I particularly liked the reminder to consider our thoughts. --LL
Encouragement for Today - Jan. 31, 2008
January 31, 2008
A Life That Pleases God
By Micca Monda Campbell
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5 (NKJ)
Devotion:
The Tennessee Women’s prison has an unusual baptistery in their chapel. It’s a coffin. For these women, being baptized in a coffin is a powerful visual of their death and burial with Christ. Thereafter, the coffin, which is a permanent fixture in the chapel, becomes a daily reminder that they are no longer slaves to sin and enemies of God. Their old way of living is dead, buried, and gone; and they are now free to live a life pleasing to God.
This is such an awesome truth in ours lives that Billy Graham says, “We should meditate on the truth that we are dead to sin and alive to righteousness, until returning to the old way of living is unthinkable.”
While it is true that we are dead to our old life, staying dead is another matter. Often, our dead flesh will raise its ugly head and try to influence our thoughts and actions. If we listen long enough to its demands, we suddenly find ourselves at the graveyard fervently digging up our old flesh, so that it can perform its sinful deeds.
Christians have a responsibility to put to death their old nature through daily surrender or else they cannot live a life pleasing to God. They will begin to think only of themselves again and ways to gratify their flesh. However, those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit will live a life of righteousness free from sin. Those who follow the Holy Spirit will not think about fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Their thoughts are occupied by God’s Word, His ways, and purposes.
The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8, “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely an admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” So, what dominates your thoughts?
If we only think of ourselves, what we want and our rights, then eventually we’ll find ourselves going down the wrong path, one that leads to a stinky life. On the other hand, thinking on things that are pure and worthy brings forth life that is pleasing to God and a witness to others.
If you are in Christ, then the flesh no longer dominates you, my sister. So stop visiting the graveyard. Instead be led by the Holy Spirit by dying daily to your old way of thinking and living. Then, the Spirit of God can create in you a pure life that releases a sweet, pleasing aroma.
Dear Lord, I confess that I often visit the graveyard to free my dead flesh. Help me to keep that person in the grave by yielding solely to Your Holy Spirit so that my life will be pleasing to You, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:Visit Micca’s Blog
Micca Campbell’s Testimony DVD
The 7 Hardest Things God Asks a Woman to Do by Kathie Reimer and Lisa Whittle
Do you know Jesus?
Application Steps:
Begin each day by surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Allow Him to guide your thoughts and actions and you will not give in to your own desires. When you fail, quickly confess it and surrender again. Soon Christ’s character will exude in your life while overcoming your own.
Reflections:
When you smell the stench of selfish flesh do you quickly confess it, turn from it, and begin living in the spirit again?
Is your life overall a pleasing aroma to God?
Do you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life even when it’s hard?
Power Verses:
Galatians 5:6, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” (KJV)
Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (NKJ)
Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the acceptable and perfect will of God.” (NKJ)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Overcommitment & Fatigue
For the last few months, when people ask me what my prayer requests are, it always seems to be around the topic of "wisdom for what to say yes to and what to say no to" and "that I would find balance".
As I read my devotion today, it's not like all my questions have been answered, but I was convicted by the reminder that we should take a day of rest (just like the Lord did). I used to have Sundays completely set aside for the Lord (with the exception of serving during church time)--and then the rest of the day was for rest, family, or Christian fellowship like my home fellowship.
Then, somewhere along the line, we (the church) started putting events on Sundays because that seemed to be the only day that people had time. Well of course they had time! They had it set aside for rest, and then it got filled with activity!
I don't have any answers for how to reclaim Sundays back as my day of rest----it's really the only day I can make officially a day of rest because I work MOn-Fri and need Saturday to do chores, errands, activities, etc.
So if you could please pray and help me know how to find some rest, I would really appreciate it! I want to know what the Lord wants me to be involved in, but I'm having a hard time hearing his voice. Thanks!--
HomeWord - Jan. 28, 2008
Overcommitment & Fatigue: A Deadly Sin
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 RSV
We live in a culture which has often fooled us into believing that more is better and busyness is a virtue. Far too many people in our world are spiritually, emotionally, and physically bankrupt because they are overcommitted and fatigued. Vince Lombardi said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." The comedian Flip Wilson summed it up best for many of us when he said, "If I had my entire life to live over again, I doubt if I'd have the strength."
I don't believe that God wants us to be one step from a nervous breakdown, always on the edge of exhaustion. What's the answer? There are no easy formulas for success, but there are two suggestions that I want you to think about today.
1. Cut back and do less. If this means making less money, cutting back on your social obligations, or even taking a night off from church activities, then do whatever it takes to not be so overcommitted and fatigued. A friend of mine once told me, "If the devil can't make you bad, he'll make you busy."
2. Rest. Rest should be a nonnegotiable time in everyone's life. Even God rested! Exodus 31:17 says, "In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed" (RSV). When we rest we get a proper perspective on our life. When we rest we can reflect on what has taken place in our life during the week. Does your life have control of you, or do you have control of your life? Rest and reflection will help you answer that important question.
To comment on today's devotional, click here.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What does it mean to "wait for the Lord," as written in Isaiah 40:31. What does this verse tell us is the result of waiting for the Lord?
2. Today take an evaluation of your fatigue and over commitment level. If you are spiritually, emotionally, or physically bankrupt, then it is time to cut back, do less, and rest. What is the next day you have scheduled to relax?
FURTHER READING :
Luke 18:1, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Psalm 103:5, 2 Corinthians 4:1, Hebrews 12:1-3
As I read my devotion today, it's not like all my questions have been answered, but I was convicted by the reminder that we should take a day of rest (just like the Lord did). I used to have Sundays completely set aside for the Lord (with the exception of serving during church time)--and then the rest of the day was for rest, family, or Christian fellowship like my home fellowship.
Then, somewhere along the line, we (the church) started putting events on Sundays because that seemed to be the only day that people had time. Well of course they had time! They had it set aside for rest, and then it got filled with activity!
I don't have any answers for how to reclaim Sundays back as my day of rest----it's really the only day I can make officially a day of rest because I work MOn-Fri and need Saturday to do chores, errands, activities, etc.
So if you could please pray and help me know how to find some rest, I would really appreciate it! I want to know what the Lord wants me to be involved in, but I'm having a hard time hearing his voice. Thanks!--
HomeWord - Jan. 28, 2008
Overcommitment & Fatigue: A Deadly Sin
This devotional was written by Jim Burns
Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 RSV
We live in a culture which has often fooled us into believing that more is better and busyness is a virtue. Far too many people in our world are spiritually, emotionally, and physically bankrupt because they are overcommitted and fatigued. Vince Lombardi said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." The comedian Flip Wilson summed it up best for many of us when he said, "If I had my entire life to live over again, I doubt if I'd have the strength."
I don't believe that God wants us to be one step from a nervous breakdown, always on the edge of exhaustion. What's the answer? There are no easy formulas for success, but there are two suggestions that I want you to think about today.
1. Cut back and do less. If this means making less money, cutting back on your social obligations, or even taking a night off from church activities, then do whatever it takes to not be so overcommitted and fatigued. A friend of mine once told me, "If the devil can't make you bad, he'll make you busy."
2. Rest. Rest should be a nonnegotiable time in everyone's life. Even God rested! Exodus 31:17 says, "In six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed" (RSV). When we rest we get a proper perspective on our life. When we rest we can reflect on what has taken place in our life during the week. Does your life have control of you, or do you have control of your life? Rest and reflection will help you answer that important question.
To comment on today's devotional, click here.
GOING DEEPER:
1. What does it mean to "wait for the Lord," as written in Isaiah 40:31. What does this verse tell us is the result of waiting for the Lord?
2. Today take an evaluation of your fatigue and over commitment level. If you are spiritually, emotionally, or physically bankrupt, then it is time to cut back, do less, and rest. What is the next day you have scheduled to relax?
FURTHER READING :
Luke 18:1, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Psalm 103:5, 2 Corinthians 4:1, Hebrews 12:1-3
Monday, January 21, 2008
Sweating Outcomes
After spending years putting in the megahours---this devotional was encouraging. When I took my current position, I was excited because for the first time in 10 years, I was paid on an hourly basis. However, when I got promoted and paid by salary again---the temptation to overwork started to creep in my psyche. It really was fear---to prove myself, that I wouldn't have my job if I didn't, etc. I am thankful for this reminder of obedience and God's provision.
Marketplace Meditations 1/21
January 21Sweating Outcomes
Psalms 127:2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-for He grants sleep to those He loves.
Coming into the Promised Land in business will change the way you and I view our work. No longer will we see getting up early and staying up late as God's way. Living in the Promised Land in business means we know that God is the source of our provision and that our work is an act of worship to Him. Provision is a by-product, not an end in itself. Work is no longer something that must be sweated and toiled upon to make ends meet. "Could this really be true?" you might be saying. God has made it clear that obedience is the assurance of provision. Whenever we go beyond the normal workday due to fear of non-provision, we are operating in unbelief. We are saying that it is up to us to make things happen. Sure, there are times when we work longer hours due to a deadline, but we must be sure the motive is not out of fear of loss or fear of non-provision. If we are obedient to what God has called us to, He will provide our every need. This can be a hard lesson for goal-oriented businesspeople.
I recall coming into this understanding. I had been a workaholic. Long hours were common. Then God shook up my world and I was challenged by a friend to examine my motives for working long hours. I realized the source of those long hours was fear. Once I came into this understanding, I refused to work long hours even though the natural man would tell me I'd never make things happen if I worked a normal work week. Again, this reasoning is based on a lack of faith. If we are obedient to what God has called each of us to, we will not lack. At times it may be less than what we might like; at other times it may be more than we deserve. These are God's ways.
The Bible tells us to come out of Babylon. Babylon is a system of work and philosophy that is contrary to God's ways. Are you operating in any aspect of work from a Babylonian value system? Ask the Lord to reveal this to you. Begin to walk in the freedom He has given us in our work life.
Marketplace Meditations 1/21
January 21Sweating Outcomes
Psalms 127:2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-for He grants sleep to those He loves.
Coming into the Promised Land in business will change the way you and I view our work. No longer will we see getting up early and staying up late as God's way. Living in the Promised Land in business means we know that God is the source of our provision and that our work is an act of worship to Him. Provision is a by-product, not an end in itself. Work is no longer something that must be sweated and toiled upon to make ends meet. "Could this really be true?" you might be saying. God has made it clear that obedience is the assurance of provision. Whenever we go beyond the normal workday due to fear of non-provision, we are operating in unbelief. We are saying that it is up to us to make things happen. Sure, there are times when we work longer hours due to a deadline, but we must be sure the motive is not out of fear of loss or fear of non-provision. If we are obedient to what God has called us to, He will provide our every need. This can be a hard lesson for goal-oriented businesspeople.
I recall coming into this understanding. I had been a workaholic. Long hours were common. Then God shook up my world and I was challenged by a friend to examine my motives for working long hours. I realized the source of those long hours was fear. Once I came into this understanding, I refused to work long hours even though the natural man would tell me I'd never make things happen if I worked a normal work week. Again, this reasoning is based on a lack of faith. If we are obedient to what God has called each of us to, we will not lack. At times it may be less than what we might like; at other times it may be more than we deserve. These are God's ways.
The Bible tells us to come out of Babylon. Babylon is a system of work and philosophy that is contrary to God's ways. Are you operating in any aspect of work from a Babylonian value system? Ask the Lord to reveal this to you. Begin to walk in the freedom He has given us in our work life.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Self Defense
I am going through my own little "graduate-level test"----- and I find that I was trusting in my own strength to pass, not the Lord. After reading this, my heart is greatly calmed ---and finding rest in just yielding this to the Lord. Instead of pressing and striving and trying to "defend myself" when there is no need to, it's comforting to just "wait"--and trust in the Lord. I get so mad at the enemy at how often I can fall prey to his deceitful way of whispering things to me that confuse me--but the Lord is not confusing--so I will rest in Him!
Marketplace Meditations 1/12
January 12
The Graduate-Level Test: Self-defense
Psalms 37:6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems uncharacteristically cruel. That test is being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out. Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the Father. He lived the commandment He gave to the disciples:
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).
How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen quietly, or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this test eventually. It is part of the program. The marketplace gives ample opportunity to be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. When God brings a measured assault against one of His children, it is to find out if he truly believes in the cross. The cross is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and our ego. When He allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows satan to bring the measured assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified. Thank God for the opportunity to be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and the justice of your cause will be in His hands.
Marketplace Meditations 1/12
January 12
The Graduate-Level Test: Self-defense
Psalms 37:6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
As a believer grows in trusting obedience and love, God often brings a test that seems uncharacteristically cruel. That test is being wrongfully judged by those close to you. It is not for the reactionary. It cannot be passed over by simply gutting it out. Supernatural grace is the only means of passing this one. It is one of those tests the Savior had to experience Himself when being tried by the court of public opinion, the religious community, and the government of His day. His response to the government was silence. His response to the religious establishment was silence at the final judgment. To the rest of His accusers He remained quiet and left vindication to the Father. He lived the commandment He gave to the disciples:
"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked" (Luke 6:35).
How do you react when you are accused or mistreated for no reason? Do you listen quietly, or do you justify each and every action? Most of us take pride in doing what is right and expect the same from others, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus knew that if you were to be a true follower of His, you would enter this test eventually. It is part of the program. The marketplace gives ample opportunity to be wronged, misunderstood, and maligned. When God brings a measured assault against one of His children, it is to find out if he truly believes in the cross. The cross is where each of us is given the opportunity to die to our pride, our reputations, and our ego. When He allows a measured assault upon us, it is to find out if the cross is sufficient. He wants to see if we will seek to rescue ourselves. Jesus said if we die with Him, we will be raised with Him. When God allows satan to bring the measured assault, ask God for the grace to cling to the cross. Let the pride and arrogance that Jesus wants to remove from our lives be crucified. Thank God for the opportunity to be crucified with Christ. Then your righteousness will shine like the noonday sun and the justice of your cause will be in His hands.
Keep Your Hands Off
this was a blessing to me. I have been anxious and stressed about something and feeling like I"m supposed to do something about it. This was a reminder to entrust it to the Lord and wait for HIS leading in it. Boy---do I have such a need to take action---waiting is the hardest!--LL
January, 11
Keep Your Hands Off
"Neither know we what to do; but our eyes are, upon thee" (2 Chron. 20:12).
A life was lost in Israel because a pair of human hands were laid unbidden upon the ark of God. They were placed upon it with the best intent, to steady it when trembling and shaking as the oxen drew it along the rough way; but they touched God's work presumptuously, and they fell paralyzed and lifeless. Much of the life of faith consists in letting things alone.
If we wholly trust an interest to God, we must keep our hands off it; and He will guard it for us better than we can help Him. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
"Things may seem to be going all wrong, but He knows as well as we; and He will arise in the right moment if we are really trusting Him so fully as to let Him work in His own way and time. There is nothing so masterly as inactivity in some things, and there is nothing so hurtful as restless working, for God has undertaken to work His sovereign will. --A. B. Simpson
"Being perplexed, I say, 'Lord, make it right! Night is as day to Thee, Darkness as light. I am afraid to touch Things that involve so much; My trembling hand may shake, My skilless hand may break; Thine can make no mistake.'
"Being in doubt I say, 'Lord, make it plain; Which is the true, safe way? Which would be gain? I am not wise to know, Nor sure of foot to go; What is so clear to Thee, Lord, make it clear to me!'"
It is such a comfort to drop the tangles of life into God's hands and leave them there.
January, 11
Keep Your Hands Off
"Neither know we what to do; but our eyes are, upon thee" (2 Chron. 20:12).
A life was lost in Israel because a pair of human hands were laid unbidden upon the ark of God. They were placed upon it with the best intent, to steady it when trembling and shaking as the oxen drew it along the rough way; but they touched God's work presumptuously, and they fell paralyzed and lifeless. Much of the life of faith consists in letting things alone.
If we wholly trust an interest to God, we must keep our hands off it; and He will guard it for us better than we can help Him. "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
"Things may seem to be going all wrong, but He knows as well as we; and He will arise in the right moment if we are really trusting Him so fully as to let Him work in His own way and time. There is nothing so masterly as inactivity in some things, and there is nothing so hurtful as restless working, for God has undertaken to work His sovereign will. --A. B. Simpson
"Being perplexed, I say, 'Lord, make it right! Night is as day to Thee, Darkness as light. I am afraid to touch Things that involve so much; My trembling hand may shake, My skilless hand may break; Thine can make no mistake.'
"Being in doubt I say, 'Lord, make it plain; Which is the true, safe way? Which would be gain? I am not wise to know, Nor sure of foot to go; What is so clear to Thee, Lord, make it clear to me!'"
It is such a comfort to drop the tangles of life into God's hands and leave them there.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Hope in the Midst of Depression
Girlfriends in God - Jan. 9, 2008
January 9, 2008
Hope in the Midst of Depression
Part 3
Mary Southerland
Today’s truth
Philippians 4:8 (NIVB) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Friend to Friend
Mary Winkler - a pastor’s wife – was accused of murdering her husband. Watching her arrest on television, my emotions stumbled over each other as anger warred with compassion, confusion with condemnation and justice with mercy. Then it happened. Mary Winkler raised her face slightly, long enough for me to gaze into hauntingly familiar eyes, eyes filled with emptiness and darkness. While I can neither condone nor even understand the actions of Mary Winkler, I can understand the road that brought her to the dark place where she felt her only option was to commit such a heinous crime. The pit of clinical depression is a place of devastation – the playground of Satan and the forces of hell. In 1995, I found myself sitting at the bottom of a dark pit, desperate for God, pleading for deliverance. After several years of painful emotional work, fierce spiritual warfare and complete brokenness, I finally stepped into the light. God gave me life-changing truths in the darkness that revolutionized my life in the light. One of the most important truths is that we can change the way we live by taking steps to change the way we think.
Step one: Recognize the power of thoughts.
Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (NASB).
Step two: Know God's standard for our thought life.
· First standard: true thoughts
· Second standard: noble thoughts
· Third standard: right thoughts
Fourth standard: pure thoughts
“Pure” literally means that which is “wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity, innocent and morally undefiled”. It is a worship word, the picture of a sacrifice without blemish, fault or weakness. In other words, our thought life should be a sacrifice acceptable to God and fit to be brought into His presence as part of our worship to Him.
Have you ever watched an icicle as it is formed? A few years ago, we joined our best friends, Michelle and Jay Johnson, for a winter vacation in Vermont where a heavy snowstorm had arrived just ahead of us, dumping several inches of snow. Everything was covered in a rolling, soft blanket of white. Icicles hung like fragile crystal ornaments from tree limbs and rooftops. One morning, I decided to be lazy and sat, curled up in front of a crackling fire, gazing out at the beautiful postcard scene before me. I watched the softly falling rain gradually turn to long strands of ice. The icicles formed one drop at a time until they were a foot long or more. An interesting process unfolded before me. If the water was clean and pure, the icicle was formed clear, sparkling like a finely cut diamond in the sun. If the water was unclean and impure, the icicle looked muddy and its beauty was spoiled!
Our lives are formed…one thought at a time...one attitude at a time. The purity of our thoughts determines the purity of our lives. Darkness feeds on impure thoughts. The battle plan against depression must include a direct assault on impure thoughts. David, in Psalm 101:33, issues this challenge: “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” Notice the word “refuse”. We can refuse dark thoughts. We can choose against negative attitudes. This standard needs to be the ongoing commitment of our thought life! To keep this commitment, to control our thoughts requires us to control all outside influences.
· Movies
· Books
· Television
· Music
· Relationships
· Conversations
Our prayer should be like David’s in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires” (The Message).
A clean mind will produce right desires. Right desires will produce right habits! And right habits produce a life of power and joy, a life that is pleasing to God…a life that is right and lived out in the light of His power and purpose for each one of us! The old adage is true: “Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny!” A powerful weapon against the darkness is a pure thought life. Think about it!
Let’s pray
Father, it is so easy to let impurity creep into my thought life each day. I battle my own mind that tends to think thoughts I know dishonor You. I can only imagine what those choices do to Your heart. Many times, it is hard to take a stand for purity and godly discipline. But I want to! Please give me the strength and power to become a woman of integrity with a pure thought life.
In Jesus’ name
Amen
Now it’s Your Turn
Consider the statement that your thought life “should be a sacrifice acceptable to God and fit to be brought into His presence as part of your worship to Him”. Have you ever considered your thought life to be part of your worship?
What one change can you make this week that will purify your thoughts?
Memorize Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires” (The Message). Make this verse the prayer of your heart this week.
At the end of each day, look for changes God made in your life because of your commitment to a pure thought life.
More from the Girls
Wow! This is a tough one, isn’t it? I am right there with you, girlfriend. To have a pure thought life is an ongoing battle that will never end this side of Heaven. The good news is that God understands our human frailty and has made a way for us to experience victory over wrong thoughts. Saturate your life with the Word of God, friend. Make it your staple for every day’s needs. Live in it! Love it! It is our greatest weapon against an impure thought life. Know that we pray for you and ask that you pray for us! We’re in this thing together!
January 9, 2008
Hope in the Midst of Depression
Part 3
Mary Southerland
Today’s truth
Philippians 4:8 (NIVB) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.
Friend to Friend
Mary Winkler - a pastor’s wife – was accused of murdering her husband. Watching her arrest on television, my emotions stumbled over each other as anger warred with compassion, confusion with condemnation and justice with mercy. Then it happened. Mary Winkler raised her face slightly, long enough for me to gaze into hauntingly familiar eyes, eyes filled with emptiness and darkness. While I can neither condone nor even understand the actions of Mary Winkler, I can understand the road that brought her to the dark place where she felt her only option was to commit such a heinous crime. The pit of clinical depression is a place of devastation – the playground of Satan and the forces of hell. In 1995, I found myself sitting at the bottom of a dark pit, desperate for God, pleading for deliverance. After several years of painful emotional work, fierce spiritual warfare and complete brokenness, I finally stepped into the light. God gave me life-changing truths in the darkness that revolutionized my life in the light. One of the most important truths is that we can change the way we live by taking steps to change the way we think.
Step one: Recognize the power of thoughts.
Proverbs 23:7 "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (NASB).
Step two: Know God's standard for our thought life.
· First standard: true thoughts
· Second standard: noble thoughts
· Third standard: right thoughts
Fourth standard: pure thoughts
“Pure” literally means that which is “wholesome, not mixed with moral impurity, innocent and morally undefiled”. It is a worship word, the picture of a sacrifice without blemish, fault or weakness. In other words, our thought life should be a sacrifice acceptable to God and fit to be brought into His presence as part of our worship to Him.
Have you ever watched an icicle as it is formed? A few years ago, we joined our best friends, Michelle and Jay Johnson, for a winter vacation in Vermont where a heavy snowstorm had arrived just ahead of us, dumping several inches of snow. Everything was covered in a rolling, soft blanket of white. Icicles hung like fragile crystal ornaments from tree limbs and rooftops. One morning, I decided to be lazy and sat, curled up in front of a crackling fire, gazing out at the beautiful postcard scene before me. I watched the softly falling rain gradually turn to long strands of ice. The icicles formed one drop at a time until they were a foot long or more. An interesting process unfolded before me. If the water was clean and pure, the icicle was formed clear, sparkling like a finely cut diamond in the sun. If the water was unclean and impure, the icicle looked muddy and its beauty was spoiled!
Our lives are formed…one thought at a time...one attitude at a time. The purity of our thoughts determines the purity of our lives. Darkness feeds on impure thoughts. The battle plan against depression must include a direct assault on impure thoughts. David, in Psalm 101:33, issues this challenge: “I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.” Notice the word “refuse”. We can refuse dark thoughts. We can choose against negative attitudes. This standard needs to be the ongoing commitment of our thought life! To keep this commitment, to control our thoughts requires us to control all outside influences.
· Movies
· Books
· Television
· Music
· Relationships
· Conversations
Our prayer should be like David’s in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires” (The Message).
A clean mind will produce right desires. Right desires will produce right habits! And right habits produce a life of power and joy, a life that is pleasing to God…a life that is right and lived out in the light of His power and purpose for each one of us! The old adage is true: “Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny!” A powerful weapon against the darkness is a pure thought life. Think about it!
Let’s pray
Father, it is so easy to let impurity creep into my thought life each day. I battle my own mind that tends to think thoughts I know dishonor You. I can only imagine what those choices do to Your heart. Many times, it is hard to take a stand for purity and godly discipline. But I want to! Please give me the strength and power to become a woman of integrity with a pure thought life.
In Jesus’ name
Amen
Now it’s Your Turn
Consider the statement that your thought life “should be a sacrifice acceptable to God and fit to be brought into His presence as part of your worship to Him”. Have you ever considered your thought life to be part of your worship?
What one change can you make this week that will purify your thoughts?
Memorize Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a new, clean heart, O God, filled with clean thoughts and right desires” (The Message). Make this verse the prayer of your heart this week.
At the end of each day, look for changes God made in your life because of your commitment to a pure thought life.
More from the Girls
Wow! This is a tough one, isn’t it? I am right there with you, girlfriend. To have a pure thought life is an ongoing battle that will never end this side of Heaven. The good news is that God understands our human frailty and has made a way for us to experience victory over wrong thoughts. Saturate your life with the Word of God, friend. Make it your staple for every day’s needs. Live in it! Love it! It is our greatest weapon against an impure thought life. Know that we pray for you and ask that you pray for us! We’re in this thing together!
Monday, January 7, 2008
On the Outside Looking In
Crosswalk the Devotional - Jan. 7, 2008
January 7, 2008
The Outsiders by Sarah Jennings, Crosswalk.com Family Editor
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."Matthew 2: 1-2
Have you ever felt like an outsider? I have. If you saw me typing at my desk now, you’d see a conservative-looking, young woman. But rewind to high school, and you’d see an awkward, lonely kid wearing super baggy, ripped-to-shreds jeans. I actually skipped my junior year to get out as quickly as possible. College was a turning point, and I will never regret my decision to graduate high school early.
If you’ve experienced the pang of being the odd one out, you hold a special place in the heart of God. This past Sunday, many churches celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany. The Epiphany marks the arrival of the wise men after a lengthy journey guided by the star of Bethlehem.
As popular as these guys are in religious art, we don’t know much about the Magi. There is no concrete evidence they were kings, no exact number of how many followed the star, no records of their countries of origin, and no official date of their arrival. Historical research indicates they were most likely members of a priestly caste from Persia who practiced a religion called Zoroastrianism.
So why set aside a special feast day to celebrate the arrival of some guys we don’t know much about? Precisely because they were mysterious outsiders. Not only did their arrival catch King Herod by surprise and set into motion a series of prophetic events, but centuries later we see the wise men represented God’s plan to save all who seek Him, regardless of their backgrounds.
Of course, God’s saving plan for the Gentiles didn’t go over well with everyone at first. Many of Jesus’ early followers struggled with – even protested – this idea that Christ’s kingdom would include outsiders.
All this forces me to slow down and think. Who are the outsiders today? And how do I treat them? Do I love everyone as God does? Do I give people the benefit of the doubt and respect everybody as God’s unique creations? Do I entrust that God is working within others even if their lives don’t take conventional paths?
Having had my own taste of being on the outside looking in, you would think I readily embrace all who come my way. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. At church, I might see someone dressed unconventionally and make assumptions. Or perhaps I observe a peer that struggles to fit into my social group and put forth little effort to make them feel more accepted. I’ve failed outside of church, too. I’m ashamed to admit that I have, at times, caught myself embracing a judgmental “us vs. them” mentality when interacting with those who don’t practice the Christian faith.
Imagine: What if Joseph and Mary had shut the doors on the Magi? I mean, these guys must have been a strange and unexpected sight to this young, Jewish couple when they arrived. What if they had been scandalized by their arrival, skeptical about their exotic gifts, and informed them they had no business paying homage to their son? Thankfully, they put their trust in God’s unfolding plan, and welcomed them. But I’m learning that when I turn my back on those who don’t fit into whatever mental requirements I’ve cooked up, I fail to love, and effectively turn my back on God’s will
Intersecting Faith & Life: One of my New Year’s resolutions is to take time to get to know people I might normally write off. Can you identify someone in your church or your life that in some way stands on “the outside?” Make an effort to get to know them a little better this week. You may be surprised at the blessing that flow from this new relationship.
Further Reading
Isaiah 60: 1-6Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6What is True Diversity?
January 7, 2008
The Outsiders by Sarah Jennings, Crosswalk.com Family Editor
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him."Matthew 2: 1-2
Have you ever felt like an outsider? I have. If you saw me typing at my desk now, you’d see a conservative-looking, young woman. But rewind to high school, and you’d see an awkward, lonely kid wearing super baggy, ripped-to-shreds jeans. I actually skipped my junior year to get out as quickly as possible. College was a turning point, and I will never regret my decision to graduate high school early.
If you’ve experienced the pang of being the odd one out, you hold a special place in the heart of God. This past Sunday, many churches celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany. The Epiphany marks the arrival of the wise men after a lengthy journey guided by the star of Bethlehem.
As popular as these guys are in religious art, we don’t know much about the Magi. There is no concrete evidence they were kings, no exact number of how many followed the star, no records of their countries of origin, and no official date of their arrival. Historical research indicates they were most likely members of a priestly caste from Persia who practiced a religion called Zoroastrianism.
So why set aside a special feast day to celebrate the arrival of some guys we don’t know much about? Precisely because they were mysterious outsiders. Not only did their arrival catch King Herod by surprise and set into motion a series of prophetic events, but centuries later we see the wise men represented God’s plan to save all who seek Him, regardless of their backgrounds.
Of course, God’s saving plan for the Gentiles didn’t go over well with everyone at first. Many of Jesus’ early followers struggled with – even protested – this idea that Christ’s kingdom would include outsiders.
All this forces me to slow down and think. Who are the outsiders today? And how do I treat them? Do I love everyone as God does? Do I give people the benefit of the doubt and respect everybody as God’s unique creations? Do I entrust that God is working within others even if their lives don’t take conventional paths?
Having had my own taste of being on the outside looking in, you would think I readily embrace all who come my way. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. At church, I might see someone dressed unconventionally and make assumptions. Or perhaps I observe a peer that struggles to fit into my social group and put forth little effort to make them feel more accepted. I’ve failed outside of church, too. I’m ashamed to admit that I have, at times, caught myself embracing a judgmental “us vs. them” mentality when interacting with those who don’t practice the Christian faith.
Imagine: What if Joseph and Mary had shut the doors on the Magi? I mean, these guys must have been a strange and unexpected sight to this young, Jewish couple when they arrived. What if they had been scandalized by their arrival, skeptical about their exotic gifts, and informed them they had no business paying homage to their son? Thankfully, they put their trust in God’s unfolding plan, and welcomed them. But I’m learning that when I turn my back on those who don’t fit into whatever mental requirements I’ve cooked up, I fail to love, and effectively turn my back on God’s will
Intersecting Faith & Life: One of my New Year’s resolutions is to take time to get to know people I might normally write off. Can you identify someone in your church or your life that in some way stands on “the outside?” Make an effort to get to know them a little better this week. You may be surprised at the blessing that flow from this new relationship.
Further Reading
Isaiah 60: 1-6Ephesians 3: 2-3, 5-6What is True Diversity?
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