You may find this will be the key to resolving issues that otherwise might end in a stalemate.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
The Root of Bitterness
August 1
The Root of Bitterness
Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.
Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.
The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.
The Root of Bitterness
Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
The enemy of our souls has a very specific strategy to destroy relationships. Whether these relationships are in business, marriage, or friendships, the strategy is the same. A conflict arises, judgments are made, and feelings are hurt. What happens next is the defining point of whether the enemy gains a foothold, or the grace of God covers the wrong.
When a root of bitterness is allowed to be planted and grown, it not only affects that person, but it also affects all others who are involved. It is like a cancer.
Breaking satan's foothold requires at least one person to press into God's grace. It cannot happen when either party "feels" like it, for none of us will ever feel like forgiving. None of us feel like talking when we have been hurt. Our natural response is to withdraw or lash out at the offending party. It is only obedience that allows God's grace to cover the wrongs incurred. This grace prevents the parties from becoming victims who will seek compensation for their pain.
The next time you are hurt by someone, realize the gravity of the crossroads where you find yourself. Choose grace instead of bitterness. Then you will be free to move past the hurt, and a root of bitterness will not be given opportunity to grow.
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